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146. Sam McDowell

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146. Sam McDowell
  1. General
  2. Awards
  3. Career Stats
  • Born: September 21, 1942 in Pittsburgh, PA USA
  • Weight: 190 lbs.
  • Height: 6'5"
  • Bats: L
  • Throws: L
  • Debut: September 15, 1961
  • Final Game: June 24, 1975
  • TSN All-Star - 1970
  • TSN Pitcher of the Year - 1970
  • Cy Young - 1970
  • MVP - 1965
  • MVP - 1970
 
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Sam McDowell had one of the most unimposing, yet correct nicknames.  When you hear the name "Sudden" Sam, you aren't sure what to think, but what does a "sudden" Pitcher mean?  For McDowell, it is in reference to his rapid delivery and the strong odds that he would strike you out. 

McDowell broke in with the Cleveland Indians as a teenager in 1961, and he was a fixture in the starting rotation in 1964.  While Sandy Koufax and Bob Gibson would have more Strikeouts than McDowell in the 1960s, McDowell had the most in the American League.  The southpaw led the AL in Ks five times as an Indian, with two years eclipsing the 300 mark.  Six times an All-Star, McDowell won the ERA Title in 1965, and he was twice the league-leader in bWAR for Pitchers.  McDowell was able to hold opponents to a lack of Hits, but he was wild, and he walked far too many batters, as he gave free passes the most in the AL in five different seasons. 

He would finish his career with runs in San Francisco, New York (AL), and Pittsburgh.

While McDowell’s overall record of 141-134 was not great, he is 25th all-time in SO/9 and 10th in H/9 all-time.  Those ranks place him around a plethora of Hall of Famers.

As for the Hall McDowell was eligible in 1981, but he never received a vote, making him one of the best flamethrowers with that dubious distinction.

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
  • Eligible In: Thursday, 01 January 1981
  • Position: Pitcher
  • Played For: Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    World Series Rings (None) 
    The Sporting News Pitcher of the Year (1) (AL) (1970)
    All-Star (6) (1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970 & 1971)
    Highest bWAR for Pitchers (2) (AL) (1965 & 1970)
    Lowest ERA (1) (AL) (1965)
    Lowest H/9 (2) (AL) (1965 & 1966)
    Highest SO/9 (6) (AL) (1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969 & 1970) 
    Most Innings Pitched (1) (AL) (1970)
    Most Strikeouts (5) (AL) (1965, 1966, 1968, 1969 & 1970)
    Most Shutouts (1) (AL) (1966)
    Highest ERA+ (1) (AL) (1965)
    Lowest FIP (3) (AL) (1965, 1969 & 1970)
    Most Double Plays Turned by a Pitcher (1) (AL) (1968)

  • Other Points of Note:

    Top Ten Cy Young Finishes:
    (AL, 1970: 3rd)
    6 Top Ten Finishes (bWAR for Pitchers)
    5 Top Ten Finishes (ERA)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Wins)
    2 Top Ten Finishes (WHIP)
    7 Top Ten Finishes (H/9)
    9 Top Ten Finishes (SO/9)
    5 Top Ten Finishes (Innings Pitched)
    8 Top Ten Finishes (Strikeouts)
    5 Top Ten Finishes (Games Started)
    4 Top Ten Finishes (Complete Games)                 
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Shutouts) 
    3 Top Ten Finishes (SO/BB)
    6 Top Ten Finishes (ERA+)
    6 Top Ten Finishes (FIP)
    5 Top Ten Finishes (Win Probability Added)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Championship Win Probability Added)

  • Notable All Time Rankings:

    11. H/9: 7.034
    33. SO/9: 8.858
    45. Strikeouts: 2,453

  • Vote Percentage Received for the Hall of Fame:

    1981: 0.0%

  • Should be Inducted As A: Cleveland Indian

Should Sam McDowell be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 100%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 0%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%

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