Perry first appeared in the Majors in 1959 with the Cleveland Indians, where after a 12-10 and 2.65 ERA year, he was the runner-up for the American League Rookie of the Year. Perry led the AL in Wins in 1960 (18) and was an All-Star the season after, but he slumped afterward and was traded to the Minnesota Twins during the 1963 Season.
The elder Perry did better in Minnesota, helping the Twins win the Pennant in 1965, and in the decade's end, he had his first 20 Win Season when he went 20-6 and was third in Cy Young voting. Perry was first in Wins the following season, going 24-12 and winning the Cy Young. As All-Star in both 1970 and 1971, Perry moved to Detroit in 1973 and had one good year back as an Indian in 1974, when he won 17 Wins against 12 Losses.
Perry finished his career in 1975, retiring with a 215-174 record and 1,575 Strikeouts.