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31. Watty Clark

31. Watty Clark
  1. General
  2. Awards
  3. Career Stats
  • Born: May 16, 1902 in St. Joseph, LA USA
  • Weight: 175 lbs.
  • Height: 6'0"
  • Bats: L
  • Throws: L
  • Debut: May 28, 1924
  • Final Game: May 09, 1937
  • Baseball Magazine All-Star - 1932
  • MVP - 1931
 
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After a brief run with the Cleveland Indians in 1924, it was back to the Minors for two years before the Brooklyn Robins signed Watty Clark in 1927.  

A left-handed workhorse who returned from two years in the minors to anchor a struggling staff. Known for a high-leg kick and control, he led the Robins during a tough stretch in the National League. In 1929, Clark matched few in durability, leading NL in innings (279.0) and starts. Despite league-leading losses for a mediocre team, he showcased command by leading NL in FIP (3.24), proving his performance was a valuable asset. He then had a stellar 1931 season, finishing 20th in MVP voting, with 14 wins and a 3.20 ERA.

In the 1932 season, he became a 20-game winner for the only time and led the league in FIP (3.13) for the second time. He was a giant in the rotation, logging 19 complete games and demonstrating the specialized precision that made him a nightmare for opposing hitters; however, he was traded to the New York Giants during the 1933 season, where he won a World Series.  A year later, Brooklyn reacquired Clark, and he would finish out his career with the now-named Dodgers in 1937.

For the Dodgers, Clark went 106-88 with a 3.55 ERA.

The Bullet Points

  • Position: Pitcher
  • Acquired: Signed before the 1927 Season.
  • Departed:

    Traded to the New York Giants for Sam Leslie 6/16/33.

    Acquired (2):  Purchased from the New York Giants 6/29/34.

    Departed (2):  Retired after the 1937 Season.

  • Games Played: 322
  • Notable Statistics:

    106 Wins
    88 Losses
    3.55 ERA
    199 Games Started
    90 Complete Games
    14 Shutouts
    76 Games Finished
    17 Saves
    1,659. Innings Pitched
    620 Strikeouts
    3.49 FIP
    1.285 WHIP
    1.76 SO/BB
    28.2 bWAR     

    45 Runs Scored
    111 Hits
    9 Doubles
    3 Triples
    1 Home Run
    36 Runs Batted In
    0 Stolen Bases
    .194/.233/.226 Slash Line          

    No Playoff Games

  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    Highest bWAR for Pitchers (1929)
    Lowest BB/9 (1930 & 1935)
    Most Innings Pitched (1929)
    Most Games Started (1929 & 1932)
    Lowest FIP (1929 & 1932)
    Highest Fielding Percentage by a Pitcher (1931)

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