Acquired as a mid-season trade from Cincinnati, Mike Caldwell arrived in Milwaukee during the 1977 season. Caldwell was a left-handed sinkerballer who had bounced through three organizations in the early '70s. After settling in with a solid second half in his debut year, he transformed into the quintessential "Yankee Killer" and a tactical mainstay of the Brewers' rotation.
In 1978, Caldwell produced a remarkable season, ending with a career-best 22 wins and a .710 winning percentage. He dominated opposing lineups by leading the American League with 23 complete games and achieving a notable 2.36 ERA. This outstanding performance earned him the AL Comeback Player of the Year award and a second-place finish in the Cy Young voting, behind Ron Guidry's historic season.
Between 1979 and 1983, he achieved double-digit victories for six seasons. He had a durable arm, often pitching over 200 innings, and was a steady presence supporting a strong offense. Notably, he was a threat to the Yankees, with a 12-5 record and 2.66 ERA against them.
During the 1982 American League Pennant run, Caldwell provided some of the most clutch pitching in team history. While he was a professional workhorse during the regular season, he found an even higher gear in the 1982 World Series against St. Louis. He authored a brilliant performance in Game 1, throwing a complete-game shutout, and finished the Series with a 2-0 record and a 2.04 ERA.
Caldwell retired after the 1984 season. As a Brewer, he posted a 102-80 record, a 3.74 ERA, and 81 complete games.
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