38. Sal Maglie

Sal Maglie took a long time to establish himself as a Major League Pitcher, but that was not due to a lack of skill.

It took him until the age of 28 to make the big leagues, debuting for the New York Giants in 1945 after four years in their farm system.  He did well, going 5-4, but he had an offer to pitch in the Mexican league for more money.  Maglie took it but was subsequently banned by the Commissioner for his decision.  It was a costly trip South of the Border, as the team, he signed with could not afford him for long, and he was out of the game on a professional level.  Five years later, the ban was lifted, and he was back in 1950.

Nicknamed the “Barber” for his penchant for throwing balls close to the batter’s faces, Maglie had an incredible return, winning the ERA Title (2.71) with a stellar 18-4 Record.  He was just as good, the next two All-Star appearing seasons, leading the NL in Wins (23) and H/9 (7.7) in 1951, finishing fourth in MVP voting.  With Maglie excelling, New York won the 1951 and 1954 Pennant, winning the World Series in 1954.

Back issues took their toll on Maglie, who could not replicate his past success.  He was waived by the Giants during the 1956 Season and claimed by Cleveland, and though he was never an All-Star again, he played until 1961.  

As a Giant, Maglie went 95 and 42 with an ERA of 3.13.