Warren Spahn

Guide Note:

Warren Spahn was a left-handed starting pitcher who played mainly for the Boston and Milwaukee Braves during his 21 years in the Major Leagues. Over that span, Spahn won more games than any other left-handed pitcher in the history of baseball, finishing his career with 363 wins. He recorded over 2500 strikeouts and won 20 games in 13 different seasons.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: April 23, 1921
2. Birthplace: Buffalo, New York
3. Passed Away: November 24, 2003
4. 14-Time All-Star
5. Cy Young Award Winner
6. Played With: Braves, Mets, and [[San Francisco Giants|Giants]

A native of Buffalo, New York, Spahn entered the Major Leagues in 1942, just as the United States was entering World War II. Like many other Major Leaguers, Spahn enlisted in the Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He returned to the Braves in 1946 and the next year he posted his first of thirteen 20-win seasons.

Spahn's crafty pitching made him a formidable opponent. He finished his career with a lifetime 3.09 ERA, and pitched two no-hitters. For four consecutive years, between 1949 and 1952, Spahn led the National League in strikeouts. Spahn also pitched in three World Series, including the famous 1957 World Series, in which the Braves beat the New York Yankees in seven games. That same year, Spahn won the National League Cy Young Award. In 1965, Spahn left the Braves and split the year pitching for the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants, before retiring after the season. Spahn was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973.