We say happy birthday to Sam McDowell, who threw as hard anyone ever did. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on this day in 1942.
Sam broke with the Indians in 1961 and enjoyed some great seasons, such as in 1965 when he led the league with a 2.18 ERA and 325 K’s.
He had more great seasons in the late 1960’s and finished with 141 wins, an excellent 3.17 ERA and 2,453 K’s. I saw him pitch in Milwaukee circa 1970 and he was awesome fast!
He is in the top 10 for lefthanders in K’s!