November 25, 2003

Warren Spahn, R.I.P.

Milwaukee sports legend and one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, Warren Spahn died yesterday at the age of 82. How good was he? Here's a few paragraphs from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story:

During his brilliant 21-year career, mostly with the Boston Braves and Milwaukee Braves, Spahn won 363 games, most ever by a left-hander, compiling 20-victory seasons 13 times. He was known for his longevity, winning 177 games after his 35th birthday, including No. 300 in 1961 at age 40.

...

Spahn's greatest season came in 1953, the Braves' first year in Milwaukee. He went 23-7 with 24 complete games in 32 starts and led the National League with a 2.10 earned run average.

He still holds or shares nine Braves franchise records and led the league in victories eight times, in ERA three times and in complete games nine times. He ranks fifth on the all-time victory list behind Cy Young, Walter Johnson, Grover Alexander and Christy Mathewson.

...

Spahn completed a remarkable 382 of his 665 career starts (57.4%), including at least 20 starts in 13 seasons.

Spahn was also a World War II veteran who earned a bronze star and purple heart.

Godspeed, Warren.

"Warren Spahn: 1921-2003"

UPDATE: For more Spahn links, read my SportsBlog.org post.