Sam McDowell
| Birthdate | 9/21/1942 |
| Death Date | |
| Debut Year | 1961 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Giants, Indians, Pirates, Yankees |
| Position | Pitcher |
Sam McDowell is one of only 9 pitchers to record multiple 300-strikeout seasons; all but McDowell, Curt Schilling and J.R. Richard are in the Hall of Fame.
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McDowell led all AL pitchers in strikeouts during the 1960s
McDowell led all AL pitchers in strikeouts during the 1960s
Sam McDowell’s fastball made him one of the American League’s most dominant pitchers. He led the AL in strikeouts during the 1960s, achieving 1,663 Ks. Only the National League’s Sandy Koufax and Bob Gibson surpassed him.
McDowell was phenomenal at his peak. From 1965 to 1971, the Cleveland left-hander averaged 15 wins and 263 strikeouts per season. He earned All-Star honors in six of those seven years. During this run, McDowell led Junior Circuit pitchers in strikeouts five times and in WAR twice. He also topped the league in shutouts and ERA once each.
Only nine pitchers have struck out 300 or more batters in multiple seasons. This list includes Randy Johnson, Nolan Ryan, Curt Schilling, Koufax, Pedro Martinez, J.R. Richard, Walter Johnson, Rube Waddell, and McDowell.
Analytics also support McDowell’s greatness. Five times, he posted an ERA+ at least 20% higher than league average. In 1965 and 1968, his ERA+ reached 161 and 165, respectively. McDowell’s WAR totals impress as well. His single-season WAR marks include 8.3, 8.2, 6.6, 5.4, 4.9, and 4.8, leading to a strong seven-year WAR peak of 41.7.
Though McDowell’s greatness stood out, it didn’t last long enough for a plaque in Cooperstown. After his age-28 season in 1971, the Indians traded McDowell for Gaylord Perry. From then until his retirement in 1975, injuries limited him to a 19-25 record and a 4.16 earned run average.
He finished his career with 143 wins, 2,453 strikeouts, and a 3.17 ERA. In 2006, McDowell entered the Indians’ team Hall of Fame.
Shown here is a government postcard signed by Sam McDowell. It features a Cleveland postmark dated May 18, 1969. Two days later, McDowell threw a complete game two-hitter against the Kansas City Royals. Only a third-inning single by Ed Kirkpatrick and a seventh-inning solo home run by Lou Piniella prevented a perfect game.
Sam McDowell is one of 9 men to strike out 300+ batters in multiple seasons
Sam McDowell is one of 9 men to strike out 300+ batters in multiple seasons
Throughout baseball history, many great pitchers have accomplished amazing feats. Striking out 300 or more batters in a single season stands out as one of the most dominant achievements.
Nineteen pitchers have accomplished this feat, and nine have done it more than once. Randy Johnson and Nolan Ryan each reached the 300-K plateau six times. Sandy Koufax and Curt Schilling each had three seasons with 300 strikeouts.
Five pitchers recorded two 300-strikeout campaigns: Rube Waddell, Walter Johnson, J.R. Richard, Pedro Martinez.
Here is a 1970 Topps Sam McDowell All-Star card, autographed by the Indians great.
Reggie Jackson was complimentary of fireballer McDowell
Reggie Jackson was complimentary of fireballer McDowell
Reggie Jackson, a fastball hitter, respected fireballer Sudden Sam McDowell. For his career, Mr. October hit .218 with a .268 on-base percentage against McDowell. Despite those numbers, Reggie’s slugging percentage reached a strong .500.
The 14-time All-Star held McDowell in high regard. Reggie said, “You know he’s going to challenge you. His strength against yours: you beat him, or he beats you. He won’t throw at you, either, because he’s too nice. He knows his fastball could injure you if he ever hit you.”
Here is Jackson’s contract with Topps Chewing Gum for baseball cards in 1974, ’75, and ’76. The first two years marked McDowell’s final seasons in the big leagues.
