Middle career Early Wynn

wynn in 1953

between 1950 , 1956, wynn won @ least 17 games per season. first 20-win season came in 1951. time had become part of 1 of greatest pitching rotations in mlb history, joining bob feller, bob lemon , mike garcia. manager al lópez later called 4 pitchers greatest pitching staff ever saw during 33 years in majors.

in 1954, wynn posted 2.73 era, won 23 games , struck out 155 batters. team went 1954 world series; wynn pitched 1 game , indians defeated new york giants in 4 straight games. after suffering pneumonia @ beginning of 1955 season, wynn earned first win in may. all-star second time in career , pitched 3 scoreless innings in game; selection marked start of 6 consecutive all-star seasons. finished 1955 season 17-11 record , 2.82 era.

in 1956 game, struck in face sharp line drive off bat of washington senators shortstop jose valdivielso. did not leave game immediately, later realizing had lost 7 teeth. facial wound required 16 stitches.

in 1957, wynn became second pitcher in major league history win game score of 1-0 while recording @ least ten strikeouts , hitting home run. wynn traded chicago white sox after 1957 season. wynn , al smith exchanged minnie miñoso , fred hatfield.

in 1958 wynn became first mlb pitcher lead league in strikeouts in consecutive years different teams (184 cleveland, 189 chicago). won cy young award in 1959 @ age of 39, posting record of 22–10, 179 strikeouts , 3.16 era helped lead white sox al pennant championship. third oldest mlb pitcher win 20 games in season, following cy young , grover cleveland alexander. starting pitcher in first of 2 all-star games held in 1959 (mlb held 2 all-star games 1959 through 1962).

wynn began throwing knuckleball in 1959 after fastball began lose velocity. years ve been accusing me of throwing when didn t know how hold ... can t throw hard did six, 7 years ago. , tired quicker. find can throw knuckler little more effort , no strain , wynn said.

in 1950s wynn had more strikeouts (1,544) other pitcher in majors , quite capable bat well. switch hitter, wynn batted .214 (365 1704), 17 home runs , 173 rbi. 90 pinch-hit appearances included grand slam, making him 1 of 5 mlb pitchers record grand slam pinch-hitter.