Warren Spahn
| Birthdate | 4/23/1921 |
| Death Date | 11/25/2003 |
| Debut Year | 1942 |
| Year of Induction | 1973 |
| Teams | Braves, Giants, Mets |
| Position | Pitcher |
Warren Spahn won 363 games – the most by a left-hander in baseball history. The total also tops every pitcher in the post-1920 live-ball era.
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Warren Spahn was baseball's best pitcher of the 1950s
Warren Spahn was baseball's best pitcher of the 1950s
Warren Spahn debuted with the Boston Braves in 1942 then missed three full seasons due to World War II. By the time he started his third big league game, Spahn was already 25 years old.
In his second full season in 1947, Spahn was a 21-game winner who led the league in ERA and WHIP. He was on the path to becoming one of baseball’s greatest pitchers.
The last year of the decade Spahn again tallied 21 victories to lead the NL. His 25 complete games and 151 strikeouts also paced the Senior Circuit. He was just getting warmed up.
In the 1950s, Spahn won 20 or more games 8 times. During the decade he posted an MLB-best 202 victories and a 2.92 ERA.
The 1957 Cy Young Award winner, Warren Spahn also finished second in voting three times — all during years in which only one award was given for all of baseball. With 363 career wins, Spahn has the most MLB wins by any left-handed pitcher.
Acknowledged as one of the best pitchers ever, the award given to the best left-handed pitcher in the big leagues is now called The Warren Spahn Award. Shown here is an autographed 1958 Topps All Star card.
A 39-year old Spahn threw a 15-K, no-hit game in September, 1960
A 39-year old Spahn threw a 15-K, no-hit game in September, 1960
Warren Spahn threw the first of his two no-hitters on September 19, 1960. The contest came just 29 days after teammate Lew Burdette no-hit the same Phillies team.
The 39-year old Spahn was magnificent, throwing strikes in 71 of his 105 pitches. Two walks accounted for the only Philadelphia base runners. The lefty struck out 15 batters.
After throwing his gem Spahn received this telegram from Lou Perini, the principal owner of the Braves from 1945-1961.
The telegram reads in part, “…have had a very strong feeling throughout the years that we have been together that you would ultimately cap many of your brilliant pitching performances with a no-hitter…”
Spahn kept the telegram from the team owner for his entire life.
Spahn's second no-hitter came five days after his 40th birthday in 1961
Spahn's second no-hitter came five days after his 40th birthday in 1961
“Spahn shows no-hit form,” proclaims this 1962 Topps offering that’s autographed by the pitcher. Perhaps the greatest left-hander ever, Warren Spahn threw two no-hitters. The first came in 1960 at age 39. The second came the following year five days after his 40th birthday.
Spahn won 20 or more games 13 times over the course of his 21-year career. His 363 wins are more than any other left-handed pitcher in history, and more than any other pitcher who played his entire career in the post-1920 live-ball era.
Despite missing three years due to WWII, Spahn joined the 300-win club in 1961
Despite missing three years due to WWII, Spahn joined the 300-win club in 1961
When Warren Spahn earned his 300th win on August 11, 1961 he joined an exclusive club. The lefty great went the distance that night — the 317th complete game of his career — and drove in the game’s first run with a sac fly.
This photo shows fellow 300-game winners Cy Young, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Walter Johnson, and Lefty Grove. Be sure to scroll down to see congratulatory telegrams from Spahn’s estate.
League presidents & HoFers Giles and Cronin congratulated Spahn on his 300th win
League presidents & HoFers Giles and Cronin congratulated Spahn on his 300th win
After Warren Spahn earned his 300th victory the congratulatory telegrams came rolling in. Shown here are two such telegrams that originate from the Warren Spahn estate.
National League president Warren Giles chimes in saying, “Again congratulations on another great achievement in your wonderful career. This in my opinion surpasses the other great records you have established and share with the greatest players in the game. We are very proud you are a National Leaguer.
Even American League president Joe Cronin joined in celebrating the lifelong National Leaguer. Cronin writes, “Heartiest congratulations on your 300 victories. We in the American League are proud of your contribution to baseball and your individual achievements.”
Longtime Braves fan Bud Selig congratulated Warren Spahn on his 300th win
Longtime Braves fan Bud Selig congratulated Warren Spahn on his 300th win
When the Boston Braves relocated to Milwaukee, Bud Selig made sure to attend the first home game. A lifelong resident of Wisconsin, Selig became an ardent supporter of the team.
As he grew into adulthood, Selig became a powerbroker in Milwaukee. The future commissioner of baseball followed the Braves closely. When Warren Spahn earned his 300th career victory, Selig sent him the telegram shown above.
It reads, “Congratulations on your remarkable achievement of winning three hundred games. We wish you continued success in the future in your great career.”
Well wishes from owners and dignitaries streamed in after Spahn won his 300th
Well wishes from owners and dignitaries streamed in after Spahn won his 300th
All of the telegrams on this page originate from the estate of Warren Spahn. The left-hander held onto the keepsakes for his entire life.
The telegrams shown here were sent from Braves general manager Lou Perini and Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey.
Oddly, Perini did not attend the game. Here he explains why and congratulates the games greatest lefty.
“Only my son Albert’s wedding could keep me away from Milwaukee tonight and rooting along with the millions of baseball fans for your 300th win…”
The telegram underneath Perini’s comes from Yawkey. He and Spahn shared Boston for the eight years when the Braves called Beantown home. When Spahn won his 300th game against the Cubs on August 11, 1961, Yawkey sent over his warm wishes to the Braves hurler in the form of this telegram.
“Heartiest congratulations on your great achievement stop hope to personally shake your hand on the 21st good luck and best wishes Tom Yawkey”.
Giants owner Horace Stoneham congratulates Spahn who would end his career in San Francisco
Giants owner Horace Stoneham congratulates Spahn who would end his career in San Francisco
Among the other telegrams that Warren Spahn received is this example from San Francisco Giants owner Horace Stoneham. “Warmest congratulations on your 300th victory. It rates as one of the All-Time pitching records though we both know you won more than half of them from the Giants. All the very best of luck on the next 300.”
Spahn would conclude his stories career in 1964 pitching for Stoneham’s Giants.
Upon induction to the Hall, Spahn received congratulatory messages from throughout the baseball world
Upon induction to the Hall, Spahn received congratulatory messages from throughout the baseball world
Warren Spahn put up a no-doubt Hall of Fame career that culminated in his first-ballot selection. Induction day came on August 6, 1973. In addition to the writers’ choice of Spahn, the Veterans Committee chose Billy Evans, George Kelly, and Mickey Welch.
Shown here is a congratulatory telegram to Spahn from Dodger team president Walter O’Malley. The telegram says in part, “Congratulations. When they put you in the “gold room”, they didn’t make a mistake. All the best, Walter F. O’Malley Los Angeles Dodgers”
Reds General Manager Bob Howsam checked in after Spahn's Hall of Fame election
Reds General Manager Bob Howsam checked in after Spahn's Hall of Fame election
Bob Howsam writes to newly-elected Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn on January 30, 1973. The executive vice president and general manager of the Reds writes, “Dear Warren, May I add my congratulations along the many others you will receive on the great honor of being inducted into the Hall of Fame. You have an outstanding record and certainly deserve this honor.”
Howsam himself has appeared on Veterans Committee ballots and remains a viable Hall of Fame candidate.
Gabe Paul saw Spahn up close as Reds GM from 1951-1960; here he writes to the lefty
Gabe Paul saw Spahn up close as Reds GM from 1951-1960; here he writes to the lefty
The Cincinnati general manager from 1951-1960, Gabe Paul saw Warren Spahn pitch against the Reds for ten years. Shown here is a letter from Paul in his first year as Yankee GM in 1973. He writes to Spahn, “Thought I would see you in New York to personally congratulate you on your election to the Hall of Fame. It is gratifying to know that it came so quickly, but why shouldn’t it.”
Paul closes the letter by signing with only his first name.
Spahn loved the game and threw his last professional pitch in his mid-40s
Spahn loved the game and threw his last professional pitch in his mid-40s
In the collection is Warren Spahn’s Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association membership identification card. Coming from the Spahn estate, this card was in Spahn’s possession until his death.
He had a tough time leaving the game, pitching one year in the Mexican League at age 45 before closing his playing career as pitcher/manager of the Tulsa Oilers in the Pacific Coast League the following season.
Later he served as coach with the Indians, the Angels organization, and Japan’s Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
An active member of the MLBPAA, Spahn stayed in the association throughout his lifetime
An active member of the MLBPAA, Spahn stayed in the association throughout his lifetime
Active in the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, Spahn kept his membership up to date. Shown here is a personal check made out to the MLBPAA on October 20, 1994, 30 years after he played his last big league game.
The check is for $30 and represents payment in full for the annual dues. Spahn has signed the check boldly at the signature line of the check.
The GLOAT!
He’s definitely on baseball Mt Olympus.
A great pitcher who could also hit. I would rank him fourth best lefty of all time behind 1) Lefty Grove, then 2.) Randy Johnson and then 3.) Clayton Kershaw.
Always one of my favorites! Watched him in Milwaukee, listened to at home near Oshkosh. They don’t have them like him anymore! A true hero, someone to be looked up to. And I did!!!