April 4

⚾ Early Wynn "Gus" a perfect 300

April 04, 2025

TODAY ON THE DAILY HIGHLIGHT

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April 4, 1999, Hall of Famer Early Wynn dies at the age of 79 from complications caused by a stroke.

The man they called "Gus" recorded his 300th and final win in 1963 at the age of 43. A share of Early Wynn's previous 299 victories had helped both the Indians and the White Sox to the only pennants of the 1950s not won by the Yankees. Wynn was a gritty right-hander who kept the ball in play and helped himself with the bat.

Best Season: 1954As the Tribe rolled to 111 wins and the pennant, Early Wynn joined his famous fellow starters (Bob Feller, Mike Garcia and Bob Lemon) in the rotation. He won 23 games, losing just seven, while posting a 2.73 ERA. He paced the league in innings and wins, while also completing 20 starts and saving two games.

FactoidsWynn was a fierce competitor who often found himself in confrontations with umpires, opposing batters, his teammates, and his manager. He hated to be removed from a game, and he rarely was ï¿½ finishing 47% of his starts.

On September 15, 1946, Early Wynn pinch-hit for the pitcher and slugged a grand slam in the Senators' seven-run fifth inning against the Tigers in Detroit. It was the third homer of Wynn's career, and his first grand slam.

FeatsOn July 13, 1963, Wynn garnered his 300th (and final) major league victory. Starting the second game of a doubleheader against the Royals, Wynn hurled five innings, allowing four runs, but left with a slim lead. Four shutout innings of relief by Jerry Walker earned Wynn his milestone victory.

NotesOn May 1, 1959, Wynn hit a solo homer off Boston's Tom Brewer to provide the only run in his 1-0 victory over the Red Sox.

In 1984, a malfunctioning woodstove exploded in the home of 64-year old former pitcher. Wynn received second and third-degree burns to his face and upper body. Luckily he was wearing glasses, which probably saved his eyesight

Listen: Early Wynn Games

Game of the Day

October 1, 1959 World Series Game 1 Los Angeles Dodgers vs

Chicago White Sox

Early Wynn takes the mound!

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Did you know?

April 4, 1948 - A’s manager Connie Mack, who is 84 years old, challenges Clark Griffith, the 78 year-old owner of the Senators, to a foot race from third base to home plate.

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Trivia:

Three pitchers have won 300 games but never had 200 strikeouts in a season, who are they?

Hint: The answer is below

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TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY

April 4, 1968 — Due to today’s assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, most of the major league teams will decide to postpone their Opening Day games until the reverend’s funeral takes place in five days. Surprisingly, the Dodgers, at first, are the notable exception, even though the Phillies, their opponents on April 9th, say they will forfeit rather than play on the national day of mourning.

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April 4, 1974 Hank Aaron ties Babe Ruth for All Time Homerun Record

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April 4 , 1982 — J.R. Richard tosses one inning in an exhibition game against Toronto. It would be his last appearance as an Astro after suffering a stroke in 1980. Richard gives up no runs and no hits but walks the bases full in the 3-2 victory.

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April 4, 1988, At Kauffman Stadium, George Bell of the Toronto Blue Jays becomes the first major leaguer to hit three home runs on Opening Day. Bell’s home runs, all coming against Kansas City Royals ace Bret Saberhagen, help the Jays to a 5-3 win. Bell the reigning AL MVP was initially suspended because he refused to move from Leftfield to DH.

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April 4, 1994 The Jake opened and despite the first 7 innings when they were no hit, a new era was born and the Indians will go on to be one of the most successful regular season teams the last 20+ seasons.

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Quote of the day:

“I could throw the ball when I came here [to Cleveland],” recalled Wynn years later in The Sporting News, “but Mel Harder made a pitcher out of me.”