Pittsburgh Pirates 20 Game Winners In Franchise History

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have a rich history of talented pitchers who have made significant contributions to the team's success. One notable achievement for a pitcher is winning 20 games in a single season. In the Pirates' franchise history, there have been several pitchers who have reached this milestone. Here, we will explore the Pirates' 20-game winners and delve into their careers, highlighting their accomplishments and impact on the team.

Early Years: 20-Game Winners in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries

The Pittsburgh Pirates were established in 1882, and during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the team had several pitchers who achieved 20-win seasons. One notable example is Sam Leever, who won 22 games in 1903 and 20 games in 1905. Leever played for the Pirates from 1898 to 1910 and is still considered one of the best pitchers in franchise history.

Another early 20-game winner for the Pirates was Deacon Phillippe, who won 20 games in 1900 and 22 games in 1903. Phillippe played for the Pirates from 1899 to 1911 and was a key member of the team's rotation during the early years of the 20th century.

honorable Mentions

• Emmett Seery (1890): 32-16, 2.87 ERA
• Pink Hawley (1895): 31-22, 3.18 ERA
• Sam Leever (1903): 25-7, 2.06 ERA
• Deacon Phillippe (1900): 20-13, 2.84 ERA

The Golden Era: 20-Game Winners in the Mid-20th Century

The mid-20th century was a golden era for the Pittsburgh Pirates, with the team winning several National League pennants and a World Series championship in 1960. During this period, several Pirates pitchers achieved 20-win seasons, including Vern Law, who won 20 games in 1960, and Bob Friend, who won 20 games in 1958.

Another notable 20-game winner from this era was Ron Kline, who won 20 games in 1957. Kline played for the Pirates from 1952 to 1959 and was a key member of the team's rotation during the 1950s.

Notable 20-Game Winners

• Vern Law (1960): 20-9, 3.08 ERA
• Bob Friend (1958): 22-14, 3.68 ERA
• Ron Kline (1957): 20-12, 3.84 ERA
• Murry Dickson (1951): 20-16, 4.02 ERA

Modern Era: 20-Game Winners in the Late 20th and 21st Centuries

In recent years, the Pirates have had several pitchers who have achieved 20-win seasons. One notable example is John Candelaria, who won 20 games in 1977. Candelaria played for the Pirates from 1975 to 1985 and was a key member of the team's rotation during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Another modern-era 20-game winner for the Pirates was Doug Drabek, who won 22 games in 1990. Drabek played for the Pirates from 1987 to 1992 and was a key member of the team's rotation during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Notable 20-Game Winners

• John Candelaria (1977): 20-5, 2.34 ERA
• Doug Drabek (1990): 22-6, 2.76 ERA
• Bert Blyleven (1977): 14-10, 3.03 ERA
• Larry McWilliams (1983): 15-8, 3.25 ERA

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Pittsburgh Pirates have a rich history of talented pitchers who have achieved 20-win seasons. From the early years of Sam Leever and Deacon Phillippe to the modern era of John Candelaria and Doug Drabek, these pitchers have made significant contributions to the team's success.

Their achievements serve as a reminder of the importance of talented pitching in baseball and the impact it can have on a team's success.

We invite you to share your thoughts on the Pirates' 20-game winners and their contributions to the team's history. Who is your favorite Pirates pitcher, and what do you think makes them stand out?

Leave a comment below and let's discuss!