TURN BACK THE CLOCK- DENNY McLAIN DOMINATES IN 1968, WINS 31 GAMES

Next up in the “Turn Back the Clock” series is a 1978 card celebrating the 10th anniversary of Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain and his incredible season which saw him win 31 games, the last pitcher (ever?) to do so:

While the Tigers were on their way to a World Championship, the 24-year old McLain led the way anchoring the staff with an incredible 31-6 record, along with a 1.96 earned run average, 280 strikeouts, six shutouts and completing 28 of 41 starts!
Not only was that good for the Cy Young Award, but he also took home the Most Valuable Player Award as well.
Of course 1968 will forever be known as the “Year of the Pitcher”, but it does not take away from what McLain accomplished.
He would lead the league in wins, winning percentage, complete games and innings pitched that year, and would follow it up with another Cy Young season in 1969 when he posted a 24-9 record along with a 2.80 E.R.A., nine shutouts and 181 strikeouts in 41 starts.
What an amazing run!