American · Buffalo, USA · Born 23 April 1921American left-handed pitcher who won 363 games, most by a left-hander in MLB history, and pitched two no-hitters after age 39 in a Hall of Fame career.
Warren Spahn was the greatest left-handed pitcher of all time until Sandy Koufax, winning 363 games — a record for left-handers — across a 21-year career. The 1957 Cy Young Award winner used exceptional movement, intelligence, and remarkable durability to dominate hitters across four decades. Remarkably, he lost four prime years to World War II military service and still won more games than any pitcher after his debut.
Greatest left-handed pitcher in baseball history, 363 career wins
How They Played
Left-handed pitcher with exceptional control and durability
Lasting Impact
Hall of Fame pitcher known for longevity, control, and competitive spirit
Career Honours
- NL Cy Young Award 1957
- NL Most Valuable Player Award runner-up 1953
- World Series Champion 1957
- NL pennant winner 1948 with Boston Braves
- NL pennant winner 1957 with Milwaukee Braves
- NL pennant winner 1958 with Milwaukee Braves
- Spahn Award namesake (annual award for best MLB left-handed pitcher named in his honour)
- 20-win seasons achieved 13 times in MLB career
- Baseball Hall of Fame inductee 1973
- NL ERA leader 1947
- NL strikeout leader 6 times (1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1961)
- NL wins leader 8 times
- Baseball Writers' Association of America NL Cy Young Award 1957
| Team | Period | Games | Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Braves | 1953–1964 | 356 | #21 |
| Boston Braves | 1942–1952 | 519 | #35 |
| New York Mets | 1965–1965 | 20 | — |
| San Francisco Giants | 1965–1965 | 3 | — |
American Athletes