Last 31-game winner to visit Miracle
The Fort Myers Miracle management team reports that former Major League Baseball star Denny McLain will visit Hammond Stadium on Aug.23.
The last pitcher to win at least 30 games in the majors, McLain is expected to sign autographs, greet fans and throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
McLain played 10 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Washington Senators, Oakland Athletics and Atlanta Braves. Accumulating a career record of 131-91, McLain is most well known in the history of the game as the last pitcher to win 30 or more games in a single season, going 31-6 in 1968 at age 24. Only 13 players have won 30 or more games in a season since the beginning of the 20th Century.
In 1968, McLain won the first of his two Cy Young Awards and was named the American League’s Most Valuable Player. In addition to his 31 wins, McLain tossed 28 complete games with six shutouts during that season, striking out 280 hitters. In 1969, McLain followed that historical season with a second consecutive Cy Young Award with a 24-9 record and a league-best nine shutouts.
During his 10-year stint at the MLB level, McLain racked up 1,282 strikeouts in 1,886 innings with a 3.39 career earned-run average and was a three-time All-Star.
Known for his outspoken and personable nature, McLain is promoting his new soft cover book titled “31-6.” Copies of “31-6” will be available for sale at Hammond Stadium as well as McLain’s hard cover book “I Told You I Wasn’t Perfect.”
In addition to McLain’s presence on Aug. 23, fans in attendance will have the opportunity to enjoy another Thirsty Thursday at The Bill, which features half-price domestic draft beers. The Miracle host the Bradenton Marauders with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. Gates will open at 6 p.m.