Cleveland Indians Top Ten All-Time Pitchers

#7: LHP Sam McDwell

Left-hander Sam McDowell is ranked 14^th on the Indians’ All-Time WAR list, earning a 41 WAR over 11 years with the Tribe. “Sudden Sam” was known for his unique delivery, which helped him become a six-time All-Star during his fifteen-year career.

McDowell’s name is littered across the record books in franchise history, including the Indians’ best season in strikeouts per nine innings, at 10.714. Among Tribe players, his 42.3 WAR for pitchers is ranked fifth all-time.

But it’s certainly strikeouts that truly make McDowell a legend. When Corey Kluber set his career-high record of 269 strikeouts in 2014, he was chasing not just Bob Feller’s untouchable 1946 record of 348 punch outs, but four of McDowell’s seasons. The left-hander trails only Feller in career strikeouts as an Indian, with 2159. Of course, McDowell went on to have another five seasons after leaving the Tribe, bringing his total career total up to 2453 punch outs in 2492.1 innings.

During his tenure with the Indians, he maintained a 2.99 ERA over 336 games, and lead the league in FIP three times. His 1965 season was the best of his career, winning the AL pitching title as he bested the league in ERA, strikeouts and WAR – although he was only fourth in wins. As a five-time strikeout leader, the only knock on McDowell were control issues that often made him a league leader in walks, as well.

McDowelll is not a Hall of Famer, but it’s hard to imagine that anyone will ever knock him out of the franchise record books.

Next: All-Time Best Pitchers: #6