How many pitchers have won 300+ games in MLB history?
by Rubaditsha | Updated Jul 15, 2023
How Many Pitchers Have Won 300+ Games in Mlb History?
In Major League Baseball (MLB) history, a total of 24 pitchers have reached the remarkable milestone of winning 300 or more games. These pitchers have achieved an extraordinary level of success and are part of an exclusive club. Here is a detailed list of the 300-win pitchers in MLB history along with their career win totals:
Pitcher
Wins
Cy Young
511
Walter Johnson
417
Grover Alexander
373
Christy Mathewson
373
Warren Spahn
363
Pud Gavin
361
Kid Nichols
361
Greg Maddux
355
Roger Clemens
354
Tim Keefe
342
Steve Carlton
329
John Clarkson
328
Eddie Plank
326
Nolan Ryan
324
Don Sutton
324
Phil Niekro
318
Gaylord Perry
314
Tom Seaver
311
Old Hoss Radbourn
309
Mickey Welch
307
Tom Glavine
305
Randy Johnson
303
Lefty Grove
300
Early Winn
300
These pitchers represent different eras in MLB history, showcasing their exceptional longevity, talent, and consistency on the mound. The last pitcher to join this exclusive club was Randy Johnson, who achieved his 300th win in 2009. The rarity of the 300-win achievement is evident when considering that there have been thousands of pitchers in MLB history, yet only 24 have managed to reach this milestone.
It requires not only exceptional skills but also a combination of durability, longevity, run support from their teams, and a bit of luck to accumulate such a significant number of victories. Given the challenging nature of achieving 300 wins, it remains uncertain when or if the next pitcher will be able to enter this prestigious club.
As of now, no active pitcher has come close to reaching 300 wins, with Justin Verlander leading in active wins with 247. While there are talented pitchers like Clayton Kershaw with 207 wins, the odds are stacked against them to reach the 300-win mark, as it requires several more seasons of high-level performance and consistency.
Pitchers With 300 Wins
Cy Young - 511 wins
Denton True "Cy" Young, born on March 29, 1867, and passed away on November 4, 1955, was a prominent pitcher in American Major League Baseball (MLB). Hailing from Gilmore, Ohio, Young initially grew up working on his family's farm before embarking on his professional baseball journey.
Throughout his career, Young set numerous pitching records, many of which have endured for over a century. His remarkable achievement of 511 wins remains the highest in MLB history, boasting a lead of 94 wins over the second-ranking pitcher, Walter Johnson.
Walter Johnson - 417 wins
Originally established as the Washington Senators, the baseball team became one of the founding franchises of the American League. Presently known as the Minnesota Twins, the team was founded in Washington, D.C. in 1901. Despite the addition of a talented 19-year-old pitcher named Walter Johnson in 1907, the club struggled to achieve success.
Johnson, hailing from a rural area in Kansas, possessed an impressive physical stature with long arms and utilized a unique sidearm delivery and leisurely windup to pitch at an unprecedented velocity. In 1910, Johnson experienced a breakthrough season, amassing 313 strikeouts, maintaining an exceptional earned-run average of 1.36, and securing 25 wins despite playing for a team that ultimately had a losing record.
Throughout his illustrious 21-year career, which led to his induction into the Hall of Fame, Johnson, affectionately known as the "Big Train," amassed a staggering 417 victories and recorded 3,508 strikeouts. Notably, his strikeout record remained unmatched in Major League Baseball for more than half a century.
Grover Alexander - 373 wins
Grover Cleveland Alexander, known by the nickname "Old Pete," was an accomplished American Major League Baseball pitcher. His professional career spanned from 1911 to 1930, during which he played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Cardinals. Recognized for his remarkable contributions to the sport, Alexander was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1938.
In 1927, Alexander achieved his final 20-win season while representing the Cardinals. Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to his struggles with alcoholism. After a brief return to the Phillies in 1930, he ultimately departed from the major leagues.
Alexander's legacy is characterized by several notable records and achievements. His impressive tally of 90 shutouts stands as a National League record, and his 373 wins are tied with Christy Mathewson for the most in National League history. Additionally, Alexander ranks third in all-time wins, tenth in innings pitched with 5,190, second in shutouts, and eighth in hits allowed with 4,868.
It is worth noting that at the time of Alexander's final victory in August 1929, the media reported that he had surpassed Mathewson's career victories record of 372. However, it was later discovered in the 1940s that Mathewson had actually earned an additional victory on May 21, 1912, officially bringing his total to 373 wins and tying him with Alexander.
When comparing their winning percentages, Alexander holds a lifetime percentage of .642, while Mathewson boasts a slightly higher percentage of .665. Remarkably, despite his remarkable career, Alexander holds the distinction of having the most career wins of any pitcher who never threw a no-hitter.
Christy Mathewson - 373 wins
In July of 1900, the New York Giants acquired Christopher Mathewson's contract from Norfolk, paying a sum of $1,500 (equivalent to $53,000 in 2022). Mathewson made his debut for the Giants between July and September of that year, appearing in six games.
However, he struggled, resulting in a 0-3 record. Dissatisfied with his performance, the Giants returned him to Norfolk and requested a refund of the money they had spent. Shortly after, in the same month, the Cincinnati Reds picked up Mathewson from the Norfolk roster. On December 15, 1900, the Reds promptly traded Mathewson back to the Giants in exchange for Amos Rusie.
Christopher Mathewson, born on August 12, 1880, earned various nicknames throughout his career, including "Big Six," "the Christian Gentleman," "Matty," and "the Gentleman's Hurler." He established himself as a prominent right-handed pitcher, spending 17 seasons with the New York Giants.
Over the course of his 17-year career, Mathewson achieved an impressive record of 373 wins and 188 losses, resulting in a remarkable winning percentage of .665. His career earned run average (ERA) of 2.13 and 79 shutouts rank among the best in baseball history for pitchers. Additionally, his 373 wins continue to hold the top position in the National League, sharing that honor with Grover Cleveland Alexander.
Mathewson's success on the mound stemmed from various factors. He possessed a reliable fastball, exceptional control over his pitches, and notably, a newly developed pitch known as the "fadeaway" or "screwball," which he learned from teammate Dave Williams in 1898. Mathewson's impact on the game of baseball, both statistically and as a respected sportsman, solidified his place among the all-time greats in the sport.
Warren Spahn - 363 wins
Warren Edward Spahn, born on April 23, 1921, was a professional American baseball pitcher who had a remarkable career spanning 21 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his left-handed pitching, Spahn played from 1942 and then again from 1946 to 1965, predominantly for the Boston Braves, who later became the Milwaukee Braves after relocating before the 1953 season.
His baseball journey faced an interruption due to his service in the United States Army during World War II. Spahn holds a significant record as the left-handed pitcher with the most career wins in MLB history, amassing an impressive total of 363 victories.
Furthermore, he holds the distinction of having the highest number of wins for a pitcher who played his entire career in the post-1920 live-ball era. Spahn commenced his major league career in 1942 with the Braves organization and spent all but one year with the franchise, first in Boston and later in Milwaukee. He concluded his career in 1965, having also played for the New York Mets and the San Francisco Giants.
Ranking as the sixth-winningest pitcher in MLB history, Spahn's 363 wins place him behind only Cy Young (511), Walter Johnson (417), Grover Cleveland Alexander (373), Christy Mathewson (373), and Pud Galvin (364) on the all-time list.
He led the league in wins on eight occasions (1949–1950, 1953, 1957–1961, each season with 20 or more wins) and achieved the milestone of 20 wins or more an additional five times (1947, 1951, 1954, 1956, 1963). Spahn's exceptional career left an indelible mark on the sport of baseball.
Pud Gavin - 361 wins
James Francis Galvin, also known as "Pud" Galvin, was a notable pitcher in Major League Baseball during the 19th century. Born on December 25, 1856, he achieved the distinction of being the first player in MLB history to reach 300 career wins. Recognizing his significant contributions to the sport, Galvin was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1965.
Kid Nichols - 361 wins
Charles Augustus Nichols, commonly known as "Kid" Nichols, was a prominent pitcher in American Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on September 14, 1869, Nichols played for several teams throughout his career, including the Boston Beaneaters, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia Phillies, from 1890 to 1906.
Standing at a height of 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) and weighing 175 pounds (79 kg), he possessed the unique ability to switch-hit and threw right-handed. Nichols's outstanding achievements led to his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Before joining the major leagues, Nichols played for three minor league teams until 1889 when he signed with the Boston Beaneaters. Following his debut in the subsequent season, he spent 12 seasons with the Beaneaters. However, he temporarily ventured back to the minor leagues for a two-year period.
In 1904, he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals and later played for the Philadelphia Phillies, concluding his career in 1906. Nichols gained fame for becoming the youngest pitcher to attain membership in the prestigious 300-win club. Kid Nichols left an indelible mark on the sport of baseball with his exceptional pitching abilities and lasting contributions to various teams throughout his career.
Greg Maddux - 355 wins
Gregory Alan Maddux, born on April 14, 1966, earned the nicknames "Mad Dog" and "The Professor" during his illustrious career as an American professional baseball pitcher. Maddux played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for an impressive 23 seasons, representing four different teams.
In a trade deal, he returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers from the San Diego Padres on August 19, in exchange for two players to be named later or cash considerations. However, his comeback to Los Angeles was not as successful as his debut, as he suffered a loss against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing seven earned runs on nine hits.
During the season, Maddux reached the milestone of pitching 5,000 career innings in a game against the San Francisco Giants on September 19. In his final start of the season on September 27, he secured his 355th win, surpassing Roger Clemens to claim the 8th spot on the all-time wins list.
Maddux currently ranks tenth in career strikeouts, accumulating a total of 3,371. Notably, his strikeout count is balanced with 999 walks. In the 2008 season, Maddux recorded an 8-13 record, while his outstanding control was evident with a league-leading 1.4 walks per nine innings pitched.
As the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the National League West, Maddux was transitioned to the bullpen due to manager Joe Torre's decision to implement a three-man rotation. In the ensuing playoff series, Maddux contributed three innings of relief, allowing only two runs despite the Dodgers' eventual loss.
Maddux's ability to warm up quickly was recognized and admired by many. In November 2008, he received his 18th Gold Glove Award, extending his own major league record. One month later, he announced his retirement, bringing an end to his remarkable career.
Roger Clemens - 354 wins
William Roger Clemens, born on August 4, 1962, earned the nickname "Rocket" throughout his esteemed career as an American professional baseball pitcher. Clemens played an impressive 24 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), notably representing the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.
Widely regarded as one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history, he achieved remarkable statistics, including 354 wins, a 3.12 earned run average (ERA), and 4,672 strikeouts, ranking third in the all-time strikeout list. Clemens, an 11-time All-Star and a two-time World Series champion, secured a record-breaking seven Cy Young Awards throughout his career, surpassing any other pitcher in history.
Known for his fierce competitiveness and hard-throwing pitching style, he used his formidable presence on the mound to intimidate opposing batters. Clemens left an indelible mark on the game of baseball, establishing himself as one of the most formidable and dominant pitchers of his era.
Tim Keefe - 342 wins
Timothy John Keefe, born on January 1, 1857, earned the nicknames "Smiling Tim" and "Sir Timothy" during his illustrious career as an American Major League Baseball pitcher. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall and weighing 185 pounds (84 kg), Keefe established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers of the 19th century. He consistently displayed impressive statistics throughout his career, contributing significantly to his team's success.
Keefe achieved a notable milestone as the second pitcher in MLB history to reach 300 career wins. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1964. Following his departure from the Giants, Keefe joined the Philadelphia Phillies and eventually retired after the 1893 season.
His career concluded with an impressive record of 342 wins, ranking him among the top 10 in all-time wins. Additionally, he maintained a notable 2.62 earned run average (ERA) and accumulated 2,562 strikeouts, which stood as a major league record at the time of his retirement.
During his prime in the 1880s, Keefe showcased his dominance by becoming the first pitcher to achieve three seasons with 300 or more strikeouts. He excelled in that decade, winning the highest number of games with 291 victories. Notably, Keefe still holds the record for having won games in the highest number of ballparks, totaling an impressive count of 47.
Steve Carlton - 329 wins
Steven Norman Carlton, born on December 22, 1944, is a former professional baseball player from the United States. He enjoyed a successful career in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a left-handed pitcher, representing six different teams between 1965 and 1988.
Carlton's most notable tenure was with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he achieved remarkable feats, including winning four Cy Young Awards and playing a pivotal role in the team's 1980 World Series victory. Recognizing his outstanding contributions to the sport, he was rightfully elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994.
John Clarkson - 328 wins
John Gibson Clarkson, born on July 1, 1861, was a notable right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). Clarkson's professional career spanned from 1882 to 1894, during which he showcased his skills for various teams. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he played for the Worcester Ruby Legs in 1882, followed by stints with the Chicago White Stockings from 1884 to 1887, the Boston Beaneaters from 1888 to 1892, and the Cleveland Spiders from 1892 to 1894.
In recognition of his significant contributions to the sport, Clarkson was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1963. Throughout his career, he left a lasting impact with his prowess on the pitcher's mound, earning him a well-deserved place among the esteemed individuals enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
Eddie Plank - 326 wins
Edward Stewart Plank, known by the nickname "Gettysburg Eddie," was an American professional baseball player. Plank excelled as a pitcher and had a notable career in Major League Baseball. He played primarily for the Philadelphia Athletics from 1901 to 1914, with brief stints for the St. Louis Terriers in 1915 and the St. Louis Browns in 1916 and 1917.
Plank achieved significant milestones as a left-handed pitcher, becoming the first in his position to reach both 200 and 300 career victories. He currently holds the third-highest number of wins among left-handers, with 326 victories (ranking 13th overall).
Notably, he also holds the record for the most career shutouts by a left-handed pitcher, with an impressive total of 66. During Plank's tenure with the Philadelphia Athletics, the team reached the World Series five times. However, he was unable to participate in the 1910 World Series due to an injury.
Despite his outstanding performance in World Series games, with a career earned run average (ERA) of only 1.32, Plank faced unfortunate luck and ended up with a win-loss record of 2-5 in those games. Sadly, Plank passed away in 1926 due to a stroke.
However, his remarkable contributions to the sport were recognized posthumously when he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946 by the Veterans Committee. Plank's legacy as a skilled pitcher and his accomplishments have solidified his place among the esteemed individuals honored in the Hall of Fame.
Nolan Ryan - 324 wins
Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr., born on January 31, 1947, earned the nickname "the Ryan Express" during his distinguished career as an American professional baseball pitcher and sports executive. Ryan's remarkable playing career spanned an unprecedented 27 years in Major League Baseball (MLB), during which he showcased his exceptional skills for the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers.
Following his retirement in 1993, Ryan assumed the role of chief executive officer (CEO) for the Texas Rangers and served as an executive advisor to the Houston Astros. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the sport, he was rightfully inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999, solidifying his status as one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history.
Ryan, known for his powerful right arm, consistently threw pitches that exceeded 100 miles per hour (161 km/h), maintaining remarkable velocity throughout his entire career. Additionally, he possessed a devastating 12-6 curveball, renowned for its exceptional speed as a breaking ball. Ryan's exceptional pitching prowess, combined with his longevity in the game, has solidified his legacy as one of the most formidable pitchers to have graced the MLB.
Don Sutton - 324 wins
Donald Howard Sutton, born on April 2, 1945, was a notable American professional baseball pitcher who enjoyed a lengthy career in Major League Baseball (MLB). Throughout his 23 seasons, Sutton played for multiple teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, and California Angels.
His impressive career record includes 324 victories, with notable achievements such as pitching 58 shutouts, including five one-hitters and ten two-hitters. Sutton also led the National League in walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) on four occasions. His remarkable career places him seventh on baseball's all-time strikeout list, with a total of 3,574 strikeouts.
Born in Clio, Alabama, Sutton pursued his education in Florida, attending high school and community college before embarking on his professional baseball journey. After a brief stint in the minor leagues, he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, becoming part of their starting pitching rotation alongside renowned names such as Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, and Claude Osteen.
Sutton dedicated 16 of his 23 MLB seasons to the Dodgers. While he only achieved one 20-win season, he consistently earned 10 or more wins in almost every season, excluding 1983 and 1988.
Following his retirement as a player, Sutton transitioned into a career as a television sports broadcaster, where he shared his expertise with viewers. He notably worked with several teams, most prominently the Atlanta Braves. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the sport, Sutton was honored with induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998, further solidifying his legacy as one of the esteemed individuals celebrated in the realm of baseball.
Phil Niekro - 318 wins
Philip Henry Niekro, known as "Knucksie," was an American baseball pitcher who had a remarkable 24-season career in Major League Baseball, with 20 of those seasons spent playing for the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves. Niekro's impressive total of 318 career victories stands as the highest number achieved by a knuckleballer and ranks 16th on MLB's all-time wins list.
Throughout his career, he earned five National League Gold Glove Awards, was selected to five All-Star teams, and led the league in victories twice and earned run average once. Niekro played a crucial role in the Braves winning their only two division titles prior to 1991. Recognizing his outstanding contributions to the sport, he was rightfully inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.
Notably, Niekro and his younger brother Joe collectively amassed an incredible total of 539 wins, making them the pair of brothers with the highest combined wins in baseball history. Furthermore, Niekro holds the major league record with 121 victories achieved after the age of 40.
His exceptional longevity in the game can be attributed to his mastery of the knuckleball, a challenging pitch to control but one that places less strain on the arm. Its unpredictable trajectory often bewildered opposing hitters, making Niekro a formidable opponent on the mound.
Gaylord Perry - 314 wins
Gaylord Jackson Perry, born on September 15, 1938, was a highly accomplished right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). Throughout his career from 1962 to 1983, he showcased remarkable durability and consistently achieved success on the mound.
Perry's exceptional performance earned him five All-Star selections and a notable distinction as the first pitcher to win the prestigious Cy Young Award in both the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). In 1972, Perry secured the AL Cy Young Award after leading the league with 24 wins and an impressive 1.92 earned run average (ERA) while playing for the fifth-place Cleveland Indians.
Six years later, in 1978, he claimed the NL Cy Young Award as a member of the San Diego Padres, once again leading the league with 21 wins. Notably, Perry's achievement of winning the Cy Young Award at the age of 40 made him the oldest recipient at the time, a record that remained unbroken for 26 years.
A significant milestone in Perry's career was his partnership with his older brother, Jim Perry, as Cleveland teammates in 1974-1975. Together, they became the first pair of brothers to each achieve 200 career wins in the major leagues. Additionally, they hold the exclusive distinction of being the only brothers to both win Cy Young Awards, further cementing their place in baseball history.
Tom Seaver - 311 wins
George Thomas Seaver, known by the nicknames "Tom Terrific" and "the Franchise," was an American professional baseball pitcher who made a lasting impact during his 20-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB). From 1967 to 1986, Seaver showcased his skills and talents while representing teams such as the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox.
Renowned as one of the most iconic players in Mets history, Seaver played a pivotal role in the team's triumphant victory in the 1969 World Series against the Baltimore Orioles.
Old Hoss Radbourn - 309 wins
Charles Gardner Radbourn, commonly known as "Old Hoss," was a professional baseball pitcher who had a successful 12-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB). Throughout his career, Radbourn played for various teams including Buffalo (1880), Providence (1881-1885), Boston (National League) (1886-1889), Boston (Player's League) (1890), and Cincinnati (1891).
Born in New York and raised in Illinois, Radbourn initially played semi-professional and minor league baseball before making his debut in the major leagues with Buffalo in 1880. After a brief period with the team, he joined the Providence "Grays."
Radbourn's most notable season came in 1884 when he achieved an extraordinary feat by winning 60 games, establishing an MLB single-season record that remains unbroken to this day. Additionally, he led the National League (NL) in earned run average (ERA) and strikeouts, securing the Triple Crown accolade.
Radbourn's exceptional performance played a vital role in the Grays' league championship victory in 1884. Furthermore, he played a significant role in helping the Grays secure the 1884 World Series title by pitching every inning of the three games.
Mickey Welch - 307 wins
Michael Francis Welch, commonly known as "Smiling Mickey," was a prominent Major League Baseball pitcher. Standing at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) and weighing 160 pounds (73 kg), Welch left a lasting impact on the game. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he enjoyed a 13-season career in the major leagues, spending three seasons with the Troy Trojans and 10 seasons with the New York Gothams/Giants.
Welch's success on the field can be attributed to his skillful employment of an effective curveball, a well-executed change of pace, and a unique version of the screwball. Throughout his major league career, spanning 13 seasons, Welch achieved the impressive milestone of attaining 20 or more wins nine times, with seven of those seasons occurring consecutively.
His ability to consistently secure a significant number of victories showcased his talent and contributed to his reputation as a formidable pitcher.
Tom Glavine - 305 wins
Thomas Michael Glavine, born on March 25, 1966, is a retired American professional baseball pitcher who made a notable impact during his 22-season career in Major League Baseball. Glavine played for the Atlanta Braves from 1987 to 2002 and again in 2008, as well as for the New York Mets from 2003 to 2007.
Throughout the 1990s, Glavine achieved remarkable success, accumulating 164 victories as a pitcher in the National League. This made him the second-highest winning pitcher in the league during that decade, surpassed only by his Braves teammate Greg Maddux, who recorded 176 wins.
Glavine earned the distinction of being a five-time 20-game winner and a two-time recipient of the prestigious Cy Young Award. Furthermore, he is part of an exclusive group of only 24 pitchers in MLB history, and one of just six left-handers, to achieve 300 career wins. Notably, Glavine's standout performance in the 1995 World Series led to him being named the Most Valuable Player as the Braves triumphed over the Cleveland Indians.
Recognizing his outstanding contributions to the sport, Glavine was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility on January 8, 2014. He received an impressive 91.9% of the votes cast, solidifying his place among baseball's elite.
Randy Johnson - 303 wins
Randall David Johnson, also known as "The Big Unit," is a retired American professional baseball pitcher who had a remarkable 22-season career in Major League Baseball. From 1988 to 2009, he played for six teams, with the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks being his primary teams.
Standing at an imposing height of 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 m), Johnson held the distinction of being the tallest player in MLB history when he entered the league. This physical attribute, combined with his intimidating pitching style, added to his legendary status.
Johnson's repertoire included an overpowering fastball and a devastating slider, making him a formidable force on the mound throughout his extensive career. While he faced some early struggles with control, Johnson quickly established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers of his era.
He led the league in strikeouts an impressive nine times and also topped the charts in categories such as earned run average, winning percentage, and complete games, each on four occasions. A pivotal moment in Johnson's career came in 2001 when he, alongside teammate Curt Schilling, earned the honor of being named World Series Most Valuable Player.
In that series, Johnson's exceptional performance included three victories, guiding the Arizona Diamondbacks to a historic World Series triumph over the New York Yankees in only the franchise's fourth season. Additionally, Johnson achieved the pitching Triple Crown in 2002, further solidifying his remarkable achievements on the field.
Lefty Grove - 300 wins
Robert Moses "Lefty" Grove, born on March 6, 1900, was a notable American professional baseball pitcher. After experiencing success in the minor leagues during the early 1920s, Grove ascended to stardom in Major League Baseball, playing for the Philadelphia Athletics and Boston Red Sox in the American League.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the sport, Grove showcased his exceptional skills by leading the American League in various categories. Throughout his career, Grove achieved the distinction of leading the American League in wins on four separate occasions. Additionally, he demonstrated remarkable consistency in strikeouts, topping the league's charts for seven consecutive years.
Furthermore, Grove's exceptional performance resulted in him achieving the league's lowest earned run average an impressive nine times. A true testament to his dominance, he accomplished the rare feat of winning the pitcher's Triple Crown twice in the span of three years, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and earned run average.
During this remarkable period from 1929 to 1931, Grove amassed an outstanding record of 79 wins and 15 losses, leading the Athletics to three consecutive American League championships. In total, Grove secured 300 wins over his illustrious 17-year career in Major League Baseball. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, he was rightfully elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1947, solidifying his status as one of baseball's all-time greats.
Early Winn - 300 wins
Early Wynn Jr., born on January 6, 1920, was a prominent American professional baseball right-handed pitcher. Throughout his impressive 23-year career in Major League Baseball (MLB), he played for the Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians, and Chicago White Sox. Known for his intimidating presence on the mound, Wynn combined his powerful fastball with a fierce attitude towards opposing batters.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the sport, he was rightfully inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. At the young age of 17, Wynn made the decision to sign with the Senators, foregoing the completion of his high school education in order to pursue a career in baseball.
After spending three seasons in Minor League Baseball (MiLB), he earned his first opportunity in the MLB in 1939. Two years later, Wynn returned to the big leagues and in 1942, he pitched his first full season in the MLB. The following year, he achieved great success by winning 18 games for the Senators.
However, Wynn's career was interrupted when he was drafted into the military in 1944. He missed the entire 1945 season and a portion of the 1946 season while serving in the United States Army during World War II. After his military service, Wynn resumed his baseball career and spent the entirety of the 1947 and 1948 seasons with the Senators. Following the 1948 season, he was traded to the Cleveland Indians, marking a significant chapter in his career.
How Many Pitchers Have Won 300+ Games in Mlb History:FAQs
There are 24 pitchers who have achieved the milestone of winning 300 or more games in MLB history.
The pitcher with the most wins in MLB history is Cy Young, with 511 wins.
Walter Johnson is second on the list with 417 wins.
Grover Alexander and Christy Mathewson are tied for third place with 373 wins each.
Grover Alexander and Christy Mathewson are tied for third place with 373 wins each.
Eddie Plank holds the record for the most wins among left-handed pitchers with 326 wins.