Warren Spahn: most dominant LHP of all time

    On this date in 2003, Hall of Fame LHP Warren Spahn passed away at age 82. His 363 wins ranks 6th all time in baseball history and trail only Christy Mathewson among left handed pitchers. While it is hard to knock what Mathewson accomplished, he did it in the complete dead ball era, netting most of his wins from 1901-1914. Spahn set a standard that has been hard to duplicate, winning 20 or more games 13 times (same as Mathewson). It is fair to say Spahn had tougher competition.  

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    Deservedly so, Bob Feller and Ted Williams are applauded for risking their lives and playing careers to serve their country. Spahn gave up three seasons (1943-1945) to serve this country in World War II. It is safe to say, he could have become just the third pitcher to win 400 games for his career had he pitched those three seasons in the big leagues. 
    Spahn led the NL in wins 8 times, ERA 3 times, complete games  9 times, shutouts 4 times, innings pitched 4 times, strikeouts 4 times and WHIP 4 times. He did this, for the most part, pitching on bad Boston and Milwaukee Braves teams (for the exception of the 1948, 1957 and 1958 teams that won a World Series and 2 NL Pennants). 
    I always make the joke of Spahn being one of the ten Hall of Fame players to wear a Mets uniform. Of course, when he joined the Mets, his career was finished. He was traded to the San Francisco Giants where he enjoyed a little bit more success before retiring after the 1965 season.