One of the greatest left handed pitchers in baseball history, Lefty Grove earned his 300th career victory on this day in 1941 as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Cleveland Indians 10-6.
Lefty Grove was not just one of the best left handed pitchers in baseball history, but also one of the greatest pitchers of all time. Despite not making the Majors until age 25, he immediately made his mark, leading the American League in strikeouts in his first seven seasons. He won the pitching Triple Crown during his MVP season in 1931, and although the All Star Game did not come into existance until Grove was 33 years old, he was still named to the game six times.
However, by this point in 1941, Grove was playing out the string. He no longer had that stellar fastball, and for the first time since his rookie year, had an ERA that was below league average. However, he still had his moments of glory, such as when he won his 300th career game on this day in 1941, as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Cleveland Indians 10-6.
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The performance was certainly not vintage Grove. Although he pitched a complete game, Grove allowed six runs, five earned, on 12 hits and a walk. He did strike out six batters, showing some flashes of his former greatness, but the day was carried by Ted Williams and Jim Tabor. Williams homered, while Tabor hit two long balls to give Grove that elusive 300th victory.
It would also be the last victory in Grove’s storied career. He appeared in six more games, losing both of his decisions and posting a 7.13 ERA, allowing 47 baserunners in 24 innings. His last three outings were particularly rough, as he allowed a total of eight runs on eight hits and a walk in two innings of work.
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One of two pitchers to win exactly 300 games in their career, Lefty Grove reached that milestone on this day with the Boston Red Sox.