Beyond the Glory: https://youtu.be/hQ1RFzwdBTM
Dennis Dale “Denny” McLain (Born in Markham, IL on March 29, 1944-) had one of the most brilliant rises to stardom and had the potential to go down in history as one of the great pitchers of all-time, but his flamboyant and reckless lifestyle caused the big right-hander to fall from grace just as quickly as he rose. McLain’s flashes of brilliance included tossing a no-hitter in his professional debut with the Harlan Smokies of the Appalachian League, and his Major League debut when he held the White Sox to one earned run on seven hits, picked off two base runners and hit a home run (the only home run of his career). As he moved quickly through the Detroit Tigers organization, he peaked during the 1968 season as he led the American League in wins posting a record of 31-6, winning percentage (.838), starts (41), complete games (28) innings pitched (336.0) and batters faced (1,288). He was masterful that season as he added a 1.96 earned run average, had six shutouts and collected 280 strikeouts to win the American League’s Most Valuable Player award and Cy Young Award, the latter of which by unanimous decision. He led the Tigers to the 1968 American League pennant and helped them win the World Series over fireballer Bob Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals. Denny again led the AL in wins (24), starts (41), shutouts (9), innings pitched (325.0) and batter faced (1,304) the next season, while completing 23 games and posting a 2.80 ERA en route to his second consecutive Cy Young Award. As the best pitcher in baseball for two years running, McLain was living the high life off the field, a lifestyle that would quickly lead to his demise. The three-time All-Star got involved in organized crime, bookmaking, drugs and behavior that led to numerous reprimands and suspensions from his team, the authorities and Major League Baseball. He even spent over two years in prison. Denny pitched ten seasons in the Majors for the Tigers (1963-1970), the Washington Senators (1971), the Oakland Athletics (1972) and the Atlanta Braves (1972). Over his roller-coaster ten-year career, Denny McLain compiled a 131-91 record with 105 complete games, 1,282 strikeouts and a 3.39 earned run average.
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