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In Major League Baseball, the 300 win club is a term applied to the group of pitchers who have won 300 or more games in their careers. There are currently 23 pitchers to have accomplished this feat. While the "300 club" is an informal group, becoming a member holds a special significance to pitchers and the baseball community in general. It is in fact among the highest career accomplishments a starting pitcher can achieve. This is evidenced by several members retiring soon after reaching the 300 win milestone (including two who retired with exactly 300 wins). In addition to being a badge of honor for pitchers, becoming a member virtually guarantees the pitcher a spot in the Hall of Fame, especially since the club is expected to gain few, if any, members in the foreseeable future. Image File history File links Question_book-3. ... Major Leagues redirects here. ... This article is about the player in baseball. ... In Major League Baseball, a win (denoted W) is generally credited to the pitcher for the winning team who was in the game when they last took the lead. ...

History

The club's "founding member" was Pud Galvin in 1888. Six pitchers entered the club in the 19th century, with a seventh (Cy Young) joining in 1901. Early in the history of professional baseball, starting rotations of two men were commonplace, giving the best pitchers far more chances to earn wins than in today's game. Conversely, the rigor required for a two-man rotation meant that most pitching careers didn't last more than a decade or so (Cy Young being the major exception). In addition, the medical treatments then available were minimal; if a pitcher 'blew out his arm' then his career was over. Four more pitchers would join the club in the first quarter of the 20th century. Pud Galvin baseball card, 1887 James Francis Pud Galvin (December 25, 1856 – March 7, 1902), an American professional baseball pitcher, was Major League Baseballs first 300-game winner. ... See also: 1887 in sports, other events of 1888, 1889 in sports and the list of years in sports. // Boat race Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race - Cambridge Football (soccer) The Football League founded - Preston North End champions FA Cup - West Bromwich Albion beat Preston North End 2-0 April 7... Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Disney animator, see Cy Young (animator). ... Year 1901 (MCMI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday [1] of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... (19th century - 20th century - 21st century - more centuries) Decades: 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s As a means of recording the passage of time, the 20th century was that century which lasted from 1901–2000 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar (1900–1999 in the...

However, only three pitchers scored their 300th win between 1924 and 1982; for two of them (Early Wynn (1963) and Lefty Grove (1941)), it was the final win of their career and they both struggled in their last season to achieve it. Warren Spahn winning his 300th game in 1961 was the third of the three. This dearth of 300-game winners may be explained by the offensive explosion due to the abolition of the spitball in 1921, later changes in the baseball, World War II military service (in the cases of Bob Feller and Red Ruffing), and the advent of the home run as a major part of the game, thanks mainly to Babe Ruth. Once the home run became commonplace, physical and mental demands on pitchers dramatically increased, leading to the creation of the four-man starting rotation. For the rap album, see 1924 (album). ... Year 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar). ... Early Wynn Jr. ... Robert Moses Lefty Grove (March 6, 1900 - May 22, 1975) was one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history. ... Warren Edward Spahn (April 23, 1921 – November 24, 2003) was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for 21 seasons, all in the National League. ... A spitball is a baseball pitch in which the ball has been altered by the application of spit, petroleum jelly, or some other foreign substance. ... Year 1921 (MCMXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... Robert William Andrew Bob Feller (born November 3, 1918 in Van Meter, Iowa), nicknamed the Heater from Van Meter and Rapid Robert, is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher and Hall of Famer. ... Charles Herbert Red Ruffing (May 3, 1904 - February 17, 1986) was a Major League Baseball pitcher most remembered for his time with the highly successful New York Yankees teams of the 1930s and 1940s. ... Homerun redirects here. ... This article is about the baseball player. ...

Between 1982 and 1990, the 300-win club gained six more members. This may be partly explained as a consequence of the era of free agency that began in the mid-1970s. Free agency led to unheard-of player salaries, which encouraged many older pitchers to stay in the game longer than they might have in the past. Another part of the explanation is increasing sophistication of training methods and sports medicine, which allowed players to maintain a high competitive level for a longer time. A very good example of this is Phil Niekro, who was still under 200 wins at his 40th birthday, yet finished his career in his late 40s with 318 wins. Many of the pitchers who joined in this era, such as Nolan Ryan, Don Sutton, and the aforementioned Niekro, only had a couple of 20+ win seasons and mainly achieved the feat by pitching well into their 40s (however, all 3 pitchers are in the Baseball Hall of Fame). The following are the baseball events of the year 1982 throughout the world. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 1990 throughout the world. ... Free agency can be: In Latter-day Saint theology, free agency is the name of the human capacity to make choices for themselves and to choose between right and wrong. ... The 1970s decade refers to the years from 1970 to 1979, also called The Seventies. ... 1970 Topps super card #15 Philip Henry Niekro (born April 1, 1939 in Blaine, Ohio) is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. ... Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. ... Donald Howard Sutton (born April 2, 1945 in Clio, Alabama) is a former Major League Baseball player and current television sportscaster. ... The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, located at 62 Main Street in Cooperstown, New York, is a semi-official museum operated by private interests serving as the central point for the study of the history of baseball in the United States and beyond, the display of baseball-related...

Recent Decline in New Membership

However, other changes in the game in the last part of the 20th century have made the 300-game winner an endangered species again, perhaps more so than it was during the mid-20th century. The four-man starting rotation has given way to a five-man rotation, which gives starting pitchers still fewer chances to pick up wins. The physical and mental demands on starting pitchers have also increased yet again, thanks to the explosion in offense that has taken place since the 1990s. As a result, managers are much quicker to put in relief pitchers than in the past, even when the starting pitcher is winning the game, increasing the likelihood that a pitcher loses a chance at a win in ways that are beyond his control. To put it in perspective, the 2006 season was the first time in a non-strike-shortened season that neither league had a 20-game winner [1]. For the band, see 1990s (band). ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2006 throughout the world. ...

Members

Pitcher	Wins	Date of 300th	Teams
Cy Young	511	July 3, 1901	Cle (NL), Bos (AL), StL (NL), Bos (NL), Cle (AL), Bos (NL)
Walter Johnson	417	May 14, 1920	Was (AL)
Grover Cleveland Alexander	373	September 20, 1924	Phi (NL), Chi (NL), StL (NL)
Christy Mathewson	373	June 28, 1912	NY Giants (NL), Cin
Warren Spahn	363	August 11, 1961	Bos/Mil, NY (NL), SF
Pud Galvin	361	June 4, 1888	Buf, Pit (Amer. Assoc.), Pit (NL), Pit (Players League), StL (NL)
Kid Nichols	361	September 7, 1900	Bos, StL, Phi (NL)
Roger Clemens	354	June 13, 2003	Bos, Tor, NY (AL), Hou (NL), NY (AL)
Greg Maddux	348	August 7, 2004	Chi (NL), Atl, Chi (NL), LA (NL), SD
Tim Keefe	342	June 4, 1890	Troy, NY (Amer. Assoc.), NY Giants (NL), Phi
Steve Carlton	329	September 23, 1983	StL (NL), Phi, SF, Chi (AL), Cle, Min
John Clarkson	328	September 21, 1892	Worc, Chi (NL), Bos (NL), Cle (NL)
Eddie Plank	326	September 11, 1915	Phi (AL), StL (Fed. League), StL (AL)
Nolan Ryan	324	July 31, 1990	NY Mets (NL), Cal (AL), Hou (NL), Tex (AL)
Don Sutton	324	June 18, 1986	LA (NL), Hou, Mil, Oak, Cal
Phil Niekro	318	October 6, 1985	Mil/Atl (NL), NY (AL), Cle, Tor
Gaylord Perry	314	May 6, 1982	SF, Cle, Tex, SD, NY (AL), Atl, Sea, KC
Tom Seaver	311	August 4, 1985	NY Mets (NL), Cin, Chi (AL), Bos
Charles Radbourn	310	May 14, 1891	Prov, Bos (NL), Bos (Players League), Cin
Mickey Welch	307	August 11, 1890	Troy, NY Giants (NL)
Tom Glavine	303	August 5, 2007	Atl, NY Mets (NL), Atl
Lefty Grove	300	July 25, 1941	Phi (AL), Bos (AL)
Early Wynn	300	July 13, 1963	Was, Cle, Chi (AL)

Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... For the Disney animator, see Cy Young (animator). ... is the 184th day of the year (185th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1901 (MCMI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday [1] of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Walter Perry Johnson (November 6, 1887-December 10, 1946), American professional baseball pitcher. ... May 14 is the 134th day of the year (135th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1920 (MCMXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display 1920) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Grover Cleveland Alexander of the Philadelphia Phillies in 1915. ... is the 263rd day of the year (264th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the rap album, see 1924 (album). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Christopher Christy Mathewson (August 12, 1880 - October 7, 1925), nicknamed Big Six, The Christian Gentleman, or Matty, was a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. ... is the 179th day of the year (180th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1912 (MCMXII) was a leap year starting on Monday in the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Tuesday in the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Warren Edward Spahn (April 23, 1921 – November 24, 2003) was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for 21 seasons, all in the National League. ... is the 223rd day of the year (224th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1961 (MCMLXI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Pud Galvin baseball card, 1887 James Francis Pud Galvin (December 25, 1856 – March 7, 1902), an American professional baseball pitcher, was Major League Baseballs first 300-game winner. ... is the 155th day of the year (156th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1888 (MDCCCLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Sunday (click on link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Friday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Kid Nichols of the Philadelphia Phillies at the West Side Grounds in 1905. ... is the 250th day of the year (251st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Äž: For the film, see: 1900 (film). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... William Roger Clemens (born August 4, 1962, in Dayton, Ohio), is a starting pitcher for the New York Yankees, and is one of the preeminent pitchers in Major League history. ... is the 164th day of the year (165th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Gregory Alan Maddux (born April 14, 1966) is a pitcher for the San Diego Padres. ... is the 219th day of the year (220th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Tim Keefe on an 1888 Goodwin & Company baseball card (Goodwin Champions (N162)). Timothy John Tim Keefe (b. ... is the 155th day of the year (156th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1890 (MDCCCXC) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Steven Norman Carlton (born December 22, 1944 in Miami, Florida) is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball, from 1965 to 1988, who retired as one of the most successful pitchers to ever play the game. ... is the 266th day of the year (267th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... 1905 photograph of baseball player John Clarkson. ... is the 264th day of the year (265th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1892 (MDCCCXCII) was a leap year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a leap year starting on Wednesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Eddie Plank of the Philadelphia Athletics at South Side Park in 1905. ... is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1915 (MCMXV) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday[1] of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. ... is the 212th day of the year (213th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Donald Howard Sutton (born April 2, 1945 in Clio, Alabama) is a former Major League Baseball player and current television sportscaster. ... is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... 1970 Topps super card #15 Philip Henry Niekro (born April 1, 1939 in Blaine, Ohio) is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. ... is the 279th day of the year (280th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Gaylord Jackson Perry (born September 15, 1938 in Williamston, North Carolina) is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball and a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. ... is the 126th day of the year (127th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... For other persons named Thomas Seaver, see Thomas Seaver (disambiguation). ... is the 216th day of the year (217th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Charles Radbourn on a 1887-1890 Goodwin & Company baseball card (Old Judge (N172)). Charles Gardner Radbourn (December 11, 1854 - February 5, 1897), nicknamed Old Hoss, was a pitcher in Major League Baseball prior to the turn of the 20th century. ... May 14 is the 134th day of the year (135th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1891 (MDCCCXCI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Michael Francis Welch (July 4, 1859 - July 30, 1941), also known as Mickey Welch, was a 19th century Major League Baseball starting pitcher. ... is the 223rd day of the year (224th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1890 (MDCCCXC) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Thomas Michael Glavine (born March 25, 1966 in Concord, Massachusetts) is an American left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Atlanta Braves. ... is the 217th day of the year (218th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Robert Moses Lefty Grove (March 6, 1900 - May 22, 1975) was one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history. ... is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see 1941 (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Early Wynn Jr. ... is the 194th day of the year (195th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see 1963 (disambiguation). ...

Closest Active Players

Pitcher	Wins	Teams	Date of Birth
Randy Johnson	284	Mtl, Sea, Hou, Ari, NY (AL), Ari	09/10/1963
Mike Mussina	250	Bal, NY (AL)	12/08/1968
David Wells	239	Tor, Det, Cin, Bal, NY (AL), Tor, Chi (AL), SD, Bos, SD, LA (NL)	05/20/1963
Jamie Moyer	230	Chi (NL), Tex, StL, Bal, Bos, Sea, Phi	11/18/1962
Curt Schilling	216	Bal, Hou, Phi, Ari, Bos	11/14/1966

Stats as of September 30, 2007. Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... For other people named Randy Johnson, see Randy Johnson (disambiguation) Randall David Johnson (born September 10, 1963), nicknamed the Big Unit, is a southpaw American starting pitcher who currently plays for Major League Baseballs Arizona Diamondbacks. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Michael Cole (Mike) Mussina (born December 8, 1968 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania), nicknamed Moose, is a Major League starting pitcher, currently with the New York Yankees. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... This article is about David Wells, American baseball player. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Jamie Moyer (born November 18, 1962 in Sellersville, Pennsylvania) is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball, playing for the Philadelphia Phillies of the National League. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Curtis Montague (Curt) Schilling (born November 14, 1966 in Anchorage, Alaska) is an American Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. ... is the 273rd day of the year (274th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ...

See also

List of Major League Baseball leaders in games started In baseball statistics, a pitcher is credited with a game started (denoted by GS) if he is the first pitcher to pitch for his team in a game. ...