Wynn, Early (1920-1999), became one of the few pitchers in major league history to win 300 games in a career. Wynn was an intimidating pitcher and a fierce competitor, known for throwing at batters to keep them from being too aggressive.
Wynn was born in Hartford, Alabama, on Jan. 6, 1920. He signed a contract with the Washington Senators of the American League in 1939 and became a full-time major league pitcher in 1941. Wynn pitched for the Senators through the 1948 season, compiling an undistinguished record of 72 wins and 87 losses. He turned into one of the league’s best pitchers after being traded to the Cleveland Indians (now called the Cleveland Guardians). He pitched for the Indians from 1949 through 1957, helping the team win the pennant in 1954. In 1950, Wynn had the lowest earned run average in the American League (3.20). He led the league in wins in 1954 with 23, and in strikeouts in 1957 with 184.
Wynn was traded to the Chicago White Sox after the 1957 season. In 1958, he again led the league in strikeouts with 179. He helped the White Sox win the pennant in 1959. That year, he led the league with 22 victories and won the Cy Young Award. He was released by the White Sox after the 1962 season. He rejoined Cleveland in 1963, winning his 300th game before retiring at the end of that season. Wynn was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. He died on April 4, 1999.
