A lanky, raw-boned right-hander, Paul Derringer won 18 games in his rookie season for the Cardinals. In a rare case of poor judgement, Branch Rickey included him in a deal that brought Leo Durocher to the St. Louis two years later. Derringer went on to become a four-time 20-game winner for Cincinnati, and he logged 194 victories after leaving St. Louis. A good athlete, Derringer had been an outfielder in high school before he offered to replace a struggling teammate on the mound. When he responded by striking out the first eight batters he faced, he was converted to a pitcher. He retired as the second-winningest pitcher in Cincinnati Reds' history.
Teams Paul Derringer Played For
St. Louis Cardinals (1931-1933) Cincinnati Reds (1933-1942) Chicago Cubs (1943-1945)
Best Season: 1939 Derringer won 25 games and posted a 2.93 ERA as the Reds won their first pennant in 20 years. He completed 28 of his 35 starts, and hurled five shutouts.
Factoids On May 24, 1935, Paul Derringer defeated the Phillies, 2-1 at Crosley Field in Cincinnati, in major league baseball's first night game.
On May 20, 1944, both Paul Derringer of the Cubs, and Mel Harder of the Indians won the 201st victories of their careers.
In 1933, Paul Derringer led the National league with 27 losses. Over the next seven season, Derringer reverse his fortune: ranking among the top three in wins five times.
Description Derringer used a high leg kick and delivered the ball in a direct over-the-top manner.
Born Samuel Paul Derringer was born on October 17, 1906, in Springfield, KY.
