November 24, 2003
WARREN SPAHN, REST IN PEACE
I'll make light of a lot of things, including myself, but I won't make light of Warren Spahn, by God. One of the great pitchers of a generation that lost their prime years to WWII, Warren died today. Won a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, Warren did. A beautiful lefty, if you consider baseball pitching beautiful. I do.
363 wins. Boston and Milwaukee Braves pitcher Warren won 20 games 13 times, a hoss of an accomplishment by any standard.
I've always felt Spahn was the reach, the talisman, Greg Maddux strived for. I've also always felt Maddux wanted to fill those shoes. Maddux is closing in on 300 wins. He'll reach it next year.
Greg will make Cooperstown on Ballot One, with 310 to 330.
That record alone says a lot about Warren. Sleep tight, partner.
Spahn was a tough S.O.B. Exactly the kind of guy you want beside you in the dugout, or in a foxhole.
Posted by: Jack Straw at November 25, 2003 7:18 AMHe threw a great spitball.
Posted by: Acidman at November 25, 2003 8:29 AM