Here is another example of when the saves leader, Al Worthington with 18, was not awarded The Sporting News Fireman of the Year. The winner was Wilbur Wood with 16 saves.
Worthington was 4-5, all in relief with an ERA of 2.71. Wood led the league with 88 overall games and led in games finished with 46. He was 1-1 in his 2 starts and 12-11 in relief giving him an overall record of 13-12 and an ERA of 1.87. I think it was the fact that he was such a workhorse for the White Sox that gave him the edge. This despite having fewer saves and 5 blown saves compared to 4 by Worthington. Dennis Higgins was 3rd in the A.L. in saves with 13. He had a 4-4 record for the Senators, all in relief.
It's my understanding that the FOY wasn't ever about who was the best. They just took wins + saves and called it a day.
ReplyDeleteNot necessarily, in 1963 the AL FOY was Stu Miller with 27 saves & 5 wins. Yet Dick Radatz had 25 saves, 15 wins. I believe it may have evolved into a straight point system but earlier selections point to a bit of subjectivity.
ReplyDeletehttp://cardsthatneverwere.blogspot.com/2013/12/1964-topps-al-leading-firemen-miller_6.html
This card would have been amazing. I love collecting autographs through the mail and each of these men are still alive and great signers. It would have looked great to have this signed by all three!
ReplyDelete