McClain In Rockford 7/17/12
By: Scott Leber
Updated: July 17, 2012
Loves Park, Illinois-Denny McClain is known for many good things and some not so good things. But what he'll always be remembered for the most is the fact that he won 31 games pitching for the Detroit Tigers in 1968.
He's the last Major Leaguer to reach the 30 win mark. Tuesday evening he was at the RiverHawks game. He threw out the ceremonial first pitch. He also signed autographs and he sold copies of his two books. His latest one is titled 31-6. That was his record in 1968.
"The bottom line is I played with a good club," said McClain to WTVO. "We played very well. We had something to prove after 1967 with the riots (in Detroit). It was a great time to be a Tiger. A great time to be in that city."
When asked by WTVO if he thought any pitcher would ever approach the 30 win mark again in our lifetime McClain was skeptical.
"Not unless they pitch every fourth day. It's impossible to get enough starts. There's just no way."
McClain was born in Markham, Illinois south of Chicago. He attended Mt. Carmel High School. He now lives in Detroit.
He's the last Major Leaguer to reach the 30 win mark. Tuesday evening he was at the RiverHawks game. He threw out the ceremonial first pitch. He also signed autographs and he sold copies of his two books. His latest one is titled 31-6. That was his record in 1968.
"The bottom line is I played with a good club," said McClain to WTVO. "We played very well. We had something to prove after 1967 with the riots (in Detroit). It was a great time to be a Tiger. A great time to be in that city."
When asked by WTVO if he thought any pitcher would ever approach the 30 win mark again in our lifetime McClain was skeptical.
"Not unless they pitch every fourth day. It's impossible to get enough starts. There's just no way."
McClain was born in Markham, Illinois south of Chicago. He attended Mt. Carmel High School. He now lives in Detroit.
