In 1928, Wyatt joined the Evansville Hubs in the Three-I League. After nearly two full seasons with Evansville, including a stretch in 1929 where he won sixteen straight games,[1] he was acquired by the major league Detroit Tigers late in the 1929 season. He made four starts that September and October, going 0–1 with a 6.75 ERA.
In 1930, Wyatt appeared in 21 games, including seven starts, posting a record of 4–5 with a 3.57 ERA. He spent most of 1931 in the minor leagues, leading the Texas League with a 1.53 earned run average.
In 1932, Wyatt managed his first full season, appearing in 43 games, including 22 starts, with a 9–13 record and a 5.03 ERA. In 1933, he was traded in midseason to the White Sox, where he was used mostly in relief for the next several seasons. After spending most of 1936 back in the minor leagues, he was acquired by the Indians in the Rule 5 draft. He pitched in 29 games in 1937, then was back in the minor leagues in 1938. In the midst of an MVP season in the American Association,[1] during which he won 23 games for the Milwaukee Brewers, he was purchased by the Brooklyn Dodgers.
National League
After going 8–3 in 16 games in 1939, Wyatt went 15–14 in 1940, leading the Dodger staff in innings and strikeouts. His best year was 1941, when he was 22–10 with a league-leading 7 shutouts. He was the winning pitcher in the only Dodgers victory against the New York Yankees in the 1941 World Series. He also pitched well in 1942, winning 19 games and leading the Dodgers in wins again. During his most productive period, 1940–43, Wyatt went 70–36 and led the league in shutouts twice.
In addition to being one of the best pitchers in the league, he also gained notoriety for head-hunting. When a beanball war broke out between frontrunners Brooklyn and St. Louis in 1941, Wyatt was at the forefront. Manager Leo Durocher would leave money on top of his locker after he hit batters.[2]Joe DiMaggio only faced Wyatt in one World Series yet called him "the meanest guy [he] ever saw."[1]
Overview
In a 16-season career, Wyatt posted a 106–95 record with 872 strikeouts and a 3.79 ERA in 1761 innings pitched, including 17 shutouts and 97 complete games. He was an above-average hitter for a pitcher; he batted .219 (133-607) with 7 home runs and 69 RBI.
