September 8, 1939: Rapid Robert Becomes The Youngest 20 Game Winner

     On September 8, 1939, at the age of 20 years, 10 months, and 5 days old, Cleveland Indians legend Bob Feller became the youngest pitcher in the history of Major League Baseball to win 20 games. The youngster entered the record books in front of a crowd of just 598 people in St. Louis, as he led the way to a 12-1 victory by allowing just five hits, while his teammates pounded out 13 hits, and made the victory an easy one. Feller finished that season with a 24-9 record, and would reach the 20 win mark a total of six times in his career.

There is a very good possibility the 266 game winner would have won 300 games in his career had it not been for him losing three years due to his service to his country in World War II. Truly a legend of his time, Feller was inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1962. His record for being the youngest 20 game winner stood until Doc Gooden notched his 20th as a member of the Mets in 1985. Gooden was 20 years, 9 months, and 9 days old when he eclipsed the mark that had been set by the man they called "Rapid Robert" 75 years ago today.

Check out the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS193309081.shtml