MLB
OTD 1923: Walter Johnson Was 1st to 3,000 Strikeouts
July 22, 1923: Washington Senators legend Walter Johnson became the first pitcher to record over 3,000 strikeouts in MLB history
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The Washington Senators’ pitcher Walter Johnson was contemporary to many of the game’s greats including Lefty Grove, Babe Ruth, and the tail end of Cy Young. Despite the lofty competition, Johnson’s skill made him a legend in his own right, and on this day in history, he became the first member of the exclusive 3,000 Strikeout Club that is now a signature staple in the legacy of high-quality pitchers across generations.
July 22, 1923: Washington Senators SP Walter Johnson became the very 1st pitcher to reach 3,000 career Ks in MLB history pic.twitter.com/FJ5EYJav9v
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 22, 2021
WALTER JOHNSON WAS THE 1ST PITCHER TO RECORD 3,000 CAREER STRIKEOUTS
In his 17th MLB season, Washington’s Walter Johnson fanned five Cleveland batters to officially break the unprecedented 3,000 strikeout milestone. He dominated all nine innings, limiting the Indians to just seven hits and one earned run. Johnson may not have an annual award named after him, but the Hall of Famer is right behind first-place Cy Young on the all-time wins list with 417 and is right in front of Greg Maddux for eighth on the all-time strikeouts list with 3,509.
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