Lew Burdette, American baseball player and coach (b. 1926)

Selva Lewis Burdette Jr., universally known as Lew Burdette, was an iconic American right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on November 22, 1926, and passing away on February 6, 2007, Burdette carved out a distinguished career, primarily as a cornerstone of the Boston and later, the Milwaukee Braves.

Burdette's most impactful years coincided with the Milwaukee Braves' era, where he emerged as the team's undisputed top right-handed hurler. His tenure was marked by consistent performance and a remarkable ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, solidifying his reputation as a big-game pitcher for the franchise and its passionate fanbase in Milwaukee.

His legendary status was cemented during the 1957 World Series. Against the formidable New York Yankees, Burdette delivered one of the most dominant pitching performances in Fall Classic history, earning him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He pitched three complete-game victories in the seven-game series, including the crucial Game 5 shutout and the decisive Game 7 shutout, leading the Braves to their first championship in 43 years. This momentous triumph also stands as the only World Series title ever won by a Milwaukee-based MLB team, forever etching Burdette's name into the city's sports folklore.

Beyond his World Series heroics, Burdette was renowned for his extraordinary command and control on the mound. He possessed an uncanny ability to throw strikes and minimize walks, a testament to his precision pitching. His career average of just 1.84 walks allowed per nine innings pitched places him in exceptionally elite company. Among all pitchers with at least 3,000 innings pitched since 1920, only Hall of Famers Robin Roberts (1.73), Greg Maddux (1.80), Carl Hubbell (1.82), and Juan Marichal (1.82) boast a better career walk rate. This remarkable statistic underscores his efficiency and intelligence as a pitcher, as fewer walks mean fewer baserunners, less stress on the defense, and ultimately, more outs.

Burdette was also known for his deceptive pitching style, often featuring a unique delivery that kept hitters off balance. While he famously denied it, there were widespread rumors and playful hints that he occasionally employed a "wet one" or spitball, an illegal but highly effective pitch. This added to his mystique and effectiveness on the mound, making him a fascinating figure in baseball history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lew Burdette

Who was Lew Burdette?
Lew Burdette was an American right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB), best known for his impactful career with the Boston and Milwaukee Braves. He was a key figure in the Milwaukee Braves' only World Series championship.
What was Lew Burdette's greatest achievement?
His most significant achievement was leading the Milwaukee Braves to victory in the 1957 World Series against the New York Yankees, where he was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP). He pitched three complete-game wins in the series, including two shutouts.
Was Lew Burdette known for his pitching control?
Yes, Lew Burdette was celebrated for his exceptional control. His career average of 1.84 walks per nine innings pitched ranks among the lowest in MLB history for pitchers with substantial innings, placing him alongside legendary control artists like Greg Maddux and Robin Roberts.
Did Lew Burdette use a spitball?
Lew Burdette was widely rumored to have used a spitball, an illegal pitch, though he never officially admitted to it and was never caught or penalized. His deceptive delivery and ability to make the ball move in unusual ways fueled these speculations, contributing to his effectiveness and legendary status.