Caldwell leaped from Class A to the Padres in 1971, his first pro year. Swapped to
the Giants for Willie McCovey and Bernie Williams, he blossomed with a 14-5 mark
in 1974. He then underwent elbow surgery and had trouble regaining his form. The
property of the Cardinals and Reds in 1977, he finally landed in Milwaukee. In 1978
he was AL Comeback Player of the Year, going 22-9 (2.36) with a league-high 23 complete
games and shutting out the World Champion Yankees three times. In 1979 his .727 winning
percentage (16-6) was the AL best; his eight consecutive victories set a Brewers
record. After helping Milwaukee to the 1982 pennant with a 17-13 mark, he was pounded
by the Angels in his LCS start, but shut out the Cardinals in the World Series opener
and also won Game Five.
Caldwell used a three-quarters delivery, but threw sidearm
to some lefties. His sinker was most effective, though he was accused of throwing
a spitter. By 1984 his arm wore out, and he lost his fastball. Iron Mike retired
as the Brewers' leader in complete games.
(MC)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»October 25, 1973: The Cubs trade 6-time 20-game winner Ferguson Jenkins to the Rangers for 3B Bill Madlock and utility man Vic Harris. Fergie has led the Cubs in wins in each of the past seven seasons, the only pitcher ever to do so and then be traded. Meanwhile, the Giants trade 3-time home run champion Willie McCovey, a Giant since 1959, together with a minor leaguer, to the Padres for P Mike Caldwell.
»June 15, 1977:
The Reds keep trading today, sending P Gary Nolan to the Angels for INF Craig Henderson. Cincy also swaps P Rawly Eastwick to the Cardinals for P Doug Capilla. Then, a fine trade for the Brewers, Milwaukee snag P Mike Caldwell from the Reds for P Dick O'Keeffe and infielder Garry Pyka. Caldwell has had trouble regaining his form following arm surgery, but in 1978 he will be the American League's comeback player of the year. In a final deal, the Reds acquire infielder Rick Auerbach from the Texas Rangers.
»July 7, 1978: The Brewers Mike Caldwell beats the Yankees Ron Guidry 6–0. For Guidry (13-1), it is his first loss of the season. Caldwell shut out the Yankees nine days earlier, and will shut them out again on September 19th.
»April 5, 1979: At Yankee Stadium, 52,719 see Milwaukee jump on Ron Guidry for four runs in the 6th inning and beat New York 5–1. It's the most runs the Cy Young winner has allowed since 1977. The Yanks get singles from their first three hitters, but manage to score just one run in the first off Mike Caldwell.
»July 26, 1980: Orioles' ace Steve Stone tops Mike Caldwell and the Brewers, 4–1, for his 14th straight win.
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