Denny had an excellent curve and changeup, but only an average fastball. Control was all-important for his success. He helped himself considerably with fine fielding and passable batting for a pitcher. A temperamental sort, he suffered from weak ankles throughout much of his career.
A hot and cold pitcher, he led the NL in ERA with the Cardinals in 1976 but was only 11-9 on the season. Two years later, he won 14, but when he fell off to 8 wins in 1979, St. Louis traded him to Cleveland. Late in 1982 the Indians dealt him to Philadelphia.
Denny had by far his best season in 1983 with the Phillies. His 19-6 mark gave him league highs in wins and percentage. His 2.37 ERA was his personal best. The Phillies won the pennant, and Denny received the Cy Young Award. (FJO)
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»August 28, 1981:
Cleveland's John Denny shuts out Seattle, 1–0.
»September 2, 1981: The Indians John Denny stops Oakland, 2–0, for his 2nd straight shutout.
»September 6, 1981:
John Denny beats California, 2–0. It is the Indian hurler's 3rd straight shutout.
»September 11, 1982: Nine months after re-signing him to a 3-year, $2 million contract, the Indians trade pitcher John Denny to Philadelphia for minor leaguers Jerry Reed, LeRoy Smith, and Wil Culmer.
»November 2, 1983: John Denny wins the National League Cy Young Award, collecting 20 of 24 first-place votes to defeat runner-up Mario Soto. Denny was 19-6 with a 2.37 ERA for the NL champion Phillies.
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