Scouted by Branch Rickey and George Sisler, Wickersham was signed by the Pirates
in 1955 but was acquired by Kansas City in the 1959 minor league draft. Slowed by
a back injury in 1961, he went 11-4 in 1962 and 12-15 in 1963 and was a major figure
in the deal that brought Rocky Colavito to the A's. He responded with his best season
for Detroit in 1964, going 19-12 and missing a 20-win season only because of his
first ejection from a ballgame; he tied for third in the AL in wins and had a 3.44
ERA.
(SH)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»August 20, 1963:
For the second time in two weeks, Don Blasingame is the only thing between the Senators and a no-hitter. Blasingame's single off the A's Moe Drabowsky is the only hit for the Nats in a 9–0 Game One loss. The A's complete the sweep with a 7–5 victory in game 2. Dave Wickersham is the winner.
»October 1, 1964: Detroit's Dave Wickersham, in a bid for his 20th win, is ejected by umpire Bill Valentine in the 7th inning of his final start. Wickersham gets the heave-ho for trying to get Valentine's attention by grabbing his shoulder during an argument with Norm Cash. Mickey Lolich enters the 1–1 tie and earns a 4–2 win.