Howie Pollet – Polished Lefty

 

Pollet made his debut on August 20,1941 as a 20-yr old lefthanded pitcher with a complete game 4-hitter.  BOXSCORE

good rookie season numbers

In his rookie season he won 5 and lost 2, with an ERA of 1.93. He missed the 1944–45 seasons while serving in the United States Army Air Forces in thePacific Theater of Operations during World War II.

returns from war ready to play

Pollet returned to baseball in 1946, and promptly played a major role in the Redbirds’ National League pennant and world title. In addition to topping the NL in earned-run average, he led the league in wins (21) (losing ten) and innings pitched (266).

chosen to start tie-breaker game

When the Cardinals finished in a tie for the pennant with the Brooklyn Dodgers at the close of the regular season, he was chosen by manager Eddie Dyer to start Game 1 of the best-of-three National League playoff on October 1. Pollet hurled a complete game, 4–2 victory in the opener, and the Cardinals wrapped up the league title by easily winning Game 2 behind Murry Dickson. Pollet started two games of the 1946 World Series against the Boston Red Sox, and lost his only decision, posting an ERA of 3.48 in 12⅓ innings pitched.

shutout leader

Pollet’s other outstanding season came in 1949, when he posted a 20–9 mark and led the NL in shutouts with five.