Page "Denny McLain" Paragraph 8

When the Tigers began the 1968 season in first place, winning nine consecutive games after losing the season opening game, McLain made controversial statements in early May by criticizing Detroit fans for being, " the biggest front-running fans in the world.

" He continued to win games at a remarkable pace, winning his 29th game on September 10.

On September 13, he appeared on the cover of Time magazine.

On September 14, 1968, at Tiger Stadium in front of a nationally televised audience, McLain pitched the Tigers to a 5-4 victory over the Oakland Athletics to become Major League Baseball ’ s first 30-game winner since.

Dizzy Dean, the last man to have won 30 games, was on hand to congratulate him.