Fansided

30 greatest MLB players to never make the playoffs

By Joshua Sadlock

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Felix Hernandez #34 of the Seattle Mariners pitches against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at the Oakland Coliseum on September 25, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Felix Hernandez #34 of the Seattle Mariners pitches against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at the Oakland Coliseum on September 25, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
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(Original Caption) 1/25/1952-Chicago, IL: Dutch Leonard, who signed a new contract with the Chicago Cubs, is the only pitcher now active in the National League who can reach the 200-victory mark. Forty-one, and with no thoughts of retiring, Leonard Appeared in 41 games last season. He won 10 to bring his total to 187.
(Original Caption) 1/25/1952-Chicago, IL: Dutch Leonard, who signed a new contract with the Chicago Cubs, is the only pitcher now active in the National League who can reach the 200-victory mark. Forty-one, and with no thoughts of retiring, Leonard Appeared in 41 games last season. He won 10 to bring his total to 187. /

25. Dutch Leonard

Dutch Leonard was one of the best knuckleball pitchers in MLB history. The right-hander was able to ride the fluttering pitch to a 20-year career in the big leagues with four teams. He spent the bulk of his career with the Washington Senators.

It took several years in the big leagues getting pounded around for Leonard to commit fully to his knuckler. None of his catchers could handle the pitch. Leonard went 2-9 with a 3.92 ERA for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1935. He then spent most of the 1936 season in the minor leagues, pitching in relief 16 times for the MLB team. Leonard was jettisoned to the minor leagues for the entire 1937 season. It was with Atlanta’s minor-league team that Leonard finally met a catcher who encouraged him to rely heavily on his knuckleball.

Leonard resurfaced with Washington in 1938 where the Senators had a defensive whiz in Rick Ferrell behind the plate. In his first start with his new team, Leonard went 13 innings and outlasted Hall of Famer Bob Feller. Leonard cleaned up against weaker competition during World War II as he was too old to serve in the military. He went 108-91 with a 3.24 ERA during his best stretch with Washington.

Never known for his physique, Leonard became dedicated to clean living and running after being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1947. He dropped over 40 pounds, which allowed him to become the ace of the Phillies for two seasons. Leonard kept his career going as a reliever until he was 44. He retired with 191 MLB wins and four All-Star nods.

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