Jack McDowell On Analytics, Sticky Stuff & Pitching With The White Sox

Why dosn’t Jack McDowell like anaytics? What was his secret to pitching deep into games? Would the 1994 White Sox have won the World Series? Mitchell Kaminski spoke with former White Sox pitcher and 1993 Cy Young Award winner Jack McDowell to find out.

McDowell shares his thoughts on how analytics are ruining baseball and why automated strike zones are bad news for hitters. He discusses what it was like going through a lockout as a player in 1994 and the White Sox chances of winning the World Series that year. He also reveals whether he used any foreign substances when he pitched, the toughest opponent he ever faced, why the White Sox didn’t resign him, his thoughts on Tony La Russa, and more! If you are a baseball fan it is a must listen.

(1:04) -McDowell’s beef with analytics and metrics

(4:48)- How was he able to throw so many complete games?

(11:35)- Wild stories about players doctoring baseballs.

(15:29)- 1994 lockout. Would the White Sox have won the World Series?

(21:44)- Why didn’t the White Sox resign him?

(23:00)-Winning the Cy Young Award & why wins mattered to him as a pitching stat

(27:18)- Who was the toughest hitter he ever faced?

You can watch the entire interview on YouTube here:

Or listen on Spotify here:

McDowell pitched for the White Sox for seven seasons spanning from 1987 to 1994. He made three consecutive All-Star appearances in 1991,1992, and 1993. He won the American League Cy Young award in 1993. McDowell won a league leading 22 games, tossed four complete-game shutouts and posted a 3.37 ERA.

Over his 12 year career he racked up 127 victories, complied 62 complete games, and struck out 1311 batters. His lifetime ERA was a solid 3.85 mark and he threw over 200 innings five times in his career.