When the Cardinals’ pitching staff was depleted by the WWII draft in 1944, 28-year-old Ted Wilks was called up. The rookie compiled a sparkling 17-4 record for a league-leading .810 winning percentage. From 1946 to 1950, Wilks went 30-9 as the righthanded complement to southpaw Al Brazle in the St. Louis bullpen. He was undefeated in 1946-47. In 1949, his 59 appearances, 10 relief wins, and nine saves were NL highs. Splitting the 1951 season between the Cardinals and Pirates, Wilks again led the NL in games pitched (65) and saves (13). He was not overpowering, but his excellent control made him effective.
