Sherdel, a happy craftsman who often whistled or sang on the mound, couldn’t overpower batters but relied on guile. His quick pitch of Babe Ruth in the 1928 WS caused an uproar, somewhat tempered when Ruth homered a few moments later. Wee Willie (actually 5’10” and 160-lb) was a key Cardinals pitcher for over a dozen seasons, working as both a starter and reliever. He won 21 for the 1928 pennant winners, twice won 17, and led the NL in winning percentage (.714) in 1925 with a 15-6 mark. As a reliever, he led the NL in saves three times. He once entered a game with the bases loaded and no outs. His first pitch was turned into a triple play.
