A submarine pitcher, Auker lost Game Seven of the 1934 World Series to Dizzy Dean after winning Game Four 10-4. In 1935 his 18-7 (.720) mark led the league in winning percentage. He pitched the first night game in St. Louis on May 24, 1940, losing to Bob Feller and Cleveland 3-2. He was a good-hitting pitcher, compiling a .308 mark in 1936. His lifetime average was a capable .187 with six homers. He developed his underhanded style of pitching because of a shoulder injury he had suffered while playing football for Kansas State University, where he starred in basketball as well as baseball.
