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Boston Red Sox 20 game losers

By Rick McNair

Jul 27, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park during the fifth inning of the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park during the fifth inning of the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 27, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park during the fifth inning of the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park during the fifth inning of the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Two no-hitters and Slim

Three Red Sox pitchers tossed no-hitters in their Boston career and also had a season along the way of lossing 20 games in a season. One became the only 20 game loser for a Red Sox team that had a winning record – introducing Bill Dinneen.

The 1902 Red Sox (Americans) won 77 games (77-60) and “Big Bill” won 21 of them and also lost 21 of them. A rare dual 20-20. The previous season Dinneen also pitched for Boston only it was the National League Beaneaters and he managed to go 15-18.

In 1903 and 1904 Dinneen had two more 20+ win seasons and went 3-1 in the 1903 World Series. Dinneen twice led the American League in saves with a microscopic two and four saves back when the bullpen was an afterthought.

Dinneen pitched his no-hitter in 1905, but his baseball history goes well beyond pitching. In 1909 Dinneen retired and in 17 days became an umpire for the American League a position he held until 1937. Dinneen also worked home plate in the first All-Star game and worked several World Series.

Slim Harriss twice led the American League in losses – once with the A’s with 20 and in 1927 with Boston getting 21 losses for a team that won only 51 games. Harriss stood 6’6” tall and weighed a listed 180 pounds so the nickname is understandable.

Harriss will forever be connected to the next player on this list – Howard Ehmke. Ehmke’s no-hitter was preserved by Harriss and his base running faux pas. Harriss belted a wall ball double, but forgot to touch first base and was ruled out and Ehmke’s 1923 no-hitter went into the books.

Ehmke was a 20 game winner for the Red Sox in 1923, but also lost 17 games. Ehmke also had won and lost 17 the previous season with the Tigers and was warming up for his 20 loss run by leading the American League in losses in 1924 with 17. The following season Howard got to 20 for the only time in his career, but fell short of leading the league in losses.

Next: Red Sox: Porcello's 20th win rekindles memories

Ehmke finished off his major league career with a 166-166 record and a World Series win with the great Athletics team of 1929.

Sources: Baseball-Reference

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