A unique record belongs to Paul Derringer, one of the aces of the pennant-winning Cincinnati Reds. In 1931, when he came up to the majors with the St. Louis Cardinals, Derringer won 18 and lost 8 to lead the league. Last year, nine years later, he won 25 and dropped only 7, once more topping all in winning percentage. Derringer reached the peak of his career with his showing last year. The "Duke," as they call Paul, had an earned-run average of 2.93, third lowest in the league, and struck out 128, while allowing only 35 bases on balls. He lost a heartbreaker to the Yankees in the World Series and his performance was called one of the most courageous pitching exhibitions in a World Series.