The past season was a notable one in the major-league career of "Big Red" Ruffing, whose big league playing days go back to 1924, won 20 or more games for the fourth consecutive season; and brought his total number of victories to 214. Not too many pitchers in the history of baseball can show 200 or more victories. Last season Ruffing won 21 and lost 7 for the Yankees for the second successive year, had an earned run average of 2.94, and followed that brilliant season by pitching a four-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series. His Series' record shows 5 wins against only 1 defeat. Included in his triumphs last year were four shutouts. Ruffing came to the Yankees from the Boston Red Sox in 1930.