Detroit Tigers: Top 10 Strikeout Kings

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DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 18: A detail of a Detroit Tigers hat with an official postseason logo is seen on the bat rack in the udgout againstthe New York Yankees during game four of the American League Championship Series at Comerica Park on October 18, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Hooks Dauss spent his entire fifteen-year career with the Detroit Tigers, racking up 1201 strikeouts along the way.

Born George August Dauss, he earned the nickname Hooks because his curveball was hard to hit. In 1912 Tigers President Frank Navin purchased Daus from the Class-A American Association St. Paul Saints. In his MLB debut, he pitched a four-hit complete game victory over the Cleveland Naps.

In 1913 he became a regular in the Tigers rotation, as he started 29 games that season. He compiled a 13-12 record with a 2.48 ERA. In 1914 Dauss logged 302 innings of work over 45 games as he compiled a 19-15 record. 1915 saw Dauss continue to be a workhorse for the Tigers as he pitched in 46 games compiling a 24-13 record.

Dauss had winning records until 1918. He had shown signs of decline the year before in spring training as the Detroit Free Press notes:

“There is no use trying to dodge the somber truth, Dauss does not look good. Now and then he has shown his famous curve with as quick a break as it ever had, but he hasn’t had a fastball that would dent a felt hat.”

As well He continued to hit more batters than anyone else in baseball. Still, he proved to be a workhorse as he continued to pitch over 200 innings each season.

Dauss holds the Tigers franchise records for wins (223), when he got the record he surpassed the next person on our list.

Coming in at number seven is pitcher George Mullin.

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