Spud Chandler, MVP in ‘43, Dies

Spurgeon (Spud) Chandler, the American League’s Most Valuable Player in 1943 when he pitched the New York Yankees to a World Series title, has died at age 83.

The cause of his death Tuesday was not disclosed. Funeral arrangements were incomplete.

Chandler, whose career record was 109-43, was 20-4 in 1943 with a 1.64 earned run average, the best ever posted by a Yankee right-hander, and won two Series games as the Yankees defeated the St. Louis Cardinals.

He captured the fifth and deciding World Series game in 1943 with a 2-0 shutout. It was Chandler’s second Series victory.

Chandler was a member of the American League All-Star team in 1942, 1943, 1946 and 1947. His record was 20-8 in 1946. He spent 10 seasons with the Yankees.

Chandler pitched for seven pennant-winners and six World Series champions.