Don Sutton entered professional baseball in 1964, signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent.
His rookie season saw him fanning 209 batters, a figure that made him the first National League newcomer to top the 200‑strikeout mark since 1911.
The 3,000-Strikeout Milestone
On June 24, 1983, while pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers, Sutton recorded his 3,000th strikeout against the Cleveland Indians, becoming the eighth major‑league pitcher to reach that plateau.
Over a 23‑year career he amassed 3,574 strikeouts, earned four All‑Star selections and captured the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, underscoring his combination of control and durability.
After later stints with the California Angels, he concluded his playing days, leaving a legacy that continues to shape how pitchers approach the craft.