Former National League strikeout leader Jose DeLeon dead at 63

Jose DeLeon, who spent 13 seasons in the major leagues as a pitcher and led the National League with 201 strikeouts in 1989, died Sunday at 63 after a battle with cancer.

He made his debut with the Pirates in 1983 and finished seventh in the NL Rookie of the Year voting, going 7-3 in 15 starts with three complete games.

But two years later, DeLeon led the league in losses, finishing 2-19 before being traded to the White Sox for Bobby Bonilla during the 1986 season.

That season, he outpitched Red Sox ace Roger Clemens in a 1-0 win at Fenway Park in a game nationally televised as part of ABC’s “Monday Night Baseball.”

He was traded to the Cardinals before the 1988 season, and went 13-10.

DeLeon had his career year in 1989, going 16-12 with a 3.05 ERA in 36 starts, with five complete games.

His 201 strikeouts led the NL, edging out Dodgers right-hander Tim Belcher, who finished with 200.

DeLeon was also only the second Cardinals pitcher to strike out 200 batters in consecutive seasons.

But DeLeon would lead the league in losses again in 1990, going 7-19.

He struggled with effectiveness and was also a tough-luck pitcher many times, including one 1989 start in which he pitched 11 shutout innings and received a no-decision.

He also fanned 14 Mets in a 1985 start in which he failed to earn a decision.

DeLeon, who also pitched with the Phillies and Expos, finished his career with an 86-119 record but a respectable 3.76 ERA.

He also pitched in the 1993 postseason with the White Sox.

DeLeon was the first pitcher in history to record at least 1,500 strikeouts and not win 100 games.

Kerry Wood and Oliver Perez later accomplished the feat.