Wilmer David “Vinegar Bend” Mizell (August 13, 1930 – February 21, 1999) was an American left-handed pitcher in major league baseball who went on to serve three terms as a Republican U.S. congressman from North Carolina between 1969 and 1975. He represented North Carolina’s 5th congressional district, including Winston-Salem.
nickname
He received his nickname from being born in Vinegar Bend, Alabama.
1952 Debut
He began his career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1952, continuing through 1953, and then again (following military service) from 1956-60.
9-yr numbers
In a nine-season career, Mizell was 90-88 with a 3.85 ERA in 268 games, 230 of which were starts. He pitched 61 complete games, including 15 shutouts. He allowed 654 earned runs and struck out 918 in 1528 and 2/3 innings pitched.