 However, he became an important pitcher in the Cardinal bullpen in the post-World War II era and twice (; ) led the National League in saves, although the save was not yet an official MLB statistic.Loquacious Cardinal catcher Joe Garagiola nicknamed Wilks "The Cork" because he was the Redbirds' "stopper" out of the bullpen.By the conclusion of the campaign, Wilks had compiled a fine career record of 33–11.