McNally won more than 20 games for four consecutive seasons (1968–1971) and was one of four 20-game winners for the 1971 Orioles (Pat Dobson, Jim Palmer, and Mike Cuellar were the other three). He was the only pitcher other than Roger Clemens to win 12 decisions in a row 3 times, including 17 consecutive at one time. After winning the last two decisions of the 1968 season, he opened 1969 with a 15–0 record; his first loss of the season came in early August, and he ended the regular season at 20–7.

This one of a kind box score from Dave McNally's first MLB game was typed up by baseball historian and Baltimorean, Al Kermisch. It was signed in black ballpoint by McNally and includes a letter of provenance from Mike Kermisch.