Highlighted Year: Tom Burgmeier, 1971

Pitcher, Kansas City Royals

Age: 28 (Aug. 2)

3^rd season with Royals

Bats – Left, Throws – Left

Height: 5’11” Weight: 185 

Prior to 1971:

A Minnesota native, Burgmeier went to Cathedral High School in St. Cloud where he participated in wrestling, ice hockey, basketball, and bowling in addition to baseball. During his junior year in 1960, Cathedral advanced to the state championship game in baseball and lost despite Burgmeier’s good pitching performance. The school won the title in 1961 and Burgmeier contributed seven wins, including three no-hitters. Following high school he played American Legion ball and joined an amateur team in the area. In the fall of 1961 he signed with the expansion Houston Colt .45s, who would join the National League the following year. In 1962 he was assigned to Modesto of the Class C California League where he started in 27 of his 34 appearances and produced a 12-11 record with a 4.34 ERA, 10 complete games, and 210 strikeouts over 197 innings pitched. With two teams at the Class A and AA levels in 1963, he was used exclusively as a starter with disappointing results, posting a combined tally of 4-13 and an ERA of 5.24 with 62 strikeouts over 110 innings. Back with Modesto in 1964 he was released by the Colt .45s but was picked up by the Los Angeles Angels who assigned him to San Jose of the California League where his record was 8-7. After playing in the Arizona Instructional League, he advanced to Seattle of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League in 1965 where, primarily a starting pitcher, he again went 8-7 and had a 3.21 ERA, 6 complete games, and 94 strikeouts over 129 innings. Splitting the 1966 season between Seattle and El Paso of the Class AA Texas League, Burgmeier produced a combined 6-13 record and 5.37 ERA with 4 complete games, 2 shutouts, and 63 strikeouts over 114 innings. He was back with Seattle in 1967 and went 11-14 with a 2.78 ERA. His 15 complete games led the league and he struck out 114 batters over 230 innings. In 1968 he finally reached the major leagues as a member of the Angels bullpen. He appeared in 56 games and produced a 1-4 record with 5 saves and 33 strikeouts over 72.2 innings. In the offseason he was chosen by the Royals in the expansion draft as both leagues added two teams apiece. Burgmeier was effective for the first-year Royals in 1969, pitching in 31 games and compiling a 3-1 tally with 23 strikeouts over 54 innings. While he spent part of 1970 in Class AAA with Omaha of the American Association, Burgmeier relieved in 41 games for the Royals and went 6-6 with one save, a 3.16 ERA, and 43 strikeouts over 68.1 innings. His repertoire consisted of a sinker, slider, and fastball.

1971 Season Summary

Appeared in 68 games

P – 67, PR – 1

[Bracketed numbers indicate AL rank in Top 20]

Pitching

Games – 67 [3]

Games Started – 0

Games Finished – 34 [6]

Complete Games – 0

Wins – 9

Losses – 7

PCT - .563 [19]

Saves – 17 [4, tied with Rollie Fingers]

Shutouts – 0

Innings Pitched – 88.1

Hits – 71

Runs – 23

Earned Runs – 17

Home Runs – 3

Bases on Balls – 30

Strikeouts – 44

ERA – 1.73 [Non-qualifying]

Hit Batters – 7 [9, tied with five others]

Balks – 0

Wild Pitches – 2

Midseason Snapshot: 4-3, G – 38, SV – 6, ERA - 1.57, SO – 25 in 46 IP

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Most strikeouts, game – 3 on five occasions

10+ strikeout games – 0

Batting

PA – 21, AB – 20, R – 2, H – 5, 2B – 2, 3B – 0, HR – 0, RBI – 0, BB – 1, SO – 7, SB – 0, CS – 0, AVG - .250, GDP – 0, HBP – 0, SH – 0, SF – 0

Fielding

Chances – 36

Put Outs – 7

Assists – 28

Errors – 1

DP – 3

Pct. - .972

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The Royals went 85-76 to finish second in the AL Western Division, 16 games behind the division-winning Oakland Athletics. The pitching staff led the league in saves (44) and fewest home runs allowed (84). The Royals, in their first full season under manager Bob Lemon, got off to an 11-11 April start and played consistently well throughout the season. The addition of shortstop Freddie Patek significantly improved the infield defense and he combined well with veteran second baseman Cookie Rojas, who was in his first full season in Kansas City.

Aftermath of 1971:

The Royals faltered in 1972, and pitching took much of the blame. Burgmeier appeared in 51 games and posted a 6-2 record and 9 saves along with a 4.23 ERA and 18 strikeouts over 55.1 innings. Off to a poor start in 1973, Burgmeier was sent down to Omaha in May where the situation failed to improve. Having apparently fallen out of favor with the Royals, in the offseason he was traded to the Minnesota Twins, returning him to his home state. In 1974 he became part of an effective lefty-righty bullpen tandem with RHP Bill Campbell and, appearing in 50 games, his record was 5-3 with 6 saves and a 4.52 ERA. While Minnesota pitchers struggled for the most part in 1975, the Burgmeier and Campbell tandem remained effective, and Burgmeier went 5-8 with 11 saves and a 3.09 ERA in 46 appearances. Utilized more in long relief in 1976, Burgmeier registered only one save but finished with an 8-1 tally and 2.50 ERA in 57 appearances, with 45 strikeouts over 115.1 innings. With Campbell gone in 1977, Burgmeier returned to a setup role but was mediocre after passing a kidney stone in June and finished with 61 appearances that produced a 6-4 record and 7 saves with a 5.09 ERA and 35 strikeouts over 97.1 innings. A free agent in the offseason he signed with the Boston Red Sox. With Boston in 1978, Burgmeier made 35 appearances and compiled a 2-1 tally with 4 saves and 24 strikeouts over 61.1 innings. In 1979 he appeared in 44 games and had a 3-2 record and 4 saves with a 2.74 ERA and 60 strikeouts over 88.2 innings. A strong first half in 1980 propelled Burgmeier to his only career All-Star selection and although hindered by a bout of tendinitis in the season’s second half he finished with 62 appearances and a 5-4 tally to go along with 24 saves, a 2.00 ERA, and 54 strikeouts over 99 innings. With the Red Sox in 1981, in the strike-interrupted year he made 32 appearances for a 4-5 mark and 6 saves with a 2.87 ERA and 35 strikeouts over 59.2 innings. Burgmeier spent one more season with Boston in 1982, and as part of a strong bullpen, he was typically used in long relief and made 40 appearances and produced a 7-0 record and 2 saves with a 2.29 ERA and 44 strikeouts over 102.1 innings. As a free agent in the offseason, the 39-year old veteran hurler signed with the Oakland Athletics. As a senior member of a youthful pitching staff in 1983, Burgmeier made 49 appearances and produced a 6-7 tally and 4 saves along with a 2.81 ERA and 39 strikeouts over 96 innings. Off to a good start in 1984, an injury to his left shoulder put him on the disabled list from May until August. He pitched in six games after his return and retired. For his major league career, Burgmeier pitched in 745 games, only three of which were starts, and produced a 79-55 record with 102 saves, a 3.23 ERA, and 584 strikeouts over 1258.2 innings. With the Royals he appeared in 196 games and went 24-16 with 28 saves and 132 strikeouts over 276 innings. He never appeared in the postseason and was an All-Star only once. In 1991 he returned to the Royals organization as video coordinator and then served as a minor league pitching coach for a few years.

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years. 

Highlighted Year: Dick Farrell, 1964

Pitcher, Houston Colt .45s

Age:  30 (April 8)

3^rd season with Colt .45s

Bats – Right, Throws – Right

Height: 6’4”    Weight: 215 

Prior to 1964:

A Massachusetts native, Farrell, the son of an amateur athlete known as “Big Turk” came to be known as “Turk”, a lasting nickname. A polio victim before he was two, he wore a leg brace until age six. Overcoming the disease after many hospital treatments, he walked with a slight limp for the remainder of his life. He still managed to become an accomplished athlete at St. Mary’s High School in Brookline, excelling in football and basketball as well as baseball, where his pitching record from sophomore to senior years was 45-5. Farrell passed on college scholarship offers to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies out of high school. Initially assigned to the Schenectady Blue Jays of the Class A Eastern League in 1953, the big 19-year-old posted a 7-3 record with a 3.39 ERA. Reassigned to Schenectady in 1954, Farrell went 11-15 for a last-place team while recording 115 strikeouts in 216 innings pitched. Moving up to the Syracuse Chiefs of the Class AAA International League in 1955, Farrell posted a 12-12 tally with a 3.94 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 185 innings pitched. He also hit a league-longest 475-foot home run at MacArthur Stadium in Syracuse. During the winter he pitched in the Venezuelan Association, where he performed well, including a one-hitter in the Caribbean Series. Unable to crack Philadelphia’s pitching staff in the spring of 1956, he found himself back in the International League with the Miami Marlins. “Turk”, after recovering from a broken ankle that cost him the first two months of the season, went 12-6 with a 2.50 ERA. Along the way he lost 2-0 while throwing a two-hitter due to allowing 10 walks. Receiving a late-season call-up to the Phillies, he lost his only start but stuck with the parent club in 1957 as a reliever, despite typically having started during his minor league career. Farrell went on to excel as a rookie, appearing in 52 games and compiling a 10-2 record with 10 saves, a 2.38 ERA, and 54 strikeouts in 83.1 innings pitched. With his excellent fastball, he was an All-Star for the first time in 1958, although his second half performance tailed off, likely due to overwork and the weakening effects of a severe hay fever allergy. He finished with an 8-9 tally and 11 saves in 54 relief appearances and a 3.35 ERA. The Phillies were a last-place club in 1959 and Farrell took blame as a hard-partying ringleader of the so-called “Dalton Gang” of carousers and whose pitching performance dropped to 1-6 with 6 saves and a 4.74 ERA in 38 appearances. Along the way he was briefly demoted to Buffalo of the International League. Training diligently prior to the 1960 season, he returned to good form, appearing in 59 games and posting a 10-6 record with 11 saves and a 2.70 ERA. With the team in full rebuilding mode, Farrell became a desirable trade asset but started the 1961 season with the Phillies. A poor start damaged his trade value, but he was dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers in May. He continued to struggle and became prone to surrendering walks and home runs. For the year he pitched in 55 games and went 8-7 with 10 saves and a 5.20 ERA. Left unprotected by the Dodgers in the expansion draft for the two new National League entries for 1962, Farrell was chosen by Houston, who converted him back into a starting pitcher. He responded with a 10-20 record although he endured tough defeats due to an offense that had difficulty scoring runs. His ERA was a respectable 3.02 and he compiled 10 complete games, 2 shutouts, and 203 strikeouts over 241.2 innings. He was also the first All-Star representative in franchise history. Houston remained strong in pitching and weak in producing runs again in 1963. Farrell reproduced his 3.02 ERA while posting a winning record of 14-13, compiling 12 complete games and 141 strikeouts.

1964 Season Summary

Appeared in 32 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate NL rank in Top 20]

Pitching

Games – 32

Games Started – 27

Complete Games – 7

Wins – 11

Losses – 10

PCT - .524

Saves – 0

Shutouts – 0

Innings Pitched – 198.1

Hits – 196

Runs – 80

Earned Runs – 72

Home Runs – 21 [11]

Bases on Balls – 52

Strikeouts – 117

ERA – 3.27 [16]

Hit Batters – 3

Balks – 0

Wild Pitches – 1

Midseason Snapshot: 10-3, ERA - 3.11, SO - 83 in 115.2 IP

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Most strikeouts, game – 11 (in 9 IP) at Mil. Braves 5/26

10+ strikeout games – 1

Fewest hits allowed, game (min. 7 IP) – 2 (in 8 IP) at San Francisco 9/30

Batting

PA – 73, AB – 69, R – 1, H – 5, 2B – 0, 3B – 0, HR – 0, RBI – 0, BB – 2, SO – 28, SB – 0, CS – 0, AVG - .072, GDP – 0, HBP – 0, SH – 2, SF – 0

Fielding

Chances – 36

Put Outs – 5

Assists – 31

Errors – 0

DP – 2

Pct. - 1.000

Awards & Honors:

All-Star

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The Colt .45s went 66-96 to finish ninth in the NL, 27 games behind the pennant-winning St. Louis Cardinals. The pitching staff led the league in fewest complete games (30), fewest shutouts (9), and fewest walks (353). The Colt .45s stayed just a few games under .500 until midseason and were at 32-34 on June 21 following a four-game sweep of the Braves at Milwaukee , but the club floundered the rest of the way to settle into ninth place once again and finishing 13 games ahead of the NL’s other third-year team, the Mets. Farrell got off to a hot start and was 10-1 at the All-Star break. The club’s run production dropped off in the second half and Farrell went 1-7 the rest of the way.

Aftermath of 1964:

The club had a new name in 1965, the Astros, as well as a new home in the Astrodome. They remained a losing team and Farrell dropped to 11-11 with a 3.50 ERA. Appearing to have lost some zip on his fastball, the Astros entertained trade offers. While no longer a carouser, “Turk” was accused of throwing occasional spitballs. He remained with Houston in 1966, starting in just 21 of his 32 pitching appearances as he was relegated to the bullpen. His record was 6-10 with a 4.60 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 152.2 innings pitched. He also showed a propensity for giving up the long ball, surrendering 23 home runs. Farrell returned to the Phillies in May of 1967. Once again almost exclusively a reliever, he posted a 10-6 mark for the ’67 season along with 12 saves and a 2.34 ERA. He was at his best with the Phillies, combining with another veteran, Dick Hall, to solidify the bullpen. Farrell started off well in 1968 but slumped to end up at 4-6 with 12 saves and a 3.48 ERA in 54 appearances. Following a poor season in 1969 he was released, thus ending his major league career, although he tried to catch on with other teams over the next couple of seasons, seeing action in the Mexican League as well. For his major league career, Farrell compiled a 106-111 record with a 3.45 ERA, 41 complete games, 5 shutouts, 83 saves, and 1177 strikeouts over 1704.2 innings pitched. With Houston he went 53-64 with a 3.42 ERA, 41 complete games, 5 shutouts, 8 saves, and 694 strikeouts in 1015 innings pitched. He was a five-time All-Star. Following his retirement from baseball Farrell worked in the oil and gas industry until his death due to an auto accident in England at age 43 in 1977. Years later it was revealed that he was the biological father of Richard Dotson, who pitched primarily with the Chicago White Sox in the 1980s. A fiercely competitive power pitcher and off-field prankster, Farrell led a talented Houston pitching staff in the franchise’s early years.

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years. 

 

Highlighted Year: Bob Bruce, 1964

Pitcher, Houston Colt .45s

Age:  31 (May 16)

3^rd season with Colt .45s

Bats – Right, Throws – Right

Height: 6’3”    Weight: 200 

Prior to 1964:

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Bruce had little time for sports in his youth due to Depression-era family responsibilities. He played baseball as a senior at Highland Park High School and received a baseball scholarship to attend Alma College. A 19-strikeout performance against the University of Detroit drew the interest of the Detroit Tigers who signed him in 1953 for a $20,000 bonus. Initially assigned to the Wausau Lumberjacks of the Class D Wisconsin State League, where he posted an 18-8 record and a 3.20 ERA with 17 complete games, 3 shutouts, and 181 strikeouts over 191 innings, although he also issued 131 walks. Moving on to the Durham Bulls of the Class B Carolina League in 1954, he produced a 13-8 tally with a 3.42 ERA and 14 complete games and 4 shutouts and 122 strikeouts over 158 innings while reducing his walks to 67. He finished the year with a brief stint with Wilkes-Barre of the Class A Eastern League. Bruce spent most of 1955 with Augusta of the Class A South Atlantic (or Sally) League where he went 7-10 with a 3.89 ERA and 97 strikeouts over 148 innings. Military service interrupted his career in 1956 and cost him the entire 1957 season. Discharged in 1958, Bruce was assigned to the Birmingham Barons of the Class AA Southern Association where he compiled a 5-4 record and 4.46 ERA with 84 strikeouts over 101 innings. After playing winter ball in Puerto Rico, he advanced to the Charleston Senators of the Class AAA American Association in 1959 where he produced a 11-13 tally and 3.57 ERA with 8 complete games, 4 shutouts, and 177 strikeouts over 222 innings. Called up to the Tigers in late September he appeared in two games, one of them a start, and went 0-1. Bruce started the 1960 season in the Detroit bullpen but got the chance to start in late June and finished with a 4-7 record that included a two-hit shutout of the Chicago White Sox. His ERA was 3.74 and he recorded 76 strikeouts over 130 innings pitched. Bruce saw minimal action with the Tigers in 1961, making a total of 14 appearances, 6 of them starts, and producing a 1-2 tally and 4.43 ERA. He was even briefly sent down to Class AAA Denver of the American Association. In the offseason, while playing winter ball in Puerto Rico, he was traded to the expansion Colt .45s. Starting the 1962 season in the bullpen, he moved into the starting rotation in May and ended up being the club’s only starter to finish with a record over .500 at 10-9. His ERA was 4.06 and he compiled 6 complete games and 135 strikeouts over 175 innings. Bruce started poorly in 1963 and hindered by a sore shoulder, he finished with a lesser tally of 5-9 with a 3.59 ERA and 123 strikeouts over 170.1 innings although he pitched a one-hit shutout at home against Cincinnati. His repertoire included curves at varying speeds, a fastball, and a changeup.

1964 Season Summary

Appeared in 37 games

P – 35, PH – 1, PR – 1

[Bracketed numbers indicate NL rank in Top 20]

Pitching

Games – 35

Games Started – 29

Complete Games – 9 [18, tied with five others]

Wins – 15 [14, tied with Bob Buhl & Jim Maloney]

Losses – 9

PCT - .625 [10]

Saves – 0

Shutouts – 4 [6, tied with Juan Marichal, Chris Short & Joe Nuxhall]

Innings Pitched – 202.1

Hits – 191

Runs – 70

Earned Runs – 62

Home Runs – 8

Bases on Balls – 33

Strikeouts – 135 [17]

ERA – 2.76 [10]

Hit Batters – 3

Balks – 1 [6, tied with twenty-two others]

Wild Pitches – 4

Midseason Snapshot: 9-4, ERA - 2.74, SO - 69 in 98.2 IP

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Most strikeouts, game – 10 (in 8 IP) vs. San Francisco 5/14, (in 9 IP) vs. NY Mets 5/24, (in 9 IP) vs. NY Mets 9/20

10+ strikeout games – 3

Fewest hits allowed, game (min. 7 IP) – 2 (in 9 IP) vs. NY Mets 9/20, (in 8 IP) vs. Chi. Cubs 8/24

Batting

PA – 72, AB – 63, R – 1, H – 12, 2B – 1, 3B – 0, HR – 0, RBI – 1, BB – 2, SO – 14, SB – 0, CS – 0, AVG - .190, GDP – 0, HBP – 2, SH – 5, SF – 0  

Fielding

Chances – 47

Put Outs – 11

Assists – 35

Errors – 1

DP – 0

Pct. - .979  

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The Colt .45s went 66-96 to finish ninth in the NL, 27 games behind the pennant-winning St. Louis Cardinals. The pitching staff led the league in fewest complete games (30), fewest shutouts (9), and fewest walks (353). The Colt .45s stayed just a few games under .500 until midseason and were at 32-34 on June 21 following a four-game sweep of the Braves at Milwaukee (with Bruce going the distance in winning the third game), but the club floundered the rest of the way to settle into ninth place once again and finishing 13 games ahead of the NL’s other third-year team, the Mets.

Aftermath of 1964:

Houston had a new name and a glamorous new home in the Astrodome in 1965 and Bruce drew the first start in the new venue which he lost to the Philadelphia Phillies although he gave up only two runs over 7 innings pitched. The lack of run production proved to be a chronic problem for the Astros and Bruce finished at 9-18 with a 3.72 ERA, 7 complete games, and 145 strikeouts over 229.2 innings. In 1966 Bruce was hindered by an eye infection that kept him on the disabled list for seven weeks and finished at 3-13 in 25 appearances with a poor 5.34 ERA and 71 strikeouts over 129.2 innings. In the offseason he was dealt to the Atlanta Braves as part of a trade for veteran third baseman Eddie Mathews. The Braves were hoping Bruce could return to form and bolster their starting rotation. It was not to be. Bothered by a rib injury he was used sparingly in 1967 and was sent down to Richmond of the Class AAA International League at midseason. He excelled at Richmond where he posted a 7-2 record and 1.87 ERA with 37 strikeouts over 77 innings. But with the Braves showing no interest in recalling him, he chose to retire at age 34 following the season. For his major league career, Bruce compiled a 49-71 record and 3.85 ERA with 26 complete games, 6 shutouts, and 733 strikeouts over 1122.1 innings pitched. With Houston his performance was 42-58 with 24 complete games, 6 shutouts, and 609 strikeouts over 907 innings. He never appeared in the postseason. In 2012 he appeared at a ceremony in Houston to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the franchise’s first game. Bruce died in 2017 at age 83.

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years. 

Highlighted Year: Norm Cash, 1961

First Baseman, Detroit Tigers

Age: 27

2^nd season with Tigers

Bats – Left, Throws – Left

Height: 6’0”    Weight: 185 

Prior to 1961:

A native Texan, Cash grew up on a farm in a small town where he had no opportunity to play organized baseball. At Sul Ross State University he starred on the football team where he rushed for a school record with 1255 yards as a senior in 1955. Drafted as a halfback by the NFL’s Chicago Bears, Cash instead chose baseball after playing for a town team and demonstrating a natural talent for the game. He signed with the Chicago White Sox. The young outfielder was first assigned to the Waterloo White Hawks of the Class B Illinois-Indiana-Iowa (or Three I) League where in 92 games he batted .290 with 13 doubles, 5 triples, 17 home runs, 64 RBIs, a .371 on-base percentage, and a .504 slugging percentage. With Waterloo again in 1956 he hit .334 with 23 home runs, 96 RBIs, and a .436 OBP. During a two-year stint in the Army, Cash performed well in military ball with Fort Bliss. The White Sox converted him into a first baseman in 1958 and he was sent to Indianapolis of the Class AAA American Association where he batted .247 in 29 games with a .319 OBP before being called up to the White Sox to back up first baseman Earl Torgeson. He fielded well when he got the opportunity but hit .250 with no extra-base hits. With the pennant-winning White Sox in 1959, Cash appeared in 58 games and batted .240 with 4 home runs, 16 RBIs, and a .372 OBP. With the White Sox choosing to deal prospects for established veterans in the offseason, Cash was part of a seven-player trade with the Cleveland Indians. Just prior to the 1960 season, he was dealt again, this time to the Tigers. With a fun-loving personality, Cash quickly became popular with his teammates. He also saw considerable action at first base, batting .286 with 16 doubles, 18 home runs, 63 RBIs, a .402 OBP, and a .501 slugging percentage.

1961 Season Summary

Appeared in 159 games

1B – 157, PH – 2

[Bracketed numbers indicate AL rank in Top 20]

Batting

Plate Appearances – 673 [11]

At Bats – 535

Runs – 119 [4]

Hits – 193 [1]

Doubles – 22

Triples – 8 [4, tied with Tito Francona & Jim Landis]

Home Runs – 41 [6]

RBI – 132 [4]

Bases on Balls – 124 [2]

Int. BB – 19 [1]

Strikeouts – 85 [15]

Stolen Bases – 11 [14, tied with Albie Pearson]

Caught Stealing – 5 [14, tied with eight others]

Average - .361 [1]

OBP - .487 [1]

Slugging Pct. - .662 [2]

Total Bases – 354 [2]

GDP – 16 [14, tied with Roger Maris, Al Kaline & Jackie Jensen]

Hit by Pitches – 9 [3, tied with Nellie Fox]

Sac Hits – 2

Sac Flies – 2 

League-leading hits were +1 ahead of runner-up Brooks Robinson

League-leading int. bases on balls were +8 ahead of runner-up Woody Held

League-leading batting average was +.037 ahead of runner-up Al Kaline

League-leading OBP was +.039 ahead of runner-up Mickey Mantle

Midseason snapshot: 2B – 9, 3B – 4, HR - 24, RBI – 70, AVG - .355, SLG - .666, OBP – .483

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Most hits, game – 4 (in 5 AB) vs. Washington 6/11 – 11 innings, (in 5 AB) at KC A’s 7/23, (in 5 AB) at Minnesota 9/29 – 10 innings

Longest hitting streak – 12 games

HR at home – 21

HR on road – 20

Most home runs, game – 2 (in 4 AB) vs. Washington 6/11, (in 3 AB) vs. Boston 6/13, (in 4 AB) at Cleveland 6/25

Multi-HR games – 3

Most RBIs, game – 5 at KC A’s 7/23

Pinch-hitting – 0 for 1 (.000) with 1 BB

Fielding

Chances – 1369

Put Outs – 1231

Assists – 127

Errors – 11

DP – 121

Pct. - .992

Awards & Honors:

All-Star (Started for AL at 1B, both games)

4^th in AL MVP voting (151 points – 1 first place vote, 54% share)

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The Tigers went 101-61 to finish second in the AL, 8 games behind the pennant-winning New York Yankees while leading the league in runs scored (841), triples (53), batting (.266), and OBP (.347). The Tigers started off fast and were in first place from April 29 until June 6 and then again from June 17 through July 6. They were in first or second for the remainder of July but in second to stay through August and September. After losing three straight to the Yankees in New York to start September, they continued to lose until the string reached eight to end any pennant hopes.

Aftermath of 1961:

1962 was a disappointing season for the Tigers, who dropped to fourth place, and somewhat disappointing for Cash, hindered by a broken finger and lengthy slump that resulted in his batting .243 although with a robust 39 home runs, 89 RBIs, and a .382 OBP thanks to drawing 104 walks, and a .513 slugging percentage. Cash got off to a slow start in 1963 but came on to hit .270 with 19 doubles, 26 home runs, 79 RBIs, a .386 OBP, and a .471 slugging percentage. Nicknamed “Stormin’ Norman” by long-time Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell for his occasional displays of temper despite his genial nature, Cash drank heavily during time off. In 1964 he was occasionally platooned with Don Demeter (typically an outfielder) but led AL first basemen with a .997 fielding percentage. At the plate he hit .257 with 23 home runs, 83 RBIs, a .351 OBP, and a .453 slugging percentage. In 1965 a strong second-half power spurt propelled Cash to 23 doubles, 30 home runs, 83 RBIs, a .266 batting average, a .371 OBP, and a ..512 slugging percentage. He maintained his power production in 1966, batting .279 with 18 doubles, 32 home runs, 93 RBIs, a .351 OBP, and a .478 slugging percentage. He was an All-Star for the second time and placed twelfth in league MVP voting. Detroit was part of a wild pennant race in 1967 which resulted in a tie for second place, just behind the first-place Red Sox, and while Cash’s power production remained solid with 22 home runs and 72 RBIs, his average dropped to .242 with a .352 OBP and .430 slugging percentage. Thus, down the stretch, he found himself slpitting time at first base with veteran slugger Eddie Mathews, who had been obtained from Houston. The Tigers rolled to the AL pennant in the pitching-dominated 1968 season, and Cash, who was mired in a slump during much of the season, came on strong in the second half to finish at .263 with 25 home runs, a .329 OBP, and a .487 slugging percentage. In the come-from-behind World Series win against the St. Louis Cardinals, he contributed a home run and 5 RBIs while hitting .385. The Tigers returned to being a second-place club in the first season of divisional play in 1969 and Cash batted .280 with 22 home runs, 74 RBIs, a .368 OBP, and a .464 slugging percentage. Splitting time with aging veteran outfielder Al Kaline at first base in 1970, Cash’s production dropped to .259 with 18 doubles, 15 home runs, 53 RBIs, a .383 OBP, and a .441 slugging percentage. He returned to form in 1971 and batted .283 with 32 home runs, 91 RBIs, a .372 OBP, and a .531 slugging percentage. He was voted to be the starting first baseman for the American League in the All-Star Game and finished twelfth in league MVP balloting. With an aging roster, the Tigers were AL East champions in 1972 and Cash, who as usual saw the most action at first base, hit .259 with 22 home runs, 61 RBIs, a .338 OBP, and a .445 slugging percentage. In 1973, the 39-yer-old slugger known for his pranks, came to bat in the bottom of the ninth inning in a game in which fireballing RHP Nolan Ryan of the California Angels was tossing a no-hitter brandishing a table leg from the clubhouse instead of a bat. When the plate umpire objected, Cash responded “I’ve got as much chance with this as I do with a bat.” Returning to the batter’s box with a bat, he immediately struck out to seal the no-hitter. It was a part of a season in which “Stormin’ Norman” batted .262 with 19 doubles, 19 home runs, 40 RBIs, a .357 OBP, and a .471 slugging percentage. Cash returned for one more season at age 40 in 1974 and his season, and career, concluded with his release in August while hitting .228 with 7 home runs and 12 RBIs. For his major league career Cash batted .271 with 1820 hits that included 241 doubles, 41 triples, and 377 home runs. In 15 seasons with the Tigers he batted .272 with all 241 doubles, 40 triples, 373 home runs, 1027 runs scored, 1088 RBIs, a .374 OBP, and a .490 slugging percentage. Appearing in 16 postseason games, Cash hit ..311 with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs. Having hosted a local variety show in the early 1970s, following his playing career he did some broadcasting where his attempts at humor were not always appreciated. He made a cameo appearance in the biopic about Ron LeFlore, who following a prison stint, went on to play for the Tigers. His health deteriorated, including a stroke in 1979. Cash died tragically at age 52 in 1986 due to drowning after falling off a dock during a boating trip on Lake Michigan. He was posthumously inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Little League baseball field in Post, Texas was named for Cash. A personable man with many hobbies, he provided a reliable power bat to the Tigers and was a fine fielder as well.

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years.

 

Highlighted Year: George Mullin, 1903

Pitcher, Detroit Tigers

Age:  23 (July 4)

2^nd season with Tigers

Bats – Right, Throws – Right

Height: 5’11” Weight: 188 

Prior to 1903:

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Mullin played semipro baseball in Wabash and South Bend, Indiana prior to signing with the Fort Wayne Railroaders of the Western Association in 1901. He produced a 21-20 record and 3.48 ERA. Strong and solidly built he joined the Tigers in 1902. He quickly established himself in Detroit’s pitching staff by compiling a 13-16 tally and 3.67 ERA with 25 complete games and 78 strikeouts over 260 innings pitched. He also batted .325 with 11 RBIs, proving to be a good pitcher who was a capable hitter.   

1903 Season Summary

Appeared in 46 games

P – 41, PH – 4, LF – 1

[Bracketed numbers indicate AL rank in Top 20]

Pitching

Games – 41 [2]

Games Started – 36 [3, tied with Jack Chesbro & Doc White]

Complete Games – 31 [9, tied with Addie Joss]

Wins – 19 [9]

Losses – 15 [12, tied with five others]

PCT - .559 [14]

Saves – 2 [1, tied with four others]

Shutouts – 6 [2, tied with Bill Dinneen]

Innings Pitched – 320.2 [5]

Hits – 284 [9]

Runs – 128 [6, tied with Eddie Plank]

Earned Runs – 80 [15]

Home Runs – 4 [17, tied with five others]

Bases on Balls – 106 [1]

Strikeouts – 170 [5]

ERA – 2.25 [6]

Hit Batters – 8 [15, tied with Rube Waddell & Gene Wright]

Balks – 0

Wild Pitches – 6 [9, tied with four others]

League-leading bases on balls issued were +11 ahead of runner-up Bill Donovan

Midseason Snapshot: Midseason Snapshot: 10-8, ERA – 2.33, SO - 87 in 162 IP

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Most strikeouts, game – 11 (in 9 IP) vs. Bos. Americans 5/19

10+ strikeout games – 3

Fewest hits allowed, game (min. 7 IP) – 3 (in 9 IP) vs. Washington 7/2, (in 9 IP) vs. Washington 8/22

Batting

PA – 134, AB – 126, R – 11, H – 35, 2B – 9, 3B – 1, HR – 1, RBI – 12, BB – 2, SO – 17, SB – 1, CS – N/A, AVG - .278, GDP – N/A, HBP – 1, SH – 4, SF – N/A

Fielding

Chances – 156

Put Outs – 38

Assists – 108

Errors – 10

DP – 1

Pct. - .936

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The Tigers went 65-71 to finish fifth in the AL, 25 games behind the pennant-winning Boston Americans. The Tigers broke out fast with a 5-1 start before fading in May and never rising above fourth place the rest of the way. As during the previous year, it was effective pitching, including Mullin, that fueled any success the club had as, other than outfielders Jimmy Barrett, Billy Lush, and Sam Crawford, the offensive production was lacking.

Aftermath of 1903:

Nicknamed “Big George” for his build, Mullin threw an excellent fastball and effective curve. Also known as “Wabash George” for the Indiana city that became his home, he followed up on his 1903 performance with a lesser won-lost record of 17-23 as the Tigers dropped to seventh place in 1904, although his ERA was a solid 2.40 and the workhorse pitcher accumulated 382.1 innings with 42 complete games, 7 shutouts, and 161 strikeouts, although he again topped the league by walking 131 batters. “Big George” was a canny hurler who utilized a number of stalling and distracting tactics such as walking off the mound, adjusting his belt, and talking to himself and opposing batters and fans (especially those who heckled him) in order to distract hitters. In 1905 he led the AL in innings pitched (347.2), starts (41), and complete games (35) as well as hits and walks surrendered (303 and 138, respectively) while achieving a 21-21 tally and 168 strikeouts. Mullin topped the American League in walks issued for the fourth consecutive season in 1906 while posting a 21-18 tally and 2.78 ERA with 35 complete games, 2 shutouts, and 123 strikeouts over 330 innings. The Tigers won the pennant in 1907 and “Big George” contributed a 20-20 record and 2.59 ERA with 35 complete games, 5 shutouts, and 146 strikeouts over 357.1 innings. He lost both of his World Series starts against the Chicago Cubs despite going the distance in each with a 2.12 ERA (he lost Game 2 by a score of 3-1 and the decisive Game 5 by 2-0). Mullin had a lesser season in 1908, producing a 17-13 tally and 3.10 ERA with 26 complete games, one shutout, and 121 strikeouts over 290.2 innings. Detroit again won the pennant and lost to the Cubs, with “Big George” delivering the only win for the Tigers in his Game 3 start. Mullin won his first 11 decisions in 1909 on his way to a 29-8 record and 2.22 ERA with 29 complete games, 3 shutouts, and 124 strikeouts over 303.2 innings. The Tigers won a third straight pennant but once again lost the World Series, this time to Pittsburgh, and Mullin went 2-1 with a 2.53 ERA, winning Games 4 and 6. Brought into Game 7 in relief, he was unable to stop the Pirates from winning the game and Series. In 1910 he went 21-12 with a 2.87 ERA, 27 complete games, 5 shutouts, and 98 strikeouts over 289 innings. His 1911 performance was a still-solid 18-10 with a 3.07 ERA and 87 strikeouts over 234.1 innings. Dapper and jovial, he was also poor at maintaining his weight and staying in condition, Mullin ran into problems with Detroit management in 1912. Waived by the club in June, he went unclaimed and was reactivated. On his 32^nd birthday on July 4, he proved he wasn’t finished by hurling a no-hitter at home against the St. Louis Browns. He went on to finish the season with a 12-17 record and 3.54 ERA. A 1-6 start in 1913 led to his being sold to the Washington Senators in May where his performance remained mediocre. He finished the season with Montreal of the International League and jumped to the upstart Federal League in 1914 where he was 14-10 with a 2.70 ERA for Indianapolis. He stayed in the Federal League in 1915 with Newark, lasting for only 5 games. Thereafter he pitched and managed for semipro teams until 1919. For his major league career, Mullin produced a 228-196 record and 2.82 ERA with 353 complete games, 35 shutouts, 8 saves, and 1482 strikeouts over 3686.2 innings. With Detroit his record was 209-179 with a 2.76 ERA, 336 complete games, 34 shutouts, 6 saves, and 1380 strikeouts over 3394 innings. “Big George” appeared in 7 World Series games, 6 of them starts, and posted a 3-3 tally and 2.02 ERA, 6 complete games, and 35 strikeouts over 58 innings. The good-hitting hurler also batted .262 for his career with 139 RBIs. Following baseball he became a policeman back home in Wabash and died in 1944 at age 63. He was posthumously inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1962.   

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years. 

Highlighted Year: Bill Donovan, 1903

Pitcher, Detroit Tigers

Age:  26

1^st season with Tigers

Bats – Both, Throws – Right

Height: 5’11” Weight: 190 

Prior to 1903:

A native of Lawrence, Massachusetts, Donovan began playing baseball in his youth in Lawrence and Waverly, New York. Signed by the Washington Senators of the NL in 1898, he was unsuccessful as both a pitcher and outfielder. His pitching record was 1-6 in 17 games with a 4.30 ERA. In 1899 he produced a 17-4 tally with the Richmond Bluebirds of the Class A Atlantic League along with 71 strikeouts and 128 walks over 200 innings. He appeared in five games with Brooklyn and had a 1-2 tally. In 1900 he again split time between the minors and Brooklyn, pitching for Hartford of the Eastern League and again seeing scant action with the Superbas. Known as “Wild Bill” and “Chowder Bill” for his rowdy participation in Hartford’s chowder parties, as opposed to his propensity for walking batters, his pitching career appeared to be on the ropes, but Brooklyn manager Ned Hanlon decided to stick with him. With his outstanding fastball and curve, Donovan rewarded Hanlon’s confidence with a breakout season in 1901 in which he led the NL in wins with his 25-15 record, and in walks issued (152). He also tied for the league lead in games pitched (45). In addition he recorded 226 strikeouts over 351 innings and compiled 36 complete games. Donovan followed up with another solid season in 1902, posting a 17-15 record and 2.78 ERA with 30 complete games, 4 shutouts, and 170 strikeouts with 111 walks. In the offseason, and just prior to the peace agreement between the National and American Leagues, Donovan jumped to the AL’s Tigers.

1903 Season Summary

Appeared in 40 games

P – 35, SS – 2, PH – 2, 2B – 1, CF – 1

[Bracketed numbers indicate AL rank in Top 20]

Pitching

Games – 35 [14]

Games Started – 34 [8, tied with four others]

Complete Games – 34 [1, tied with Rube Waddell & Cy Young]

Wins – 17 [11, tied with Doc White & Chief Bender]

Losses – 16 [6, tied with five others]

PCT - .515 [18, tied with Doc White]

Saves – 0

Shutouts – 4 [6, tied with Rube Waddell, Red Donahue & Jack Powell]

Innings Pitched – 307 [6]

Hits – 247 [18]

Runs – 104

Earned Runs – 78 [17]

Home Runs – 3

Bases on Balls – 95 [2]

Strikeouts – 187 [2]

ERA – 2.29 [9]

Hit Batters – 5

Balks – 0

Wild Pitches – 7 [5, tied with Doc White, John Townsend & Al Orth] 

Midseason Snapshot: 12-5, ERA – 2.08, SO - 107 in 155.2 IP

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Most strikeouts, game – 10 (in 9 IP) vs. Cleveland 9/2, (in 11 IP) at Bos. Americans 9/25

10+ strikeout games – 2

Fewest hits allowed, game (min. 7 IP) – 3 (in 9 IP) vs. Washington 5/23, (in 9 IP) vs. Phila. A’s 6/27, (in 9 IP) at Bos. Americans 7/17, (in 9 IP) vs. St. Louis Browns 9/30

Batting

PA – 138, AB – 124, R – 11, H – 30, 2B – 3, 3B – 2, HR – 0, RBI – 12, BB – 4, SO – 34, SB – 3, CS – N/A, AVG - .242, GDP – N/A, HBP – 0, SH – 9, SF – N/A

Fielding (P)

Chances – 96

Put Outs – 25

Assists – 65

Errors – 6

DP – 2

Pct. - .938

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The Tigers went 65-71 to finish fifth in the AL, 25 games behind the pennant-winning Boston Americans. The Tigers broke out fast with a 5-1 start before fading in May and never rising above fourth place the rest of the way. As during the previous year, it was effective pitching, including Donovan, that fueled any success the club had as, other than outfielders Jimmy Barrett, Billy Lush, and Sam Crawford, the offensive production was lacking.

Aftermath of 1903:

Detroit dropped to seventh in 1904 and “Wild Bill” remained part of an effective pitching staff as he posted a 16-16 record and 2.46 ERA along with 137 strikeouts over 293 innings that included 30 complete games. The Tigers showed improvement in 1905 and Donovan contributed an 18-15 tally, 2.60 ERA, and 135 strikeouts along with 101 walks while pitching 280.2 innings. Hindered by a sore arm in 1906, Donovan slumped to 9-15 and a 3.15 ERA with 22 complete games and 85 strikeouts over 211.2 innings. Back in good form in 1907 with the pennant-winning Tigers, he produced a 25-4 record and 2.19 ERA with 27 complete games, 3 shutouts, and 123 strikeouts over 271 innings. He lost his only decision in the World Series against the Chicago Cubs. Dubbed “Smiling Bill” by sportswriters, the personable Donovan was popular with the fans but could be temperamental on the field, frequently drawing the ire of umpires. At a point when the Tigers were a successful team, he was known for his clutch performances in big games. Detroit topped the AL again in 1908, and Donovan’s tally was 18-7 with a 2.08 ERA, 25 complete games, and 141 strikeouts while compiling 242.2 innings. His two-hit shutout of the White Sox in the season’s last game clinched the pennant although he lost twice in the World Series as Detroit again fell to the Cubs. Once again dealing with a sore arm in 1909, “Wild Bill” only appeared in 21 games while posting an 8-7 record with a 2.31 ERA and 76 strikeouts over 140.1 innings. The Tigers won a third straight pennant but lost to Pittsburgh in the World Series. Donovan won Game 2 with a complete game but took the loss in the decisive seventh game. Arm trouble behind him in 1910, he had a 17-7 tally and 2.44 ERA with 107 strikeouts over 206.2 innings. In 1911 his record dropped to 10-9 with a 3.31 ERA and 81 strikeouts over 168.1 innings pitched. Donovan appeared in only three games, one of them a start, in 1912 and became a scout for the Tigers. Sent to the Providence Grays of the International League to gain managerial experience, the player/manager pitched occasionally, which was again the case in 1914. Named manager of the New York Yankees in 1915, he made 9 pitching appearances for the fifth-place club. They rose to fourth in 1916 while Donovan made only one mound appearance. Following one more season managing the Yankees in 1917, in which the club slipped to sixth and he was replaced by Miller Huggins, Donovan returned to the Tigers as a coach in 1918 and made his last two pitching appearances. For his major league career, “Wild Bill” produced a 185-139 record and a 2.69 ERA with 289 complete games, 35 shutouts, 8 saves, and 1552 strikeouts over 2964.2 innings pitched. With the Tigers his record was 140-96 with a 2.49 ERA, 213 complete games, 29 shutouts, 3 saves, and 1079 strikeouts over 2137.1 innings. Appearing in 6 World Series games, all with Detroit, his record was 1-4 with a 2.70 ERA and 33 strikeouts over 50 innings. Following his playing career, Donovan managed the Jersey City Skeeters of the International League in 1919 and ’20, the Philadelphia Phillies in 1921, and Hartford of the Eastern League in 1922 and ’23. Donovan was killed in a train wreck in Forsyth, New York in December of 1923 at age 47 while enroute to the baseball winter meetings in Chicago. His major league managerial record was 220-239.

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years. 

Highlighted Year: Barry Latman, 1961

Pitcher, Cleveland Indians

Age: 25 (May 21)

2^nd season with Indians

Bats – Right, Throws – Right

Height: 6’3”    Weight: 210 

Prior to 1961:

A Los Angeles native, Latman began playing baseball at a young age and also regularly sang in a boys choir that appeared on television. He pitched for LA’s Fairfax High School, hurling a perfect game as a senior in 1954. He also received All-City honors from the Helms Foundation. Around this time Latman began to correspond with the all-time great hitter Ty Cobb, who had seen him pitch on television and thought he had excellent potential. Declining several bonus offers from major league teams, Latman went to USC on a baseball scholarship. There he came to be nicknamed “Shoulders” due to his broad-shouldered physique. In 1955 he signed with the Chicago White Sox. Initially assigned to the Waterloo White Hawks of the Class B Illinois-Indiana-Iowa (or Three I) League, the 19-year old hurler produced an 18-5 record and a 4.12 ERA with 14 complete games and 114 strikeouts over 203 innings pitched. Promoted to the Memphis Chicks of the Class AA Southern Association in 1956 he compiled a 14-14 tally and 3.85 ERA with 11 complete games and 155 strikeouts over 215 innings. Advancing to Indianapolis of the Class AAA American Association in 1957 he went 13-13 with a 3.95 ERA, 11 complete games, 2 shutouts, and 151 strikeouts over 221 innings which earned him a late-season call-up to the White Sox. In seven appearances, five in relief, his record was 1-2 with an 8.03 ERA. Latman learned to throw a slider in addition to his fastball. Returning to Indianapolis in 1958 he produced a 9-11 tally with a 4.62 ERA, 8 complete games, and 85 strikeouts over 150 innings pitched before being called up to the White Sox in August where he was utilized primarily out of the bullpen and went 3-0 with a 0.76 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 47.2 innings. Moved into the starting rotation at the start of the 1959 season, Latman performed poorly and was returned to the bullpen from where he relieved and occasionally started on his way to going 8-5 with a 3.75 ERA and 97 strikeouts over 156 innings pitched and included two big wins against Cleveland on the way to Chicago winning the AL pennant. He did not pitch in the World Series against the Dodgers. Just prior to the 1960 season he was traded to the Indians for LHP Herb Score. His 1960 performance was mediocre for the most part although he finished strong to end up at 7-7 with a 4.03 ERA and 94 strikeouts over 147.1 innings pitched.   

1961 Season Summary

Appeared in 45 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate AL rank in Top 20]

Pitching

Games – 45 [16, tied with Hank Aguirre, Ed Rakow & Dave Sisler]

Games Started – 18

Games Finished – 12

Complete Games – 4

Wins – 13 [15, tied with Milt Pappas & Jack Kralick]

Losses – 5

PCT - .722 [4]

Saves – 5 [15, tied with Jim Archer, Jim Coates & Bill Fischer]

Shutouts – 2 [11, tied with twelve others]

Innings Pitched – 176.2

Hits – 163

Runs – 84

Earned Runs – 79

Home Runs – 23 [17, tied with Whitey Ford, Bud Daley & Jerry Walker]

Bases on Balls – 54

Strikeouts – 108

ERA – 4.02

Hit Batters – 5 [16, tied with four others]

Balks – 0

Wild Pitches – 6 [18, tied with seven others]

Midseason Snapshot: 8-0, ERA - 2.90, SO – 52 in 80.2 IP

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Most strikeouts, game – 7 (in 5.1 IP) at LA Angels 7/28, (in 6 IP) vs. KC A’s 5/28, (in 9 IP) vs. Minnesota 9/16

10+ strikeout games – 0

Fewest hits allowed, game (min. 7 IP) – 4 (in 9 IP) vs. vs. Minnesota 9/16, (in 7 IP) vs. Detroit 8/23

Batting

PA – 59, AB – 55, R – 2, H – 4, 2B – 0, 3B – 1, HR – 0, RBI – 1, BB – 3, SO – 17, SB – 0, CS – 0, AVG - .073, GDP – 1, HBP – 0, SH – 1, SF – 0

Fielding

Chances – 25

Put Outs – 10

Assists – 13

Errors – 2

DP – 2

Pct. - .920

Awards & Honors:

All-Star

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The Indians went 78-83 to finish fifth in the AL, 30.5 games behind the pennant-winning New York Yankees. The Indians started well, moved into contention, and were in first place from June 6-16 before a seven-game losing streak dropped them out of contention. A rough second half, primarily caused by inadequate pitching, left them in fifth place and led to the dismissal of manager Jimmy Dykes. Latman won his first nine decisions primarily in relief.

Aftermath of 1961:

Starting in 21 of his 45 appearances in 1962, Latman posted a disappointing 8-13 record with a 4.17 ERA, 7 complete games, 5 saves, and 117 strikeouts over 179.1 innings. Still splitting his time between starting and relieving in 1963, his tally was 7-12 with a 4.94 ERA and 133 strikeouts over 149.1 innings. In the offseason Latman was dealt to the Los Angeles Angels as part of the deal that brought slugging outfielder Leon Wagner to Cleveland (Latman’s father-in-law, pharmacy chain operator Leon Schwab reportedly dismissed reports of the trade by saying “is that all they got for Wagner?”, which spoke for many baseball writers and fans, although first baseman Joe Adcock was also sent to the Angels}. He turned in a mediocre performance in 1964, making 40 appearances (with 18 of them starts) and producing a 6-10 record and 3.85 ERA with 81 strikeouts over 138 innings. In 1965 a sore arm limited him to 18 games, all in relief, and a 1-1 tally. Traded to the Houston Astros in the offseason, and while his ERA improved to 2.71 in 1966, his record was a lackluster 2-7 in primarily a relief role. Latman lasted one more season with Houston in 1967 and had a 3-6 record and 4.52 ERA in 39 appearances, all but one of them out of the bullpen. Finished at age 31, for his major league career Latman pitched in 344 games, with 134 of them starts and compiled a 59-68 record and 3.91 ERA with 28 complete games, 10 shutouts, 16 saves, and 829 strikeouts over 1219 innings pitched. With Cleveland he was 35-37 with 159 games pitched, 80 starts, a 4.27 ERA, 19 complete games, 5 shutouts, 12 saves, and 452 strikeouts over 652.2 innings. His lone All-Star appearance also came as a member of the Indians. Latman never appeared in the postseason. After baseball Latman had a home furnishings and drapery business and also worked in custom home construction. He died at age 82 in 2019.   

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years.