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Gaylord Perry: Winner or Quitter?
I love the San Diego Padres, but they're not exactly the most successful team in baseball. In fact, they've never won a World Series. They've never had a 100 win season (although they've had five 100 loss seasons). They've never had a batter hit for the cycle (the Marlins are the only other team w/o one). And they've never had a pitcher throw a no-hitter (however they've been the victims of eight no-hitters).
But they've had a fair share of batting titles (thanks to Tony Gwynn) and Cy Young Award winners.
One of those Cy Young Award winners is Hall of Famer, Gaylord Perry.
Perry arrived in San Diego exactly thirty-five years ago on January 25th, 1978 in a trade with the Texas Rangers. It was arguably one of the finest years of his career. Perry went 21-6 with a 2.73 ERA and represented 25% of the Padres win total that season.
His numbers were good enough to get him 22 out of 24 first place votes for the 1978 Cy Young Award. He became the first pitcher to win the award in both the American League and National League. Since then Roy Halladay, Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez, and Randy Johnson have also accomplished that feat.
Unfortunately, Perry didn't want to play for the Padres. He pitched his final game for the Padres on Friday, September 3rd, 1979. A day later, he threatened to retire if they didn't trade him back to the Texas Rangers. He sat out the rest of the season and on February 15th, 1980Mr. Perry was granted his wish.
It's a good thing I wasn't a Padres fan back in 70's, because had I been... I probably wouldn't like the guy.
I mean...
Happy Friday and sayonara!
More...
But they've had a fair share of batting titles (thanks to Tony Gwynn) and Cy Young Award winners.
One of those Cy Young Award winners is Hall of Famer, Gaylord Perry.
Perry arrived in San Diego exactly thirty-five years ago on January 25th, 1978 in a trade with the Texas Rangers. It was arguably one of the finest years of his career. Perry went 21-6 with a 2.73 ERA and represented 25% of the Padres win total that season.
His numbers were good enough to get him 22 out of 24 first place votes for the 1978 Cy Young Award. He became the first pitcher to win the award in both the American League and National League. Since then Roy Halladay, Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez, and Randy Johnson have also accomplished that feat.
It's a good thing I wasn't a Padres fan back in 70's, because had I been... I probably wouldn't like the guy.
I mean...
How would you feel if there was a player who quit on your favorite team and forced a trade? Would you still collect his/her cards?
Happy Friday and sayonara!
More...
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