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J.R. Richard, RIP
Sportswriter’s question to Dale Murphy: “Who was the toughest pitcher to hit off during your career?”
Dale Murphy’s answer: “Anybody that played in the late 70’s or early 80’s will probably give you the same answer: J.R. Richard”
The baseball world was saddened yesterday as we learned of the passing of one of the great pitchers from the recent past, J.R. Richard. One of our readers, Mark Schroeder, who also happens to be a friend, wrote a nice tribute to J.R. that I wanted to share today. Before I get to Mark’s tribute, here’s a few words about J.R.’s fine career.
J.R. Richard’s Career
Known for his blazing fastball and intimidating appearance on the mound, J.R. played ten years in the major leagues (1971-1980), all with the Astros. Over his career, he posted a 107-71 record (.581), with a 3.15 ERA, 1493 strikeouts, 76 complete games, and 19 shutouts. He led the league in strikeouts twice (303 in 1978, 313 in 1979), and once in ERA (2.71 in 1979).
J.R. had a breakout year in 1976 with a 20-15 record and 2.75 ERA, along with 14 complete games, three shutouts, and 214 strikeouts in 291 innings. Over the next four years, he became one of the National League’s most dominant pitchers, with a combined record of 84-55 (.604) and a 2.68 ERA. J.R. was also the ninth member of the Black Aces, an organization founded by Jim “Mudcat” Grant that consists of all African American pitchers who have won at least 20 major league games in a season.
Tribute to J. R. Richard,
by Mark Schroeder
One of the greatest days that I ever spent in Wrigley Field was when I attended a doubleheader with the Cubs playing the Houston Astros in 1980. I cannot remember who pitched for the Cubs that day and honestly, the Cubs wasn’t the reason I went to the game. I went to the doubleheader because I wanted to see two great pitchers throw for the Astros. The first game starter was JR Richard. Game 2 starter was Nolan Ryan. What a way to spend a summer afternoon at Wrigley.
I have seen and attended thousands of baseball games but nothing compared to a pitching dual for a doubleheader than Richard and Ryan. Both stars throwing 100mph fastballs.I never met JR Richard. I only saw him pitch in his prime. In his prime he was unforgettable. In my mind, I still can see him standing so tall, 6′ 8″ on the mound at Wrigley in his colorful Astros uniform throwing a 100 mph fastball that would smack a catcher’s mitt so hard, that the sound could clearly be heard above a crowd of 32,000 fans.
JR’s career came to a sudden end after suffering a stroke shortly after I saw this doubleheader in 1980. He was just 30 years old. He was a dominant pitcher in MLB, but the stroke ended that career. His life got so bad that he was once homeless. For a short time in baseball he was magnificent. He was dominant and was a two time strikeout leader in the National League. That doubleheader is forever in my mind. Sadly, J.R. Richard passed today at age 71.
RIP J.R. Richard.
Mark Schroeder
Information: Excerpts edited from the J.R. Richard Wikipedia page. Statistics from Baseball-Reference.com
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Hi Gary, Mark,
This sad news hits hard, and somehow all the more so because of the way Richard’s career was cut short at the height of his pitching prowess. One day he was dominating hitters in the National League; the next and forever after, he couldn’t do it at all.
As to Gary’s note that Richard was a member of (Mudcat Grant’s) so-called “Black Aces”: In 1967 Sidney Poitier appeared in “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner,” a high-profile movie about race relations. His character, speaking to his father, says, “Dad. . .I love you. I always have and I always will. But you think of yourself as a colored man. I think of myself as a man.”
As one who became a permanently committed fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers exclusively on account of Branch Rickey, Jackie Robinson and their courageous determination to break the color barrier in major-league baseball, may I please say “amen” to Poitier’s line, and voice the hope that we can all remember and honor Mr. Richard as a man, with due regard for his life, character and career, and zero for the color of his skin.
Many thanks,
Michael
Thanks Michael…well said. I think we can all agree with that.
A lovely tribute for an equally wonderful man. Thanks very much for this.
Thanks Kerry
When JR suffered the stroke and subsequent homelessness, some tended to blame the end of his career on other factors. One prominent sportswriter always regretted writing some things about Richards before he he knew all the facts.
Thanks, Gary!
Quick reference to “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” Professor Keedy triggers my memory of the movie. Spencer Tracy’s character had people research the doctor played by Poitier. He read the glowing report and said, “No wonder he never talks about himself, who the hell would believe him!”