Andy Messersmith Stats & Facts

Andy Messersmith Stats & Facts

  Andy Messersmith Position: Pitcher Bats: Right  •  Throws: Right 6-1, 200lb (185cm, 90kg) Born: August 6, 1945  in Toms River, NJ us Draft: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 3rd round of the 1965 MLB June Amateur Draft from University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) and the California Angels in the 1st round (12th) of the 1966 MLB June Draft-Secondary Phase from University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA). High Schools: Western HS (Anaheim, CA), Woodrow Wilson…

high-priced free agent Andy Messersmith separates his shoulder in an exhibition game for the New York Yankees

high-priced free agent Andy Messersmith separates his shoulder in an exhibition game for the New York Yankees

    On March 16, 1978, high-priced free agent Andy Messersmith separates his shoulder in an exhibition game for the New York Yankees.  A 20-game winner both for the Angels and Dodgers, Messersmith will never win a game for the Yankees. He will pitch one more season in 1979 before retiring. Messersmith will however leave…

Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner for one year as a result of tampering charges in the Gary Matthews free agent signing
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Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner for one year as a result of tampering charges in the Gary Matthews free agent signing

On January 2, 1977 MLB Commissioner Bowie Kuhn suspends Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner for one year as a result of tampering charges in the Gary Matthews free agent signing. The Braves are permitted to keep the outfielder, however. The Braves owner, an accomplished sailor, uses his free time to pursue another goal, winning this…

In Los Angeles, George Foster’s home run off Andy Messersmith is the only score as the Reds win, 1 – 0. The unrelated Carrolls – Tom Carroll and Clay Carroll – combine for the Reds.

In Los Angeles, George Foster’s home run off Andy Messersmith is the only score as the Reds win, 1 – 0. The unrelated Carrolls – Tom Carroll and Clay Carroll – combine for the Reds.

Oakland slugger Reggie Jackson connects for a home run off Andy Messersmith, and pitcher Ken Holtzman scores the second run in the 5th inning on a suicide squeeze. Oakland wins the World Series opener, 3 – 2, as the Dodgers strand 12 baserunners.

Oakland slugger Reggie Jackson connects for a home run off Andy Messersmith, and pitcher Ken Holtzman scores the second run in the 5th inning on a suicide squeeze. Oakland wins the World Series opener, 3 – 2, as the Dodgers strand 12 baserunners.

1974 – Oakland slugger Reggie Jackson connects for a home run off Andy Messersmith, and pitcher Ken Holtzman scores the second run in the 5th inning on a suicide squeeze. Oakland wins the World Series opener, 3 – 2, as the Dodgers strand 12 baserunners.

For the second time in his career, Pirate Willie Stargell hits one out of Dodger Stadium.

For the second time in his career, Pirate Willie Stargell hits one out of Dodger Stadium.

For the second time in his career, Pirate Willie Stargell poles one out of Dodger Stadium. His blast off Andy Messersmith hits the right field pavilion roof 470 feet away. His first home run, a 506-foot shot, came off Alan Foster on August 5, 1969. No other player has hit a fair ball out of the stadium. Los Angeles wins, 7 – 4.

A Six Player blockbuster trade highlighted by future HOF Frank Robinson

A Six Player blockbuster trade highlighted by future HOF Frank Robinson

1972 – In a blockbuster interstate trade good for both teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers send Frank Robinson, Bill Singer, Mike Strahler, Bobby Valentine and Bill Grabarkewitz to the California Angels in exchange for Andy Messersmith and Ken McMullen, who returns to the team that signed him. Next season, Robinson will play 147 games, hitting 30 home runs with 97 RBI and Singer will combine with Nolan Ryan to strike out 674 batters, a 20th Century major league record for two teammates. Messersmith will win 39 games in the next two seasons for the Dodgers and finish second in the Cy Young Award voting in 1974.