Welcome to this day in baseball Daily rewind my name is Tom Hannon and I am your host. Thank you so much for joining me today as we back step our way through July 29 – August 4. Our format has been changing a bit and just to give you a quick recap, we are…
J.R. Richard Position: PitcherBats: Right • Throws: Right6-8, 222lb (203cm, 100kg)Born: March 7, 1950 in Vienna, LA usDied: August 4, 2021 in Houston, TXBuried: Houston Memorial Gardens, Pearland, TXDraft: Drafted by the Houston Astros in the 1st round (2nd) of the 1969 MLB June Amateur Draft from Lincoln HS (Ruston, LA).High School: Lincoln HS (Ruston, LA)School: Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ)Debut: September 5, 1971 (13,191st in major league history)vs. SFG 9.0 IP, 7 H, 15 SO, 3 BB, 2 ER, WLast…
Pitcher Stephen Strasburg makes the most eagerly anticipated debut in decades before a sell-out crowd in Washington, DC. The recipient of the largest signing bonus in history lives up to his advance billing, striking out 14 while walking none in seven innings; the only batter to reach him is Delwyn Young, who connects for a two-run homer. The Nationals defeat Pittsburgh, 4 – 2, for Strasburg’s first major league win.
The Houston Astros release J.R. Richard, ending his major league career. The hard-throwing Richard had been the Astros’ top pitcher before suffering a stroke during the 1980 season, from which he never came back.
1982 – J.R. Richard tosses one inning in an exhibition game against Toronto. It would be his last appearance as an Astro after suffering a stroke in 1980. Richard gives up no runs and no hits but walks the bases full in the 3-2 victory.
1980 – J.R. Richard collapses from a stroke while working out at the Astrodome. He is rushed to Methodist Hospital where surgery saves his life. His distracted teammates lose in Philadelphia, 6-4. Richard would never regain the coordination needed to resume his career.
On July 16, 1980, Despite much speculation that he is simply malingering, the Astros place star pitcher J.R. Richard on the 21-day disabled list with a mysterious arm problem. The 6′ 8″ right-hander is 10-4 with a 1.89 ERA and 119 strikeouts in 114 innings, but has removed himself from 10 games this year complaining…
At Dodger Stadium, the 51st All-Star Game features J.R. Richard (10-4) and Steve Stone (12-3) as the starters, with Richard going just two innings because of various back and shoulder problems he’s been having. The National League battles back to win its 9th consecutive Midsummer Classic, 4 – 2, pinning the loss on Dodger defector Tommy John. Reds outfielder Ken Griffey goes 2 for 3 with a solo home run to win the game’s MVP Award.
1980 – J.R. Richard blanks the Chicago Cubs, 3-0, extending his shutout innings steak to 31-2/3rd innings. He fans eight and walks three, allowing six hits yet says his arm doesn’t feel right. Jose Cruz and Denny Walling give Richard all the support he needs with RBI singles in the first inning. The win marks the first homestand sweep in Houston history, taking six from the Giants and Cubs.
1980 – J.R. Richard notches his 100th victory, toppling the Mets, 7-4. Art Howe contributes three hits and Jeff Leonard homers in the win.