Former pitcher Don Gullett who earned fame as part of the Big Red Machine died at the age of 73 on Wednesday:
Gullett, a first-round draft pick by the Reds in 1969, made his major league debut in April 1970 and went on to appear in four World Series with Cincinnati, winning the title in 1975 and 1976.
Gullett, who was from Kentucky, went on to play two seasons with the New York Yankees, helping his new club to the title in 1977.
ESPN.com
My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Gullett was a decently high strikeout pitcher for his ERA averaging six K per nine innings. He prevented hits with that number holding opponents to a .233 BA during his career. He pitched better for the Reds in the post-season with a 2.99 ERA in seventeen appearances. With the Yankees, he posted a 7.98 ERA in three appearances.
He was an early free agent, and the Yankees scooped him up with a six year, $2 million contract. Times have changed.
Wow. I really remember Don Gullett as being the best starting pitcher the Reds had in the 1970s, especially 1974-76. He would have injury issues, but he would come back from them and throw really well. The guy was a great, great pitcher.
He came into the league at age 20, but injuries ended his career by age 27. His won lost record was an amazing over 100 wins and only 50 losses. He had all those strikeouts, was good in the post season and won three World Series rings. Not having him in 1977 hurt the Reads a lot.
A wonderful pitcher. He didn’t have that long career like Steve Carlton, but for a while there, he sure pitched like Carlton.
RIP to a great pitcher, and a true winner.
Art K