Ron Perranoski was the 1969 Sporting News Fireman of the Year. He led the majors with 31 saves. He also led the AL with 52 games finished. Hewon 9 games for the Twins in the regular season but got the loss in the first game of the ALCS. Ironically, the Orioles known for "pitching, defense and the 3-run homer" beat him by playing small-ball. He was called in with no outs and Brooks Robinson on second base in the bottom of the 9th and the game tied at 3-3. He managed to pitch his way out of the 9th. He also went unscathed in the 10th and 11th. But in the bottom of the 12th he gave up an infield single to Mark Belanger. A sac-bunt, and a grounder to short later and Belanger is on 3rd. Then with 2 out and a 1-1 count, Paul Blair laid down a perfect bunt scoring the winning run. The ball never left the infield.
In Ken Tatum's rookie season he came in 2nd in the AL with 22 saves. This was a career best for him as was his record of 7-2 and his microscopic ERA of 1.36. He finished 4th in Rookie of the Year voting in 1969 and although he would spend 6 seasons in the bigs with the Angels, the Bosox and Chisox, he would never match his rookie numbers.
Sparky Lyle would go on to lead the league twice in saves and win a Fireman of the Year award. But in just his 3rd MLB season Lyle was 3rd in the AL with 17 saves and an 8-3 record.
Couple of questions? Do you print/sell your cards? If so, how can I get in touch with you?
ReplyDeleteI don't make or sell these cards. But as long as you do not sell them yourself, you are welcome to use them any way you like.
ReplyDelete