Hall of Fame
Accomplished Major League Baseball pitcher with all-star credentials. Enjoyed 11-year MLB career with New York Yankees (1966-74), Cleveland Indians (1974-76), and Texas Rangers (1976). Known as crafty southpaw with pinpoint control. Finished MLB career with 133-131 record, 3.30 ERA, plus 1,015-426 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 355 games and 2,218 2/3 innings (1966-76). Joined 20-game winners circle (20-11 mark) in fifth season and became Yankees' first lefty to do so since Hall of Famer Whitey Ford seven years earlier (1970). Ranked No. 4 in American League ERA (2.91), recorded 127 strikeouts / 40 walks in 260 innings and played in All-Star Game during same summer. Led AL in control and posted five straight winning years (12-11, 17-16, 20-11, 15-13, and 17-15) with New York (1968-72). Averaged league-leading 1.23 walks per nine innings (1968). Posted 12-11 mark and 3.31 ERA in 215 innings as rookie (1966). Went 14-8 with 3.94 ERA with Tribe (1975). Signed with NY as free agent (1963). Compiled 8-2 mark, 2.45 ERA, and 91 strikeouts in 91 2/3 innings as junior under NIU coach Darrel Black. Led Huskies in wins, innings, ERA, and strikeouts (1963). Named team MVP, First-Team All-IIAC, and All-Midwest in final spring. Topped NIU in strikeouts (55) and innings (65 1/3) (1962). Lettered twice (1962-63). Earned bachelors (1965) and masters (1967) from NIU. Did color on Huskie Radio Network. Played baseball on Mt. Prospect Little League All-Stars with HOFer George Bork (1954). Arlington High product.
