Bert Blyleven--1971
Ahhh, what a young pup Bert Blyleven
was on his 1971 card.
After 14 years of waiting the curveballing
right-hander final made it to the Hall of
Fame in 2011. Good for you Bert.
What I didn't realize was the Blyleven
logged 3,701 strikeouts during his
22-year career, which ranks him 5th on
the all-time list.
He also registered a nifty 3.31 ERA
during his career, winning 287 which was
just 37 more than he lost. Blyleven
tossed a no-hitter against the Angels
while with the Rangers. He was a
prankster and at times controversial
during the turbulent times of the 1970s
and '80s.
It was great to be in Minneapolis last
weekend as the Twins retired his No. 28.
Here's a picture of the ceremony at
Target Field last Saturday:
A TV announcer for the Twins
broadcasts nowadays; I have had the
pleasure of meeting Bert and was able to
congratulate him last weekend. He's a
really good guy if you ever get the
chance to meet him.
I can't wait to hear his acceptance
speech.
Congrats also to Robbie Alomar and Pat
Gillick on their induction into the National
Baseball Hall of Fame.
Editor's Note: On hand for the ceremony
this weekend was former Twins catcher
George Mitterwald, who caught
Blyleven's first pitch prior to the game on
Saturday... which was only fitting, since
Mitterwald caught Blyleven's first big
league pitch waaaay back on June 5,
1970.
(7/24/11)
was on his 1971 card.
After 14 years of waiting the curveballing
right-hander final made it to the Hall of
Fame in 2011. Good for you Bert.
What I didn't realize was the Blyleven
logged 3,701 strikeouts during his
22-year career, which ranks him 5th on
the all-time list.
He also registered a nifty 3.31 ERA
during his career, winning 287 which was
just 37 more than he lost. Blyleven
tossed a no-hitter against the Angels
while with the Rangers. He was a
prankster and at times controversial
during the turbulent times of the 1970s
and '80s.
It was great to be in Minneapolis last
weekend as the Twins retired his No. 28.
Here's a picture of the ceremony at
Target Field last Saturday:
A TV announcer for the Twins
broadcasts nowadays; I have had the
pleasure of meeting Bert and was able to
congratulate him last weekend. He's a
really good guy if you ever get the
chance to meet him.
I can't wait to hear his acceptance
speech.
Congrats also to Robbie Alomar and Pat
Gillick on their induction into the National
Baseball Hall of Fame.
Editor's Note: On hand for the ceremony
this weekend was former Twins catcher
George Mitterwald, who caught
Blyleven's first pitch prior to the game on
Saturday... which was only fitting, since
Mitterwald caught Blyleven's first big
league pitch waaaay back on June 5,
1970.
(7/24/11)
