John O'Donoghue--1965
He was an All-Star?
Much to the surprise of many John
O'Donoghue found himself standing
alongside the American League All-Stars
in 1965.This could explain the blank
stare into oblivion on his '65 card, as
disbelief and fear united in a premonition
when Topps took this picture.
Unfortunately, the lefty didn’t find himself
on Minnesota’s Metropolitan Stadium
mound in the National League’s 6-5
victory.
O’Donoghue represented the Kansas
City on the Junior Circuit squad, as the
last place A’s would eventually post an
American League worst 103 losses in
1965. Just 25 at the time,
O’Donoghue would also lead the AL in
losses, logging 18 as he tied Red Sox’
hurlers Bill Monbouquette and Dave
Morehead for honors.
Moving from Kansas City to Cleveland in
1966 was the start of relief for the lefty,
as O’Donoghue moved into a swingman
role for the Tribe. It wasn’t until the
expansion Seattle Pilots slotted the lefty
for pen duty did O’Donoghue find
success; as he went 2-2, 2.96 with six
saves. However, the success was
fleeting as O’Donoghue found himself
struggling when the club moved to
Milwaukee in 1970 and his career over
after 13 outings with the Montreal Expos
in 1971.
All totalled, O’Donoghue registered a 39-
55, 4.07 mark in nine seasons in the
bigs... and one All-Star selection.
(7/13/10)
Much to the surprise of many John
O'Donoghue found himself standing
alongside the American League All-Stars
in 1965.This could explain the blank
stare into oblivion on his '65 card, as
disbelief and fear united in a premonition
when Topps took this picture.
Unfortunately, the lefty didn’t find himself
on Minnesota’s Metropolitan Stadium
mound in the National League’s 6-5
victory.
O’Donoghue represented the Kansas
City on the Junior Circuit squad, as the
last place A’s would eventually post an
American League worst 103 losses in
1965. Just 25 at the time,
O’Donoghue would also lead the AL in
losses, logging 18 as he tied Red Sox’
hurlers Bill Monbouquette and Dave
Morehead for honors.
Moving from Kansas City to Cleveland in
1966 was the start of relief for the lefty,
as O’Donoghue moved into a swingman
role for the Tribe. It wasn’t until the
expansion Seattle Pilots slotted the lefty
for pen duty did O’Donoghue find
success; as he went 2-2, 2.96 with six
saves. However, the success was
fleeting as O’Donoghue found himself
struggling when the club moved to
Milwaukee in 1970 and his career over
after 13 outings with the Montreal Expos
in 1971.
All totalled, O’Donoghue registered a 39-
55, 4.07 mark in nine seasons in the
bigs... and one All-Star selection.
(7/13/10)
