Don Drysdale: The Unyielding Arm
A comprehensive look at the legendary pitcher and broadcaster, from his intimidating presence on the mound to his impactful career off the field.
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Biographical Sketch
The Man
Donald Scott Drysdale, affectionately nicknamed "Big D," was an American professional baseball pitcher and broadcaster. He dedicated his entire 14-year Major League Baseball career to the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers franchise. Renowned for his fierce competitiveness and imposing stature (6' 5"), Drysdale left an indelible mark on the game.
Key Achievements
Drysdale's illustrious career was highlighted by a Cy Young Award in 1962, three World Series championships, and nine All-Star selections. He was posthumously inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984, and the Dodgers retired his iconic number 53.
Lifespan
Born July 23, 1936, in Van Nuys, California, Drysdale passed away on July 3, 1993, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, at the age of 56, due to a heart attack.
Career Overview
On the Mound
Drysdale's career statistics paint a picture of dominance and consistency. He amassed 209 wins against 166 losses, maintaining a career earned run average (ERA) of 2.95 over 3,432 innings pitched. His ability to strike out batters was formidable, recording 2,486 strikeouts throughout his career.
All-Star Recognition
Drysdale's consistent performance earned him nine selections to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. He holds records for pitching the most innings in an All-Star Game (19.1) and starting the game a record five times, showcasing his reputation as a premier pitcher.
Career Highlights
His career was marked by significant achievements, including leading the league in wins once, strikeouts three times, and shutouts once. He set a then-Major League record with six consecutive shutouts and 58 consecutive scoreless innings in 1968, a testament to his endurance and skill.
Pitching Style
Intimidation and Precision
Standing tall at 6'5", Drysdale was known for his intimidating pitching style. He effectively utilized "brushback" pitches and a sidearm fastball to keep opposing batters off balance. This aggressive approach, honed partly through advice from Sal Maglie, earned him a reputation for fierce competitiveness.
HBP Record
His aggressive style also led him to lead the National League in hit batsmen for four consecutive seasons (1958-1961) and again in 1965. His 154 career hit batsmen remain a modern National League record, underscoring his willingness to pitch inside.
Hitting Prowess
Beyond his pitching, Drysdale was a capable hitter for a pitcher, recording 218 hits and 29 home runs in his career. He hit seven home runs in a season twice, demonstrating his all-around contribution to the game.
Broadcasting Career
Television and Radio
Following his playing career, Drysdale transitioned into sports broadcasting, lending his voice and insights to various teams and networks. He covered baseball for the Montreal Expos, Texas Rangers, California Angels, Chicago White Sox, NBC, and ABC, as well as Los Angeles Rams football.
Memorable Calls
Drysdale provided play-by-play for significant moments, including Steve Garvey's iconic walk-off home run in the 1984 NLCS and Kirk Gibson's legendary World Series home run in 1988 for the Dodgers Radio Network. His broadcasting partner Vin Scully famously announced Drysdale's death on air, calling it the "toughest broadcast" of his career.
Radio Baseball Cards
In 1987, Drysdale hosted the nationally syndicated radio show "Radio Baseball Cards," featuring interviews and anecdotes from numerous MLB players, including poignant episodes dedicated to Jackie Robinson.
Personal Life
Family Life
Drysdale was married twice. His first marriage was to Eula "Ginger" Dubberly, with whom he had a daughter, Kelly Jean. They divorced in 1982. In 1986, he married basketball legend Ann Meyers, and they had three children: Donald Scott Jr. ("DJ"), Darren John, and Drew Ann. Their union marked the first time a married couple were enshrined in their respective sports' Halls of Fame.
Cultural Impact
Drysdale's influence extended beyond baseball. He made guest appearances on popular television shows like "The Brady Bunch" and "The Beverly Hillbillies." Notably, he carried a cassette tape of Robert F. Kennedy's victory speech, which mentioned Drysdale's pitching feat, a speech given shortly before Kennedy's assassination.
Passing
Sudden Loss
Don Drysdale died unexpectedly of a heart attack on July 3, 1993, while on a broadcasting assignment in Montreal. He was found in his hotel room, having passed away at least 18 hours prior. His death sent shockwaves through the baseball community.
Tributes
His passing was marked by heartfelt tributes from colleagues, former teammates like Vin Scully and Sandy Koufax, and friends, reflecting the profound impact he had on those who knew him and the sport he loved.
Accolades and Honors
Hall of Fame and Retired Number
Don Drysdale was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984. The Los Angeles Dodgers honored him by retiring his number 53 in the same year, cementing his legacy with the franchise.
All-Star and League Honors
Drysdale was a nine-time All-Star, starting the game a record five times. He also received multiple league honors, including the Cy Young Award in 1962, The Sporting News Player of the Year, and The Sporting News Pitcher of the Year.
Related Information
Further Exploration
Explore related topics and resources for a deeper understanding of Don Drysdale and baseball history:
- Major League Baseball titles leaders
- List of MLB all-time leaders in home runs by pitchers
- List of MLB annual strikeout leaders
- List of MLB annual wins leaders
- List of MLB career wins leaders
- List of MLB career hit batsmen leaders
- List of MLB career strikeout leaders
- List of MLB individual streaks
- List of MLB single-inning strikeout leaders
- List of MLB players who spent their entire career with one franchise
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References
References
- Drysdale recorded two songs on a 45 rpm record.
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional sports advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional analysis or consultation regarding baseball statistics or history. Always refer to official sources and consult with experts for specific insights.
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