RIP JR Richard | The Boneyard

RIP JR Richard

Intimidating presence on the mound. Had a rocket for an arm. Threw high 90s when it was very uncommon. But his arm went dead and soon after he had a stroke.
 
He's no Joe Sambito.
 
Him having his stroke was one of my first memories of a player collapsing on the field. I was still young enough where pro athletes seemed bigger than life.
 
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Huskybass said:
He was larger than life to me as a kid in the 70s. JR and Nolan Ryan were the heat of their era. Johnny Bench and Dale Murphy both said he was the toughest pitcher they ever faced. Sad news.
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Yeah could you a imagine Richards pitching in Playoffs in 1986 with Mike Scottand Nolan Ryan. Astros were fun to watch back then to watch. Too bad JR health curtailed his career. Actually enjoyed all of the 1986 MLB playoffs until ending Of 1986 WS game 6 between RedSox and Mets. RIP JR
 
husky1bags said:
Yeah could you a imagine Richards pitching in Playoffs in 1986 with Mike Scottand Nolan Ryan. Astros were fun to watch back then to watch. Too bad JR health curtailed his career. Actually enjoyed all of the 1986 MLB playoffs until ending Of 1986 WS game 6 between RedSox and Mets. RIP JR
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Richard retired in 1980
 
So, not news on a possible son of RIP and potential future recruit. Anyone else faked out?
 
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He was a guy that will generally be forgotten by most over time and that’s a shame, because for a short period of time? He was something to watch. A unicorn in his era with power and finesse.
 
Bruce Bochy caught him for years, was on with the Mad Dog today great stuff. Said he was very intimidating and many real good hitters back then suddenly needed days off for injuries when JR was scheduled to pitch. Bruce thought JR got ripped off for the Cy the year Sutter won. They were great friends and did a lot of fishing together along with Jesus Alou. From 76 to 80 when he had the stroke he had I believe 21,19,18,18 wins with ERAs from 2.9to 3.1 or so. When he has the stroke in 80 he was 10-4 with a 1.9 era.

Headed for HOF before the unfortunate incident. RIP JR
 
He was before my time, but reading up on him got me going down a rabbit hole that led to me looking at Nolan Ryan’s stats. Two things stood out (among many incredible things): (1) he never won a Cy Young, finishing 2nd once and 3rd twice; and (2) he struck out 301 batters AT 42 YEARS OF AGE, in the AL. Crazy. I remember him pitching well after joining the Rangers but Jesus.

Bonus fact: in 1973 and 1974, he pitched a combined 660 innings.
 
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Ruing about Ryan that amazed me was in 87 led the league in era and was 8 - 16
 
When I lived in Houston in the late 70s and early 80s, I had the pleasure to watch in the Astrodome a classic pitcher's duel between JR and Tom Seaver when he was with the Reds. They battled to a 0-0 tie into the top of the 9th, when JR served one up to George Foster, who pounded it for a solo HR and almost hit the back wall beyond the seats in left field. Final Score: Reds 1, Astros 0, An amazing pitching performance by both JR and Tom Terrific. I was also lucky enough to see JR pitch in person several other times. It was so sad that JR's career was cut so short. RIP JR.
 
Funny, the thing I remember most about J.R. was that he was concerned about physical issues before his stroke and Houston medical didn't take him seriously. Sports writers were trying to make him in to malingerer. Then he gets afflicted and only then does the medical staff admit they missed it. This part has been whitewashed from all the initial stories I've read.
 
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