RIP MLB pitcher J.R. Richard

[Carnac]

James Rodney "JR" Richard, a two-time National League strikeout champion with the Houston Astros

whose career was cut short in 1980 by a stroke, died Thursday at the age of 71, the team announced.

Houston Astros icon J.R. Richard, whose career was cut short by stroke in 1980, dies at age 71

J.R. Richard, who went 107-71 with a 3.15 ERA and 1,493 strikeouts in 10 seasons with the Astros before his career was cut short in 1980 by a major stroke, has died at the age of 71.

www.espn.com

 

[Beemer]

He was a phenomenal pitcher until felled by that stroke. Honestly I thought he had passed years ago.

May he rest in peace.

 

[Carnac]

He was a phenomenal pitcher until felled by that stroke. Honestly I thought he had passed years ago.

May he rest in peace.

I got to see him several times in his prime when Houston came to Dodger Stadium. Richard was a very intimidating figure on the mound. Richard stood 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighed 220 pounds. He had the same "respect" of MLB hitters that Bob Gibson and Nolan Ryan had. To say he threw hard, is an understatement. Several hitters lamented that because of his height and long stride to the plate, by the time he released the ball, it felt like he was right on top of you. RIP James Rodney, you were one of the best.

 

[Ozimoto]

 

[VAUConnFan]

J.R. Richard, for a significant stretch, owned the Dodgers when the Dodgers were very good.
I remember the negative speculation leveled at him when he was complaining of a dead arm. It is unfortunate that the justification for Richard's complaint had to manifest itself in the form of a stroke.

 

[Golden Husky]

Warning: Minor name-drop ahead:

Kurt Bevacqua, who played in the Majors for 15 years (and hit two homers in the 1984 World Series for the Padres), is my neighbor. I once asked him who the toughest pitcher he ever faced was and he named two, Bob Gibson (duh) and J.R. Richard.

 

[Waquoit]

I remember the negative speculation leveled at him when he was complaining of a dead arm. It is unfortunate that the justification for Richard's complaint had to manifest itself in the form of a stroke.

He was killed in the press. I've given the athlete the benefit of the doubt ever since.

 

[JellyBean]

Wow. RIP, JR Richard. One of my all time favorite baseball players.