Hall of Fame Offers A Tribute To The Passing of Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry
"I never looked at it any other way. I just never figured on being without (baseball)." - Gaylord Perry
“Gaylord Perry leaves a lasting legacy in baseball and in Cooperstown as one of the greatest pitchers of his generation. During a remarkable 22-year major league career, he became the first pitcher to win Cy Young Awards in both the American and National Leagues while throwing more than 5,000 innings. The Hall of Fame will greatly miss Gaylord's presence, as he loved returning for Induction Weekend to be with his friends and fans. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, Deborah and the entire Perry family.” – Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman, Baseball Hall of Fame
Gaylord Perry’s Hall of Fame plaque (elected, 1991) Gaylord Jackson Perry San Francisco, N.L., 1962-71 Cleveland, A.L., 1972-75 Texas, A.L., 1975-77, 1980 San Diego, N.L., 1978-79 New York, A.L., 1980 Atlanta, N.L., 1981 Seattle, A.L., 1982-83 Kansas City, A.L., 1983 Achieved pitchers’ magic numbers with 314 wins and 3,534 strikeouts. Playing mind games with hitters through an array of rituals on the mound was part of his arsenal. 20-game winner 5 times with lifetime ERA of 3.10. No-hit Cards for Giants 9/17/68. Outstanding competitor. Only Cy Young winner in both leagues.
Gaylord Perry Bio Born: Sept. 15, 1938, in Williamston, N.C. Died: Dec. 1, 2022, in Gaffney, S.C. Height: 6-4 Weight: 205 Batted right and threw right
Gaylord Perry won 314 games, struck out 3,534 batters, earned Cy Young awards in both leagues, and hurled a no-hitter during his 22-year major league career with eight teams. But the spitball – or more accurately, the threat of one – gave Perry his everlasting fame.
The author of “Me and the Spitter” could distract and frustrate through an array of rituals on the mound, including fidgeting with his glove, uniform and the bill of his cap. When Perry retired in 1983, he proclaimed, “The league will be a little drier now, folks.”
Quotes from Gaylord Perry
“Sure, 40 is old for a pro athlete, but I have no secrets.”
“I don’t mind the opposing managers continually asking to see the ball. It’s part of the game. It also helps to keep the hitters guessing.”
“I just wanted to pitch every fourth day. And I got my wish.”
Quotes about Gaylord Perry
Former manager Roger Craig: “I never saw a man who could get himself (ready to pitch) so consistently.”
Former catcher Ray Fosse: “There’s a tremendous feeling in catching him. It’s almost like being in a rocking chair because you know he’s going to be around the plate. And he doesn’t give in to the hitters.”