Ron Perranoski was one of the top relievers of his era. Most of it was before the save was recognized as an official stat. The only start of his career came in his rookie season. He pitched the first four innings of a 10 inning 12-11 win over the Pirates. He gave up three runs before being pinch hit for by Frank Howard. Over the next five innings, Roger Craig, Turk Farrell and Jim Golden combined to give up 8 runs. In the 10th Johnny Podres pitched a scoreless frame and got the win on a John Roseboro walk-off RBI triple. So in the famous closer's only start, the final inning was pitched by an All Star starter.
If you follow my other blog, you have seen that I have a few Cards That Never Were featuring Ron Perranoski already. He has been a repeat subject on my Leaders series. Perranoski made an appearance on the 1963 and 1964 cards and was awarded the Sporting News Fireman of the Year in 1969 and 1970 giving him top billing on the 1970 and 1971 AL Leading Firemen cards.
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This is the rookie card of one of the top relievers of his era. He was never selected to the All Star game but received MVP votes in 1962, 1969 and 1970. In 1970 he also received Cy Young votes. I would consider this card "Binder Worthy". I give it a solid 7.
Ah Perranoski - certainly not one of the better trades in Cubs history. For two years of mediocre production out of Don Zimmer (when their infield was already quite full), they lost out on one of the premier relievers of the 60's.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big '88 Dodgers fan and have always wanted to see more cards of Perranoski, who was their pitching coach. I love these Rating the Rookies posts! Keep them coming!
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