Bob Welch

[Navel Lint]

Bob Welch passed away today at the age of 57. Early reports indicate it was a heart attack.

For those that don't remember much of Welch, when you look at his career numbers, the obvious stat that jumps out at you is the 27 Wins in 1990. And that number should jump out. Bob Welch is the only pitcher in the last 40 years to win more than 25 games in a single season.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/playe ... bo01.shtml

Welch had a very solid career to go along with his one Cy Young Award winning season.

Welch had a career record of 211-146 (.591) w/3.47era (106 era+) over 506 gms including 462 starts.
Just to put some comparison on those numbers; HOF pitcher Catfish Hunter was 224-166 (.574) w/3.26era (104 era+) over 500 gms and 476 starts.
I'm not saying Welch was a HOF pitcher, but I think he may have been better than people remember, and he was certainly better than only receiving 1 single vote for the HOF on his only time on the ballot in 2000.

But for me, Bob Welch will be most remembered for his tremendous showdown against Reggie Jackson in the 1978 World Series.
Reggie Jackson was at the pinnacle of his post-season career, having hit HR's in 4 straight WS games going back to 1977, and Bob Welch was a 21 year old rookie pitcher.

I could tell you more, but it's better just to watch it and hear the play-by-play call from Joe Garagiola, along with the great Tony Kubek and I think Tom Seaver...................

http://youtu.be/26fRnCj4SYQ

Baseball at it's best

[TOXIC ASSETS]

I had forgotten how long of a career this guy had. Wow. Good numbers all around, 1990 is the memorable year but he had a lot of other good years as well. RIP

[Captain Hook]

Bob was a great competitor and recently had been working with young Oakland pitchers here in AZ. Very nice guy

RIP

[rkulaski]

Good post, Russell.
Seems like just yesterday I was excited when I opened up my topps cards and got a bob welch.

[mdecav]

"Sentimental Lady" was a big hit for Bob in the 70s...

http://youtu.be/85LSmnSFe1A