Robert Lynn "Bob" Welch (born November 3, 1956) is a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1978–87) and Oakland Athletics (1988–94). He played in college for Eastern Michigan. Welch was best known for his masterful split-finger fastball.
[edit] Playing career
In a 17-year career, Welch compiled a 211-146 record with 1,969 strikeouts and a 3.47 ERA in 3,092 innings.
[edit] Striking out Reggie Jackson in the 1978 World Series
Welch gained national fame in 1978 when he struck out Reggie Jackson with two men on base and two out in the top of the ninth inning of Game 2 of the 1978 World Series.
[edit] 1990 Cy Young Award winning season
A two-time All-Star, Welch won 14 or more games in eight years, with a career-high 27 in 1990. In that season he received the Cy Young Award and was considered in the MVP vote. The 27 win total was the most by any pitcher since Steve Carlton also won 27 in 1972 and currently stands as the last time a pitcher has won 25 or more games in a season. No pitcher has surpassed the total since Denny McLain won 31 in 1968.
[edit] Retirement
His book Five O'Clock Comes Early: A Cy Young Award-Winner Recounts His Greatest Victory was co-written with New York Times sports columnist George Vecsey and chronicles Welch's battle with alcoholism.
Welch was the pitching coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks when they won the World Series in 2001.
During the 2006 World Baseball Classic, Welch served as the pitching coach for The Netherlands.
[edit] Highlights
- American League Cy Young Award (1990)
- Twice All-Star (1980, 1990)
- Top 10 American League MVP (9th, 1990)
- Led league in wins (27, 1990)
- Led league in shutouts (4, 1987)
- Led league in games started (35, 1991)
- Tied at #84 on the all-time wins leaderboard
His son Riley was drafted in the 34th round of the 2008 MLB draft.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
