Fun facts about Wade Blasingame:
-Hailing from Deming, NM, Wade signed with the Milwaukee Braves for a $100,000 bonus in 1961.
-Made the leap to the majors in late 1963 at age 19.
-Had a promising rookie season, going 9-5 with a 4.24 ERA as a swingman in 1964. Manager Bobby Bragan said that he had the best curveball in the league.
-His first major league win was a complete game, 7-1 victory over the Cubs on July 5, 1964.
-Broke out in 1965 with a 16-10 record, 10 complete games, and a 3.77 ERA, all career bests.
-Started the last Braves home game in Milwaukee on September 22, 1965. He was chased in the fifth inning, having earned six runs. He did outlast the opposing starter, Sandy Koufax (5 ER in 2 IP).
-Suffered from a fractured finger and sore arm the following year, which seriously curtailed his effectiveness.
-Spent parts of six seasons with the Astros following a 1967 trade from Atlanta. His only full season as a starter in that span was 1971 (9-11, 4.60).
-In 1971, hit the last of his three career home runs, a solo shot off of Steve Carlton.
-Finished his career in 1972 with the Yankees. In ten seasons, he was 46-51 with a 4.52 ERA.
I currently work for Wade! He was in Valdez last week for a meeting. I had a chance to sit down and eat lunch with him!!
ReplyDeleteI worked one summer in Prudhoe Bay for Houston Contracting Company - and Wade was the Teamster boss - and a great guy - that was about 25 years ago - hope is doing well... He allowed me into the Teamster barn for beer from time to time - a real treat for a non-union kid (and an executive's nephew who many could have done without)... He was a great fuy and I had my mother send some of his cards to me from my collection...
ReplyDeleteS Mahood
I'm his daughter and he is a great guy. Love you Dad!
ReplyDeleteWe were very fortunate to have Wade as part of our little community of Valdez, how many other little towns in Alaska at the “end of the road” could boast of having a former Major League baseball pitcher not only living in our town but also giving freely of his time and baseball expertise to our various Little League programs. Wade also helped a lot of charities in Anchorage donating his time and baseball memorabilia to various causes. Too bad there aren’t more professional athletes with the same attitude I know I won’t forget his efforts.
ReplyDeleteCoach Phil
Mr. B is a great man and great father. I grew up with his daughter and as a high school and college baseball player I looked up to him. Only wish summer wood bat league would have worked out. I think you'll remember me best as "MeatHead"
ReplyDeleteMr. B is a great man and great father. I grew up with his daughter and as a high school and college baseball player I looked up to him. Only wish summer wood bat league would have worked out. I think you'll remember me best as "MeatHead"
ReplyDelete