Fun
card to add to the “wthballs” virtual collection, a 1977 “not so
missing” card for Rick Sutcliffe of the Los Angeles Dodgers, future NL
Rookie of the Year in 1979 and NL Cy Young Winner for the Chicago Cubs
in 1984:
Sutcliffe appeared in one game during the 1976 season, pitching five
innings of scoreless ball in his Big League debut, allowing only two
hits and a walk along with three strikeouts.
He’d have to wait until 1979 to get a shot at full-time work, and he
wouldn’t disappoint as he’d cruise to a Rookie of the Year season that
saw him post a record of 17-10, with a 3.46 earned run average over 39
appearances, 30 of them starts, with five complete games and a shutout.
Of course, he’d end up putting in 18 seasons as a Major League pitcher,
leading the AL in ERA in 1982 while with the Cleveland Indians, then on
to his banner year of 1984 that saw him lead the Chicago Cubs to the NL
East title when he went 16-1 after coming over in a trade from
Cleveland.
He’d finish his career with a record of 171-139, with an ERA at 4.08
over 457 appearances, 392 of those starts, with 18 shutouts and six
saves and three All-Star nods, before heading into broadcasting,
something he still does for ESPN today.