Dick Radatz, baseball player, 1962-1969

Dick Radatz

Born: 4/2/1937 in Detroit, MI, USA

Died: 3/16/2005 in Easton, MA, USA

MLB Debut: 1962-04-10 | Final Game: 1969-08-15

Bats: R | Throws: R | Height: 6'6" | Weight: 230 lbs

Full name: Richard Raymond Radatz

Biography

Dick Radatz, born in 1937, was a prominent pitcher who made significant contributions to Major League Baseball during the 1960s. His career spanned from 1962 until his retirement on August 15, 1969. Radatz became known for his formidable presence on the mound, finishing his career with a record of 52-43 and an impressive earned run average (ERA) of 3.13. He accumulated a total of 745 strikeouts and recorded 122 saves, establishing himself as one of the era's most effective relief pitchers. Radatz was selected as an All-Star twice during his career, showcasing his talent and impact on the game. He played in an era characterized by a shift in pitching strategies, where the role of the relief pitcher began to gain prominence. His ability to close games and secure victories for his teams reflected the evolving nature of baseball in the 1960s. As a key figure in the development of the modern relief role, Dick Radatz left a lasting legacy in the sport, remembered for his powerful pitching style and significant achievements on the field.

Career Pitching Statistics

W L G GS CG SHO SV IP H ER HR BB SO ERA Pitcher PIV
52 43 381 0 0 0 122 693.7 532 241 65 296 745 3.13 0

Season-by-Season Pitching

Career Batting Statistics

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS PIV
381 145 6 19 3 0 1 11 0 4 79 0.131 0.160 0.172 0.332 0.0

Season-by-Season Batting

Fielding Statistics

Career Fielding Totals by Position

Position G GS PO A E DP
P 381 0 25 55 7 1

Season-by-Season Fielding

Career Games by Position

Position Games
Pitcher 381

Awards & Honors

College History

School Name City State Years Attended
Michigan State University East Lansing MI 1957, 1958, 1959

Award Voting History

Year Award League Finish Points Won Points Max Votes First
1964 Most Valuable Player AL 9th 37.0 280 0
1963 Most Valuable Player AL 5th 84.0 280 0
1962 Most Valuable Player AL 21th 8.0 280 0
1962 Rookie of the Year AL 3rd 1.0 20 1