The back: Richard pitched two innings in the All Star Game, before exiting due to arm and shoulder discomfort. This discomfort progressed throughout July, ignored or misdiagnosed by doctors, before his life-threatening stroke in the Astros bullpen on July 30.
The player: Richard came up with the Astros in 1971, but struggled to find consistency until his breakout season of 1976. In 1976 he won 20 games and struck out 214. He struck out 214 again in 1977, and in 1978 he was even better, leading the NL with 303 saves. He took another leap forward in 1979, striking out 313 while cutting his walks down from 141 to 98. He led the NL with a 2.71 ERA. He was having another fine season in 1980 (10-4, 1.90) when his career abruptly came to an end.
The man: After his career, Richard's life spiraled downward with bad relationships and business deals, and by 1994 he was homeless, living under a highway overpass in Houston. He turned to a local church for help, and he was able to get a job at an asphalt company, and later became a minister. In his later years he worked on baseball programs for local youths. He died from complications from COVID-19 in 2021.
My collection: I have 19 of his cards, from 1972 to 1982. I would be interested in trading for 1977 Hostess #112.
Before his stroke, he was a scary pitcher to face. He was dominant.
ReplyDeleteDon't know if I ever saw him pitch... but I loved flipping through my NL Green Book and seeing his strikeout numbers.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a career cut way too short. Sad about his down turn, but it worked out in the longer run. I was unaware that he passed. Not sure how many cards I have of him, but I collect them when I see them.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of his passing either.
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