Wood vs. Wood #297

Last time was a 7-2 win for 1987. Will 1962 be more competitive here?

Ron Perranoski warms up, his jersey over his jacket. In the background another jacketed Dodgers is running into the frame. Perranoski was one of the first modern closers. In a 13-year career that spanned from 1961 to 1973, he pitched in 737 games, 736 in relief. With the Dodgers he had five seasons of 15+ saves. He eventually lost his closer job to Phil Regan and was traded to Minnesota, where he blossomed into a star, leading the AL in saves in 1969 and 1970, topping 30 saves both times. Overall he went 79-74 with 178 saves and a 2.79 ERA. However, Perranoski struggled mightily in the postseason. In 10 games in five different series, he went 0-1 with a 7.98 ERA. After his playing career he was a pitching coach for the Dodgers and Giants. He died in 2020.

Don Schulze seems to be caught in mid-conversation. Schulze pitched for five teams in six major league seasons, including stints with both NY teams. In 76 games (59 starts), he went 15-25 with a 5.47 ERA. He also pitched three seasons in Japan for the Orix Blue Wave, going 12-11 and hitting the last home run by a pitcher in Japan's Pacific League during the era when they had a DH and no interleague ball. He has been a pitching coach in the Athletics organization since 2006.