The back: Sykes pitched six shutout innings, and was removed as part of a double-switch in the seventh inning. Tom Bruno and Darold Knowles combined to complete the 7-0 whitewash of the rival Cubs. It was the only one of Sykes's 13 appearances in 1979 where he did not allow an earned run.
The player: Sykes was OK for the Tigers in 1977 and 1978, and was traded to the Cardinals after '78 for Aurelio Lopez. While Lopez went on to be a bullpen stalwart for the Tigers for many years, Sykes struggled mightily in three seasons in St. Louis, walking more batter than he struck out and giving up a ton of runs. In 22 appearances in 1981 he had a 4.58 ERA and walked 18 batters while striking out just 14. However his WL record happened to be 2-0, which apparently fooled the Yankees into thinking he was good, and they traded outfield prospect Willie McGee to St. Louis straight up for Sykes. Sykes never again pitched in the major leagues, while McGee quickly blossomed into one of the best hitters in baseball.
The man: After his playing career Sykes worked in oil field for over 20 years, taught D.A.R.E. programs to school children as a sheriff's deputy, and is currently working in agriculture.
My collection: I have eight of his cards, from 1977 to 1982. I would be interested in trading for 1982 TCMA Columbus Clippers #12.
What a varied work life.
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of surprised that you don't know all of the various spring training fields as well. I guess though, everyone's gotta have some limit to their knowledge.
ReplyDelete