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Mel Stottlemyre dead at 77

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  • dennis07dennis07 Posts: 1,842 ✭✭✭

    RIP. He had a big impact on the game as a pitcher, coach & Dad.

    Collecting 1970 Topps baseball
  • psychumppsychump Posts: 1,378 ✭✭✭

    Talked to him for awhile at Candlestick Park in 1994. He waved over Bagwell, Biggio and Luis Gonzalez and I got a photo with all of them and they autographed my mitt. I remember Luis said he hated Candlestick and would never play for the Giants.

    R.I.P. Mel

    Tallulah Bankhead — 'There have been only two geniuses in the world. Willie Mays and Willie Shakespeare.'
  • pab1969pab1969 Posts: 1,197 ✭✭✭✭✭

    R.I.P. Another legend gone to soon.

  • TiborTibor Posts: 3,591 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Condolences to family and friends. R.I.P.

  • baseballfanbaseballfan Posts: 5,463 ✭✭✭

    great pitching coach.

    RIP

    Fred

    collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.

    looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started

  • UnknownUnknown
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  • IndianaJonesIndianaJones Posts: 346 ✭✭✭

    It was August 24, 1971. The Athletics' runaway sensation, flame-throwing lefty Vida Blue, was going against the Yankees at Oakland for a night game. Vida was 22-5 at this point, beatable, but rarely. Manager Ralph Houk was pitting his ace starter, Mel Stottlemyre, against him. I don't know if Mel's sons were urging him not to face Blue, but they clearly made it clear to their dear dad that it was a hopeless cause, and that Vida would kick his butt, so to speak. Well, baseball authority Bill James lists this game as one of the greatest pitching duels of the 70s. Vida allowed 2 hits in the first, with the Bombers' Thurmon Munson scoring what would be their lone run.

    It was all the great Stottlemyre needed, for that evening the Athletics couldn't hit Mel with a paddle, managing but 3 measly singles. It wasn't until the 7th that an Oakland batter got their first single. Mel even picked speedy Bert Campaneris off first base. Mel Stottlemyre pitched a 1-0 complete game shutout, and cited this gem as one of his most satisfying, while convincing his wonderful boys their old man could still handle someone as invincible as Vida Blue. Just 18,288 A's fans turned out for this night game, and were sent home muttering with their heads down, and a splitting headache.

    I loved Mel Stottlemyre from the time I got my first baseball card of him in 1965. I couldn't seem to find any 7th series Topps in my area. Late in the summer, I had a dental appointment, whereby my Mom took me to our old neighborhood of Skokie, Illinois. Afterwards, I managed to convince her to stop at the old familiar Ben Franklin dime store. That wonderful establishment used to be my favorite to find new Topps cards. They didn't disappoint. The Ben Franklin had the 7th series! It was probably the only time I got them that year. Mom must have been in a good mood, and she probably took pity on me for having to spend a "delightful time" in Dr. Lavocari's chair. Well, back home, I had a particularly joyous time opening up about 18 wax packs. Among them was Mel Stottlymyre, and my first glimpse of this beautiful card told me Topps thought a lot of him, having given Mel #550. That day I became somewhat of a Mel Stottlemyre fan; a great baseball card of a good player will do that to you! I still have it, and treasure it to this day.

    My deepest condolences and prayers go out to Mel's family. ---- Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)

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