Quote:
Originally Posted by TribeFanInNC
Can you give us a recap of that '77 championship Indians team?
Also, can you recap the HOF career of Larry Jackson? Seems like one of the more anomolous results, especially considering he was already in his 30's when you started.
Nice writeups with high level detail.
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The 77 Indians went 94-68, 1 game ahead of the Yankees and defeated the defending champion LA Dodgers in the World Series. The team offense ranked 4th (.258) and their pitching staff ranked 5th (3.35) in the AL.
The pitching staff was led by 30 year old Mike Torrez (20-9 3.43) who they claimed off waivers before the start of the season. The other 3 starters were Rick Reuschel (19-19), Catfish Hunter (18-18) and rookie Tony Brizzolara (10-10). The bullpen was anchored by one of my all time favs Sparky Lyle and he was great with 31 saves and a 1.28 ERA.
The offense was led by 24 year old DH Jim Rice (26 102 .278), Gold Glove 1B Darrell Evans, 3B Craig Nettles and RF Dave Parker. The other starters were LF Don Baylor, CF Jerry Mumphrey, 2B Lenny Randle, SS Mike Phillips and C's Butch Wynegar and Jim Essian. Their team 138 Hr's led the Major Leagues.
They also had rookie and future start Willie Aikens on the bench.
Larry Jackson was a very steady SP throughout his career, never winning 20 games, but posting a 265-223 record. He pitched for the Indians in 63-64, but was traded to the Yankees in 65 where he went on to win a World Series that year going 19-10. He posted double digit victories in 16 straight seasons, going just 1-2 in his final year with the Brewers. Besides the teams above he also played for the Cardinals and Braves. He was an All-Star 7 times.