A number of Joy in Mudville League players have hung up their spikes and announced their retirements but none was bigger than former All-Star right fielder
Roberto Clemente.
The 41-year-old Clemente was forced into retirement by nagging injuries. The Puerto Rico native leaves the game as a three-time All-Star who played with both Pittsburgh and Los Angeles.
Clemente retires as a .290 career hitter. He is second on the all-time doubles list with 195. Clemente played in the 1970 World Series with the Pirates. However, he was traded to the Dodgers during the off-season.
A one-time Gold Glove winner, Clemente was well known for his strong throwing arm.
Also included among the retirees are New York Met third baseman
Brooks Robinson, Detroit Tiger first baseman
Norm Cash, New York Yankee first baseman
Pete Ward and Boston Red Sox pitcher
Gary Peters.
Robinson was the starting third baseman on Baltimore's first JIM World Series winner in 1970. Robinson finished as a lifetime .231 hitter.
Cash, a career .254 hitter, enjoyed his finest season in 1973 when he batted .283 with 34 home runs and 102 RBIs.
While just a .241 lifetime batter, Ward won four straight American League Gold Gloves at first base (1970-73).
Peters, 38, finished with a 54-64 lifetime record. He won 19 games in 1971 and 22 in 1972 for the Red Sox.
A complete list of retirees follows:
October 1975
January 1976