[FatJack]

A better image of Gordie Sundin was posted here by bearman14.

Gordie Sundin, the young Orioles fireballer whose major league career lasted just two batters, both of whom he walked, passed away on Monday at the age of 78.

Hailing from Minnesota, Gordie was All-State in baseball, basketball and football in high school. Graduating in 1955, Gordon had numerous scholarships on the table, including one from Notre Dame who wanted Gordie on their football squad.

Meanwhile the Orioles, who had been the league's doormat as the St. Louis Browns for ages, had become aggressive in pursuing young players--especially pitchers--under new GM and Manager Paul Richards. This was before the draft, of course. While we tend to think the bonus and draft rules were established to keep the Yankees from locking up all the top talent, major league baseball was at least as concerned (if not more so) by Baltimore's behavior because, as with free agency, one rich team was less concerning to them than two or more engaging in bidding wars, which would inevitably lead to higher player salaries throughout the game.

The Orioles initially offered $30,000, which Gordie and his family reportedly turned down. Richards wrote a letter to Gordie's parents, warning them of the dangers of playing football. The younger Sundin, unaware of the letter but in consultation with his parents, then announced his intention to attend the University of Minnesota where he would focus on baseball and not go out for football. Richards came back with an offer of $50,000 and Gordie signed.

It was late in the season, but Gordie was assigned to Class B York, where he pitched 14 innings across 5 games to a record of 1-2. His fastball averaged just under 100 mph and comparisons were made to Herb Score. That said, Sundin walked 11 batters in those 14 innings, so his control was something that needed some work. Nonetheless, the Orioles called Sundin (still just 17) up to the majors that September, along with an infielder named Brooks Robinson. Sundin did not appear in a game in 1955, but it appeared he'd get a legitimate shot in 1956.

Hopes were high, coming into spring training 1956. Coach Lum Harris told the press, "If there's a better 19-year-old pitcher around than the Orioles' Gordon Sundin, I've never seen him." [Note: Sundin was still just 18]. Early on, though, Sundin showed signs of arm trouble--in this case, nerve damage in his elbow--and it was determined that he required surgery. He spent the year on the major league DL, traveling, dressing and rehabbing with the team. The view and the hot dogs were great, but it was killing him inside. Come September, the O's activated him.

On September 19, 1956, with the Orioles losing to the Tigers 8-1, Sundin took the mound in the eighth inning, the 5th O's hurler of the day. Sundin admits to having been a bundle of nerves. He walked opposing pitcher Frank Lary and then walked Harvey Kuenn. He'd thrown nine pitches. "I got a strike in there somewhere," he later said.

The next batter was first baseman Jack Phillips (who hit .295 that year). Gordie's first pitch...another ball. "By this time," Gordie said, "I'm not so scared as angry." His next pitch headed right for Phillips who hit the dirt. That's when Harris came out to pull the youngster. Gordie pleaded, "At least let me take care of [this guy]." Harris said, "No, that's what we're afraid of, son." Gordie handed over the ball, unaware that his major league career was over. Billy O'Dell took over on the mound and Lary came around to score, leaving Gordie with a lifetime ERA of INFINITY.

Sundin hung around in the minors through 1961, plagued by shoulder, elbow, and arm problems. His lifetime record was 14-23. He underwent at least one more surgery and was officially cut from the Baltimore 40 man roster in 1959.

Gordon had any number of jobs after baseball (just 23 when his pro career ended). He was a liquor distributor, an insurance salesman, and a broker in the steel business to name a few. Eventually, he did well in real estate. Having faced just two hitters and getting no outs, Gordie would say that he never truly felt like a major league player. But he was one, if only for a brief moment, and there aren't too many people who can say the same.