Bert Blyleven
The Dutch-born curveball master who struck out 3,701 and won two World Series.
Rik Aalbert "Bert" Blyleven (born Blijleven, April 6, 1951) is an American former professional baseball pitcher and color commentator. He played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1970 to 1992 and from 1996 to 2020 was a color commentator for Minnesota Twins television broadcasts. Blyleven recorded 3,701 career strikeouts, the fifth-most in MLB history. He won 287 games, 27th-most all-time, and pitched 4,970 innings, 14th-most all-time. A renowned curveball pitcher, Blyleven was a two-time All-Star and World Series champion. In 2011, Blyleven was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Role
- Starting Pitcher
- Team Affiliation
- Minnesota Twins (1970–1976, 1985–1987), Cleveland Indians (1984)
- Status
- Hall of Famer
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Blyleven made his major league debut at age 19 for the Twins. In the middle of the 1976 season, he was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he threw a no-hitter in his final start for the team. He won his first World Series with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1979. Upon being traded to the Cleveland Indians, Blyleven initially struggled with injuries, but then enjoyed a late-career resurgence, finishing third in the Cy Young Award voting in back-to-back years, with Cleveland in 1984 and in 1985, a season split between the Indians and Twins. During his second stint with Minnesota, Blyleven became the tenth member of the 3,000-strikeout club in 1986 and won a second World Series title in 1987. He played three seasons for the California Angels before retiring.
In Their Own Story
On September 22, 1977, while pitching for the Texas Rangers, Blyleven threw a no-hitter against the California Angels just two weeks after recovering from a groin injury. This performance was his final start as a Ranger before being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a massive four-team blockbuster on December 8, 1977. With the Pirates, he led the team in ERA and strikeouts in 1978 and contributed to their 1979 World Series victory, recording a then-record 20 no-decisions that season. Later, facing Cleveland, Blyleven endured injuries before mounting a late-career resurgence, finishing third in Cy Young voting back-to-back in 1984 and 1985. His curveball became the stuff of legend; Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson once noted it was "nasty... enough to make your knees buckle," cementing Blyleven's reputation as a dominating pitcher.
Reader's Guide
Blyleven was a two-time All-Star and World Series champion. He led the American League in shutouts in 1973 (with the Twins), 1977 (with the Rangers), and 1985 (with the Indians and Twins). He finished third in Cy Young Award voting in 1984 (with Cleveland) and 1985 (split between Cleveland and Minnesota). He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011.
Did You Know?
- Blyleven threw a no-hitter for the Texas Rangers on September 22, 1977, which was his final start as a Ranger.
- He became the first Dutch-born player to earn induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Blyleven's 20 no decisions in 1979 are the most by an MLB starting pitcher in a season from 1908 to 2018.
- He was the pitching coach for the Netherlands in the 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2023 World Baseball Classic tournaments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bert Blyleven?
Rik Aalbert Blyleven was a Dutch-American pitcher who spent 22 seasons in Major League Baseball before earning induction into the Hall of Fame. He is best known for his time with the Minnesota Twins and his exceptional curveball.
What were his career statistics?
Blyleven accumulated 3,701 strikeouts, which ranks fifth in MLB history, along with 287 wins and nearly 5,000 innings pitched. These durable numbers highlight his longevity as a starting pitcher across multiple franchises.
What is his connection to the Minnesota Twins?
He was drafted by Minnesota in 1969 and played two stints with the team, including their World Series championship run in 1987. His tenure there remains a significant part of his legacy as a franchise icon.
Why is he considered a Hall of Famer?
He became the first Dutch-born player elected to Cooperstown due to his elite strikeout totals and winning record over two decades. His induction followed years of voting campaigns that finally recognized his statistical dominance.
What made his pitching style unique?
Blyleven was renowned for possessing one of the most devastating curveballs in baseball history during his career. This signature pitch allowed him to dominate hitters and secure his place among the game's greatest aces.
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