Gaylord Perry
Hall of Fame pitcher known for the spitball and winning Cy Young Awards in both leagues.
Gaylord Jackson Perry (September 15, 1938 – December 1, 2022) was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) who played for eight teams from 1962 to 1983. He was a five-time All-Star and the first pitcher to win the Cy Young Award in both leagues. Perry was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991.
- Role
- Starting Pitcher
- Affiliation
- San Francisco Giants (1962–1971)
- Status
- Retired / Hall of Famer
- Key Achievement
- No-Hitter vs. Cardinals (September 17, 1968)
- Notable Record
- 314 Career Wins
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Perry gained notoriety for doctoring baseballs and for making batters think he was throwing spitballs. He titled his 1974 autobiography Me and the Spitter. He was not ejected for the practice until his 21st season in 1982. Perry pitched a no-hitter in September 1968, three weeks after a one-hitter. In 1978, he became the third pitcher to register 3,000 strikeouts. In 1982, he became the first pitcher in 19 years to join the 300 win club.
In Their Own Story
The most defining moment of Perry's tenure in San Francisco occurred on September 17, 1968. Two days after turning 30, he took the mound against the St. Louis Cardinals at Candlestick Park. Facing the legendary pitcher Bob Gibson, Perry delivered a masterful performance, throwing a complete-game no-hitter that ended with a score of 1–0. This feat came just three weeks after he had thrown a one-hitter, and during that same season, he also pitched 13 career two-hitters. The Giants finished the 1968 season in second place behind the St. Louis Cardinals. Perry's ability to dominate on the mound was evident even as his win-loss record fluctuated; in 1967, despite a losing record of 15–17, he kept his ERA at an impressive 2.61 over 39 games.
Reader's Guide
Perry made his major league debut with the San Francisco Giants on April 14, 1962. He played for the Giants from 1962 to 1971. He was traded to the Giants on November 29, 1971, and his second Giants tenure was 1972–1977. The source does not specify the Giants' standings from 1972 to 1977. After Juan Marichal left following the 1973 season, the source does not discuss other future Hall of Fame pitchers on the Giants' rotation.
Did You Know?
- Perry and his older brother Jim, who were Cleveland teammates in 1974–1975, became the first brothers to both win 200 games in the major leagues and remain the only brothers to both win Cy Young Awards.
- Perry was the first right-handed pitcher since the 1920s to surpass 5,000 innings pitched.
- Perry was one of the last pitchers to throw over 300 complete games, alongside Phil Niekro, who also surpassed that mark and retired after Perry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Gaylord Perry during his tenure with the Giants?
He served as a starting pitcher for San Francisco from 1962 through 1971 before eventually becoming a Hall of Famer. His career began with a debut against the Cincinnati Reds where he allowed four runs in his first outing.
What was Gaylord Perry's most significant accomplishment at Candlestick Park?
On September 17, 1968, he threw a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals to claim one of his career highlights. This feat occurred while he formed a legendary pitching duo with teammate Juan Marichal.
Did Gaylord Perry participate in the Giants' World Series run?
Although he pitched for the team during their pennant-winning year, he was not on the roster when they played in the World Series. This remains the only instance where he was affiliated with a championship winner without playing in the finals.
How did Gaylord Perry perform in his first two seasons?
In 1962 he went 3–1, but struggled as a reliever in 1963 with a 1–6 record and a 4.03 ERA before joining the rotation. He was briefly sent back to Tacoma during that initial campaign before returning for September call-ups.
What is Gaylord Perry's total career win count?
Perry finished his professional journey with an impressive total of 314 wins across all teams he played for. This record cements his status as one of the most successful pitchers in Major League history.
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