Dick Drago

The pitcher who surrendered Hank Aaron's 755th home run before finishing his career in Seattle.

Richard Anthony Drago was an American relief pitcher who played in Major League Baseball from 1969 to 1981. While he spent the bulk of his career with the Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox, California Angels, and Baltimore Orioles, he concluded his journey with the Seattle Mariners in 1981. A right-handed batter and thrower, Drago is historically noted for giving up Hank Aaron's final home run. He finished his 13-season career with a 108–117 record, a 3.62 ERA, and 58 saves across 519 appearances.

Quick Facts

Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right
Born: 25 June 1945
Birthplace: Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
Died: 2 November 2023
Place of death: Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: April 11

Lore & Background

Drago began his professional journey after graduating from Woodward High School in Toledo, Ohio, in 1963. Originally signed by the Detroit Tigers in the 1964 amateur draft, he entered the majors with the Kansas City Royals following the 1968 expansion draft. He quickly became the ace of their staff in 1971, posting a 17–11 record with a 2.98 ERA and finishing fifth in the AL Cy Young Award voting behind Vida Blue, Mickey Lolich, Wilbur Wood, and Dave McNally.

After a solid 1972 campaign where he recorded a 3.01 ERA despite a 12–17 loss record, his performance dipped to 12–14 with a 4.23 ERA in 1973. On October 24, 1973, the Royals traded him to the Boston Red Sox for Marty Pattin. His time in Boston was interrupted by stints with other teams; he was acquired by the Baltimore Orioles from the California Angels on June 13, 1977, for Dyar Miller. After filing for free agency following his lone season in Baltimore, he returned to Boston on November 21, 1977.

Reader's Guide

Richard Anthony Drago's tenure with the Seattle Mariners was brief but significant as it marked the end of his long career. He joined the team for the 1981 season, becoming the final stop on a journey that included five different franchises. His statistics reflect a solid middle-of-the-rotation or late-inning presence, highlighted by 58 career saves and a 3.62 ERA. Fans of the Mariners can point to Drago's 1981 season as the closing chapter of his professional life, following his earlier success in Kansas City where he led the staff with a 2.98 ERA in 1971. His career path also illustrates the movement of players during that era, moving from expansion drafts to trades involving specific players like Marty Pattin and Dyar Miller.

Did You Know?

Drago gave up the final home run of Hank Aaron's career on July 20, 1976.
Drago started his major league career with the Kansas City Royals in 1969 after being selected in the 1968 expansion draft.
He posted a 10–6 record and saved 13 games during his final three years with the Red Sox (1978–1980).