Dick Radatz

From BR Bullpen

Richard Raymond Radatz (The Monster or Moose)

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 5", Weight 235 lb.
School Michigan State University
Debut April 10, 1962
Final Game August 15, 1969
Born April 2, 1937 in Detroit, MI USA
Died March 16, 2005 in Easton, MA USA

[edit] Biographical Information

". . . he threw 95, 96 (mph), he had great location and he'd come right at you, get you 0 and 2 and just blow you away." - Bill Monbouquette about Dick Radatz

Dick Radatz was one of the ten best relievers according to The Relief Pitcher as a result of being the most dominant reliever of his era. He holds the major league record for strikeouts in a season by a reliever when he fanned 181 for the Boston Red Sox in 1964.

He hit his only career home run on June 5, 1965 as a member of the Boston Red Sox against the Kansas City Athletics. The home run gave the Red Sox the lead, 4-3. They went on to win the game, 5-3, and Radatz got the win.

Radatz died on March 16, 2005 after falling down the stairs of his home and suffering a head injury.

Dick had been a baseball and basketball star at Michigan State University, where his time overlapped with another top reliever, Ron Perranoski.