Don Stanhouse

From BR Bullpen

Donald Joseph Stanhouse

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 2", Weight 195 lb.

Debut April 19, 1972
Final Game September 24, 1982
Born February 12, 1951 in DuQuoin, IL USA

[edit] Biographical Information

Don Stanhouse's nickname was Full Pack. This nickname was given to Stanhouse by his manager with the Baltimore Orioles, Earl Weaver, who claimed he went through a full pack of cigarettes while reliever Stanhouse pitched. Stanhouse got hitters out, but was notorious for throwing a lot of pitches to each batter.

His other nickname is probably better remembered. A play upon Stan "the Man" Musial, Stanhouse was Stan "the Man Unusual". With the Baltimore Orioles, he had the knack for pitching in and out of trouble, and was known as a free spirit and an afficionado of practical jokes off the field.

In his brief tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which he joined after signing a big free agent contract in 1980, he simply had the knack for pitching into trouble. Dodger management stayed away from free agency for years after the Stanhouse mistake, large money with little return on investment. His line with the Dodgers was 2-2, 21 games, 7 saves, 25 innings, 5.04 ERA.

Stanhouse pitched in 12 games his first pro year, but also was an infielder for the Tri-City A's in 1969.