Jim Maloney

From BR Bullpen

James William Maloney

Bats Left, Throws Right
Height 6' 2", Weight 207 lb.

Debut July 27, 1960
Final Game September 21, 1971
Born June 2, 1940 in Fresno, CA USA

[edit] Biographical Information

"The only thing I knew about him was when he popped up on the scoreboard in Cincinnati, 'This Day in Reds History'. Seems like he is in every other one — Jim Maloney threw 10 shutout innings; Jim Maloney threw another no-hitter; Jim Maloney struck out 25 or something." - Homer Bailey, describing what he knew about Maloney before meeting him

Jim Maloney was one of the biggest pitching stars of the 1960s, winning 20 games twice and 134 overall in his career. His forte was the strikeout: he ranks #25 on the all-time list for strikeouts per nine innings. He was known as one of the hardest throwers of his time.

Maloney threw two no-hitters, both while with the Cincinnati Reds. The first, on August 19, 1965 at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs, was a 10-inning affair. Despite not allowing a hit, Maloney was in trouble most of the game because of walks. His mound counterpart, Larry Jackson, held the Reds to just 1 run, and Maloney walked 10 batters. He also struck out 12, and threw a total of 187 pitches that day.

The second, on April 30, 1969 against the Houston Astros at Crosley Field, was a tidier effort. Maloney only walked five (and struck out 13). His glory was short-lived, however. The next day, the Astros' Don Wilson no hit the Reds, with an almost identical line (6 walks, 13 strikeouts).

All of those hard-thrown pitches took a toll on Maloney's arm, and he had lost all of his effectiveness by the time he reached 30. In 1970 and 1971, he was a combined 0-4 with the Reds and California Angels, with huge ERAs.