Jim Palmer
From BR Bullpen
James Alvin Palmer ("Cakes")
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 3", Weight 196 lb.
- Debut April 17, 1965
- Final Game May 12, 1984
- Born October 15, 1945 in New York, NY USA
Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1990
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[edit] Biographical Information
"Jim had one of the most beautiful deliveries I've ever seen. It was almost like watching ballet." - Ray Miller, former Orioles pitching coach
Righthander Jim Palmer spent his entire career with the Baltimore Orioles and was arguably the best pitcher of the 1970s. He won Cy Young Awards in 1973, 1975, and 1976 and won 20 games eight times. In 1983, he notched a final World Series win for the Orioles, but the next season, his ERA was over 9.00 and he was released. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on January 9, 1990 by the Baseball Writers Association of America. In 1991, he tried to make a comeback with the Orioles, which would have been unprecedented for a Hall of Fame inductee, but his attempt ended in spring training. Since his playing career ended, he has been a television broadcaster. He is also known for appearing in ads for Jockey underwear. Palmer gets his "Cakes" nickname for his love of eating pancakes.
He became the only pitcher to give up three home runs in an All-Star game, doing so on July 19, 1977. But despite four times in the league's top 10 for home runs allowed and a long career, Palmer never gave up a grand slam during his career.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 6-time AL All-Star (1970-1972, 1975, 1977 & 1978)
- 3-time AL Cy Young Award Winner (1973, 1975 & 1976)
- 4-time AL Gold Glove Winner (1976-1979)
- 2-time AL ERA Leader (1973 & 1975)
- 3-time AL Wins Leader (1975-1977)
- AL Winning Percentage Leader (1982)
- 4-time AL Innings Pitched Leader (1970 & 1976-1978)
- AL Complete Games Leader (1977)
- 2-time AL Shutouts Leader (1970 & 1975)
- 15 Win Seasons: 12 (1966, 1969-1973, 1975-1978, 1980 & 1982)
- 20 Win Seasons: 8 (1970-1973 & 1975-1978)
- 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 11 (1966, 1970-1973, 1975-1978, 1980 & 1982)
- 300 Innings Pitched Seasons: 4 (1970 & 1975-1977)
- Won three World Series with the Baltimore Orioles (1966, 1970 & 1983)
- Baseball Hall of Fame: Class of 1990
| AL Cy Young Award | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 1973 | 1974 |
| Gaylord Perry | Jim Palmer | Catfish Hunter |
| 1974 | 1975 | 1976 |
| Catfish Hunter | Jim Palmer | Jim Palmer |
| 1975 | 1976 | 1977 |
| Jim Palmer | Jim Palmer | Sparky Lyle |
[edit] Further Reading
- Thomas Boswell: "Palmer vs. Palmer", in Why Time Begins on Opening Day, Penguin Books, New York, 1984, pp. 223-238.
[edit] Related Sites
Jim Palmer Interview 7-27-06 [1]
