Ryne Duren

From BR Bullpen

Rinold George Duren Jr.

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 1", Weight 195 lb.

Debut September 25, 1954
Final Game August 18, 1965
Born February 22, 1929 in Cazenovia, WI USA

[edit] Biographical Information

A hard-throwing relief pitcher who spent most of his career in the American League, Ryne Duren was frightening to bat against because he only intermittently had control of his prodigious fastball. Thick "Coke bottle" glasses, a reputation for heavy drinking, and a tendency to throw warmup pitches against the backstop only heightened batters' unease. Following his playing career, Ryne Duren spent many years involved in Alcoholics Anonymous and the recovery movement.

Duren had a whole career in the minors before he came up to the majors for good. He pitched in the minors for almost a decade, often as a starting pitcher, winning nearly 100 games. His best years in the majors were shortly after he came up for good, in 1958-59. He led the league in saves in 1958.

It was major news in Los Angeles when Duren was acquired early in the Angels' history. The Angels were looking for players to become their first marquee names and Duren, along with Bo Belinsky and Leon Wagner, were some of the early choices. Steve Bilko and Ted Kluszewski were also on the 1961 Angels team that he joined, although both were in their 30's.

Uncle of singer and former Minor Leaguer Blackie Lawless.