Tony Cloninger
From BR Bullpen
Tony Lee Cloninger
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 210 lb.
[edit] Biographical Information
In 1959, while playing for Cedar Rapids in the Three-I League, Tony Cloninger had one of the worst stretches of any pitcher to eventually become a successful major leaguer. Over a ten game span, Cloninger went 0-9 with a 9.59 ERA, allowing 58 walks in only 46 innings.
Cloninger is perhaps most famous for being one of only twelve players in Major League Baseball history to hit two grand slams in one game and the only pitcher to accomplish the feat. He did it on July 3, 1966 against the San Francisco Giants in Candlestick Park in a game won by the Braves 17-3. He also had an RBI single in the game for a total of nine RBI.
Cloninger pitched for the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and the St. Louis Cardinals from 1961-1972 and pitched in the 1970 World Series. His best year was 1965, when he went 24-11, but got no votes for the Cy Young Award because Sandy Koufax, who won 26 games, was the unanimous winner of the award.
Tony also worked as the pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox from 2002 to 2003 when he was diagnosed with cancer and was forced to take a leave of absence.
He has since recovered and is currently (2005) serving as a scout in the Class A Carolina League.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 15 Win Seasons: 2 (1964 & 1965)
- 20 Win Seasons: 1 (1965)
- 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 3 (1964-1966)
- 200 Strikeouts Seasons: 1 (1965)
- Played in one World Series (1970)
