Don Arlich
From BR Bullpen
Donald Louis Arlich
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Height 6' 2", Weight 185 lb.
[edit] Biographical Information
Don Arlich was part of the Houston Colt .45's youth movement, signed by the team in 1961 and appearing for the team (now called the Astros) in 1965-66.
Arlich was born in Wayne, MI, west of Detroit. He went to high school in St. Paul, MN and was signed by Houston at age 18.
The lefty eventually pitched nine seasons in the minors. He was a starter for the first several seasons, gradually becoming a reliever toward the end of his minor league career. Most of his minor league days were spent in the Houston organization, but later on he pitched in the Atlanta Braves organization.
He made his major league debut on October 2, 1965 as a starter. It was the second-to-the-last game of the season, and Don pitched six innings, giving up two runs. The lineup that day featured Joe Morgan batting second, Jimmy Wynn third and Rusty Staub seventh. Don pitched against the 1965 Cardinals, who that day had Lou Brock leading off and Curt Flood batting second.
In 1966 he came back for seven more games, all in relief. He was a year older than teammate Joe Morgan and a year younger than Jimmy Wynn.
Don later became a math teacher.
