Dick Radatz

Richard Raymond Radatz
(The Monster or Moose)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 5", Weight 235 lb.
• School Michigan State University
• High School Berkley High School
• Debut April 10, 1962
• Final Game August 15, 1969
• Born April 2, 1937 in Detroit, MI USA
• Died March 16, 2005 in Easton, MA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

". . . he threw 95, 96 (mph), he had great location and he'd come right at you, get you 0 and 2 and just blow you away." - Bill Monbouquette about Dick Radatz

Dick Radatz was one of the ten best relievers according to The Relief Pitcher as a result of being the most dominant reliever of his era. He holds the major league record for strikeouts in a season by a reliever when he fanned 181 for the Boston Red Sox in 1964.

He hit his only career home run on June 5, 1965 as a member of the Red Sox against the Kansas City Athletics. The home run gave the Red Sox the lead, 4-3. They went on to win the game, 5-3, and Radatz got the win.

Radatz died on March 16, 2005 after falling down the stairs of his home and suffering a head injury.

Dick had been a baseball and basketball star at Michigan State University, where his time overlapped with another top reliever, Ron Perranoski.

Notable Achievements

• 2-time AL All-Star (1963 & 1964)
• 2-time AL Reliever of the Year Award Winner (1962 & 1964)
• AL Games Pitched Leader (1962)
• 2-time AL Saves Leader (1962 & 1964)
• 15 Wins Seasons: 2 (1963 & 1964)

Related Sites

• Dick Radatz at the SABR Bio Project