Dick Radatz

From SoSH

Dick "The Monster" Radatz

Born:	April 2, 1937
Birthplace:	Detroit, Michigan
Hometown:	N/A
Height:	6' 5"
Weight:	235 lbs
Bats:	Right
Throws:	Right
Drafted:	1959: Amatuer Free Agent by the Boston Red Sox
College:	Michigan State University
High School:	None
Other Teams:	Cleveland Indians 1966-1967 Chicago Cubs 1967 Detroit Tigers 1969 Montreal Expos 1969
Years with Boston:	1962 - 1966

1 Overall Career
2 Awards
3 Achievements
4 Moment in the Sun
5 Trivia
6 Transactions
7 External Links

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Overall Career

Richard Raymond “Dick” Radatz (born April 2, 1937), nicknamed “The Monster" was the most feared pitcher in the American League from 1962 until 1965. Known for his intimidating size and sidearm fastball, Dick was one of the few stars on the poor Red Sox teams of the early 1960's. He never made a start in 381 ML games, and he retired with 122 saves.

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

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Awards

1964 Boston Baseball Writers MVP
2-Time American League All-Star (1963 & 1964)
2-time American League Fireman of the Year (1962 & 1964)

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Achievements

2-Time American League Saves Leader (1962 & 1964)
2-Time American League Games Finished Leader (1962 & 1964)

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Moment in the Sun

Radatz won 10 consecutive decision during the 1963 season.
During the 1963 All-Star game, Radatz struck out Willie Mays, Dick Groat, Duke Snider, Willie McCovey, and Julian Javier while working the last two innings.

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Trivia

Struck out 11 of the first 12 batters he faced in his debut as a reliever.
He holds the major league record for strikeouts in a season by a reliver when he fanned 181 for the Boston Red Sox in 1964.
Dick's eldest son, Dick, Jr., co-founded and is principal owner and President of the Northwoods League, a successful summer college baseball league based in Rochester, MN.

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Transactions

Before 1959 Season: Signed by the Boston Red Sox as an amateur free agent.
June 2, 1966: Traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Cleveland Indians for Don McMahon and Lee Stange.
April 25, 1967: Traded by the Cleveland Indians to the Chicago Cubs for Bob Raudman (PTBNL) and cash.
March 24, 1968: Released by the Chicago Cubs.
April 22, 1968: Signed as a Free Agent with the Detroit Tigers.
June 15, 1969: Purchased by the Montreal Expos from the Detroit Tigers.
August 26, 1969: Released by the Montreal Expos.