Quick Facts

Born: July 23, 1936 in Van Nuys, California

Batted: Right

Threw: Right

MLB Debut: April 17, 1956 for the Brooklyn Dodgers

Last MLB Appearance: August 5, 1969 for the Los Angeles Dodgers

Number Retired: 53

Career Statistics

Win-Loss Record:

Earned Run Average: 2.95

Strikeouts: 2,486

Hear this special audio segment highlighting Don Drysdale’s career:

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Career

Donald Scott “Don” Drysdale ended his career right where it started in his hometown of Los Angeles, California. He was part of one of the most dominating pitching duo’s baseball has ever seen; the other piece to that puzzle was Sandy Koufax. Drysdale was considered to be one of the best hitting pitchers as well. In 14 seasons, he recorded 218 hits, 29 home runs, and was even used as a pinch hitter occasionally.

Drysdale was an 8 time all-star selection (1959, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968). In 1962, he won an astonishing 25 games and became the recipient of the Cy Young Award, which is given to the most outstanding pitcher of the American League and National League. Don also led the Dodgers to three World Championships in 1959, 1963, and 1965.

In 1984 Don Drysdale was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and also had his number retired. After his phenomenal professional career, he went on to broadcast not just for the Dodgers, but for other baseball clubs, as well as ABC.

On July 3^rd, 1993, while in Canada broadcasting a Dodger game, Don Drysdale had a heart attack in his hotel room and died. His status as one of baseball’s elite pitchers and ambassador will be remembered forever.

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