American · Williamston, USA · Born 15 September 1938 · Died 2022-12-01Gaylord Perry was a Hall of Fame right-hander famous for his longevity and the (alleged) spitball, becoming the first pitcher to win the Cy Young in both leagues.
Born in Williamston, North Carolina, on September 15, 1938, Gaylord Jackson Perry grew up in a baseball family alongside his younger brother Jim, who would also reach the major leagues as a pitcher. Perry attended Campbell College before signing with the San Francisco Giants in 1958, making his major league debut in 1962. Perry's career peaked during the late 1960s and early 1970s with the Giants, where he established himself as one of baseball's premier pitchers. His breakout season came in 1966 when he won 21 games, and he followed with another 20-win campaign in 1970. After being traded to Cleveland in 1972, Perry enjoyed his finest individual season, posting a 24-16 record with a 1.92 ERA and earning the American League Cy Young Award. He continued his excellence after moving to the San Diego Padres in 1978, capturing the National League Cy Young Award at age 40 with a 21-6 record. Perry became the first pitcher in baseball history to win Cy Young Awards in both leagues, a feat accomplished eight years apart. He retired in 1983 with 314 career victories, ranking him among the select group of pitchers to reach 300 wins. His 3,534 career strikeouts placed him fifth all-time at retirement. Perry was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991 on his third ballot. Throughout his 22-year career, Perry remained one of baseball's most controversial figures due to widespread suspicions that he illegally doctored baseballs with foreign substances like petroleum jelly. He cultivated this reputation deliberately, often touching his cap or uniform to unnerve batters, though he maintained his innocence until after retirement. Despite the controversy, Perry's longevity, competitiveness, and statistical achievements cemented his legacy as one of the game's great pitchers, representing durability and craftsmanship during an era of offensive dominance.
HOF pitcher, spitball notoriety, Cy Young in both leagues
How They Played
Right-handed pitcher with exceptional control and durability
Lasting Impact
Hall of Fame pitcher known for longevity and alleged spitball
Career Honours
- HOF 1991
- 2x Cy Young (1972 AL, 1978 NL)
- 5x All-Star
| Team | Period | Games | Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Giants | 1962–1971 | 280 | #35 |
| Cleveland Indians | 1972–1975 | 524 | #31 |
| Texas Rangers | 1975–1977 | 68 | — |
| San Diego Padres | 1978–1979 | 65 | — |
| New York Yankees | 1980–1980 | 4 | — |
| Atlanta Braves | 1981–1981 | 32 | — |
| Seattle Mariners | 1982–1983 | 50 | — |
| Kansas City Royals | 1983–1983 | 11 | — |
American Athletes