J.R. Richard, power pitcher for Houston Astros in '70s, dies at 71
"Today is a sad day for the Houston Astros as we mourn the loss of one of our franchise icons, J.R. Richard," the Astros said in a statement. "J.R. will forever be remembered as an intimidating figure on the mound and as one of the greatest pitchers in club history. He stood shoulder to shoulder with club icons Larry Dierker, Joe Niekro and Nolan Ryan, to form a few of the best rotations in club history.
In 1978 he became the first Astro to strike out 300 batters in a season when he led the majors with 303. The next year, he led the National League with a 2.71 ERA and fanned 313 to again lead the majors. Houston manager Dusty Baker, who faced Richard often during his playing career, recalled some of his teammates manufacturing injuries to avoid the matchup.
"It was like J.R. was only throwing from about 50 feet," Baker said. "With his reach and he was all legs, you didn't have much time to make up your mind. ... You didn't really feel comfortable at the plate. He was the toughest guy I ever faced."
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