August 10, 2010

Smokin' Veale In Buffalo

On this date in 1962, Bob Veale of the Columbus Jets (International League) struck out 22 Buffalo Bisons in nine innings.

Veale struck out the side in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 9th innings: "I made them offerings they couldn't refuse." But he also allowed a ninth-inning dong that sent the game into extra innings. Columbus won 6-5 in 12 innings, but Veale got a no-decision.

In his next start, he fanned 12 in 4.2 innings for an insane 34 strikeouts in 13.2 innings.

Veale went on to win a World Series title with Pittsburgh in 1971*, and was part of a staff that included a Lamb and a Moose. He finished his career with the Red Sox in 1973-74.

* In 1971, Veale worked out of the bullpen and was 6-0 with a 6.99 ERA. Three years earlier, he posted a 2.05 ERA (3rd best in the NL) as a starter, but was 13-14 (outpitching teammate Steve Blass, who was 18-6). ... Yep, W-L records are the way to go.

1 comment:

laura k said...

part of a staff that included a Lamb and a Moose.

Love it!