"Mr. Spitter" Passes Away

[Harliduck]

He will always be a legend in Seattle...won his 300th game here in the twilight of his career. I was able to meet him after a game (through my LL coach who knew him) and he was an awesome guy. Taught me how he threw a knuckleball...I didn't even know he threw one...I still use what he showed me when I play catch...haha. Anyhow, sad to hear...great guy...one of Seattle's first exposure to any type of MLB history!

[JollyElm]

Originally Posted by Harliduck

He will always be a legend in Seattle...won his 300th game here in the twilight of his career. I was able to meet him after a game (through my LL coach who knew him) and he was an awesome guy. Taught me how he threw a knuckleball...I didn't even know he threw one...I still use what he showed me when I play catch...haha. Anyhow, sad to hear...great guy...one of Seattle's first exposure to any type of MLB history!

You, sir, are a nightmare! A guy on my softball team would suddenly do that, slipping in a knuckleball when we were warming up pre-game, and BONK!! off my head it would go. I still wake up in a cold sweat thinking about it.

[ullmandds]

you just don't see people named gaylord anymore...rip.

[1952boyntoncollector]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

you just don't see people named gaylord anymore...rip.

right but there are many gaylord palms

[peanuts]

RIP to a legend of the game and one of it's most entertaining characters.

Glad that he was able to share so many of his stories with all of us fans and that his memory will live on.

[Huck]

Yesterday, I was on a news site and saw a blurb that Perry had died. Over the years I have added Perry to the autograph collection numerous times. The last time was in 2011. I was wondering about his health because he had not been appearing on the circuit that often. One of my Perry items.

[Huck]

SI covers. I have the 1966 cover signed as well, I just could not remember which box it is stored in.

[brian1961]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

you just don't see people named gaylord anymore...rip.

You're right, Dr. Ullman. I well recall his beautiful 1967 Coca-Cola premium (printed by Dexter Press). He signed that big card "Gay Perry", as a take to the popular phrase, "Gay Paris". Gaylord had some extraordinary years; when he had his break-out season in 1966, his record got to 20-1, or 20-2, before he tailed off a little bit. As I recall, he did the same thing with lowly Cleveland at the beginning of 1974, during his second CY YOUNG season. Yup, that twirler threw one of the greatest "hard sliders". RIP, Mr. Perry. May God rest his soul, and comfort his family at this dreadful time.

Yes, we remember you well, Gaylord! --- Brian Powell

[Tabe]

Originally Posted by brian1961

You're right, Dr. Ullman. I well recall his beautiful 1967 Coca-Cola premium (printed by Dexter Press). He signed that big card "Gay Perry", as a take to the popular phrase, "Gay Paris". Gaylord had some extraordinary years; when he had his break-out season in 1966, his record got to 20-1, or 20-2, before he tailed off a little bit.

20-2. What a start!

Roger Clemens is the only pitcher to have a 20-1 record at any point.

[JLange]

RIP Gaylord Perry. He signed this for me a few years back at the CLE National.

[sreader3]

A couple more.

[jethrod3]

I had the pleasure of meeting Gaylord Perry in 2007 when he was in San Francisco attending the All-star game. I approached him in the lobby the second time I'd seen him there, and said I just had to ask him if he was Gaylord Perry. He was such a humble gentlemen, and we talked about how he had been keeping busy since his retirement. He graciously signed a ball that I happened to have with me from a conference exhibitor I had visited earlier that day. That ball overlooks my left shoulder in my study every day. RIP, Gaylord Perry.

[Harliduck]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

You, sir, are a nightmare! A guy on my softball team would suddenly do that, slipping in a knuckleball when we were warming up pre-game, and BONK!! off my head it would go. I still wake up in a cold sweat thinking about it.

Haha...that is DEFINITELY ME...I coached fastpitch softball (my daughter) for several years and I could/can throw a wicked knuckler with the bigger ball...I've pissed people off...hahaha...

[Tabe]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

You, sir, are a nightmare! A guy on my softball team would suddenly do that, slipping in a knuckleball when we were warming up pre-game, and BONK!! off my head it would go. I still wake up in a cold sweat thinking about it.

When I coached high school baseball, I loved catching the warmup of guys in the bullpen. Had one kid - a rascal that I liked a lot - who threw 85+. He LOVED to throw in a knuckler or two to mess with me. Little turd, LOL.

[Bill77]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

You, sir, are a nightmare! A guy on my softball team would suddenly do that, slipping in a knuckleball when we were warming up pre-game, and BONK!! off my head it would go. I still wake up in a cold sweat thinking about it.

My cousin did that to me when I was about 8. We were playing catch and he tells me he's going to throw me a knuckle ball. Just as throw was coming someone yelled something and the ball hit me in the forehead and dropped me like a sack of potatoes. Fun times.

[lowpopper]

oh, the selective outrage among the baseball fans

[mrreality68]

Great Stories, Great Player and he had an interesting Public Personality

RIP

[pclpads]

When he played for the Pads and won his '78 CY, the fans used to call him, "Graylord," due to his age and white hair. What a character. RIP!