Rick Reuschel                     Elected 1991

Starting Pitcher
Boston Federals (CLE, DEN, LA, WAS)
1972-1990

Rickey Eugene Reuschel was not nicknamed “Big Daddy” because of his big brain. But so much of the Massachusetts native’s career is a “no brainer,” starting with his being drafted in 1972, a no-brainer first overall choice by the Cleveland Barons. Without question, Reuschel was the class of the entire draft (if you don’t count an otherworldly outburst by a third round afterthought named Craig Something) that included names like Mike Schmidt and Carlton Fisk. His portly stature and overbearing talent led to the love handle. Fortunately, his big belly never got in the way of his hunger for glory.

We lead off with the final no-brainer: You are going to elect Rick Reuschel to the Hall of Fame. His accolades and accomplishments are merely listed as a courtesy and reminder.

In the Beginning…
After a near perfect three-start stint in AAA, the rebuilding Barons skipped Reuschel right to the head of the rotation. His rookie season was solid despite a 9-16 record (his last losing record until 1988). He posted a year wide 3.67 ERA—he would never post a higher one until 1988 (3.79, Denver). By his sophomore campaign, he seemed to have worked out any rough spots, posting a 17-7 record and a 2.66 ERA, cannonballing the leaderboards and earning his first All-Star nod. After a sparkling 7-1, 1.50 start to the 1974 season, injury kept him from his second All-Star appearance. No biggie, since Big Daddy was served up on the All Star roster for twelve straight seasons after that, which led to the inevitable inclusion to the All Decade Team. Big Daddy led the Barons to two straight playoff appearances, but injury kept him from post season contribution. 1976 found him finally landing his first Cy Young Award (17-9, 2.29, 247 K).

The Daddy of Big Deals
The unquestioned ace of the Barons was shipped to Boston In 1977, the centerpiece of one of the biggest trades in UL history, a monster 28-player swap between the Barons and the Boston Federals. His split season with the two clubs led to his second Cy Young Award (19-7, 2.48, 227 K). He continued his dominance in his new home, racking up an 88-47 record in five seasons and landing his first World Series ring in 1980, though his missed the playoffs to surgery to remove bone chips.

After a year-long pitstop in Denver in ‘83, he found a bit of career resurgence in Los Angeles, at least in regards to playing for a perennial contender. Although rolling into his mid 30’s, he never stopped being the powerhouse he was brought in to be. In four seasons with the Black-and-Red, he averaged 14 wins and 170 Ks and added another championship ring to his trophy case in 1985. This time, his postseason performances matched his regular season awesomeness. Shipped back to Denver in ’88, he still looked good, though he was finally showing signs of slowing. Feasting on batters until he was 40, he finished his career in Denver and Washington before hanging up his fork. Just four months after thowing his last pitch, he was named to his SECOND All-Decade Team, putting in a club of three: himself, Joe Torre, and Larry Dierker.

What’s For Dessert?
More obligatory career numbers you say? OK, how about 109.3 WAR (9th all-time), 2.98 career ERA (11th), 263 wins (9th-T0, 155 complete games (9th), 31 shutouts (10th), 3222 strikeouts (10th). Perhaps more of a journeyman than expected, but the guy was a useful stud from day one. Vote him in already. (Charlie Qualls)