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03/17/2005 2:28 PM ET
Red Sox mourn the passing of Dick Radatz
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BOSTON -- Dick Radatz, who dominated the American League out of the Red Sox bullpen from 1962-66, passed away yesterday at the age of 67 due to complications following a fall in his home in South Easton, MA.
"He was known as 'The Monster' and fans will always remember how he dominated on the mound," said Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino, "but those who knew him best will also remember Dick Radatz as a kind, caring human being who never stopped giving to the people of New England with whom he shared a special bond. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Red Sox family are with the Radatz family at this difficult time."
Born in Detroit April 2, 1937, Mr. Radatz signed with the Red Sox out of Michigan State University in 1959 and spent four-plus season in Boston. From his debut in 1962 through his June 2, 1966 trade to the Indians, he anchored the Sox bullpen and dominated the American League like few relief pitchers before or since.
The imposing 6-foot-6, 250-pound flame thrower went 49-32 with 104 saves and a 2.66 ERA in 286 appearances for the Red Sox, striking out 646 in 576.1 innings, an average of 10.1 K's per 9 innings.
As a rookie in 1962, he led the A.L. with 62 appearances, nine relief wins and 24 saves and was chosen A.L. Fireman of the Year. In 1963, Mr. Radatz finished 15-6 with 25 saves and a 1.97 ERA. An All-Star in 1963 and 1964, Mr. Radatz struck out Willie Mays, Dick Groat, Duke Snider, Willie McCovey and Julian Javier in 2.0 innings in the '63 Mid-Summer Classic, inspiring then-Yankees Manager Ralph Houk to say, "Radatz is the greatest reliever I have ever seen." In the 1964 All-Star Game, Mr. Radatz fanned five in 2.2 innings.
In 1964, "The Monster" was again named Fireman of the Year, posting career bests with 16 wins, 29 saves and 79 appearances, while setting a major league record with 181 strikeouts by a reliever and recording a 2.29 ERA. He earned the win or save in 45 of the club's 72 victories (63 percent) and struck out 181 in 157.0 innings. In one memorable appearance against the Yankees at Fenway Park, he recorded a save on just 10 pitches, striking out Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris and Elston Howard to end the game after coming in with the bases loaded.
After leaving Boston, Mr. Radatz pitched for the Indians (1966-67), Cubs (1967), Tigers (1969) and Expos (1969), retiring with a 52-43 record, 121 saves and a 3.14 ERA in 381 career relief appearances. He struck out 744 in 693.2 major league innings, an average of 9.7 K's per 9 innings.
Mr. Radatz struck out Mickey Mantle 44 times in 67 career at-bats. Mantle once said, "I guess I would have to say that Dick Radatz was the toughest pitcher I ever faced."
Inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 1997, Mr. Radatz in recent years served as pitching coach for the North Shore Spirit of the independent Northeast League. Still, he remained a regular at Fenway Park, appearing at Autograph Alley and in the Legends Suite while also ranking among Red Sox alumni leaders in community appearances and making annual visits to the Red Sox Fantasy Camp.
No funeral arrangements have been announced at this time.
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