Bob Welch was a professional baseball player who played as a pitcher for 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on November 3, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Southern California. Welch attended Eastern Michigan University, where he played college baseball and was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round of the 1977 MLB draft.
Welch made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 1978 and played for them until 1987. During his time with the Dodgers, Welch was a key member of their pitching staff and helped them win the World Series in 1981. He was also named an All-Star in 1980 and 1985.
In 1988, Welch signed with the Oakland Athletics as a free agent and played for them until 1994. He had one of his best seasons in 1990 when he won 27 games and was named the American League Cy Young Award winner. Welch was also a member of the Athletics team that won the World Series in 1989.
Overall, Welch had a successful career as a pitcher in the MLB. He won 211 games, had a career ERA of 3.47, and struck out 1,969 batters. He was known for his fastball and his ability to pitch effectively in pressure situations.
After retiring from baseball, Welch worked as a pitching coach for several teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Oakland Athletics. He also wrote a book about his experiences in baseball called "Five O'Clock Comes Early: A Ballplayer's Battle with Alcoholism."
Sadly, Welch passed away on June 9, 2014, at the age of 57. He had suffered a heart attack at his home in Seal Beach, California. Welch was remembered by his former teammates and fans as a talented pitcher and a great person who was always willing to help others.
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