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Dick Drott stepped onto the Major League Baseball scene as a promising right-handed pitcher, known for his fastball and competitive spirit. Born on July 1, 1936, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Drott's journey to the majors began when he signed with the Chicago Cubs. He made his debut with the Cubs in 1957, quickly gaining attention for his impressive rookie
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Dick Drott stepped onto the Major League Baseball scene as a promising right-handed pitcher, known for his fastball and competitive spirit. Born on July 1, 1936, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Drott's journey to the majors began when he signed with the Chicago Cubs. He made his debut with the Cubs in 1957, quickly gaining attention for his impressive rookie season.
In his first year, Drott showcased his potential by winning 15 games and striking out 170 batters, a record for a Cubs rookie at the time. His performance earned him a third-place finish in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. Drott's ability to strike out batters was a highlight of his early career, and he became known for his powerful arm and competitive nature on the mound.
The following seasons, however, proved challenging for Drott. Injuries began to take a toll on his performance, and he struggled to maintain the same level of success he had achieved during his rookie year. Despite these setbacks, Drott continued to pitch for the Cubs, displaying moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of difficulty.
In 1961, Drott was traded to the Houston Colt .45s, an expansion team that later became the Houston Astros. His time with the Colt .45s was marked by continued struggles with injuries, which limited his effectiveness and playing time. Drott's career in the majors came to an end after the 1963 season, as he was unable to overcome the physical challenges that had plagued him.
Throughout his career, Drott's potential was evident, but injuries ultimately curtailed what might have been a longer tenure in Major League Baseball. Despite the challenges he faced, Drott's early promise and memorable rookie season left a lasting impression on those who followed his career. After retiring from baseball, Drott's life outside the sport remained relatively private, and he passed away on August 16, 1985, in Phoenix, Arizona.
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