RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Don Drysdale is one of the most iconic figures in baseball history. Over the course of his career, Don Drysdale was known as a fierce competitor and a consistent contributor to his team.
Drysdale was a tall, lanky pitcher with a hard fastball and a sharp curveball. He was a power pitcher who was able to strike out a large
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These percentile rankings are a score to indicate how Don Drysdale ranks among all historic players for several skill categories. For example, a percentile of "85% Power" would indicate a player among the top 15% of players in raw batting power, and a percentile of "Speed 3%" would indicate a player that is among the slowest players in the history of the game. These percentiles are entirely based on career statistical accomplishments for players with over 500 games played or 500 innings pitched, so may not accurately reflect an intangible ability.
Pitching Skills
Stamina
86%
Clutch
89%
H/9
87%
HR/9
53%
K/9
76%
BB/9
89%
Velocity
76%
Control
93%
Break
84%
Fielding
27%
Batting & Fielding Skills
Contact
12%
Power
70%
Bunting
77%
Drag
47%
Vision
15%
Discipline
20%
Clutch
18%
Durability
50%
Speed
18%
Arm Str
50%
Arm Acc
50%
Reaction
93%
Fielding
27%
Stealing
7%
Baserunning
12%
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Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring Don Drysdale Skill Percentiles
The game in question was a late-season contest between the Houston Colt .45s and the...
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Houston Colt .45s Radio Broadcast / The game in question was a late-season contest between the Houston Colt .45s and the Los Angeles Dodgers, played on September 27, 1964 at Colt Stadium. The starting pitchers were Don Drysdale for the Dodgers and Bob Bruce for the Colt .45s. Drysdale, a future Hall of Famer, was renowned for his intimidating presence on the mound and his exceptional control. Bruce, on the other hand, was a solid starter for the Colt .45s, known for his competitive nature. At this point in the season, the Dodgers were in the thick of a tight pennant race in the National League, while the Colt .45s were trying to finish their season on a high note. The 1964 season was marked by several significant stories, including the Philadelphia Phillies' infamous late-season collapse, and the exceptional performance of the St. Louis Cardinals, who would eventually win the World Series.
The game was a classic pitcher's duel, with both Drysdale and Bruce throwing scoreless innings well into extra innings. Neither team could muster much offense, with the Dodgers and the Colt .45s managing just five hits apiece. For the Dodgers, Tommy Davis managed a double, while Dick Tracewski and Nate Oliver each contributed a single. For the Colt .45s, Joe Morgan, known for his time with the Cincinnati Reds, had two hits, while Jimmy Wynn drove in the game's only run. Both pitchers were in control throughout, with Drysdale striking out six and Bruce matching him with six strikeouts of his own.
The game remained scoreless until the 12th inning, when Rusty Staub, the future All-Star, led off the inning for the Colt .45s. Despite not registering a hit in the game, Staub managed to reach base and eventually scored the game's only run on a hit by Wynn. The Dodgers, despite a solid performance from Drysdale, were unable to respond in their half of the inning, leading to a 1-0 victory for the Colt .45s.
The game was indicative of the larger trends of the 1964 season. The Dodgers, despite a strong roster and excellent performances from players like Drysdale, were unable to secure a playoff spot, finishing the season in sixth place in the National League. The Colt .45s, meanwhile, ended their season in ninth place, but the game was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season. The game also highlighted the talent of players like Drysdale and Morgan, who would go on to have exceptional careers in Major League Baseball. The 1964 season was ultimately won by the St. Louis Cardinals, who defeated the New York Yankees in a thrilling seven-game World Series.
In the 1960 radio interview, Jackie Robinson, a pioneering figure in baseball and civil rights,...
1960 • Baseball Clip • Jackie Robinson & Don Drysdale - Radio Interview / In the 1960 radio interview, Jackie Robinson, a pioneering figure in baseball and civil rights, and Don Drysdale, a dominant pitcher for the Dodgers, discuss their experiences and perspectives on the game. This period captures a transitional era in baseball, juxtaposed with Robinson's trailblazing legacy and Drysdale's rising careerThe discussion likely touches on the challenges and triumphs each faced, offering insights into their unique contributions to the sport.
The 1959 All-Star game was the first year the MLB held an All Star Game...
1959 MLB All-Star Game - Radio Broadcast / The 1959 All-Star game was the first year the MLB held an All Star Game Double Header. The first game of 1959 was held at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. The second game would be played a month later in Los Angeles. The experiment of two All-Star Games continued for four seasons; the league returned to just one annual game in 1963. In this first game of 1959, the American League started the 39 year old veteran Early Wynn while the National League went with 22 year old Don Drysdale.
In this 1975 clip from Don Drysdale's Bullpen, former professional baseball player turned broadcaster Don...
Don Drysdale remembers 1939 Boston Bruins / In this 1975 clip from Don Drysdale's Bullpen, former professional baseball player turned broadcaster Don Drysdale recounts the story of Frankie Brimsek, a young hockey goalie who made a dramatic entry into the NHL with the Boston Bruins in 1938. Drysdale delves into the high-pressure situation faced by Brimsek as he replaced the injured, beloved Bruins goalie Tiny Thompson. Despite the immense pressure and initial public disapproval, Brimsek's performance on the ice, including shutting out opponents for three consecutive games, not only silenced his critics but also led to him winning the Vezina Trophy. His remarkable debut season contributed to the Bruins winning the Stanley Cup, marking their first championship in a decade. The narrative captures the intense challenges and triumphs that define professional sports, highlighting Brimsek's resilience and skill under pressure.