Throughout his career, Norman played for several teams, including the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, and Montreal Expos. However, he is perhaps best remembered for his time with the Cincinnati Reds, where he became an integral part of the team's success in the mid-1970s.
Norman's early years in the MLB were characterized by frequent moves between teams and minor leagues, a common occurrence for many players of the era. His tenure with the San Diego Padres from 1971 to 1973 marked a turning point in his career, where he began to establish himself as a reliable starting pitcher. His performance with the Padres earned him a trade to the Cincinnati Reds in June 1973, a move that would define the most successful period of his career.
With the Reds, Norman contributed to the team's dominance in the National League during the mid-1970s. He was a key member of the famed "Big Red Machine," a team that won back-to-back World Series championships in 1975 and 1976. During his time with the Reds, Norman was known for his durability and effectiveness as a starting pitcher, consistently logging over 200 innings pitched per season and contributing significantly to the team's success.
Norman's pitching style was characterized by a wide array of pitches, including a fastball, curveball, and changeup, which he used effectively to keep hitters off balance. Despite not possessing overpowering velocity, his ability to mix pitches and locations made him a challenging matchup for opposing hitters.
Over the course of his MLB career, Norman compiled a win-loss record of 104-103, with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.64. He recorded 1,251 strikeouts and completed 24 shutouts in 2,017 innings pitched across 403 games, 327 of which were starts. His postseason appearances with the Reds further highlighted his contributions to the team, where he pitched in multiple National League Championship Series (NLCS) and World Series games.
Fred Norman's career came to a close following the 1980 season, after which he retired from professional baseball. His journey from a frequently traded pitcher to a key component of a championship team exemplifies the perseverance and adaptability required to succeed at the highest levels of the sport. Norman's contributions to the Cincinnati Reds and his role in their championship victories remain a significant part of his legacy in MLB history.
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