Score's MLB journey commenced in 1955 with the Cleveland Indians, where he quickly established himself as one of the most promising pitchers in the league. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds, Score possessed a powerful fastball and a sharp curve, which he used to dominate hitters. In his debut season, he recorded an impressive 245 strikeouts, a feat that not only led the American League (AL) but also set a new rookie record. His performance earned him the AL Rookie of the Year award, unanimously.
The following year, 1956, Score continued to excel on the mound. He led the league in strikeouts for the second consecutive year with 263 and achieved a career-best 20 wins against 9 losses, cementing his status as one of the premier pitchers in the game. His prowess contributed significantly to the Indians' competitive standing during these seasons.
However, Score's promising career took a dramatic turn on May 7, 1957, in a game against the New York Yankees. A line drive hit by Gil McDougald struck Score in the face, causing severe injuries. While he eventually recovered physically, returning to pitch in 1958, Score was never able to regain his pre-injury form. His performance declined markedly, marred by control problems and a reduced strikeout rate, leading to speculation that he altered his pitching mechanics to avoid a similar incident, though Score himself attributed the decline to arm injuries rather than psychological factors.
In 1960, Score was traded to the Chicago White Sox, where he spent the final years of his playing career. Despite occasional flashes of his former brilliance, he struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Score retired from playing after the 1962 season, finishing his career with a 55-46 win-loss record, a 3.36 earned run average (ERA), and 837 strikeouts in 858 1/3 innings pitched.
After retiring as a player, Score transitioned to broadcasting, serving as a play-by-play announcer for the Cleveland Indians from 1964 to 1997. His second career allowed him to remain an influential figure in Cleveland sports, beloved by fans for his knowledge of the game and his connection to the Indians' past glories.
Herb Score's playing career, though brief and marred by injury, left an indelible mark on baseball history. His early dominance on the mound and the what-could-have-been narrative that followed his injury contribute to his enduring legacy as one of the game's great "what if" stories.
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Jul 2, 1978Jul 2, 1978
For the Cleveland Indians, the 1978 season was challenging. They struggled to find consistency in...
Cleveland Indians vs Toronto Blue Jays - Radio Broadcast / For the Cleveland Indians, the 1978 season was challenging. They struggled to find consistency in their gameplay, facing difficulties both offensively and defensively. In August, their weaknesses became more apparent, as they struggled to secure crucial victories and make significant progress in the standings. While they had some individual standout performances from players like Andre Thornton, their collective efforts fell short, preventing them from making a strong push for the playoffs.
On the other hand, the Toronto Blue Jays had a more promising season in 1978. In August, they displayed flashes of potential, with players like Dave Stieb showcasing their talent and contributing to the team's success. Their pitching staff performed admirably, holding opponents in check and providing a solid foundation for the team's victories. Although the Blue Jays were not yet a playoff contender, their progress and growing competitive spirit were evident throughout August.