Jim O'Toole was an American professional baseball player who had a significant impact on the sport during his career. He was a left-handed pitcher, primarily known for his time with the Cincinnati Reds in Major League Baseball (MLB).

O'Toole was born on January 10, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois. He was signed by the Cincinnati Reds as an amateur free agent in 1957. After spending a year in the minor leagues, he made his major league debut on April 15, 1958.

O'Toole quickly established himself as a reliable and effective pitcher. In 1959, his first full season in the majors, he won 17 games and was named to the National League All-Star team. He continued to excel in the following years, winning 16 games in 1960 and 19 games in 1961.

The 1961 season was a highlight of O'Toole's career. He helped lead the Reds to the National League pennant, and they advanced to the World Series, where they faced the New York Yankees. Although the Reds lost the series, O'Toole's performance was commendable. He started two games, pitching a complete game in Game 1, although he was the losing pitcher in both of his starts.

O'Toole continued to be a key player for the Reds throughout the early 1960s. He won 16 games in 1963 and 17 games in 1964. He was again named to the All-Star team in 1963.

In 1967, after a decade with the Reds, O'Toole was traded to the Chicago White Sox. He spent one season with the White Sox before retiring from professional baseball.

Over the course of his career, O'Toole won 98 games, lost 84, and had an earned run average (ERA) of 3.57. He pitched 25 shutouts and completed 86 games. He was known for his control and his ability to pitch deep into games.

O'Toole was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 1970, a testament to his significant contributions to the team and the sport. He passed away on December 26, 2015, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most accomplished pitchers in Reds history.

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