Perez was known for his unique windup, which involved him turning his back to the batter before delivering the pitch. He also had a reputation for being unpredictable on the mound, sometimes throwing pitches that were difficult to hit but also occasionally struggling with control.
Despite his quirks, Perez was a talented pitcher who had several successful seasons in the majors. He was named an All-Star in 1983 while playing for the Braves and finished that season with a 3.43 earned run average (ERA) and 15 wins. He also had a career-high 214 strikeouts in 1984 while playing for the Expos.
However, Perez's career was not without controversy. In 1984, he was suspended for three days after hitting San Diego Padres player Alan Wiggins with a pitch. He was also involved in a brawl during a game against the Cincinnati Reds in 1985.
In addition to his on-field struggles, Perez also faced personal challenges. He was arrested in 1984 for cocaine possession and later admitted to struggling with addiction. He also had several run-ins with the law, including a 1992 arrest for drug possession.
Despite these issues, Perez remained a popular figure among fans and teammates. He was known for his outgoing personality and sense of humor, and his teammates often spoke fondly of him.
Perez's career came to an end in 1991, when he was released by the Yankees after struggling with injuries and poor performance. He finished his career with a 67-68 record and a 3.44 ERA.
After retiring from baseball, Perez returned to the Dominican Republic and continued to struggle with addiction. He was shot and killed in his home in 2012, in what was believed to be a robbery. He was 55 years old.
Despite the tragic end to his life, Perez's legacy lives on in the memories of those who knew him. He was a talented and unique player who left a lasting impression on the game of baseball.
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