Duren made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 1954 but only appeared in two games before being sent back to the minors. His career gained significant momentum after joining the New York Yankees in 1958. Duren quickly established himself as one of the premier relief pitchers in the league, known for his high strikeout rates and fast pitches, which were often clocked at over 100 mph. His distinctive thick glasses added to his intimidating appearance, as batters were often unsure whether he could see the plate clearly.
During his time with the Yankees, Duren was selected to the All-Star team three times (1958, 1959, and 1961), showcasing his dominance in the league. His best season came in 1958 when he posted a 6-4 record with a 2.02 ERA and 20 saves in 44 appearances, helping the Yankees to win the World Series. Duren's performance in the 1958 season also earned him a third-place finish in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.
Despite his success, Duren's career was also marked by control issues. He led the league in wild pitches in 1958 and 1959, contributing to a perception of unpredictability on the mound. These control problems, combined with his declining performance, led to Duren being traded multiple times throughout his career.
After his stint with the Yankees, Duren played for the Los Angeles Angels, where he continued to be an effective reliever. However, his performance began to decline in the early 1960s, and he spent the latter part of his career moving between teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds, and Washington Senators, before retiring in 1965.
Throughout his MLB career, Duren compiled a record of 27 wins, 44 losses, and an ERA of 3.83. He recorded 630 strikeouts and 57 saves in 589 innings pitched across 311 appearances, primarily as a relief pitcher. Despite the challenges he faced with control and consistency, Duren's powerful pitching and memorable personality left a lasting impact on the game.
Off the field, Duren struggled with alcoholism, a battle he later overcame. He became an advocate for sobriety and worked to help others facing similar struggles. Ryne Duren's legacy in baseball is remembered not only for his fearsome fastball and unique character but also for his contributions to the community after his playing days were over.
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