Blass was born on April 18, 1942, in Canaan, Connecticut. He signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960 and made his major league debut on May 10, 1964. Over the course of his career, Blass became known for his pitching prowess, contributing significantly to the Pirates' successes during his tenure.
One of the highlights of Blass's career came in 1971 when he played a pivotal role in the Pirates' World Series victory over the Baltimore Orioles. In that series, Blass pitched two complete games, including a decisive Game 7 victory where he allowed only one run. His performance in the 1971 World Series solidified his status as one of the top pitchers in the league at that time.
Throughout his career, Blass was known for his control and effectiveness on the mound. His best season came in 1972 when he posted a career-best 19-8 record with a 2.49 ERA, finishing second in the league in wins and earning an All-Star selection. This period represented the peak of Blass's career, showcasing his skills as a top-tier starting pitcher.
However, Blass's career took a sudden and inexplicable turn in 1973. He began to struggle with his control, leading to a dramatic increase in walks and earned runs. This phenomenon, often referred to as "Steve Blass Disease" in baseball vernacular, saw Blass unable to find the strike zone with his pitches, a problem that perplexed both Blass and baseball analysts alike. Despite attempts to regain his form, including time in the minor leagues, Blass was never able to overcome these issues. His struggles led to his retirement from playing after the 1974 season.
Over his 10-year MLB career, all of which was spent with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Blass compiled a record of 103-76 with a 3.63 ERA. He appeared in 282 games, starting 242 of them, and pitched 57 complete games along with 16 shutouts. His sudden decline remains one of the more baffling episodes in baseball history, often cited in discussions about mental blocks and the psychological aspects of sports performance.
After retiring from playing, Blass transitioned to broadcasting, where he enjoyed a long second career as a color commentator for the Pirates, a position he held for several decades. His contributions to the game, both on the mound and in the broadcast booth, have made him a beloved figure in Pittsburgh and among Pirates fans.
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Jun 26, 1967Jun 26, 1967
In a captivating showdown at Shea Stadium on June 26, 1967, the New York Mets...
New York Mets vs Pittsburgh Pirates - Full Game Radio Broadcast / In a captivating showdown at Shea Stadium on June 26, 1967, the New York Mets faced the Pittsburgh Pirates in a night game that promised excitement. The Mets, with Bob Shaw on the mound, were looking to make a mark in their relatively young franchise history. The Pirates, with Steve Blass as their starting pitcher, were also eyeing victory. The game took place amid a season filled with its own narratives, including Roberto Clemente's stellar performance and the Mets' ongoing efforts to climb up from their expansion team struggles.
The game unfolded with a tense pitchers' duel, as both Shaw and Blass held the line through the early innings. The Pirates managed to break through first, with a run in the third inning, followed by a solo home run by Bill Mazeroski in the seventh. The Mets, however, kept the game within reach, showcasing resilience in their batting lineup. The real turning point came in the eighth inning when Ken Boyer hit a crucial two-run homer for the Mets, leveling the score. This set the stage for a dramatic ninth inning, where the Mets seized their opportunity to clinch a narrow victory.
The final score, Mets 3, Pirates 2, was a testament to the competitive nature of the 1967 season. This game, while just a single chapter in the long baseball season, was indicative of the Mets' fighting spirit and the Pirates' formidable play, reflective of Clemente's impressive season performance. As the season progressed, both teams continued to contribute to the rich tapestry of the 1967 baseball season, a year remembered for its close pennant races and memorable individual performances.