Jim Brewer (baseball)
Jim Brewer | |
---|---|
Pitcher | |
Born: Merced, California, U.S. | November 14, 1937|
Died: November 16, 1987 Tyler, Texas, U.S. | (aged 50)|
Batted: Left Threw: Left | |
MLB debut | |
July 17, 1960, for the Chicago Cubs | |
Last MLB appearance | |
May 24, 1976, for the California Angels | |
MLB statistics | |
Win–loss record | 69–65 |
Earned run average | 3.07 |
Strikeouts | 810 |
Saves | 133 |
Teams | |
As player
As coach | |
Career highlights and awards | |
|
James Thomas Brewer (November 14, 1937 – November 16, 1987) was an American
Following the advice of Warren Spahn, Brewer developed a screwball to become one of the most successful relievers in the National League in the 1960s and 1970s.[1]
Career
A graduate of
In his career, Brewer recorded 133
Brewer was involved in an on-field altercation with Billy Martin on August 4, 1960. Brewer, then with the Cubs, brushed back Martin, then with the Cincinnati Reds, with a pitch in the second inning of a game at Wrigley Field. Martin threw his bat at Brewer, who picked it up and started to hand it to Martin as Martin approached. Martin punched Brewer in the right eye, breaking his cheekbone.[2] Brewer was twice operated on for his injuries,[3] and Martin served a five-day suspension.[4] The Cubs and Brewer sued Martin for over $1 million for the loss of Brewer's services,[5] but later dropped their case. Brewer, however, pursued his, and in 1969 a judge ordered Martin to pay $10,000 in damages.
Immediately after his playing career, Brewer became
Death
Brewer died in Tyler, Texas, of injuries suffered in an automobile accident at the age of 50.[6]
References
- ^ a b "Jim Brewer (SABR BioProject)". Society for American Baseball Research.
- ^ "Billy Martin's punch sidelines Brewer". Reading Eagle. Associated Press. August 5, 1960.
- ^ "Jim Brewer has 2nd operation". The Victoria Advocate. Associated Press. August 20, 1960.
- Montreal Gazette. Associated Press. August 6, 1960.
- ^ "Billy Martin sued by Jim Brewer and Cubs for $1,040,000". Ludington Daily News. Associated Press. August 23, 1960.
- ^ "Former reliever Jim Brewer dead". Bangor Daily News. Associated Press. November 17, 1987.
Sources
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
- Jim Brewer at the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR BioProject)