Monday, July 5, 2010

10 MLB Stars Whose Careers Ended Far Too Soon- Part 5

Part 5 of 11


Herb Score

In 1955, the Cleveland Indians added rookie Herb Score to a pitching staff that already included future Hall of Famers Bob Feller, Early Wynn, and Bob Lemon. The lefty hurler quickly fit in with his blazing fastball.

Score earned Rookie of the Year honors by virtue of a 16-10 record, 2.85 ERA, and league leading 245 strikeouts in just 227 innings of work. He also was elected to the All-Star squad while his more accomplished teammates sat at home. 
Herb Score, Cleveland Indians

He followed that up with a 20-9 and 2.53 ERA season in 1956 that garnered another All-Star appearance. Score also led the league with 5 shutouts and 263 strikeouts. 

Early the next season, Score was hit in the face with a blistering line drive that shattered several bones. Although he returned later the next season, the pitcher appeared to have changed his motion due to fear of being hit again. 

Score then tore a tendon in his pitching arm and never approached the same level of greatness he displayed during his first two campaigns. He finished his career with just 17 more wins after the infamous line drive. 

No comments:

Post a Comment