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Dick Bosman

Pitcher Dick Bosman proves a point

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20151119_134045A grateful standing O to reader Brian Salgado for sharing this recent by-mail triumph.

Besides autographing two cards, Bosman answered questions about his hot rod hobby.

Some readers might snort: hot rods have nothing to do with baseball.

I think they have everything to do with baseball.

To a fan/collector, the dream of being a major leaguer would be a lifetime passion. To the men who played, some might view the athletic employment as a short-term job.

20151119_134113Even when researching, don’t ignore a facet of a major leaguer’s life. That off-the-field passion might tell you more about baseball than you ever imagined.

 

Dick Bosman Tells of 1974 No-Hitter Rewards

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Same Signature,
Same intensity!

Dick Bosman spent most of his career toiling for struggling teams.

Nevertheless, he gave the Senators many thrills, including a pair of one-hitters in 1969-70. History didn’t find the hurler until 1974. (Thanks, www.retrosheet.org.) His July 19 gem against the mighty Oakland Athletics wasn’t forgotten. The Cleveland hurler was acquired by the A’s that next season.

When did Bosman’s mind switch from “good game” to “possibly making history?” How did the Indians honor his accomplishment? He replied:

“Fifth inning.

$1,500 raise and engraved pocket watch.”

Beginning in Washington, Bosman had the opportunity to pitch for manager Ted Williams. What did he learn from Williams that influenced him as a player, and later, as a coach?

“The mental game of pitching.”

Williams witnessed Bosman’s transformation, including a league-leading 2.19 ERA in 1969. How did he feel about winning an ERA crown?

“It was my first good year. It gave me a lot of confidence.”

Tomorrow: Dick Bosman sums up nearly five decades in pro ball.

Pitcher Dick Bosman: ‘I Had A Ball!’

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Bosman: “It gave me a
lot of confidence.”

Some players and coaches have mere careers.

The lucky ones have LIVES in baseball. Dick Bosman may head this list. He wrote:

“I achieved more than I thought I could, had a great time, learned volumes about life, myself, and of course, how to pitch in the big leagues.

I’m proud and humbled to have played with and against some of the best ever to have played the game.

There’s not much I would do differently. I had a ball!

I still enjoy the game. I’m the pitching coordinator for Tampa Bay.

Thanks for your interest,

Dick Bosman”