RIP - Don Sutton

 

Long-time Dodgers' starting pitcher Don Sutton passed away on January 19, 2021 at age 75.

Sutton made his Dodgers' debut in 1966, replacing the departed Johnny Podres in the starting rotation.

 

He pitched for 23 years, the first 16 with the Dodgers before bouncing around to the Astros, Brewers, Athletics, and Angels for 6 seasons, then winding up his career back with the Dodgers in 1988. 

 

Sutton was a 4-time All-Star, and won 20 games once (21 in 1976). 

 

Although a member of the Hall of Fame, cynics (including this one) wonder how that happened, given that he won 20 games only once, had no Cy Young awards, never led his league in wins or strikeouts, and only led in ERA once. He was also 6-4 in 15 post-season games. (Ok, he has 300+ wins, but he played for 23 seasons, including with good Dodger teams for 16 years. That was bound to happen.)