The toughest man to ever pitch in a Twins uni is expected to announce his retirement Tuesday.Drafted by the Twins in 1991, Brad Radke, 34, joined the rotation in 1995. He has spent his entire 12-year career in Minnesota, becoming a fan favorite and eventual veteran go-to guy on the hill.
Brad was able to start five playoff games over four seasons, along with an All-Star appearance in 1998, but never got the opportunity to pitch in a World Series. He put together a career record of 148-139 with a 4.22 ERA, winning 20 games in '97, when the Twins went 68-94.
What's makes Brad so tough? After playing with pain for the past few seasons, as many players do, he suffered a stress fracture of the glenoid bone in his throwing shoulder in late August. He was able to come back from the injury to make his final regular-season start: Game 3 of the ALCS against the Athletics. He pitched four innings with a torn labrum and broken shoulder socket. On off days, he didn't even shampoo his gorgeous hair with his right arm, let alone throw a baseball.
"He's the guy you want on the mound for you in big games," Ron Gardenhire said this past season. "There's no one we'd rather see out there than Brad."
Well, I beg to differ Gardy. Sentimentally speaking, I guess I could agree with you.
Radke leaves behind an era of dedication and hair gel. He became the first Twins pitcher since Jim Kaat to have 10 seasons with at least 10 victories, throwing more than 200 innings in his career.
We'll sure miss writing about him on the regular at Babes Love Baseball.
3 comments:
Very Jake Taylor like player
He kept coming back last year for just one more game.
I can really respect that.
Haha, "Uh oh, Rexie, I don't think this one's got the distance.."
I have to admit, I got a little choked up during his press conference. It's a bummer to see him go.
Post a Comment