Left-handed pitcher and coach with a 14-year MLB career, known for his impressive fastball and slider, as well as his stint as a pitching coach for the Cincinnati Reds.
Don Gullett, a left-handed pitching sensation, made his mark on Major League Baseball as a key member of the Cincinnati Reds' iconic "Big Red Machine" dynasty. With four National League pennants and two World Series championships under his belt, Gullett's impressive career spanned from 1970 to 1978.
Gullett was born on January 6, 1951, in Lynn, Kentucky, and grew up to become a threesports athlete at McKell High School in South Shore, Kentucky. He excelled in baseball, football, and basketball, showcasing his athletic prowess from an early age. As a high school pitcher, he once achieved the rare feat of tossing a perfect game, striking out 20 of the 21 hitters he faced.
The Reds selected Gullett in the first round of the 1969 Major League Baseball draft, and he made his big league debut on April 10, 1970, against the San Francisco Giants. In his rookie season, he appeared in 44 games, posting a 5-2 record and a 2.43 ERA. Gullett's impressive performance earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team in 1971.
Gullett was an integral part of the Reds' dominant team, which included Hall of Famers like Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Tony Pérez. During his time with the Reds, the team won four National League pennants (1970, 1972, 1975, and 1976) and two World Series championships (1975 and 1976). Gullett's pitching prowess played a significant role in the team's success, with his 1975 season being particularly remarkable, boasting a 15-4 record and a 2.42 ERA.
In 1977, Gullett was traded to the New York Yankees, where he contributed to the team's back-to-back World Series championships in 1977 and 1978. His postseason performance was noteworthy, with a 2-0 record and a 1.29 ERA in the 1977 World Series.
After retiring from playing, Gullett went on to become the pitching coach for the Cincinnati Reds from 1993 to 2005. In 2002, he was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, a testament to his lasting impact on the franchise. Gullett's legacy is further cemented by a monument on the courthouse lawn in Greenup County, Kentucky, which proudly declares, "This is Don Gullett Country."
Throughout his remarkable career, Gullett remained humble and dedicated to his craft. His impressive stats, combined with his integral role in the Big Red Machine dynasty, have solidified his place in baseball history. Gullett's legacy continues to inspire new generations of players and coaches, ensuring his impact on the game will be felt for years to come.
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