Today in 1977 Nolan Ryan has his fourth 19 strikeout game of his career. He’d go ten innings against Toronto giving up 0 earned runs…and get a no decision.
“This son of a bitch is throwing a two-hit shutout, he’s shakin’ me off. You believe that shit? Charlie, here comes the deuce. And when you speak of me, speak well.”
You can select 2 of the following for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Who gets the call?
1. Pete Rose
2. Shoeless Joe Jackson
3. Barry Bonds
4. Roger Clemens
5. Alex Rodriguez
6. Lou Whitaker
7. Mark McGwire
8. Curt Schilling
9. Luis Tiant
10. Write in a player
🇺🇸 Most Badass Ballplayers: Combat Veteran Edition #3 Lou Brissie
Lou Brissie, 1949 All-Star pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics, was one badass ballplayer.
Born June 5, 1924, in Anderson, South Carolina.
He had already been scouted by Connie Mack’s Athletics and was expected to report to spring training, but after losing a brother in the war, Brissie enlisted in the United States Army instead.
He was sent to Italy as a squad leader in G Company, 351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division.
On December 7, 1944, the third anniversary of Pearl Harbor, his unit was hit by a sudden German artillery barrage in the mountains near Florence.
An artillery shell exploded right beside him.
The blast shattered his left leg in 30 places, drove shrapnel into his right shoulder, both hands, and both thighs, and knocked him unconscious.
He lay in the snow and mud for hours before medics finally reached him.
When he was brought to a field hospital, doctors recommended amputating his left leg.
Brissie refused, telling them, “I’m a ballplayer. I can’t play on one leg.”
Over the next two years he underwent 23 surgeries and received 40 blood transfusions.
While he was still recovering on crutches, he received a letter from Connie Mack encouraging him to focus on healing and promising that the Athletics would give him a tryout when he was ready.
In 1947, just two and a half years after nearly losing his leg, he made his major league debut with the Athletics while wearing a heavy metal brace.
Over seven seasons in the majors (1947–1953) he compiled a career record of 44–48 with a 4.07 ERA.
His best season came in 1949 when he won 16 games and was selected to the All-Star team.
Brissie was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for his service.
Thank you, Lou! 🫡🇺🇸⚾