| Don Rudolph | |
|---|---|
 Rudolph with theSeattle Rainiers (PCL) | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born:(1931-08-16)August 16, 1931 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| Died: September 12, 1968(1968-09-12) (aged 37) Granada Hills, California, U.S. | |
Batted: Left Threw: Left | |
| MLB debut | |
| September 21, 1957, for the Chicago White Sox | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| October 3, 1964, for the Washington Senators | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 18–32 |
| Earned run average | 4.00 |
| Strikeouts | 182 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Frederick Donald Rudolph (August 16, 1931 – September 12, 1968) was an AmericanMajor League Baseball (MLB) left-handedpitcher. He appeared in 124games pitched over all or parts of six major league seasons for theChicago White Sox,Cincinnati Reds,Cleveland Indians andWashington Senators between 1957 and 1964. The native ofBaltimore was listed as 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) tall and 195 pounds (88 kg).
Rudolph'sprofessional baseball career extended from 1950 through 1966, except for the 1953 season, which he spent in theUnited States Army. Of his 124 MLB appearances, 57 werestarts. He compiled an 18–32record (.360), with tencomplete games and twoshutouts. The two whitewashings came in back-to-back starts for Washington during1962; he defeated theMinnesota Twins andBaltimore Orioles on August 23 and 28, respectively. In 4501⁄3 MLBinnings pitched, he allowed 485hits and 102bases on balls,striking out 182 hitters. His career ERA was 4.00. He was credited with threesaves.
Known during his career as the husband and manager ofburlesque dancer "Patti Waggin" (born Patricia Brownell),[1] Rudolph was abatting practice pitcher for theAmerican League (AL)All-Star team onJuly 10, 1962 at District of Columbia Stadium (Robert F. Kennedy Stadium). In 1963, he pitched in 37 games for Washington and led the AL infielding percentage as a pitcher with a 1.000 fielding average.[2] He also was the starting pitcher for Washington's traditional "Presidential Opener" on April 8 that season. AfterJohn F. Kennedy threw out the ceremonial first pitch,[3] Rudolph went five innings against theBaltimore Orioles, allowinghome runs to left-handed hittersJim Gentile andBoog Powell and taking the 3–1 loss.[4]
Rudolph owned a construction business when he was killed in a truck accident at age 37.[5]
· Baseball Almanac