| Lerrin LaGrow | |
|---|---|
 LaGrow in 1975 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1948-07-08)July 8, 1948 (age 76) Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| July 28, 1970, for the Detroit Tigers | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| July 14, 1980, for the Philadelphia Phillies | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 34–55 |
| Earned run average | 4.11 |
| Strikeouts | 375 |
| Saves | 54 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Lerrin Harris LaGrow (born July 8, 1948) is an American former professionalbaseballpitcher, who played 10 seasons inMajor League Baseball (MLB) with theDetroit Tigers (1970), (1972–1975),St. Louis Cardinals (1976),Chicago White Sox (1977–1979),Los Angeles Dodgers (1979), andPhiladelphia Phillies (1980).
Born inPhoenix, Arizona, LaGrow attendedGlendale High School (Glendale, Arizona) and thenArizona State University in 1968 and 1969 before beginning his professional baseball career.[1] He was the Southern League's Player of the Year in 1970. The Tigers brought LaGrow up in July 1970, and he compiled a 7.30earned run average in 10 relief appearances. After spending the 1971 season in the minor leagues, LaGrow rejoined the Tigers in 1972 and 1973, appearing in 37 games, 34 of which were in relief.
In 1972, LaGrow had a 1.32 earned run average (Adjusted ERA+ of 240) in 16 games, also pitching one scoreless inning in Game 2 of the1972 American League Championship Series against theOakland Athletics. LaGrow's single inning led to one of the most memorable moments of the series. In the bottom of the seventh inning,Bert Campaneris came to bat, having had three hits, two runs scored and two stolen bases in his first three at-bats. LaGrow's first pitch hit Campaneris in the ankle. Campaneris staggered for a moment, glared at LaGrow, then flung his bat toward the mound; LaGrow was able to duck in time and avoid getting hit. Both benches cleared but no brawl ensued. Tigers' managerBilly Martin had to be restrained by umpires and teammates to prevent him from going after Campaneris. LaGrow and Campaneris were suspended for the rest of the ALCS.[2]
In 1974 and 1975, LaGrow became part of the Tigers' starting rotation, starting 34 games in 1974 and 26 games in 1975. In 1974, LaGrow was 8–19, and in 1975 his record was 7–14.
In April 1976, the Tigers sold LaGrow's contract to theSt. Louis Cardinals. LaGrow pitched in eight games for the Cardinals during the 1976 season with a 1.48 earned run average. He was traded from the Cardinals to theChicago White Sox forClay Carroll duringspring training on March 23, 1977.[3] He became their ace reliever in 1977 and 1978. He appeared in a career high 66 games in 1977 and another 52 in 1978. In 1977, he had 25 saves, third best in the American League. He was also among the league leaders in saves in 1978 with 16.
He finished his career with the Dodgers and Phillies. In ten seasons, LaGrow had a 34–55 record in 309 games (67 as a starter), with 19 complete games, two shutouts, 140 games finished, 54 saves, 779 innings pitched, 814 hits, 74 home runs and 312 walks allowed, 375 strikeouts, a 4.11 ERA and a 1.445 WHIP.