Sports Pro File: J.R. Richard

James Rodney Richard was born on March 7, 1950 in Rustin, Louisiana. Richard was always tall for his age and that height allowed him to excel in sports. He rode that talent to become a first round draft pick of the Houston Astros in 1969, turning down numerous basketball scholarships. It wouldn't take Richard long to get to the majors making his debut in 1971.

The Rise

Richard made it clear to the rest of the National League what kind of pitcher the Astros had on their hands when he struck out 15 batters in his major league debut against the San Francisco Giants. Word would soon spread of Richard's fastball, that topped out at 103 miles an hour, and of his slider that was clocked at 94 miles per hour. As with many power pitchers Richard struggled early on with his control and he wouldn't be a mainstay in the Astros' rotation until 1975.

In 1975 Richard picked up 12 wins, but also had a league leading 20 wild pitches, 138 walks, and an earned run average of 4.39. Things would improve greatly in 1976 as he would win 20 games for the only time in his career. He also lowered his ERA to an impressive 2.75. In the next three seasons Richard would win 18 games in each year. He struck out over 300 hitters in both 1978 and 1979. He also led the league in ERA in 1979 with a 2.71 mark.

The Fall

1980 began much like the previous seasons had for Richard, except for one major difference, he now had a teammate that was just as talented, as Nolan Ryan had signed a free agent contract the past off season. Expectations were high for the Astros and they were living up to them. Richard's problems would begin before the All-Star break that season. He said he felt fatigued and dizzy at times. The Houston media at the time made Richard out to be lazy, jealous of Ryan's large contract, or worse on drugs, even though Richard hadn't missed a start in five seasons.

Richard would make his first All-Star team that season. He started the mid-summer classic for the National League. Richard would make one more start for the Astros, then everything went horribly wrong. On July 30, 1980, while playing toss in the outfield before a game, Richard collapsed. He nearly died when blood flow on the right side of his neck had been cut off for three to four hours. It was later revealed that Richard had suffered a stroke.

The Aftermath

Although he attempted to make a comeback in 1981 he would never again toe the rubber in a major league game. He bounced around in the minors for a few seasons trying to get back in shape. Richard suffered more medical problems and doctors advised him to give up trying to pitch. He was released by the Astros for the final time in 1984, his baseball career over at the age of 34.

After his baseball career came to a screeching halt Richard stayed in the Houston area. Some bad business decisions would find him homeless in the 1994. He would overcome homelessness and become a minister in Houston and now helps homeless people and kids in the area. He is active in youth baseball leagues, believing that sports can help kids stay out of gangs.

Even though things are now looking good for Richard, as a baseball fan I can't help but think what might have been, if not for a fateful day in July nearly 30 years ago. Would Richard have eventually been considered one of the all time greats? Unfortunately we will never know.

Sources:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/richaj.01.shtml
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/217945-from-unhittable-to-homeless-the-jr-richard-story
http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/sports2000/players/172526.html
http://www.thebaseballpage.com/players/richajr01.php