Checking the Numbers: ... (05/08)
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May 10, 2009 Prospectus Q&ABert Blyleven
In all likelihood, Bert Blyleven is the best pitcher not in the Hall of Fame. Blessed with one of the greatest curveballs the game has ever seen, Blyleven stands among the elite in several statistical categories, ranking fifth all-time in strikeouts (3,701), ninth in games started (685) and shutouts (60), and 24th in wins (287). A workhorse who hurled 4,970 innings over 22 seasons, Blyleven pitched well in his limited number of post-season appearances, going 5-1 with a 2.47 ERA while earning World Series rings with the 1979 Pirates and 1987 Twins. A native of Holland who served as the pitching coach for the Dutch team in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, Blyleven is currently in his 14th season as a color commentator for the Minnesota Twins. --- David Laurila: How do you view the career you had in the big leagues? Bert Blyleven: It was a lot of fun. I played for over 20 years and got to play a kid's game. That's the way I looked at it. There are a lot of great memories. There were a lot of challenges, both mentally and physically, through injuries and sometimes disappointing seasons. There were also World Series seasons. DL: The statistical analysis community views your career much more highly than does the mainstream media. What are your thoughts on that?
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Team Health Reports: Washington Nationals
David, good interview, as always. Thank you.
Listening to Blyleven speak, I've always had the perception that he almost hides a very sharp intellect by using simple words and brief, to-the-point sentences. I feel that way reading this Q&A, too. You certainly captured Blyleven's "voice" in this interview.