#548 Dick Stigman

I received my first copy of Dick Stigman's card from Max, but I subsequently received this very fetching slabbed and graded PSA 8 (Near Mint - Mint) card from a reader whose name I stupidly forgot. I even deleted the email! This is not one of my prouder moments as a blogger. But to the faithful and generous reader who sent this card, if you could send me an email as a reminder, I'll gladly give you a special mention in my next post!

Fun facts about Dick Stigman:

-Hails from Nimrod, MN. Keep your jokes to yourself.

-Signed with the Indians in 1954, and endured six minor league seasons (including three with double-digit losses) before debuting in Cleveland in 1960.

-His patience paid off, as he made the American League All-Star team as a rookie swingman. He had gone 4-4 with 3 complete games, 6 saves, and a 3.80 ERA in the first half of the season before fading later. He was also named to the Topps All-Star Rookie team.

-After suffering from arm injuries in 1961, Dick was traded to the hometown Twins along with Vic Power for Pedro Ramos. The pitcher paid immediate dividends, going 12-5 with a 3.66 ERA in 40 games and completing 6 of his 15 starts in 1962.

-The following year was the best all-around effort of Stigman's career. He both won and lost 15 games, completed 15 as well, compiled a personal-best 3.25 ERA, and placed third in the A.L. with 193 strikeouts.

-Made the most of his five career shutouts. They included a three-hitter and a ten-inning four-hitter. He also two-hit the Senators on May 29, 1963, and might have had a shutout if not for a throwing error by Earl Battey that led to Washington's lone run.

-After a tough 6-15, 4.03 performance in 1964, he spent most of the Twins' championship 1965 campaign in the bullpen. Despite a middling 4.37 ERA, he did hold righty batters to a .218 average. He did not pitch in the World Series, as the Dodgers' wealth of switch hitters weren't conducive to the matchup game.

-Set a record with ten straight no-decision starts between 1965 and 1966.

-His final year in the major leagues was 1966, as he struggled on the Red Sox staff (5.44 ERA).

-Yielded a whopping nine home runs to Rocky Colavito; no other batter hit more than four off of Stigman.