Former pitcher Don Gullett, a World Series champion with the Reds and Yankees, dies at 73

By: The Associated Press Posted: 10:58 PM CST Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 Last Modified: 11:19 PM CST Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024

Advertise with us

Don Gullett, a standout major league pitcher who played for four consecutive World Series champions in the 1970s, died on Wednesday. He was 73.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*No charge for 4 weeks then price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

Don Gullett, a standout major league pitcher who played for four consecutive World Series champions in the 1970s, died on Wednesday. He was 73.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/02/2024 (632 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Don Gullett, a standout major league pitcher who played for four consecutive World Series champions in the 1970s, died on Wednesday. He was 73.

The Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees and Baseball Hall of Fame all paid tribute to Gullett in social media posts. There was no information provided on his death, but the Cincinnati Enquirer reported he had recent health issues.

Gullett went 109-50 with a 3.11 ERA in nine seasons with the Reds and Yankees. The left-hander had 44 complete games, 14 shutouts and 11 saves in 266 career games.

FILE - Cincinnati Reds pitcher Jung Keun Bong throws as pitching coach Don Gullett, left, watches during baseball spring training Feb. 19, 2005, in Sarasota, Fla. Gullett, a former major league pitcher and coach who played for four consecutive World Series champions in the 1970s, died Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. He was 73. The Reds, New York Yankees and Baseball Hall of Fame all paid tribute to Gullett in social media posts. There was no information provided on his death, but the Cincinnati Enquirer reported he had recent health issues. (AP Photo/Al Behrman, File)

He was inducted into the Reds’ Hall of Fame in 2002.

“Don Gullett, the best athlete and competitor I ever saw or played with! He will be missed,” former Reds catcher Johnny Bench posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Gullett, a native of Lynn, Kentucky, was selected by Cincinnati in the first round of the 1969 amateur draft. He was 19 when he made his major league debut in April 1970 — with Bench behind the plate.

Gullett helped Cincinnati win the World Series in 1975 and ’76, going 26-7 for the Big Red Machine with a 2.68 ERA and 12 complete games in 45 appearances combined over those two seasons.

He then signed with New York in free agency, and the Yankees won it all in ‘77 and ’78. He went 18-6 with a 3.59 ERA in 30 starts during his two years with New York.

Gullett retired after the 1978 season. He went on to coach in the Reds organization.

“Don dedicated 24 years to this franchise as a player, coach and minor league instructor,” Reds owner Bob Castellini said in a team post on X. “An anchor on the pitching staff of one of the greatest baseball teams in history, his contributions to our rich tradition, our city and his community will never be forgotten.”

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB