Ray Herbert, the winning pitcher of the 1962 All-Star Game, has passed away at 93.
Herbert began his major league career with his hometown Detroit Tigers in 1950 and spent four seasons with the team. His contract was later purchased by the Kansas City Athletics in May 1955. Though he struggled for a bit and was forced into the minor leagues, he returned to the bigs several years later before being traded to Chicago.
Herbert was acquired by the first-place White Sox in June 1961 and had a successful tenure with the team. He was a 20-game winner in 1962 and led the American League with seven shutouts in 1963. Prior to an offseason swap with Philadelphia after the 1964 season, Herbert tallied a 48-32 record, 3.44 ERA (272 ER/710.2 IP), 310 strikeouts, and 1.237 WHIP.
His final MLB appearance came on September 17, 1966, thus marking the end of his 14-year professional career. Those with the Tigers will tell you, however, that Herbert never lost his passion for the game. It’s well known that he continued to throw batting practice for the club for roughly three decades after his retirement.
Based on a report by his brother, Herbert died peacefully on December 20 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His death came just five days after his birthday.
Our entire crew joins the White Sox community in sending our condolences to the family and friends of Herbert.
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