Late MLB Legend Gaylord Perry Once Embraced His ‘Spitter’ Reputation in a Cheeky TV Commercial

MLB legend Gaylord Perry recently took his last breath. At the ripe old age of 84, he passed away on December 1st, 2022. But during his active tenure as a player, he had a prosperous career that spanned 22 years. Apart from his accolades, he had a unique talent that earned him a certain nickname.

A pitcher by trade, Perry’s arsenal included a simple trick named ‘Spitball’, that paid him a rich benefit. Perry pitched the ball doctored with nothing else other than his saliva. He became a heroic image of a pitcher for the younger generation. Perry also penned an autobiography during his playing days, titled, ‘Me and the Spitter’. 

A Gaylord Perry commercial to honor his nickname 

The Late Gaylord Perry earned the nickname of ‘Spitball Master’, due to his unique pitching technique. Through his own admission, he first used the spitball technique at a game against the New York Mets in 1964. Remarkably, he pitched 10 scoreless innings in that game. Perry also mentioned in his autobiography that he chewed slippery elm bark to build up his saliva.

The spitball technique, in fact, became a trademark of Perry. Since he was the pioneer of the rare pitching style. However, he stopped using the technique in 1968, after a new MLB rule. But ESPN’s Sportscenter once made a commercial film to promote Perry’s everlasting reputation. 

Born in Williamston, North Carolina, Perry made his MLB debut in 1962. Building a grand legacy on the mound, he registered a 314-255 win-loss record with 3,554 total strikeouts. He was the first-ever pitcher to win the Cy Young Award from two different leagues. He won the award in 1972 as an American League player and again in 1978 as a National League player. 

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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred passed a statement to pay his tribute upon Perry’s death, by quoting, “Gaylord Perry was a consistent workhorse and a memorable figure in his Hall of Fame career, highlighted by his 314 wins and 3,534 strikeouts in 22 years… On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Gaylord’s family, friends and fans across our great game.” 

The magnificent MLB career of Perry 

Perry began his MLB career playing with the San Francisco Giants. He also played for the Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, and Kansas City Royals. The five-time All-Star Perry got inducted into the MLB Hall Of Fame in 1991. 

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Have you got any fond memories from Gaylord Perry’s career? Leave your comments below.