– Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Don Gullett
– Don Gullett Dies at 73.
Former Cincinnati Reds Pitcher Don Gullett Passes Away at 73
Don Gullett, a former Cincinnati Reds pitcher, has tragically passed away at the age of 73. The news of his death comes as a shock to the baseball community, as Gullett was a beloved figure in the sport.
Gullett suffered a stroke while traveling from his home in Kentucky to a hospital in Columbus. Unfortunately, he never regained consciousness and passed away in a helicopter during the journey. The exact cause of his stroke is currently unknown.
Gullett will always be remembered as one of the best pitchers to don the Reds uniform. During his seven-year career with the team, he posted an impressive record of 91 wins and 44 losses, with a remarkable 3.11 ERA. His talent on the mound was unmatched, and he was a key player for the Reds during their World Series championship victories in 1975 and 1976.
But Gullett’s impact went beyond his performance on the field. He was known for his kind and humble nature, making him one of the nicest individuals to ever wear a Reds uniform. Despite his toughness as a player, he remained calm and ego-free in the clubhouse, earning the respect and admiration of his teammates.
Personally, I had the privilege of getting to know Gullett during his time as a pitching coach for the Reds. We spent a lot of time together on the road, and I was always intrigued by his legendary accomplishments at McKell High School. He was not only a standout on the baseball field, but also excelled in football and basketball, showcasing his incredible athleticism.
Injuries unfortunately plagued Gullett’s career, preventing him from winning the Cy Young Award or being considered for the Hall of Fame. In 1975, he was on track for a Cy Young with a 15-4 record and a 2.42 ERA, but injuries limited his starts. The following year, he had a 11-3 record and a 3.00 ERA before once again being sidelined by injuries. Despite these setbacks, Gullett signed with the New York Yankees in 1978 and had a successful season before a torn rotator cuff ended his career.
Gullett’s shortened career may have prevented him from reaching Cooperstown, but he was rightfully inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2002. His impact on the game and the lives of those around him cannot be overstated. Gullett will be remembered as one of the good guys, a truly exceptional individual both on and off the field.
As a writer, it is often advised to maintain a professional distance from the individuals we cover. However, after covering the Reds for 50 years, it was impossible not to form personal relationships with players like Gullett. He was not only an extraordinary athlete but also one of the nicest individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
The news of Gullett’s passing has left a deep impact on the baseball community. He will be greatly missed, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Rest in peace, Don Gullett. Your contributions to the game will never be forgotten..
– Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Don Gullett Dies
– Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Don Gullett Passes Away.
