Success #11: Jim Perry

Bert Blyleven is arguably the best pitcher the Minnesota Twins have ever suited up. He credits guys like Jim Kaat and Jim Perry as his mentors.

Jim Perry was a serviceable Major League pitcher for 17 seasons. He started out in the Cleveland Indians organization, the same organization his Hall of Fame brother Gaylord, saw most of his success with. He was called to the majors in 1959 and earned a second place finish in the Rookie of the Year voting, losing out to soon-to-be Minnesota Twins outfielder Bob Allison.

In 1963, after a few disappointing seasons, the Indians traded Perry to the Twins. Perry didn't pitch for the Twins until 1965, and when he did, it was out of the bullpen. The team thought Perry didn't have the attitude to be a starter. They thought he was too nice! However later that season, star pitcher Camilo Pascual became injured and Perry had to fill in as a starter and helped lead the Twins to the AL Pennant. Even this didn't cement his place in the Twins rotation. For a number of years Perry bounced back and forth, from the bullpen to the starting rotation. In 1969, Perry won 20 games as a starter, helped the club to the ALCS, and finished third in the Cy Young Award voting. In 1970, Perry won a league-leading 24 games and won the Cy Young, making him the first Minnesota Twin to do so. Only Frank Viola and Johan Santana have done so since.

Last year, in 2011, Jim Perry was elected into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame, alongside great pitchers like Blyleven, Kaat, Viola, Aguilera, and Radke. Perry is known to be a fantastic through the mail signer, but after nearly a month wait, I was ready to write him off. 27 days, gives me hope in hearing from others that I am about to write off. He is my longest response, and I love the fact that he inscribed it for me with his Cy Young note!

Mailed: 1/31/12
Received: 2/27/12 (27 days)