Success #12: Dave Goltz

Fun fact I learned from Aaron Gleeman: Dave Goltz was the first native Minnesotan, drafted by the Twins (in 1967), to reach the major leagues with them. But it wasn't a smooth beginning . . .

Goltz first reached the Twins major league club as a 6 foot 4 inch, 23 year old relief pitcher in 1972, midseason. By the end of the season, Goltz had impressed and was moved to the starting rotation. In 1973 Goltz also started in the bullpen before being moved into the starting rotation but this time, did not impress. Thus, he started 1974 in the minors again. He was quickly called up to the bigs again and this time, stuck around.

In 1975 he started the season as a starter and became a fixture in the rotation. In 1976 he duplicated his '75 season statistics. 14 wins. Mid-3.00 era. In 1977, he pitched his best season as a Twin, winning 20 games, with a 3.36 era and finishing 6th in voting for the Cy Young. He tossed a 1-hitter against Boston that season. Goltz was named the Twins Opening Day starter for three seasons in a row, 1977, 1978, and 1979. I read a great Twins blogger compare him to Mark Buehrle once, and it makes a lot of sense.

In 1980 Goltz signed a lucrative deal to join the Los Angeles Dodgers. His career would never be as good, or consistent as it was with with the Twins. Goltz isn't a flashy name, in team lore, but he's an important one. In fact, only 5 Twins have better marks in wins, innings, and starts (Blyleven, Kaat, Perry, Viola, and Radke) . . . that fun fact also courtesy of Aaron Gleeman.

Today, Goltz lives in Fergus Falls, MN and works for Midwest Insurance. He dabbled in coaching after retirement but has long since, taken it easy. Goltz was always regarded as a fan favorite and genuine personality. His baseball was waiting in my mailbox on the day we brought my newborn son home from the hospital.

Mailed: 2/29/12
Received: 3/6/12 (6 days)