Brooks Lawrence facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brooks Lawrence |
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Lawrence in 1957
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: January 30, 1925 Springfield, Ohio |
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| Died: April 27, 2000 (aged 75) Springfield, Ohio |
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| debut | |||
| June 24, 1954, for the St. Louis Cardinals | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| May 1, 1960, for the Cincinnati Reds | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 69–62 | ||
| Earned run average | 4.25 | ||
| Strikeouts | 481 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
Brooks Ulysses Lawrence (born January 30, 1925 – died April 27, 2000) was a talented pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals, and then for the Cincinnati Redlegs and Cincinnati Reds. Brooks was even chosen as an All-Star during his career.
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Early Life and Baseball Start
Brooks Lawrence was born in Springfield, Ohio. Before becoming a baseball star, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he went to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He played college baseball there for two seasons. Soon after, the Cleveland Indians baseball team signed him to play professionally.
Making it to the Major Leagues
Brooks Lawrence made his big league debut in 1954. He was 29 years old, which is a bit older for a rookie. Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, he had a great first year. He won 15 games and lost only 6. His ERA (which measures how many runs a pitcher allows) was 3.74. He pitched both as a starter and a reliever. In 1955, he had a tougher time and was sent to a minor league team. But he worked hard and earned his way back to the Cardinals.
His Best Season: 1956
Brooks Lawrence had his most amazing season in 1956. Before that year, the Cardinals traded him to the Cincinnati Reds. This was a big move for him! With the Reds, he won 19 games and lost 10. His ERA was 3.99.
A Winning Streak and All-Star Honor
He started the 1956 season with an incredible 13 wins in a row! This fantastic start helped him get picked for the National League All-Star team. That year, he was the top pitcher for the Reds in wins, innings pitched, and shutouts.
After Baseball
Brooks Lawrence's baseball career ended in 1960. He finished with a total record of 69 wins and 62 losses. His career ERA was 4.25. Because of his amazing 13-game winning streak and his important role on the successful 1956 Reds team, he was honored. In 1976, Brooks Lawrence was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame.
After retiring from playing baseball, Brooks worked for a company called International Harvester in his hometown of Springfield, Ohio. He also continued to be involved with the Reds. He worked in scouting, helping young players develop, and even on radio and television broadcasts.
Brooks Lawrence passed away on April 27, 2000.
