LaMarr Hoyt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids LaMarr Hoyt
Pitcher
Born: (1955-01-01)January 1, 1955 Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
Died: November 29, 2021(2021-11-29) (aged 66) Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
September 14, 1979, for the Chicago White Sox
Last appearance
October 3, 1986, for the San Diego Padres
MLB statistics
Win–loss record	98–68
Earned run average	3.99
Strikeouts	681
Teams
Chicago White Sox (1979–1984) San Diego Padres (1985–1986)
Career highlights and awards
All-Star (1985) AL Cy Young Award (1983) 2× AL wins leader (1982, 1983)

Dewey LaMarr Hoyt Jr. (born January 1, 1955 – died November 29, 2021) was an American professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox and San Diego Padres. His career lasted from 1979 to 1986. LaMarr Hoyt won the 1983 American League Cy Young Award. He was also chosen as an All-Star in 1985.

LaMarr Hoyt's Baseball Journey

Starting His Career

LaMarr Hoyt finished high school at Keenan High School in Columbia, South Carolina. The New York Yankees picked him in the fifth round of the 1973 MLB draft. Later, in 1977, the Yankees traded Hoyt to the Chicago White Sox. This trade also involved outfielder Oscar Gamble and cash. In return, the Yankees received shortstop Bucky Dent.

White Sox Star Years

Hoyt first joined the major leagues in September 1979. He became a regular player for the White Sox in 1980, starting as a relief pitcher. In 1982, he moved to the starting rotation. He quickly set a team record by winning his first nine games. This record was first made in 1917 and matched in 1943. Hoyt ended up leading the American League with 19 wins that year.

In 1983, Hoyt had an amazing season. He won the American League Cy Young Award. This award goes to the best pitcher in each league. He had a record of 24 wins and 10 losses. His earned run average (ERA) was 3.66. He also pitched 11 complete games. A complete game means the pitcher finishes the entire game without help from other pitchers. He allowed very few walks that season.

Hoyt finished the 1983 season strongly. He had 15 wins and only 2 losses in his last 18 starts. His ERA was 3.16 during this time. He even pitched a complete game victory in the first game of the 1983 American League Championship Series. He allowed only one run and five hits in that important game.

The White Sox did not do as well in 1984. Hoyt's performance also dropped. His record became 13 wins and 18 losses. His ERA went up to 4.47. He went from winning the most games in 1983 to losing the most games the next year.

Padres Adventure

After the 1984 season, LaMarr Hoyt was traded to the San Diego Padres. The Padres sent several players to the White Sox for Hoyt and two other players. The Padres wanted Hoyt to make their starting pitchers stronger. Their pitchers had struggled in the 1984 World Series.

In his first season with the Padres in 1985, Hoyt was chosen for the National League's All-Star team. He was even named the starting pitcher for the game. He gave up one run in three innings and earned the win. He also won the Major League Baseball All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award. For the whole season, he had 16 wins and 8 losses with a 3.47 ERA. A baseball writer named Bill James said Hoyt had the best control of any pitcher in the National League at that time.

In 1986, Hoyt played with an injury to his shoulder. He did not want to have surgery because it could end his career. He finished the season with 8 wins and 11 losses. His ERA was 5.15. The Padres released him in 1987, even though they still owed him money.

Life Beyond the Field

After his time with the Padres, the White Sox gave Hoyt another chance. They signed him again. However, his return to baseball did not last long.

Career Statistics

Here are some of LaMarr Hoyt's career statistics:

Personal Life and Passing

LaMarr Hoyt's parents separated when he was very young. He was raised by his aunt. He married Sylvia in 1980, but they later divorced after the 1985 season. He then married Leslie, and they had two sons and a daughter together.

LaMarr Hoyt passed away on November 29, 2021. He was 66 years old and died from cancer.