Rudy May facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rudy May |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: July 18, 1944 Coffeyville, Kansas, U.S. |
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| Died: October 23, 2024 (aged 80) | |||
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| debut | |||
| April 18, 1965, for the Los Angeles Angels | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 21, 1983, for the New York Yankees | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 152–156 | ||
| Earned run average | 3.46 | ||
| Strikeouts | 1,760 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Rudolph "Rudy" May Jr. (born July 18, 1944 – died October 23, 2024) was an American professional baseball player. He was a left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). Rudy played for several teams, including the California Angels, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Montreal Expos. He played in 1965 and then from 1969 to 1983.
Early in his career, Rudy May was known for his very fast pitches, called a fastball. He was also famous for his curveball, which was a pitch that sharply changed direction. In 1980, Rudy May was the best pitcher in the American League for earned run average (ERA). ERA measures how many runs a pitcher allows per game.
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Rudy May's Early Life and Baseball Start
Rudy May played high school baseball in Oakland, California. He went to Castlemont High School. A famous baseball player named Joe Morgan, who later joined the Hall of Fame, was one of his teammates there.
After high school, Rudy May signed with the Minnesota Twins in 1962. This was before MLB started its official player draft in 1964. This meant teams could sign young players directly. He played in the minor leagues for teams like Bismarck-Mandan Pards.
In 1963, the Chicago White Sox picked Rudy May in a special draft for new players. He pitched a lot of innings in the minor leagues. He played for teams like the Tidewater Tides and Indianapolis Indians.
Before the 1965 season, Rudy May was traded twice. First, the White Sox traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies. Then, the Phillies traded him to the California Angels.
Playing in Major League Baseball
Rudy May made his first appearance in Major League Baseball in 1965. He was only 20 years old. He started a game for the Angels against the Detroit Tigers. He pitched very well, giving up only one hit and striking out 10 batters.
After his first year, Rudy May spent a few seasons playing in the Angels' minor league system. He returned to the Major Leagues for good in 1969. From 1969 to 1974, he played in many games for the California Angels as both a starting pitcher and a relief pitcher.
Moving to the New York Yankees
In June 1974, the New York Yankees bought Rudy May's contract from the Angels. He played well for the Yankees, winning many games.
In 1976, the Yankees traded Rudy May to the Baltimore Orioles. This trade involved many players moving between the two teams. He pitched for the Orioles for about a year and a half.
Playing for the Montreal Expos
In December 1977, the Orioles traded Rudy May to the Montreal Expos. While with the Expos, he mostly pitched out of the bullpen. This means he came into games after the starting pitcher.
Returning to the Yankees
Rudy May signed with the New York Yankees again in November 1979. The 1980 season was a great year for him. He led the entire American League with the best earned run average (ERA) of 2.46. This was the best ERA of his career. He continued to pitch for the Yankees until 1983, which was his final year in baseball.
Rudy May's salary changed a lot during his career. In 1965, he earned $6,000. By 1983, his salary was $620,000.
Life After Baseball
When Rudy May was 17, he learned to scuba dive and became a certified diver. After his baseball career, he worked as a store manager for a company called Circle K in California.
Rudy May passed away on October 23, 2024, at the age of 80. He died from health problems related to diabetes.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball annual ERA leaders
