Obituaries

J.R. Richard, intimidating pitcher whose career was cut short by a stroke, dies at 71

By Kristie Rieken
August 6, 2021 at 6:12 p.m. EDT

J.R. Richard, a huge, flame-throwing right-hander who spent 10 years with the Houston Astros before his career was cut short by a stroke, died Aug. 6. He was 71. ... The team announced his death but did not provide any further details about where he died or the cause.

{snip}

“J.R. will forever be remembered as an intimidating figure on the mound and as one of the greatest pitchers in club history,” the Astros said in a statement. He stood shoulder to shoulder with club icons Larry Dierker, Joe Niekro and Nolan Ryan, to form a few of the best rotations in club history.”

Mr. Richard was having a great season in 1980, posting a 10-4 record with a 1.96 ERA in the first half of the season. He was the National League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game on July 8. On July 30, while warming up on the field at the Astrodome, Mr. Richard suffered a major stroke that ended his career. He was 30 at the time. ... Doctors performed lifesaving surgery to remove a blood clot in his neck. He attempted a comeback but was never able to make it back to the majors and was released by the Astros in 1984.

“He was one of the greatest pitchers we ever had and probably would have been in the Hall of Fame if his career was not cut short,” former teammate Enos Cabell said. “On the mound, he was devastating and intimidating. Nobody wanted to face him. Guys on the other team would say that they were sick to avoid facing him. This is very sad news. He will be missed.”

{snip}

Read more Washington Post obituaries