Bruce Kison
Encyclopedia
Bruce Eugene Kison is a former Major League Baseball
pitcher
. He pitched from 1971-1985 for three different teams, the Pittsburgh Pirates
(1971–1979), California Angels
(1980–1984) and Boston Red Sox
(1985). He batted and threw right-handed.
During a 15-year career, Kison compiled 115 wins, 1,073 strikeout
s, and a 3.66 ERA
.
When Kison uncoiled his long right arm and stretched out to the plate, there were very few right-handed hitters who could keep both feet in the batter’s box. Kison also threw mostly sidearm back then and intimidation was as much a part of his game as his 95-mph fastball. He threw three no-hitters during his senior season at Pasco High School
. Three years later, he was pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Coming out of high school, Kison had hoped to play college baseball. When no offers came, he signed with the Pirates for $1,000 after a tryout camp in Sunnyside, Washington
.
Kison pitched a one-hitter June 3, 1979, losing his no-hit bid when San Diego's Barry Evans doubled down the left field line with two out in the eighth. The Pirates hit 5 home runs that game in a 7 -0 victory on their way to the MLB title.
to make it into the World Series. He later became the winning pitcher in the first night game ever played in the classic.
After tearing his rotator cuff during winter ball (which was usually a career-ending injury at the time), he spent 14 more years in the majors and changed his throwing motion.
Kison also has spent time as pitching coach for both the Kansas City Royals
and the Baltimore Orioles
. A highly respected talent evaluator, Kison has spent the better part of the past decade as a Major League Scout for the Orioles.
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
. He pitched from 1971-1985 for three different teams, the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
(1971–1979), California Angels
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
(1980–1984) and Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
(1985). He batted and threw right-handed.
During a 15-year career, Kison compiled 115 wins, 1,073 strikeout
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
s, and a 3.66 ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
.
Biography
When Bruce Kison pitched for Pasco High in 1968, he was already 6-foot-4½ and so slender that one manager later cracked he could look right through him. However, his size did have its advantages.When Kison uncoiled his long right arm and stretched out to the plate, there were very few right-handed hitters who could keep both feet in the batter’s box. Kison also threw mostly sidearm back then and intimidation was as much a part of his game as his 95-mph fastball. He threw three no-hitters during his senior season at Pasco High School
Pasco High School
Pasco Senior High School, located at 1108 N. 10th Avenue in Pasco, Washington, is the largest high school in the Tri-Cities of Washington. Its mascot is the Bulldog and its colors are purple and white. Pasco High has a very diverse student body and a strong football program...
. Three years later, he was pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Coming out of high school, Kison had hoped to play college baseball. When no offers came, he signed with the Pirates for $1,000 after a tryout camp in Sunnyside, Washington
Sunnyside, Washington
Sunnyside is a city in Yakima County, Washington, United States. As of the 2010 Census the population was 15,858.-History:On September 16, 1902, residents voted 42 to one to incorporate as the town of Sunnyside. By state law a town needed to have 300 citizens in order to legally incorporate...
.
Kison pitched a one-hitter June 3, 1979, losing his no-hit bid when San Diego's Barry Evans doubled down the left field line with two out in the eighth. The Pirates hit 5 home runs that game in a 7 -0 victory on their way to the MLB title.
Professional career
Kison was 30-9 in the minors and was called up in the middle of the 1971 season and was the winning pitcher when Pittsburgh beat San FranciscoSan Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
to make it into the World Series. He later became the winning pitcher in the first night game ever played in the classic.
After tearing his rotator cuff during winter ball (which was usually a career-ending injury at the time), he spent 14 more years in the majors and changed his throwing motion.
Kison also has spent time as pitching coach for both the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
and the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
. A highly respected talent evaluator, Kison has spent the better part of the past decade as a Major League Scout for the Orioles.
Postseason appearances
- 1971 National League Championship SeriesNational League Championship SeriesIn Major League Baseball, the National League Championship Series is a round in the postseason that determines who wins the National League pennant and advances to Major League Baseball's championship, the World Series, facing the winner of the American League Championship Series. The reigning...
- 1971 World Series1971 World SeriesThe 1971 World Series matched the defending champion Baltimore Orioles against the Pittsburgh Pirates, with the Pirates winning in seven games. Game 4, played in Pittsburgh, was the first-ever World Series game scheduled to be played at night....
- 1972 National League Championship SeriesNational League Championship SeriesIn Major League Baseball, the National League Championship Series is a round in the postseason that determines who wins the National League pennant and advances to Major League Baseball's championship, the World Series, facing the winner of the American League Championship Series. The reigning...
- 1972 National League Championship Series
- 1974 National League Championship SeriesNational League Championship SeriesIn Major League Baseball, the National League Championship Series is a round in the postseason that determines who wins the National League pennant and advances to Major League Baseball's championship, the World Series, facing the winner of the American League Championship Series. The reigning...
- 1975 National League Championship SeriesNational League Championship SeriesIn Major League Baseball, the National League Championship Series is a round in the postseason that determines who wins the National League pennant and advances to Major League Baseball's championship, the World Series, facing the winner of the American League Championship Series. The reigning...
- 1979 World Series1979 World SeriesThe 1979 World Series matched the National League's Pittsburgh Pirates against the American League's Baltimore Orioles , with the Pirates coming back from a three games to one deficit to win the Series in seven games...
- 1982 American League Championship SeriesAmerican League Championship SeriesIn Major League Baseball, the American League Championship Series , played in October, is a round in the postseason that determines the winner of the American League pennant...
- Posted a 5-1 record with 27 strikeouts and a 1.98 ERA in 36⅓ innings.
Highlights
- Won Game Four of the 1971 WS over the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
allowing one-hit in 6⅓ innings of shutoutShutoutIn team sports, a shutout refers to a game in which one team prevents the opposing team from scoring. While possible in most major sports, they are highly improbable in some sports, such as basketball....
reliefRelief pitcherA relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
and despite setting a World Series record by hitting three Oriole batters. - During the Series, he was flown to his wedding after a game in a helicopter.
- Twice pitched one-hitter game (19801980 in baseball-Major League Baseball:World Series: Philadelphia Phillies over Kansas City Royals ; Mike Schmidt, MVP*American League Championship Series: Frank White, MVP*National League Championship Series Manny Trillo, MVP...
) - Gave up the 2,500th hitHit (baseball)In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
to Pete RosePete RosePeter Edward Rose , nicknamed "Charlie Hustle", is a former Major League Baseball player and manager. Rose played from 1963 to 1986, and managed from 1984 to 1989....
(August 17, 19751975 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: Cincinnati Reds over Boston Red Sox ; Pete Rose, MVP*All-Star Game, July 15 at County Stadium: National League, 6-3; Bill Madlock and Jon Matlack, MVPs-Other champions:...
)