Lindy McDaniel, Renowned Relief Pitcher for Underdog Squads, Passes Away at 84
In a career spanning over two decades, Lindy McDaniel, a stalwart reliever who consistently delivered for teams often deemed average, breathed his last in Carrollton, Texas, at the age of 84.
His demise, occurring at an urgent care facility, was attributed to Covid-19, as confirmed by his son, Dale.
A slender right-handed pitcher known for his mastery of breaking pitches, McDaniel graced the rosters of five different teams across both the American and National Leagues. Notably, his enduring affiliations were with the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees. Despite the prevailing ethos of his time favoring specialized pitchers, McDaniel excelled both as a long reliever and a closer.
Commencing his journey with the Cardinals at a tender age of 19 in 1955, McDaniel swiftly ascended to the starting rotation, clinching 15 victories in 1957 with his signature sinker-ball technique delivered from a sidearm to three-quarter angle. During this period, his younger brother, Von, also made a mark with the Cardinals, fueling hopes of a sibling pitching dynasty reminiscent of the famed Dean brothers. However, Von’s career trajectory plummeted swiftly, ending abruptly within a year.
Similarly, Lindy’s stint as a starter was short-lived as managerial decisions led to his transition to the bullpen in 1959 under Solly Hemus. Embracing an overhand delivery transformed McDaniel’s career trajectory, propelling him to the forefront of relief pitching. Notably, he led the National League in saves in 1959 and 1960, earning an All-Star nod in the latter year. His adaptation to a new pitching style saw him making a mere 15 starts in his final 16 seasons.
McDaniel’s tenure with various teams showcased his versatility and resilience. Noteworthy achievements include leading the league in saves with the Cubs in 1963 and enjoying a stellar season with the San Francisco Giants in 1966. His tenure with the Yankees during a transitional phase for the team further underscored his prowess, notably in his final season in 1970.
Beyond statistics, McDaniel’s career was punctuated by remarkable moments. His feat of pitching both games of a doubleheader in 1959 and retiring 32 consecutive batters in 1968 stand out as testaments to his enduring excellence.
Off the field, McDaniel’s journey was imbued with depth and diversity. Born to devout parents in Hollis, Okla., he navigated early skepticism to pursue a career in professional baseball, eventually blending his athletic pursuits with a study of ministry. Ordained by the Church of Christ, he seamlessly integrated his faith with his passion for baseball, imparting wisdom through newsletters and blogs.
In retrospect, McDaniel’s career epitomizes resilience, versatility, and unwavering dedication, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of baseball history.