Don Drysdale was a legendary Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1956 to 1969. Over the course of his career, Drysdale won 209 games, struck out 2,486 batters, and had a career earned run average (ERA) of 2.95.
One of the most memorable moments of Drysdale's career came on May 31, 1968, when he pitched a record-breaking streak of 58 and 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings. The streak began on May 14th and lasted until June 8th, during which time Drysdale pitched five shutout games and helped lead the Dodgers to the National League pennant.
But Drysdale was more than just a talented athlete. He was also a man of great character and integrity. In 1969, he became the first player to serve as president of the Major League Baseball Players Association, a position he held for three years. During his tenure, Drysdale fought tirelessly for players' rights and was instrumental in securing the first collective bargaining agreement between players and owners.
Off the field, Drysdale was known for his warm personality and his love of practical jokes. He once pranked his teammate, Maury Wills, by filling his car with popcorn, and another time he hid a live chicken in teammate Sandy Koufax's locker.
Despite his accomplishments on the field and his contributions to the sport off the field, Drysdale never forgot where he came from. He remained close to his roots in Van Nuys, California, and was a beloved member of the community until his death in 1993.
Don Drysdale will always be remembered as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, but also as a man who used his platform to make a positive impact on the sport and the world around him.
