On This Day: March 5th, 1982
Gaylord Perry signs with Seattle Mariners.
Being just 3 wins shy of winning 300 games on his career Perry was struggling to find a home after being released by the Atlanta Braves at the the conclusion of the 1981 season. After missing the first spring training of his career Perry was finally able to strike a 1-year deal with the Seattle Mariners. While with Seattle he earned the nickname “Ancient Mariner” and won his 300th on May 6th, 1982 becoming the first pitcher to do so since Early Wynn in 1963.
Perry was brought back for the ’83 season during which he struggled going 3-10 for the Mariners before being released. He was soon picked up via waiver claim by the Kansas City Royals. In August, he became the third pitcher to ever record 3,500 career strikeouts. Perry announced his retirement on September 23rd, 1983.
Gaylord Perry finished his career with a 314-265 record (.542) and a career 3.11 ERA. He hurled 303 complete games, 53 of which were shutouts. He even recorded 10 saves over the course of his 22-year career. He ended up with 3,534 strikeouts compared to only 1,379 base on balls. He was a 5x All-Star, 2x Cy Young Award Winner and was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991.