Ross Grimsley
Ross Grimsley had a fine pedigree. His father was a major league pitcher, albeit briefly. The younger Ross won 124 games in an 11-year career with five teams. His best season came with Montreal in 1978 when he won 20 games after signing a free agent contract. He gained a reputation as a surly curmudgeon and a flake, somewhat unfairly, and wore out his welcome in most places he played. The left-hander relied on a changeup and sinker and pinpoint control. "I'm not a strikeout pitcher," Grimsley admitted. "When I have my control, I can be tough. When my changes of speed are under control...the batter has trouble."
Quotes About Grimsley
"Ross has three speeds. They are slow, slower, and still slower." — teammate Steve Rogers, on Ross Grimsley's velocity
"[When he's on], he's more fun to watch than Sandy Koufax or Nolan Ryan or any of those power pitchers." — Montreal pitching coach Jim Brewer, on Ross Grimsley's elusive stuff
Quotes From Grimsley
"If I had a choice, I'd prefer to pitch in cooler weather. I feel I have an advantage over the hitter because while he's been sitting on the bench, I've been keeping warm. I feel I'm stronger and can last longer in cool weather." — Ross Grimsley, on why he enjoyed pitching in cooler Montreal, 1978
"They stressed points that were so ridiculous. It didn't make sense to a lot of players. If they saod to gargle peanut butter and stand on your head, you had to do it." — Ross Grimsley, on playing in Cincinnati
Played For
Cincinnati Reds (1971-1973)
Baltimore Orioles (1974-1977)
Montreal Expos (1978-1980)
Cleveland Indians (1980)
Baltimore Orioles (1982)
Where He Played
Pitcher
Born
Ross Albert II Grimsley was born on January 7, 1950, in Topeka, KS.
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
Primary Position: P
Primary Team: BAL
Major League Debut
May 16, 1971
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1971
Chris Speier
Chris Chambliss
Ron Cey
George Hendrick
Dave Kingman
Jon Matlack
Doyle Alexander
Cecil Cooper
Darrell Porter
Family Tree
Grimsley's father, Ross I, pitched one season in the big leagues. He spent several years in the minors, and even pitched in Montreal for the Royals. Later, Ross II signed a lucrative free agent contract with the Expos and enjoyed his time in Canada. As a child, Ross II could speak French and Spanish.
Related Players
With Montreal as a free agent in 1978, Grimsley teamed with Steve Rogers, Rudy May, and Wayne Twitchell in a talented Expo starting rotation.
Post-Season Appearances
1972 National League Championship Series
1972 World Series
1973 National League Championship Series
1974 American League Championship Series
Transactions
June 7, 1968: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 8th round of the 1968 amateur draft, but did not sign.
February 1, 1969: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 1st round (17th pick) of the 1969 amateur draft (Secondary Phase).
December 4, 1973: Traded by the Cincinnati Reds with Wally Williams (minors) to the Baltimore Orioles for Merv Rettenmund, Junior Kennedy, and Bill Wood (minors).
"I balked at the system, the Cincinnati system. I evidently said too much one year. I'd do what they wanted me to, but it got to a point where some of the things were ridiculous and I said I'm not going to do it. That's why I was traded."
October 10, 1977: Granted Free Agency.
December 21, 1977: Signed as a Free Agent with the Montreal Expos.
July 11, 1980: Traded by the Montreal Expos to the Cleveland Indians for Dave Oliver.
August 13, 1981: Released by the Cleveland Indians.
April 5, 1982: Signed as a Free Agent with the Baltimore Orioles.
October 19, 1982: Released by the Baltimore Orioles.
All-Star Selections
1978 NL
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