Mel Stottlemyre

Played For
New York Yankees (1964-1974)

Verrrry Superstitious
The fear of stepping on the foul line has been around as long as baseball, and Mel Stottlemyre believes it. Early in his career, Yankee coach Jim Hegan told Stottlemyre how foolish the practice was, and Mel decided to test the theory. That day, as he walked out to take the mound for his start, Stottlemyre brazenly stepped on the foul line.

"The first batter I faced was Ted Uhlaender, and he hit a line drive off my left shin," Stottlemyre remembers. "It went for a hit. Carew, Oliva and Killebrew followed with extra-base hits. The fifth man hit a single and scored and I was charged with five runs. I haven't stepped on a foul line since."

Born
Melvin Leon (Sr.) Stottlemyre was born on November 13, 1941, in Hazleton, MO.

Batted:  Right
Threw:  Right

Primary Position:  P

Primary Team:  NYA

Major League Debut
August 12, 1964

Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1964
Tony Perez
Bert Campaneris
Don Kessinger
Paul Blair
Lou Piniella
Phil Niekro
Luis Tiant
Mel Stottlemyre
Mickey Stanley

Hall of Fame Voting Year Election Votes Pct 1980 BBWAA 3 .8%

Post-Season Appearances
1964 World Series

All-Star Selections
1965 AL
1966 AL
1968 AL
1969 AL
1970 AL

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