 Ted Abernathy made his major league pitching debut in April of 1955 with the Washington Senators. Pitching mostly from the bullpen, Abernathy appeared in 681 games over the course of his 14 year big league career. He won 63 games, lost 69 and saved 148. Abernathy changed his pitching motion after shoulder surgery left his career in doubt, switching from a standard delivery to a sidearm delivery. He quickly developed a submarine pitch that was almost un-hittable and helped extend his career. He played for the Senators from '55-'60. He played in Cleveland with the Indians from '63-'64. He had 2 stints with the Chicago Cubs. From '65-'66 and again from '69-'70. In between he pitched for the Braves, Reds and finished his career with the Cardinals and the Royals. Ted had a career ERA of 3.46. He had his best season in 1965 when he appeared in 84 games for the Cubs, winning 4 and saving 31 with a 2.57 ERA. Abernathy led the league twice in saves. Ted Abernathy passed away in December of 2004 at the age of 71. |
