CINCINNATI (WMDJ) - The Cincinnati Reds offer condolences to the family and friends of Reds Hall of Fame pitcher Don Gullett, who died today at age 73.
Reds Chief Executive Officer Bob Castellini said, "Don dedicated 24 years to this franchise as a player, coach and minor league instructor. An anchor on the pitching staff of one of the greatest baseball teams in history, his contributions to our rich tradition, our city and his community will never be forgotten."
The native of Lynn, Kentucky was selected by the Reds in the first round, 14th overall, of the June 1969 draft. He was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2002.
After just 11 minor league appearances, in 1970 Gullett joined the Reds as a 19-year-old rookie and in 236 games over the next 7 seasons went 91-44 with a 3.03 ERA before he was signed as a free agent by the New York Yankees in November 1976.
While with Cincinnati, he pitched in 5 National League Championship Series and in 4 World Series. From 1975-1977 Gullett won 3 straight World Series titles, including 2 with the Reds (1975, 1976) and another with the Yankees (1977).
From 1990-2005 Gullett spent 16 seasons in the Reds' organization as a coach, including the last 13 years as a bullpen and pitching coach on the Major League staff.
