My Boyhood Sports Icons Are Dying: J.R. Richard

 

Houston Astros icon J.R. Richard, whose career was cut short by stroke in 1980, dies at age 71 — espn.com

We had a couple of catchers, one came with his arm in a sling and another came on crutches. There was something called J.R.-itis which was an incurable disease when you’re scared of J.R. Richard.

It was like J.R. was only throwing from about 50 feet. With his reach and he was all legs, you didn’t have much time to make up your mind. … You didn’t really feel comfortable at the plate. He was the toughest guy I ever faced.

— Dusty Baker

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