Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Jim Maloney was one of the biggest pitching stars of the 1960s, winning 20 games twice and 134 overall in his career. His forte was the strikeout: he ranks #25 on the all-time list for strikeouts per nine innings. He was known as one of the hardest throwers of his time.
In 1963, Maloney was 23–7 and struck out 265 batters; in 1965, he was 20–9 and struck out 244; in 1966, he was 16–8 and struck out 216; and in 1968, he was 16–10 and struck out 181.
Maloney threw two no-hitters, both while with the Reds. The first, on August 19, 1965 at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs, was a 10-inning affair. Despite not allowing a hit, Maloney was in trouble most of the game because he walked 10 batters while striking out 12.
The second was on April 30, 1969 against the Houston Astros at Crosley Field. Maloney only walked five (and struck out 13). His glory was short-lived, however. The next day, the Astros' Don Wilson no-hit the Reds. It was Wilson's second career no-hitter.
He had a third one: on June 14, 1965, Maloney pitched 10 no-hit innings against the New York Mets before allowing a lead-off homer to Johnny Lewis in the 11th and ending up a 1-0 loser. He tied a NL record with 18 strikeouts in an extra-inning game while walking only one that day. However, MLB’s Committee for Statistical Accuracy amended its definition of a no-hitter in 1991, and Maloney is no longer had credit for the gem.
Maloney also had five one-hitters in his ML career.
1964 Topps Giants #34. |
I love the 1964 Topps Giants set, but the 1961 single is very nice as well. I don't have a card of Maloney as an active player; the only one I have is a Topps Archives reprint of that '61 card.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I knew the name, but didn't know anything about him. I'll have to see if I have any cards of his.
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