Ronald Ames (Ron) Guidry, Baseball (28 Aug 1950 - )

Ron was an unanimous choice Cy Young Award-winning pitcher for the New York Yankees in 1978. During that season he had 25 wins and only 3 losses for a superb winning percentage of 0.893 (the best ever for an American league pitcher who won more than 20 games), an earned run average of only 1.74 (American League record for a left-hander), nine shutouts (American League record) and 248 strikeouts (American League record). On 17 Jun 1978 he struck out 18 batters in one game (American League record). A remarkable season by all counts.

Other honors garnered by No. 49 include the Gold Glove in 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986 and the American League Earned Run Average (ERA) leader in 1978 and 1979.

Ron bats and throws left-handed, is 5 feet 11 inches and weighed 162 lbs during his playing days. He pitched for the New York Yankees from 1975 through 1988. During his 14-year career he won 170 games while losing 91, pitched 2,392 innings, had a 3.29 earned run average, had 4 saves, struck out 1,778 batters and allowed 633 base-on-balls and 2,198 hits which resulted in 874 earned runs.

Known as 'Louisiana Lightning' for his blazing fastball, Ron (#49) also dazzled hitters with his hard slider. Behind his outstanding pitching, the New York Yankees won back-to-back World Championships in 1977 and 1978.

Ron was a true team player. Shortly after his remarkable 1978 season the Yankees faced a shortage of good bull pen pitchers. Despite his well-earned position in the starting pitcher rotation, Ron volunteered for the bull pen to help the Yankees through this difficult situation. Although his career suffered because of this temporary move, he was widely praised for his unselfish spirit and for putting his team first.

Today Ron, his wife Bonnie Rutledge Guidry and their children Jamie, Brandon and Danielle live near Ron's hometown of Carencro, LA. Ron is a successful businessman and was the pitching coach for the local semi-professional baseball team - the Lafayette Bullfrogs - during its brief existence. Here are some websites on Ron Guidry's baseball career:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/g/guidrro01.shtml
http://www.pubdim.net/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/G/Guidry_Ron.stm
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=guidrro01
http://www.heroesinpinstripes.com/rg.htm
http://www.ultimateyankees.com/ronguidryphotos.htm