Posted on 11/12/2023 7:54:47 AM PST by texas booster
Lee Richard, a speedy utility infielder who played for the Chicago White Sox from 1971-1975, and for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1976, died back on August 6 at age 74 (per Baseball Player Passings).
According to his B-Ref bio page, the Lafayette, Louisiana native was at the plate in 1974 when Nolan Ryan threw what was believed to be the first pitch clocked over 100 mph by a radar gun.
He can be a trivia answer to Ryan's first 100 mph strike out.
Or he can be remembered as a gentleman that assisted in changing the lives of many youths, especially for his time at Paul Quinn College in Dallas.
He also worked (ministered?) at one of the Methodist Childrens Homes before the state took control over most of the orphanages.
Discussing the World Champion Texas Rangers with a granddaughter and realized how much of our history that we are losing, literally day by day, as we all age.
Richards was a good man and tried to make a difference as a coach.
What can we do to make our corner of the world a little better?
Nicknamed Bee Bee. They don’t have nicknames like that anymore.
I remember him. There was a photo in Sports Illustrated of him striking out when Ryan delivered the 100 mph fastball.
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