Bert Blyleven
Inducted:
1911

Player Stats
6-3, 200lb
190cm, 90kg
Born
April 6, 1951
Zeist, Netherlands
Position:
Pitcher
College:
Santiago HS
Bert Blyleven was a Dutch-American professional baseball pitcher who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1970 to 1992. Known for his outstanding curveball, he pitched for the Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians and California Angels. Blyleven won two World Series championships, earning his first with Pittsburgh in 1979 and his second with Minnesota in 1987. He was selected to two All-Star Games and led the American League in strikeouts in 1985.
On September 22, 1977, he threw a no-hitter against the California Angels while pitching for the Texas Rangers. Blyleven finished his career with 287 wins, 3,701 strikeouts, 60 shutouts and a 3.31 earned run average over 4,970 innings. His remarkable longevity and pitching accomplishments established him as one of baseball’s most respected pitchers. In 2011, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming the first Dutch-born player to receive this honor.
Blyleven's Awards and Honors
- 2× All-Star (1973, 1985)
- 2× World Series champion (1979, 1987)
- AL strikeout leader (1985)
- Pitched a no-hitter on September 22, 1977
- 10 consecutive complete games in 1985
- Three consecutive shutout games in 1976
- Minnesota Twins No. 28 retired in 2011
MLB Records
- 5th in MLB history in career strikeouts, with 3,701
- 9th in MLB history in career shutouts, with 60
- 14th in MLB history in career innings pitched, with 4,970
- Eight seasons with 200 or more strikeouts
- First Dutch-born player inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame
MLB Career
Minnesota Twins (1970–1976,1985–1988)
Texas Rangers (1976–1977)
Pittsburgh Pirates (1978–1980)
Cleveland Indians (1981–1985)
California Angels (1989–1990, 1992)
MLB Draft
1969, 3rd Round (55th Overall)
Minnesota Twins
Number Worn
28
MLB Stats
Seasons:
22
Games:
692
Wins:
287
Losses:
250
Games Started:
685
Shutouts:
60
Innings Pitched:
4,970.0
Earned Runs:
1,830
Home Runs Allowed:
430
Walks:
1,322
Strikeouts:
3,701
ERA:
3.31
WHIP:
1.198
