J.R.. Richard
1980
During a workout at the Astrodome, Houston hurler J.R.. Richard (pictured here with Nolan Ryan) suffers a stroke attempting to throw for the first time since being hospitalized for tests. Emergency surgery is performed to remove a blood clot behind his right collarbone, but the fireballer will never pitch in the major leagues again.
Related Links
- SI Vault: It took a near-fatal stroke to convince doubters that Houston's J.R. Richard wasn't faking when he complained of arm troubles. (9.18.80)
- SI Vault: The annals of baseball are filled with twists of fate so tantalizing that sometimes you cannot help but wonder: What would have happened if...? (7.19.93)





