Dave LaRoche

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Dave LaRoche
Pitcher
Born: May 14, 1948 (1948-05-14) (age 60)
Batted: Left Threw: Left
MLB debut
May 11, 1970
for the California Angels
Final game
August 23, 1983
for the New York Yankees
Career statistics
Win-Loss     65-58
Strikeouts     819
Saves     126
Teams
Career highlights and awards
  • All star in 1976 and 1977

David Eugene ("Dave") LaRoche (born on May 14, 1948 in Colorado Springs, Colorado) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.

LaRoche made his debut for the California Angels in 1970 and went on to pitch 14 seasons in the Major Leagues. LaRoche is most famous for throwing his own variant of the eephus pitch, which he called 'La Lob'. Over his career, LaRoche went 65-58, with 819 strikeouts in 1049 1/3 innings pitched. He has a career 3.53 ERA.

Dave is currently the pitching coach for the Toronto Blue Jays' Double A affiliate in Manchester, New Hampshire.

He is the father of current Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Adam LaRoche and Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Andy LaRoche.

LaRoche is of Mexican descent. According to his son Andy, Dave LaRoche's surname was Garcia, however, he changed it to LaRoche at age seven, the last name of his stepfather. "La Roche is French, but I have no French in me," Andy LaRoche said. "My grandfather was 100% Mexican." [1]

Dave is often referred to on the Atlanta Braves telecasts. The broadcasters often tell stories about his antics, among other things. He is portrayed as a jokester and flake.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, "Andy La Roche wants a little space. Is that so wrong?" (February 21, 2007)
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