Former New York Yankees pitcher and ERA champion Rudy May passed away at the age of 80 on Saturday. May had a distinguished career in Major League Baseball, pitching for a total of 16 seasons with four different teams.
May began his MLB journey with the California Angels in 1965 at the young age of 20. Despite showing promise with a 3.92 ERA over 124 innings, injuries sidelined him until his return in 1969. He went on to play for the Angels until 1974, when he was traded to the New York Yankees mid-season.
His first stint with the Yankees lasted from 1974 to 1976 before he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles. May then had brief stints with the Montreal Expos before returning to the Yankees for a second time in 1980.
May's standout year came in 1980 when he led the league in ERA with an impressive 2.46 across 175.1 innings. He continued to pitch for the Yankees until his retirement in 1983.
Throughout his career, May accumulated a record of 152-156 with a 3.46 ERA in 535 games, including 360 starts. He was known for his consistency on the mound and his contributions to the teams he played for.
May had shared with Montreal Expos historian Danny Gallagher that he had been battling diabetes for an extended period, shedding light on the challenges he faced off the field.
Rudy May's legacy in baseball will be remembered by fans and fellow players alike, as he leaves behind a lasting impact on the sport he dedicated his life to.
