Cleveland Indians

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Lore & Background

Jim Perry attended Campbell University until signing with the Indians in 1956. In his rookie season of 1959, he finished fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting before posting an 18-win campaign in 1960. His peak performance came in 1970 when he won the AL Cy Young Award with a 24–12 record. He also secured 20 wins in 1969 and achieved at least 17 victories five times throughout his career. As a batter, Perry was a switch-hitter who finished with a .199 batting average, 5 home runs, and 59 RBI. A unique moment occurred on July 3, 1973, when Jim (playing for the Tigers) and his brother Gaylord (on the Indians) pitched against each other in their only regular-season meeting; neither finished the game, but Gaylord was charged with the 5–4 loss after two Norm Cash home runs helped Detroit.

In Their Own Story

On July 3, 1973, baseball history was made as brothers Jim and Gaylord Perry faced off on the mound. Jim pitched for the Detroit Tigers while Gaylord represented the Cleveland Indians. The game featured two home runs by Norm Cash that propelled Detroit to a 5–4 victory. Although neither brother completed the contest, the event marked the only regular-season meeting between them in their careers. This matchup highlighted the unique bond of the Perry brothers, who had been Cleveland teammates from 1974 to 1975. Their combined success made them the first pair of siblings to each reach 200 career wins and the only brothers to both win Cy Young Awards.

Reader's Guide

Jim Perry was born in Williamston, North Carolina, and attended Campbell University from 1956 to 1959. He trails only the Niekro brothers (Phil and Joe) for career victories by brothers. Following his retirement after the 1975 season with Oakland, he returned to North Carolina to focus on charitable events, particularly golf tournaments. His son, Chris, became a professional golfer who won a tournament on the PGA Tour. In 1978, Perry was selected for membership in Omicron Delta Kappa at Campbell University. On June 11, 2011, he was inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame at a ceremony attended by Rod Carew, Bert Blyleven, Rick Aguilera, Gary Gaetti, Tom Kelly, Jim Rantz, and Tony Oliva. Later, on November 11, 2012, Campbell University renamed their renovated baseball stadium to Jim Perry Stadium.

Did You Know?

• Jim and Gaylord Perry remain the only brothers in Major League history to both win Cy Young Awards.
• On July 3, 1973, Jim and Gaylord Perry pitched against each other for the only regular-season game of their careers.
• After his playing career, Jim Perry's son Chris won a tournament on the PGA Tour as a professional golfer.
• Campbell University renamed their renovated baseball stadium to Jim Perry Stadium on November 11, 2012.