#640 Joe Coleman

Second generation of a three generation baseball family…started in the Senator organization and lost far more games than he won…Nevertheless impressive in two and one game call ups in sucessive years…Became a Nat regular in 1967 with a 8-9 record…He was involved in more decisions but lost more than he won… 12-17in 1968…12-13 in1969...Career appeared to be sinking by going 8-12…traded to Tigers in a transaction that would have profound impact on both teams…Blossomed under Billy Martin as was not the case with Ted Williams…won 63 games over three season in Tigertown…Got a all star nod in 1972…Won 23 games in 1973…then won 24 games in next two years but lost effectiveness each year…ERA ballooned to 5.55 in 1975…stayed in Detroit for 1976 but not improve stats…Shipped mid season to Cubs who turned him to a reliever…Became a journeyman spot starter/reliever for the next two seasons for four team…workload becoming increasingly sporadic, …as a batter hit .102 in regular season but went 1-2 in only post season at bats.