#542 Jack Billingham

Early on was a shuffled vagabond due to unusual circumstances but found a home in the Big Red Machine….product of pitching rich Dodger organization of the later 1960’s….impressive limited rookie season of 1968, appeared in 50 games, 2.16 ERA a career best…despite this offered up in expansion draft…taken by Montreal…never played for them….offered as alternative compensation when Don Clendenon refused to report to Astros….built up resume in Houston despite losing record….had better ERA in Texas than in his glory days with the Reds….Twin 19 win seasons for the Reds represented the pinnacle of career….lead NL in innings, shutouts,  plus gained an all star berth in 1973…added two more  15 win seasons, one with Reds another an late career excursion  to Detroit…. Hung up spikes in 1980….Career ERA did not indicate Superstardom but he was so very, very, good in consistency and endurance….career record of 145-113.