Rudy May was a left-handed pitcher for such Major League Baseball teams as the California Angels and New York Yankees from the 1960s through ‘80s.
- Died: October 19, 2024 (Who else died on October 19?)
- Details of death: Died of complications from diabetes at the age of 80.
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Rudy May’s legacy
After playing both football and baseball in high school, May worked his way up through minor league baseball teams at the beginning of his professional career. He made his major league debut with the Angels in 1965, playing a handful of games for the team that year before being sent back to the minors. In 1969, he finally returned to the majors, where he spent the rest of his career.
May remained with the Angels until 1974, when the Yankees bought his contract. There, he became known for a devastating curveball, which he attributed in part to Whitey Ford’s (1928–2020) instruction. May hopped around the major leagues in the ‘70s, spending seasons with the Baltimore Orioles and Montreal Expos before returning to the Yankees at the end of 1979. In 1980, he achieved a personal best, leading the American League in ERA with 2.46. The following season, May and the Yankees went to the World Series, though they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
After several injuries over the years, May was essentially off the Yankees’ roster in the 1984 season, and he retired that year. After baseball, he initially managed several convenience stores, working his way up to a consultancy position for British Petroleum. He retired in 2014.
May on his trade to the Yankees
“It was a blessing in disguise when I got sold. It enhanced my career — it was like I had never played before and I was a whole new player.” – from a 2014 interview with Jeff Pearlman
Tributes to Rudy May
Full obituary: MSN
