Former Oakland A’s pitcher Mudcat Grant passes away

By the time Mudcat Grant came to the Oakland A’s, he was nearing the end of his career. His time as one of the better starters in the game had come to an end, and he had settled into a role as a reliever. Grant came to the A’s and became one of their first relief aces, setting the stage for the dominant closers to come.

Sadly, Grant passed away on Saturday. He was 85 years old.

Mudcat Grant made his mark on major league history

His baseball journey began when he signed with the Indians at 18 years old, receiving a handshake as a bonus. While he may not have been heavily compensated, he quickly proved to be a future option for the rotation, dominating the minors until he debuted in Cleveland at 22 years old. He made his first All Star Game in 1963, establishing himself as a solid pitcher on some mediocre Indians teams.

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Grant’s career took off following a trade to Minnesota, a deal that was such an embarrassment that he learned of the swap from a clubhouse attendant. However, the trade worked wonders for his career, as he quickly became one of the best pitchers on the Twins. A strong finish to that 1964 season set the stage for what would be a historic 1965 campaign.

That season, Grant established himself as the Twins’ ace. He made his second and final All Star Game, and went on to lead the American League with 21 wins, then earned two more victories in the World Series. In winning 21 games that year, he became the third black pitcher to notch 20 or more wins in a season, joining Don Newcombe and Sam Jones while becoming the first to do so in the AL.

Although Grant never reached those heights again, he settled in as a solid reliever. By the time he came to Oakland in 1970, his time in the rotation was over. Grant quickly became the A’s closer, notching 24 saves before he was traded to the Pirates. He led the majors with 80 appearances that year, although his trade meant that he did not lead either league.

Grant would return to Oakland to end his career, being acquired for cash considerations at the end of the 1971 season. He notched three more saves for the A’s, then spent a year in the minors before retiring. Grant remained busy after his playing days, playing in jazz bands, writing books and poetry, and spending time as a broadcaster.

Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of Mudcat Grant.