Belinsky's major league debut came on April 18, 1962, with the Angels. He quickly gained attention for his performance on the mound. On May 5, 1962, he pitched a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles, becoming the first rookie in Angels history to achieve this feat. This game was a highlight of his career and brought him national recognition. His early success in the 1962 season led to a record of 10 wins and 11 losses, with a 3.56 ERA.
Despite his promising start, Belinsky's career was marked by inconsistency. His performance on the field began to decline after his rookie season. Over the next few years, he struggled with control issues and injuries, which affected his effectiveness as a pitcher. His lifestyle off the field also garnered attention. Known for his Hollywood connections and nightlife, Belinsky often found himself in the public eye for reasons unrelated to baseball.
In 1964, the Angels traded Belinsky to the Philadelphia Phillies. His time with the Phillies was short-lived, and he continued to move between teams. He played for the Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cincinnati Reds, but never regained the form he showed in his early days with the Angels. His major league career concluded in 1970, with a final record of 28 wins and 51 losses and a career ERA of 4.10.
After retiring from baseball, Belinsky's life took various turns, including struggles with personal issues. He eventually found stability later in life and worked in public relations and sales. Bo Belinsky passed away on November 23, 2001, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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