Dave LaPoint's journey through Major League Baseball is a tale of perseverance and adaptability. Born on July 29, 1959, in Glens Falls, New York, LaPoint was a left-handed pitcher who found his way into the major leagues after being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 10th round of the 1977 amateur draft. His professional debut came with the Brewers in 1980, but it was his trade to the St. Louis Cardinals that marked the beginning of his more prominent years in baseball.
LaPoint joined the Cardinals in 1981 as part of a multi-player trade that included Rollie Fingers and Ted Simmons. It was with the Cardinals that he experienced the pinnacle of his career. In 1982, he played a crucial role as a starting pitcher, helping the team secure the National League pennant. That same year, the Cardinals went on to win the World Series, defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in a seven-game series. LaPoint's performance during the season and the playoffs contributed to the Cardinals' success, and he became a reliable option in their pitching rotation.
Throughout his tenure with the Cardinals, LaPoint was known for his steady presence on the mound. He remained with the team until 1984, when he was traded to the San Francisco Giants. His time with the Giants was marked by consistent performances, and he continued to be a dependable starter. However, his journey through the major leagues was far from static, as he was traded multiple times over the next few years.
In 1985, LaPoint was traded to the Detroit Tigers, where he spent a brief period before moving on to the San Diego Padres in 1986. His stint with the Padres was short-lived, and he soon found himself with the Chicago White Sox later that year. Despite the frequent changes in teams, LaPoint managed to maintain his role as a starting pitcher, showcasing his ability to adapt to new environments and teams.
The late 1980s saw LaPoint continue his career with several teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees. His time with the Yankees in 1989 was particularly noteworthy, as he delivered solid performances that helped stabilize their pitching staff. LaPoint's career came full circle when he returned to the Brewers in 1990, the team that had originally drafted him. He played his final major league season with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1991.
Over the course of his career, Dave LaPoint played for eight different teams, demonstrating his ability to remain a valuable asset in the league despite the challenges of frequent trades and transitions. His career statistics include a win-loss record of 80-86, an earned run average (ERA) of 4.02, and 911 strikeouts. While he may not have been a headline-grabbing star, LaPoint's career is a testament to the journeyman nature of many professional athletes, who contribute to their teams in meaningful ways throughout their careers.
After retiring from playing, LaPoint transitioned into coaching and managing, sharing his knowledge and experience with younger players.
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