David Eugene LaRoche, known in the baseball world as Dave LaRoche, was a left-handed pitcher who played in Major League Baseball. His career spanned several teams, showcasing his skills on the mound in various roles, primarily as a relief pitcher.
LaRoche began his professional journey when he was drafted by the California Angels in the 1967 amateur draft. He made his MLB debut with the Angels in 1970. During his time with the Angels, LaRoche developed a reputation for his effective pitching style, which included a mix of fastballs and breaking balls that kept hitters off balance.
In 1972, LaRoche was traded to the Minnesota Twins, where he continued to refine his craft. His tenure with the Twins was marked by steady performances, and he became a reliable option out of the bullpen. His ability to handle pressure situations made him a valuable asset to the team.
LaRoche's career took another turn in 1975 when he was traded to the Chicago Cubs. His stint with the Cubs was relatively short, but he continued to demonstrate his pitching prowess. Later that year, he found a new home with the Cleveland Indians. It was with the Indians that LaRoche enjoyed some of his most productive seasons. He became the team's closer and was selected to the All-Star Game in both 1976 and 1977, a testament to his effectiveness and consistency on the mound.
In 1979, LaRoche was traded to the California Angels, returning to the team where his major league career began. He continued to serve as a reliable relief pitcher, contributing to the team's bullpen depth. His experience and leadership were valuable to the Angels during his second stint with the team.
LaRoche's final move came in 1981 when he was traded to the New York Yankees. With the Yankees, he added veteran presence to the bullpen and continued to perform in high-pressure situations. His time with the Yankees marked the end of his playing career, as he retired from professional baseball after the 1983 season.
Throughout his career, Dave LaRoche was known for his distinctive pitching style, which included a unique pitch known as the "LaLob," a high-arcing, slow pitch that baffled hitters. This pitch became a signature part of his repertoire and added an element of unpredictability to his game.
After retiring as a player, LaRoche transitioned into coaching, sharing his knowledge and experience with younger players.
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