Jim Perry, a right-handed pitcher, embarked on his Major League Baseball career with the Cleveland Indians. Born on October 30, 1935, in Williamston, North Carolina, Perry was the older brother of fellow MLB pitcher Gaylord Perry. His journey in professional baseball began when he signed with the Indians in 1956, making his MLB debut on April 23, 1959.

Perry's early years with the Indians showcased his potential as a pitcher. In his rookie season, he posted a 12-10 record with a 2.65 ERA, earning him a spot on the American League All-Star team. His performance in Cleveland was marked by his ability to adapt and grow, as he transitioned from a starting pitcher to a reliever and back to a starter over the course of his tenure with the team.

In 1963, Perry was traded to the Minnesota Twins, where he would spend the majority of his career. His time with the Twins was marked by consistency and reliability on the mound. Perry's versatility allowed him to serve both as a starter and a reliever, depending on the team's needs. By 1969, he had firmly established himself as a key member of the Twins' starting rotation.

The pinnacle of Perry's career came in 1970 when he won the American League Cy Young Award. That season, he achieved a 24-12 record with a 3.04 ERA, leading the league in wins. His performance was instrumental in helping the Twins secure the American League West Division title. Perry's ability to deliver in crucial games made him a valuable asset to the team during this period.

After his standout season in 1970, Perry continued to be a reliable presence on the mound for the Twins. He remained with the team until 1972, when he was traded to the Detroit Tigers. Perry's tenure with the Tigers was brief, but he continued to demonstrate his skill and experience as a pitcher.

In 1973, Perry joined the Oakland Athletics, where he played a part in their successful campaign to win the World Series. Although his role with the Athletics was more limited compared to his previous teams, Perry's veteran presence was appreciated in the clubhouse.

Perry's final MLB season came in 1975 when he returned to the Cleveland Indians. He retired with a career record of 215-174, a 3.45 ERA, and 1,576 strikeouts. Over the course of his career, Perry was selected to three All-Star teams and was known for his ability to adapt to different roles on the pitching staff.