Gura made his MLB debut with the Cubs in 1970. However, his time with the team was brief, and he spent much of his early career bouncing between the majors and minors. In 1973, he was traded to the Texas Rangers, but his stay there was short-lived. Later that year, he found a more stable role with the New York Yankees. During his time with the Yankees, Gura primarily served as a spot starter and reliever, but he struggled to secure a permanent spot in the rotation.
The turning point in Gura's career came in 1976 when he was traded to the Kansas City Royals. It was with the Royals that Gura found his stride, becoming a reliable starting pitcher. His tenure with Kansas City spanned nearly a decade, and he became an integral part of their pitching staff. Gura's performance peaked in the late 1970s and early 1980s, during which he consistently posted impressive numbers.
In 1978, Gura achieved a personal milestone by winning 16 games, a feat he repeated in 1980. That year, he played a crucial role in helping the Royals reach the World Series, although they ultimately fell to the Philadelphia Phillies. Gura's efforts did not go unnoticed, as he was selected for the American League All-Star team in 1980, highlighting his status as one of the league's top pitchers.
Throughout his career with the Royals, Gura was known for his control and ability to keep hitters off balance. He relied on a mix of pitches, including a deceptive changeup and a well-placed fastball. His approach to pitching emphasized precision over power, allowing him to maintain effectiveness even as he aged.
Gura's career with the Royals continued until 1985, when he was released by the team. He briefly joined the Chicago Cubs again in 1985, but his time there was short, and he retired from professional baseball shortly thereafter. Over his career, Gura amassed a record of 126 wins and 97 losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.76 and 801 strikeouts.
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