Mike Torrez, a right-handed pitcher, spent 18 seasons in Major League Baseball, showcasing his skills across several teams. Born on August 28, 1946, in Topeka, Kansas, Torrez began his professional career when he was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as an amateur free agent in 1964. He made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 1967, contributing to the team's pitching staff during their World Series-winning season.

Torrez's early years in the majors were marked by his development as a reliable starting pitcher. After his time with the Cardinals, he was traded to the Montreal Expos in 1971, where he continued to refine his craft. His tenure with the Expos was relatively short, and he soon found himself with the Baltimore Orioles in 1974. It was with the Orioles that Torrez began to gain more attention, posting a solid 16-12 record in his first full season with the team.

In 1975, Torrez was traded to the Oakland Athletics, where he played a crucial role in their rotation. His performance with the Athletics was impressive, as he helped lead the team to the American League Championship Series. However, his time in Oakland was brief, as he was traded to the New York Yankees in 1977. This move proved to be a turning point in his career.

With the Yankees, Torrez became an integral part of the team's success. He played a vital role in the Yankees' 1977 World Series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning two games in the series, including the decisive Game 6. His performance during the postseason solidified his reputation as a dependable pitcher in high-pressure situations.

Following his success with the Yankees, Torrez signed with the Boston Red Sox as a free agent in 1978. His time in Boston was marked by both highs and lows. While he delivered solid performances on the mound, he is perhaps best remembered for giving up the infamous home run to Bucky Dent in the 1978 American League East tie-breaker game against the Yankees. Despite this setback, Torrez continued to be a workhorse for the Red Sox, consistently pitching over 200 innings each season.

In the early 1980s, Torrez's career took him to the New York Mets, where he played from 1983 to 1984. Although his performance began to decline during these years, he remained a respected veteran presence in the clubhouse. Torrez retired from professional baseball after the 1984 season, leaving behind a legacy of durability and perseverance.

Throughout his career, Mike Torrez compiled a record of 185 wins and 160 losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.96. He pitched over 3,000 innings and recorded more than 1,400 strikeouts.

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