Rick Langford's journey in Major League Baseball is a tale of perseverance and endurance. Born on March 20, 1952, in Farmville, Virginia, Langford's professional career began when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 36th round of the 1973 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the Pirates in 1976, but it was with the Oakland Athletics that he would spend the majority of his career and leave a lasting impression.

Langford was traded to the Athletics in March 1977, a move that would define his career. As a right-handed pitcher, he became known for his durability and ability to pitch deep into games. This was particularly evident during the 1980 season, which stands out as the highlight of his career. That year, Langford completed an astonishing 28 consecutive complete games, a feat that is rarely seen in modern baseball. His performance on the mound was a testament to his stamina and skill, as he finished the season with a 19-12 record and a 3.26 ERA.

The 1980 season was part of a larger trend during the late 1970s and early 1980s when the Athletics, under manager Billy Martin, relied heavily on their starting pitchers. Langford, along with teammates like Mike Norris, Matt Keough, and Steve McCatty, formed a rotation that was pushed to its limits. This strategy, while effective in the short term, took a toll on the pitchers' arms, and Langford was no exception.

In the years following his remarkable 1980 season, Langford continued to be a workhorse for the Athletics, though his workload began to catch up with him. Injuries started to affect his performance, and his effectiveness on the mound diminished. Despite these challenges, he remained with the Athletics through the 1986 season, providing veteran leadership and experience to the pitching staff.

Langford's career statistics reflect his role as a reliable starter during his time with the Athletics. Over his 11-year career in the majors, he compiled a 73-106 win-loss record, a 4.01 ERA, and 658 strikeouts. While these numbers may not place him among the all-time greats, they underscore his role as a dependable pitcher who could be counted on to take the ball every fifth day.

After retiring as a player, Langford transitioned into coaching, where he continued to share his knowledge and experience with younger players. He served as a pitching coach in various capacities, including roles within the Toronto Blue Jays organization. His post-playing career in coaching allowed him to remain connected to the game and contribute to the development of future generations of pitchers.

⚾