Ross Grimsley, a left-handed pitcher known for his distinctive curly hair and mustache, played Major League Baseball during the 1970s and early 1980s. Born on January 7, 1950, in Topeka, Kansas, Grimsley grew up in a baseball environment, as his father, Ross Grimsley Sr., was also a professional baseball player and coach. This familial connection to the sport undoubtedly influenced his path to the major leagues.

Grimsley began his professional career when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round of the 1969 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the Reds in 1971. During his rookie season, Grimsley quickly established himself as a reliable starting pitcher. His performance helped the Reds reach the World Series that year, although they ultimately lost to the Baltimore Orioles.

In 1972, Grimsley continued to be an integral part of the Reds' pitching rotation. He posted a solid record and contributed to the team's success in reaching the National League Championship Series. However, after the 1973 season, Grimsley was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, where he would spend the next few years of his career.

With the Orioles, Grimsley found a new level of consistency. In 1974, he achieved a career-high 18 wins, demonstrating his ability to handle a significant workload. His performance earned him a spot in the All-Star Game that year, marking one of the highlights of his career. Grimsley's time with the Orioles was marked by steady performances, and he became a dependable figure in their rotation.

In 1978, Grimsley signed with the Montreal Expos as a free agent. His tenure with the Expos was notable for his 1978 season, during which he won 20 games, becoming the first pitcher in the franchise's history to reach that milestone. This achievement underscored his role as a leading pitcher for the team. Grimsley's efforts were instrumental in helping the Expos compete in the National League East division.

After his stint with the Expos, Grimsley joined the Cleveland Indians in 1980. His time with the Indians was relatively short, and he was traded back to the Orioles in 1982. Grimsley concluded his major league career with Baltimore, retiring after the 1982 season.

Throughout his career, Grimsley was known for his durability and ability to pitch deep into games. He finished with a career record of 124 wins and 99 losses, along with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.81. Grimsley's career was characterized by his steady presence on the mound and his ability to adapt to different teams and leagues.

Off the field, Grimsley was known for his colorful personality and distinctive appearance, which made him a memorable figure among fans and teammates alike. His contributions to the teams he played for were appreciated by those who followed his career, and he remains a respected figure in the baseball community.

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