Blass's early years in the majors were marked by steady development. By the late 1960s, he had established himself as a reliable starter. His breakout season came in 1968 when he posted an impressive 18-6 record with a 2.12 ERA, earning him a spot in the National League All-Star team. This performance solidified his reputation as one of the top pitchers in the league.
The pinnacle of Blass's career came in 1971 when he played a crucial role in leading the Pirates to a World Series championship. During the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles, Blass delivered two outstanding complete-game victories, including a decisive Game 7 performance where he allowed only one run. His efforts earned him the World Series MVP award, a testament to his dominance on the mound during the series.
In the following years, Blass continued to be a mainstay in the Pirates' rotation. He recorded another strong season in 1972, finishing with a 19-8 record and a 2.49 ERA. However, his career took an unexpected turn in 1973 when he began to struggle with his control. This sudden and dramatic loss of pitching accuracy, often referred to as "Steve Blass disease," saw his ERA balloon to 9.85 in 1973, and he walked 84 batters in just 88 innings.
Despite efforts to regain his form, Blass's struggles persisted into the 1974 season. After appearing in only a handful of games, he was sent down to the minor leagues in an attempt to work through his issues. Unfortunately, he was unable to overcome the control problems that had derailed his career. Blass retired from professional baseball in March 1975.
Following his retirement, Blass remained connected to the game and the Pirates organization. He transitioned into a successful broadcasting career, serving as a color commentator for Pirates games for over three decades. His time in the booth allowed him to share his deep knowledge of the game and his experiences as a player with a new generation of baseball fans.
Steve Blass's career is remembered for its dramatic highs and lows.
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