Throughout his tenure with the Astros, Griffin's career was characterized by both brilliance and inconsistency. He had a standout season in 1974, posting a 14-10 record with a 3.54 ERA, which was one of the best of his career. However, control issues often plagued him, leading to fluctuating performances on the mound. Despite these challenges, Griffin remained a valuable member of the Astros' pitching rotation for several years.
In 1976, Griffin was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he continued to showcase his pitching skills. His time with the Padres was relatively short, and he was soon on the move again, joining the California Angels in 1978. With the Angels, Griffin found a degree of stability, serving as both a starter and a reliever. His versatility allowed him to adapt to the team's needs, and he provided valuable innings for the Angels during his tenure.
Griffin's career also included stints with the San Francisco Giants and the Pittsburgh Pirates. While his time with these teams was not as prominent as his earlier years, he continued to contribute as a reliable pitcher. Injuries and age eventually took their toll, and Griffin retired from professional baseball in the early 1980s.
Over the course of his career, Tom Griffin played in 452 games, starting 248 of them. He amassed a total of 77 wins, 94 losses, and an ERA of 4.07. Griffin's ability to strike out batters remained a hallmark of his career, as he recorded over 1,000 strikeouts. His journey through Major League Baseball was marked by moments of brilliance and challenges, reflecting the unpredictable nature of a pitcher's career.
After retiring from baseball, Griffin's life away from the diamond remained relatively private.
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