In 1966, the San Francisco Giants had a young, talented 27 year old pitcher, with unrealized potential, floundering as the eleventh man on a ten man man pitching staff. In his previous three seaons of big league ball, Gaylord Perry was mired in mediocrity with a 24-30 record and an ERA in the high fives.

Thankfully, the Giants would trade for Braves pitcher, Bob Shaw, who taught the young Perry the ways of the infamous spitball. There were so many spitball pitcher in the 1960's, but no pitcher in the history of the game, threw it with Perry's accuracy and control. With two sliders, a four seam fastball, a changeup, a curve, a forkball and the nefarious spitball in his arsenal, Gaylord would turn around his stagnant career and pitch his way all the way to the Baseball Hall Of Fame. In Gaylord's own words, getting away with it, is the easy part. Learning to pitch loaded balls with velocity and accuracy, is the hard part and demands constant practice.

This is a tribute to the icon who passed away 13 days ago. Rest In Peace Gaylord. Godspeed. Time will not dim the glory of your deeds'

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