Jim Lonborg

Jim Lonborg 1969

Jim Lonborg (born April 16, 1942) is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who played for the Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and Philadelphia Phillies over a 15-year career from 1965 to 1979. Lonborg is best remembered for his standout 1967 season with the Red Sox, during which he played a key role in leading the team to the 1967 World Series and won the Cy Young Award as the American League's best pitcher.

Early Life

Jim Lonborg was born in Santa Maria, California. He attended Stanford University, where he played college baseball for the Stanford Cardinal. After excelling at Stanford, Lonborg was signed by the Boston Red Sox.

Major League Career

Boston Red Sox

Lonborg made his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox in 1965. His breakout season came in 1967, known as the "Impossible Dream" season for the Red Sox, who won the American League pennant for the first time since 1946. Lonborg went 22-9 with a 3.16 ERA, leading the league in wins, strikeouts (246), and games started (39), earning him the Cy Young Award. In the 1967 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Lonborg pitched a one-hit shutout in Game 2 and won Game 5, but the Red Sox ultimately lost the series in seven games.

Later Career

After his standout 1967 season, Lonborg suffered a skiing accident that winter, which resulted in injuries affecting the rest of his career. Despite this, he continued to pitch effectively for several more years. He was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in 1972 and then to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1973, with whom he played until his retirement in 1979.

Post-Baseball Career

After retiring from baseball, Lonborg pursued a career in dentistry. He attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and became a successful dentist in Hanover, Massachusetts.

Legacy

Jim Lonborg's 1967 season remains one of the most memorable pitching performances in Red Sox history. He is remembered for his determination and resilience, both on and off the field. Lonborg's transition from a baseball player to a dentist is often cited as a remarkable example of athletes successfully transitioning to new careers after sports.

See Also

• List of Major League Baseball annual strikeout leaders
• List of Major League Baseball annual wins leaders
• Cy Young Award