Dave LaRoche

Dave LaRoche was an American professional baseball pitcher who enjoyed a 14-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily as a relief pitcher. Known for his signature "LaLob" pitch, he played for six teams, including the California Angels, Cleveland Indians, and New York Yankees. LaRoche later served as a minor league pitching coach and coordinator for the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies.

Early life and amateur career

Dave LaRoche was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and attended Denver Lutheran High School where he excelled in baseball. Following his high school career, he was selected by the California Angels in the 1967 amateur draft. Before beginning his professional career, he briefly attended Trinidad State Junior College in Colorado, further honing his skills on the mound.

Professional baseball career

LaRoche made his major league debut with the California Angels in September 1970. He was traded to the Minnesota Twins in 1971, where he began to establish himself as a reliable reliever. A subsequent trade sent him to the Cleveland Indians in 1975, where he had some of his most productive seasons, earning All-Star selections in 1976 and 1977 while serving as the team's primary closer. In 1978, he was part of a significant trade to the California Angels for Don Kirkwood and Bruce Bochte. LaRoche later pitched for the San Diego Padres before finishing his playing career with two stints for the New York Yankees from 1981 to 1983, where he won an American League pennant in 1981. His final major league appearance was in the 1983 season.

Pitching style and legacy

LaRoche was a crafty left-hander best known for his trick pitch, a dramatically arcing slow curveball he dubbed the "LaLob." This pitch, often thrown with a full windup, baffled hitters throughout the American League and became his signature. While he recorded 126 saves and posted a career 3.53 ERA, his lasting legacy is tied to this unique offering, which remains a memorable part of 1970s baseball lore. His pitching philosophy and experience influenced his later work as a minor league pitching coordinator within the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies organizations.

Personal life and death

LaRoche was married and had two sons, Adam LaRoche and Andy LaRoche, who both enjoyed major league careers, with Adam winning a Gold Glove with the Atlanta Braves. After his playing career, he resided in Draper, Utah, and was actively involved in youth baseball. Dave LaRoche died from cancer in St. George, Utah, on January 15, 2024. He was survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Category:American baseball players Category:Major League Baseball pitchers Category:1948 births Category:2024 deaths