TTM Stats
- Sent: 3/30/2022 | Received: 4/13/2022 | 13 Days
- ’68 Topps, ’69 Topps, ’75 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Jim Lonborg’s baseball career is defined by more than just his powerful arm and memorable Cy Young Award-winning season. He is remembered for his remarkable rise as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, leading the team to the World Series in 1967, and his seamless transition to a successful post-baseball life as a dentist. Lonborg’s journey from the pitcher’s mound to the medical field is a testament to his discipline and determination.
James Reynold Lonborg (also known as “Gentleman Jim”) was born on April 16, 1942, in Santa Maria, California. Growing up in a family that emphasized education, Lonborg excelled both athletically and academically. After attending Stanford University, where he pitched for the Cardinal baseball team, Lonborg was signed by the Boston Red Sox in 1963 as an amateur free agent.
His combination of height (standing 6’5”) and skill made him a formidable presence on the mound. Lonborg worked his way up through the minors, making his MLB debut with the Red Sox in April of 1965. Though his first few seasons were marked by inconsistency, Lonborg showed flashes of the talent that would eventually lead him to stardom.
Jim Lonborg’s career-defining season came in 1967, known in Red Sox lore as the “Impossible Dream” season. That year, Lonborg was at the top of his game, leading the American League in wins with a record of 22-9 and a 3.16 ERA. His dominant performances on the mound, combined with the leadership of Carl Yastrzemski and a supporting cast of talented players, propelled the Red Sox to the American League pennant, their first since 1946.
Lonborg’s most memorable moment came during Game 7 of the World Series. Although he pitched brilliantly in Games 2 and 5, including a complete-game shutout in the latter, he struggled in the decisive Game 7 against the St. Louis Cardinals and Bob Gibson. The Red Sox lost the series, but Lonborg’s performance throughout the season was more than enough to cement his place in Red Sox history. For his efforts, Lonborg won the 1967 American League Cy Young Award, becoming the first Red Sox pitcher to ever receive the honor.
Following his incredible 1967 season, Lonborg’s career took an unfortunate turn due to injuries. A skiing accident in the offseason led to a torn knee ligament, and he struggled to regain his dominant form. He continued to pitch for the Red Sox, but his performance was hampered by lingering physical issues.
After the 1971 season, Lonborg was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers and later joined the Philadelphia Phillies after the 1972 season. With the Phillies, Lonborg reinvented himself as a reliable veteran presence in the rotation. He pitched in Philadelphia until his retirement in 1979, finishing his career with 157 wins, a 3.86 ERA, and over 1,400 strikeouts.
What set Jim Lonborg apart from many athletes was his ability to transition smoothly from the world of professional sports to a successful second career. After retiring from baseball, Lonborg decided to pursue a career in dentistry. He attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and became a dentist, practicing in Massachusetts. Lonborg’s decision to enter the medical field was a testament to his intellectual curiosity and desire to continue helping others. As a dentist, he became highly respected within his community, serving patients with the same precision and care he once brought to the baseball field.
This is my fourth successful return from him. To see the other successful returns, check out these posts:
The Score on Jim Lonborg – 6.5
Jim is a very reliable signer and he’s always really consistent with his signature. It’s on the small side, but he always uses that thin marker in my experience and that helps him work with that small signature. It’s especially helpful on those “Leaders” card like the 1968 Topps card I included in this attempt.
Thanks Mr. Lonboard. I’m giving this return a 6.5 overall.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.