TTM Stats
- Sent: 2/24/2022 | Received: 3/31/2022 | 37 Days
- ’86 Topps, ’87 Donruss, ’87 Topps, ’88 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Dave Dravecky, a former starting pitcher in the major leagues, is a name that resonates not only in the world of baseball but also in the broader narrative of human perseverance. Known for his powerful left arm and his unwavering faith, Dravecky’s career in Major League Baseball (MLB) was marked by extraordinary highs and devastating lows. His story is one of triumph on the field, a battle against a life-threatening illness, and an inspiring journey of recovery and resilience. The one-time All-Star played from 1982 to 1989 with the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants.
Dravecky, born on February 14, 1956, in Youngstown, Ohio, grew up in a close-knit family. In Youngstown he developed a love for baseball at an early age. After excelling in high school baseball, he attended Youngstown State University, where he continued to hone his pitching skills. Despite being relatively unknown in the baseball world, his determination and hard work paid off when he was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 21st round of the 1978 MLB Draft.
Dravecky’s rise through the minors was swift, and in 1982, he made his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres. It didn’t take long for him to establish himself as a reliable starting pitcher. By 1983, he was an integral part of the Padres’ rotation, known for his pinpoint control and ability to change speeds effectively. His breakout year came in 1984 when he played a key role in helping the Padres reach the World Series, though they ultimately fell to the Detroit Tigers.
In 1987, Dravecky was traded to the San Francisco Giants, where he continued to excel. His arrival in San Francisco bolstered the Giants’ pitching staff, and he played a crucial role in their 1987 National League West title. Dravecky’s standout moment came in the playoffs, where he pitched a complete-game shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS). Although the Giants lost the series, Dravecky’s performance was a highlight of his career.
Dravecky’s life took a dramatic turn in 1988 when he was diagnosed with a desmoid tumor, a rare form of cancer, in his left arm. The diagnosis was a shock to the baseball world, as Dravecky was at the peak of his career. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor, and after extensive rehabilitation, made a remarkable comeback to the mound in 1989.
His return was nothing short of miraculous—on August 10, 1989, Dravecky pitched eight strong innings to lead the Giants to victory against the Cincinnati Reds in his first game back. However, tragedy struck just five days later, on August 15, 1989, when Dravecky’s arm snapped in mid-pitch during a game against the Montreal Expos. The break was a result of his weakened arm structure due to cancer treatment. Despite another attempted comeback, Dravecky was forced to retire from baseball after a recurrence of the cancer, which ultimately led to the amputation of his left arm in 1991.
Dravecky’s post-baseball life has been defined by his faith and his commitment to helping others. Following his retirement, he became a motivational speaker, sharing his story of hope, perseverance, and faith with audiences around the world. His message has resonated with people facing their own struggles, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual.
In addition to speaking, Dravecky co-authored several books, including “Comeback”, which chronicles his battle with cancer and his journey back to the mound, and “When You Can’t Come Back”, which explores his life after baseball and the challenges of living with a disability. His work with the Dave Dravecky Foundation, which he established with his wife Jan, has also provided support to individuals and families dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses.
This is my fifth successful return from him. To see the other returns, check out these posts:
The Score on Dave Dravecky – 7.0
Dave has always had a really great signature. I tend to like autographs that have a repeatitive element to it, like Dave’s “Ds”. The look similar, sometimes they even interlock and even other parts of his name look a little bit the same too. As always a great return from him.
Thanks Mr. Dravecky! I’m giving this return a 7.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.