TTM Stats
- Sent: 6/27/2022 | Received: 7/5/2022 | 8 Days
- ’75 Topps, ’77 Topps, ’78 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 7/11/2023 | Received: 7/21/2023 | 10 Days
- ’78 Topps, ’79 Topps, ’81 Fleer (2), ’83 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 6/10/2024 | Received: 6/25/2024 | 15 Days
- ’73 O-Pee-Chee, ’78 topps, ’81 Fleer, ’82 Fleer, ’83 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 2/20/2025 | Received: 3/11/2025 | 21 Days
- ’75 Topps, ’78 Topps, ’82 Fleer, ’83 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Dave Goltz was a dependable right-handed pitcher who made his mark in Major League Baseball during the 1970s and early 1980s. Best known for his time with the Minnesota Twins, Goltz was a workhorse on the mound, logging multiple 200-inning seasons and earning a reputation for his durability and competitiveness.
David Allan Goltz was born on June 23, 1949, in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. A standout athlete in high school, he initially showed promise as a football player but ultimately chose baseball. The Minnesota Twins selected Goltz in the fifth round of the 1967 MLB Draft, giving the homegrown talent a chance to make an impact with his state’s team. After a few years developing in the minor leagues, Goltz made his MLB debut on July 18, 1972, with the Twins. Though his early seasons were uneven, he quickly developed into one of the team’s most reliable starters.
By the mid-1970s, Goltz had established himself as the Twins’ ace. From 1975 to 1979, he consistently ranked among the league leaders in innings pitched, showcasing his durability and effectiveness. His best season came in 1977, when he went 20-11 with a 3.36 ERA and 19 complete games. That season, he became the first Twins pitcher since Jim Kaat to win 20 games, cementing his status as one of the American League’s top starters.
Despite his individual success, the Twins struggled as a team during Goltz’s tenure, never making the playoffs. Still, he remained a reliable and respected figure in the rotation.
In 1980, Goltz signed a lucrative free-agent contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, joining a team that was a perennial playoff contender. However, his time in L.A. was not as successful as his years in Minnesota. Injuries and inconsistency limited his effectiveness, and he finished the 1980 season with a 7-11 record and a 4.31 ERA.
Though he wasn’t a key contributor, Goltz was part of the Dodgers’ 1981 World Series-winning team. While he didn’t pitch in the postseason, he earned a championship ring as the Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in the Fall Classic.
After his stint in Los Angeles, Goltz spent his final MLB season with the California Angels in 1983. He retired with a career record of 113-109, a 3.69 ERA, and over 2,000 innings pitched.
Following his playing days, Goltz returned to Minnesota, where he remained involved in local baseball and enjoyed a quiet post-baseball life.
Dave Goltz’s career is a testament to durability and consistency. While he never became a Hall of Famer or a perennial All-Star, he was a reliable, innings-eating starter who gave his teams a chance to win. His 20-win season with the Twins remains a highlight in the franchise’s history, and his contributions to the Dodgers’ 1981 championship added a fitting final chapter to his MLB career.
A Minnesota native who made it to the big leagues and thrived, Goltz is fondly remembered as a tough, hard-working pitcher who embodied the spirit of the game.
The Score on Dave Goltz – 6.0
Dave is a great signer and returner. You can see how consistent he is when I bunch a few returns of the backlog together. He signs whatever you send him and returns it pretty quickly. Plus not only does he sign them well, he signs them with reliable quality.
Thanks Mr. Goltz! I’m giving these a 6 overall.
These aren’t my first successful returns from him. For more successful returns, check out these posts:
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.