TTM Stats
- Sent: 12/6/2021 | Received: 6/28/2022 | 202 Days
- ’89 Donruss, ’89 Score, ’90 Donruss, ’92 Topps Stadium Club, ’93 Fleer
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 3/7/2023 | Received: 8/8/2023 | 151 Days
- ’88 Topps, ’90 Topps, ’91 Topps Stadium Club, ’92 Donruss, ’92 Score
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 1/22/2024 | Received: 1/31/2024 | 9 Days
- ’82 Topps, ’83 Topps, ’86 Topps, ’89 Donruss, ’89 Upper Deck, ’93 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 7/3/2024 | Received: 7/19/2024 | 16 Days
- ’88 Score, ’89 Topps Big, ’90 Score, ’91 Donruss, ’91 Topps Stadium Club
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Terry Leach was one of baseball’s most unique and dependable relievers throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. With his distinctive sidearm delivery and ability to eat up innings in various roles, Leach carved out a long and respectable Major League Baseball career.
Born on March 13, 1954, in Selma, Alabama, Terry Leach was not the typical power pitcher scouts sought. Instead, he relied on deception, movement, and pinpoint control. He played college baseball at Auburn University before being drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the seventh round of the 1976 MLB Draft. However, it wasn’t with the Red Sox that Leach would make his mark.
Leach made his MLB debut with the New York Mets in 1981, but it wasn’t until a few years later that he became a key contributor. Initially used as a reliever, Leach’s role fluctuated between the bullpen and starting rotation. One of his most memorable performances came in 1982 when he pitched a 10-inning, one-hit shutout against the Philadelphia Phillies—an incredibly rare feat for any pitcher, let alone a journeyman trying to establish himself.
Leach was a key depth piece for the Mets during their 1986 World Series championship run, though he wasn’t on the postseason roster. The following year, he had his best season, posting a 11-1 record with a 3.22 ERA in 1987, proving to be one of the most valuable swingmen in baseball.
After leaving the Mets, Leach continued to be a reliable bullpen arm. He played for the Kansas City Royals (1989), Minnesota Twins (1990–1991), and to the White Sox in 1993 for his final two seasons.
His most significant post-Mets success came with the 1991 Twins, where he was part of the team that won the World Series against the Atlanta Braves. Though he wasn’t a frontline reliever, his veteran presence helped solidify the staff.
Following his retirement, Leach largely stayed out of the baseball spotlight but remained a respected figure among Mets and Twins fans. His story is one of perseverance—a player who made it to the big leagues, lasted over a decade, and contributed to two championship teams.
Terry Leach may not have been a superstar, but his career is a testament to how far hard work and adaptability can take a player. With his deceptive sidearm motion and ability to pitch in different roles, he was the kind of player every team needs—a reliable, unselfish workhorse.
For Mets and Twins fans, Leach remains a beloved figure, remembered for his unique style and valuable contributions to championship-caliber teams.
The Score on Terry Leach – 7.0
Terry is one of my favorites and one of most reliable returners out there. There’s something you can see below about him that I love… he’ll change his marker for each card. Check out that first one below. Not only did he sign in blue, then black, but he also pulled out the silver on that really black card.
Thanks Mr. Leach! I’m giving this return a 7 overall.
These aren’t my first returns from Terry. To check out prior returns, look at these posts:
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.