TTM Stats
- Sent: 8/3/2021 | Received: 7/11/2022 | 338 Days
- ’83 Topps, ’86 Topps, ’90 Leaf (kept one card)
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Ed Whitson’s baseball journey was anything but ordinary. From humble beginnings in Tennessee to the pressure-packed mound of Yankee Stadium and a return to success on the West Coast, Whitson’s career was a rollercoaster of triumphs, struggles, and perseverance. Through it all, he remained a gritty competitor who learned, adapted, and ultimately earned the respect of teammates and fans alike.
Eddie Lee Whitson was born on May 19, 1955, in Johnson City, Tennessee. A tall right-hander with a sharp breaking ball, he was drafted out of high school by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 6th round of the 1974 MLB Draft. Whitson made his Major League debut on September 4, 1977, with the Pirates, pitching in relief.
Though his time in Pittsburgh was brief, it marked the beginning of a career that would span parts of 15 MLB seasons.
In 1979, Whitson was traded to the San Francisco Giants, where he began to establish himself as a reliable starter. Over the next few years, he bounced between the bullpen and starting rotation, but his durability and competitiveness stood out. He was traded again after the 1981 season—this time to the Cleveland Indians, and then in after the 1982 season to the San Diego Padres.
It was in San Diego where Whitson began to thrive, particularly in 1984. That season, he went 14–8 with a 3.24 ERA, helping lead the Padres to their first-ever World Series appearance. Though San Diego fell to the Detroit Tigers in five games, Whitson’s contributions were critical during the regular season and postseason.
Following his breakout year, Whitson signed a five-year, $4.4 million contract with the New York Yankees—a major deal at the time. But life in the Bronx wasn’t easy.
In 1985, Whitson struggled to meet the lofty expectations set by the New York media and fans. He finished the season with a 10–8 record and a 4.88 ERA. The high-pressure environment and constant scrutiny affected his performance and confidence. A now-infamous clubhouse altercation with manager Billy Martin further complicated matters, making his time in New York tumultuous and short-lived.
By the end of 1986, Whitson was traded back to the Padres—his return to a more relaxed setting marked a turning point in his career.
Back with San Diego, Whitson found his groove again. From 1987 to 1991, he became a steady force in the Padres’ rotation. His best season came in 1989 when he posted a 16–11 record with a sparkling 2.66 ERA. His pinpoint control and veteran savvy made him a valuable asset and a fan favorite.
He retired after the 1991 season with a career record of 126–123, a 3.79 ERA, and 1,266 strikeouts over 2,240 innings pitched.
After retiring, Whitson returned to Tennessee and kept a low profile, far removed from the drama and spotlight of his Yankee days. He spent time with family, occasionally appeared at alumni events in San Diego, and reflected fondly on the second act of his career.
In interviews, Whitson has openly discussed his struggles in New York, using them as examples of personal growth and perseverance. While that chapter was difficult, it ultimately helped shape the resilient pitcher and man he became.
Ed Whitson’s legacy isn’t defined by Cy Young Awards or All-Star selections—it’s defined by the grit, resilience, and ability to bounce back from adversity. He faced pressure, criticism, and challenges that might have broken other players, yet he came back stronger.
He’ll be remembered in San Diego as a key contributor to a historic 1984 team and one of the franchise’s steadiest arms during the late ’80s. For those who followed his career closely, Whitson stands as an example of how perseverance and self-belief can lead to redemption—and lasting respect.
In the end, Ed Whitson’s story is one of transformation—a reminder that the true measure of an athlete isn’t where they stumble, but how they rise afterward.
The Score on Ed Whitson – 7.0
Ed has been a bit hit or miss for me over the years. I don’t think I’ve seen much consistency with what he will sign, how many he will sign and how quickly he might return things to you. That said, what he does put on your card is pretty good. He’s got lots of little loops and things on his signature that are pretty cool.
Thanks Mr. Whitson! I’m giving this return a 7.
This is my second successful return from him. To see the other return, check out my post from April 2020.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.