TTM Stats
- Sent: 6/1/2022 | Received: 6/11/2022 | 10 Days
- ’87 Donruss, ’88 Score, ’88 topps, ’90 Score, ’92 Pinnacle, ’94 Donruss
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 11/21/2022 | Received: 12/5/2022 | 14 Days
- ’83 Topps, ’86 Topps, ’88 Topps, ’91 Donruss, ’92 Leaf, ’93 Leaf
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 12/9/2023 | Received: 12/20/2023 | 11 Days
- ’88 Leaf, ’91 Bowman
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 7/8/2024 | Received: 7/18/2024 | 10 Days
- ’74 Topps, ’81 Topps, ’82 Donruss, ’82 Topps, ’83 Donruss, ’89 Score
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 12/30/2024 | Received: 1/21/2025 | 21 Days
- ’75 Topps, ’76 Topps, ’89 O-Pee-Chee, ’91 Upper Deck, ’93 Upper Deck
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Few pitchers in baseball history have embodied longevity and adaptability quite like Charlie Hough. Over the course of his remarkable 25-year career, Hough transformed himself from a struggling minor leaguer into one of the most durable and effective knuckleball pitchers the game has ever seen. His career spanned four decades, and his impact on baseball extended well beyond his playing days.
Born on January 5, 1948, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Charlie Hough grew up in Florida and played high school baseball before being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1966. Originally a conventional pitcher, Hough struggled in the minor leagues and seemed unlikely to make an impact at the big-league level. However, under the guidance of Dodgers legend Hoyt Wilhelm, he developed a knuckleball pitch that would become his trademark and save his career.
Hough debuted with the Dodgers in 1970 as a relief pitcher. Over the next few years, he became a valuable bullpen arm, helping the Dodgers reach the 1974 World Series, where they fell to the Oakland A’s. By the late 1970s, though, his effectiveness waned, and the Dodgers parted ways with him in 1980.
After joining the Texas Rangers, Hough was given a chance to start games, a role that suited his knuckleball perfectly. With his new opportunity, he thrived. From 1982 to 1987, he was one of the Rangers’ most reliable pitchers, earning his first and only All-Star selection in 1986. That year, he went 17-10 with a 3.79 ERA over a league-leading 285.1 innings testament to the durability that defined his career.
Hough remained with the Rangers until 1990, becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in several pitching categories, including wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts at the time of his departure. His ability to eat innings and keep hitters off balance made him a fan favorite in Texas.
In his early 40s, Hough showed no signs of slowing down. He joined the Chicago White Sox for two seasons (1991-1992) and continued to be a workhorse in their rotation. Then, in 1993, he was selected by the Florida Marlins in their inaugural expansion draft, making him the first starting pitcher in franchise history. On April 5, 1993, he threw the first pitch in Marlins history against the Dodgers, bringing his career full circle.
Hough pitched two seasons in Florida before retiring after the 1994 season at age 46. His longevity was a testament to the effectiveness of the knuckleball, a pitch that allowed him to thrive well beyond the typical lifespan of a major league pitcher.
Following his retirement, Hough remained active in the game, serving as a pitching coach and mentor for several organizations, including the Dodgers and the New York Mets. He helped develop young pitchers, particularly those experimenting with the knuckleball, ensuring the unique pitch remained a part of baseball. Hough’s influence extended beyond coaching. His career inspired a new generation of knuckleballers, including Tim Wakefield and R.A. Dickey, who credited him for his guidance.
Charlie Hough’s career is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the art of the knuckleball. While he may not have had the overpowering fastball of many Hall of Famers, his ability to reinvent himself and remain effective for 25 seasons made him one of the most respected pitchers of his era. Whether as a reliever with the Dodgers, an ace for the Rangers, or a veteran mentor for the Marlins, Hough left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball. His story serves as a reminder that success in baseball—and life—often comes to those who are willing to adapt and endure.
The Score on Charlie Hough – 6.5
Charlie is one of the best in the TTM game. And while he may have been a knucklballer, these signatures are straight fastballs. His signature seems a bit scratchy, but really that’s crossed with a more classic signature.
Thanks Mr. Hough! I’m giving these returns a 6.5 overall.
This is my sixth post of returns from him. To see the previous posts, check out the links below:
>>> READ MORE ABOUT MY AUTOGRAPH SCORING SYSTEM <<<
Thanks for visiting BravestarrCards.com: Card Collecting and TTM Autographs.
Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.