TTM Stats
- Sent: 3/22/2022 | Received: 4/2/2022 | 10 Days
- ’85 Fleer, ’86 Fleer, ’87 Topps, ’88 Score, ’92 Upper Deck
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Danny Darwin, known affectionately as “The Bonham Bullet,” carved out an impressive and enduring career in Major League Baseball (MLB) over two decades. He played from 1978 to 1998 as both a starting and relief pitcher for the Texas Rangers (twice), Milwaukee Brewers, Houston Astros (twice), Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, and San Francisco Giants.
Born on October 25, 1955, in Bonham, Texas, Darwin’s journey in baseball is a tale of longevity, adaptability, and the art of pitching. From his early days as a flame-throwing starter to his later years as a savvy reliever, Darwin’s career showcases the evolution of a pitcher who mastered his craft over time.
Growing up in a small Texas town, Darwin’s love for baseball developed at an early age. He attended Bonham High School, where he excelled on the mound, catching the attention of professional scouts. The Texas Rangers signed him as an amateur free agent in May of 1976, and he quickly made his way through the minor leagues, debuting with the Rangers in September of 1978.
Darwin’s early years in the majors were marked by his powerful fastball and aggressive pitching style. Initially used as both a starter and reliever, he gradually became a reliable arm in the Rangers’ rotation. His versatility on the mound became one of his defining traits, allowing him to adapt to various roles throughout his career. Darwin’s ability to pitch effectively as both a starter and reliever would become invaluable as he transitioned between teams.
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Darwin played for several MLB teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, and Texas Rangers (again). He enjoyed some of his best years with the Astros, where he earned a reputation as one of the league’s most consistent pitchers. In 1990, Darwin won the National League ERA title with a sparkling 2.21 ERA, solidifying his status as one of the top pitchers in the league that year.
Darwin’s success was not based solely on raw power; he was a thinking man’s pitcher who relied on control, movement, and strategy. His pitching style evolved as he aged, and by the early 1990s, he had become a master of mixing speeds and locations, keeping hitters off balance with a repertoire that included a deceptive slider and a well-placed curveball.
As Darwin entered the twilight of his career, he transitioned into a valuable role as a veteran presence in the clubhouse. He continued to pitch effectively into his 40s, a rare feat in baseball, and became a mentor to younger pitchers. His experience and knowledge of the game were assets that teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, and San Francisco Giants valued during his later years.
Darwin’s longevity in the sport is a testament to his work ethic and ability to adapt. He retired after the 1998 season, having played 21 years in the majors. His final career statistics include 171 wins, a 3.84 ERA, and 1,942 strikeouts over 716 games.
After retiring as a player, Darwin didn’t stray far from the game he loved. He transitioned into coaching, sharing his wealth of knowledge with the next generation of pitchers. Darwin served as a pitching coach at various levels, including minor league teams and MLB organizations like the Cincinnati Reds and the San Diego Padres.
His ability to connect with players and impart wisdom from his extensive career made him a respected figure in the coaching ranks. Off the field, Darwin remained rooted in his Texas heritage, often returning to his hometown of Bonham, where he has been a beloved local figure. His story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—a true embodiment of the phrase “Texas tough.”
This is my sixth successful return from him. To see the other successful returns, check out these posts:
The Score on Danny Darwin – 8.0
Danny always has had one of my favorite signatures. A bunch of these cards really do a great job in showing it off too. I think there are two particular things I like about this return. First, the 1992 Upper Deck card fits so well with his signature. The angle of the autograph is great with that image. Second, he wasn’t on the Brewers very long but this has some great cards of him in a Brewers uniform. And as a bonus, there’s some great Topps airbrushing on that 1987 card.
Thanks Mr. Darwin! I’m giving this return an 8.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.