TTM Stats
- Sent: 6/3/2022 | Received: 6/23/2022 | 20 Days
- ’75 Topps (2), ’76 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Dave Lemanczyk, a right-handed pitcher known for his workhorse mentality and versatility, made his mark in Major League Baseball (MLB) during the 1970s and early 1980s. His career included being part of the inaugural Toronto Blue Jays team, where he became a reliable starter and an early fan favorite. Beyond his playing days, Lemanczyk remained dedicated to the sport, sharing his knowledge as a coach and mentor.
David Lawrence Lemanczyk was born on August 17, 1950, in Syracuse, New York. He played college baseball at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, where he developed his skills on the mound. His potential caught the attention of scouts, leading the Detroit Tigers to select him in the 16th round of the 1972 MLB Draft.
Lemanczyk made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers on April 15, 1973. After spending a few seasons with the Tigers, he was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1976 MLB Expansion Draft. This move marked a turning point in his career, as he became a key figure in the Blue Jays’ pitching rotation.
His best season came in 1979, when he earned an All-Star selection while posting a 8-10 record with a 3.71 ERA. Although his win-loss record might not stand out, it reflected his role on a young expansion team still finding its footing. Lemanczyk’s durability and leadership on the mound helped set a foundation for the Blue Jays’ future success.
Over his career, Lemanczyk also played for the California Angels before retiring after the 1980 season. He finished with a career record of 37-63, a 4.62 ERA, and 429 strikeouts in 913 innings pitched.
Following his playing days, Lemanczyk stayed involved in baseball, dedicating himself to coaching and developing young talent. He opened the Dave Lemanczyk Baseball Academy in Long Island, New York, where he provided pitching instruction and shared his experience with aspiring athletes. His coaching emphasized fundamentals, discipline, and a love for the game. Lemanczyk also worked as a high school coach, helping shape the lives and careers of young players. His approach to coaching was rooted in the same work ethic and dedication that defined his MLB career.
Dave Lemanczyk’s legacy is marked by his journey as a pitcher for an expansion team and his commitment to nurturing future generations of players. While his MLB statistics may not be eye-popping, his contributions to the Blue Jays during their formative years were invaluable.
Lemanczyk’s story is a reminder that professional athletes can have lasting impacts not only through their own careers but also through their ability to teach and inspire others. His transition from the mound to the coaching box highlights the full circle of his baseball life—remaining a positive influence in the sport he loves.
Today, Lemanczyk is remembered not only as a pitcher who helped lay the groundwork for a budding franchise but also as a mentor whose legacy extends well beyond the professional field. His passion for the game and dedication to helping young players succeed ensure that his impact will be felt for years to come.
The Score on Dave Lemanczyk – 6.0
Dave has a signature on the small side. He’s got a good amount of letters in his name, so its definitely a job to try to sneak them into the space he does. While I like a signature to be bigger and fill up more of the card, it doesn’t make this one bad. I think maybe he could have signed in some different places to show it off maybe.
Thanks Mr. Lemanczyk! I’m giving this return a 6.
This is my second successful return from him. To see the first successful return, check out my post from August 2022.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.