TTM Stats
- Sent: 5/19/2022 | Received: 7/25/2022 | 66 Days
- ’70 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Baseball has seen its share of familial legacies, but few are as compelling as that of John O’Donoghue and his son, John Preston O’Donoghue. Both left-handed pitchers, they carved out their own paths in Major League Baseball, each donning the Baltimore Orioles uniform during their respective careers.
Born on October 7, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, John Eugene O’Donoghue began his professional baseball journey when he signed with the Kansas City Athletics in 1959. Making his MLB debut on September 29, 1963, he embarked on a nine-season career that spanned several teams, including the Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Pilots, Milwaukee Brewers, and Montreal Expos.
O’Donoghue’s most notable season came in 1965 with the Athletics, where he was selected as an American League All-Star. Despite leading the league in losses that year with 18, his selection underscored his resilience and skill on the mound. Over his MLB tenure, he compiled a 39–55 win-loss record, a 4.07 ERA, and recorded 377 strikeouts across 751 innings pitched.
After retiring as a player in 1971, O’Donoghue transitioned into coaching, serving as a pitching coach in the Orioles’ minor league system during the early 1990s. Notably, he coached his son, John Preston, during his time with the Frederick Keys and Bowie Baysox.
Born on May 26, 1969, in Wilmington, Delaware, John Preston O’Donoghue developed his pitching skills at Louisiana State University, where he played collegiate baseball. Undrafted, he signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 1990, beginning his professional career in their minor league system.
O’Donoghue made his MLB debut on June 27, 1993, for the Orioles. During the 1993 season, he appeared in 11 games, starting once, and posted a 0–1 record with a 4.58 ERA over 19.2 innings pitched, striking out 16 batters . His time in the majors was brief, but it marked a significant achievement in his baseball journey.
Following his stint in the majors, O’Donoghue continued to play in the minor leagues until 1996, with organizations including the Dodgers and Rangers.
The O’Donoghues’ story is one of dedication, perseverance, and familial bonds. Both father and son achieved the dream of reaching the major leagues, each leaving their mark on the game. Their journeys underscore the enduring nature of baseball’s familial legacies and the unique narratives that enrich the sport’s history.
The Score on John O’Donoghue – 5.0
John has a nice signature, but if you read my blog normally, you know that I am not a fan of a ball point signature. I know I say that all the time. I don’t get that many in the grand scheme of things though. John has a signature that seems to be a sign of an older guy – a little wiggly.
Thanks Mr. O’Donoghue! I’m giving this return a 5.
This is my second successful return from him. To see that return, check out my post from October 2018.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.