TTM Stats
- Sent: 6/7/2022 | Received: 6/21/2022 | 14 Days
- ’84 Fleer Update, ’86 Donruss, ’87 Fleer, ’88 Topps, ’88 Score, ’89 Pacific Senior League
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 5/9/2023 | Received: 5/30/2023 | 21 Days
- ’83 O-Pee-Chee, ’85 Fleer, ’85 Topps, ’86 Topps, ’87 Topps, ’88 Donruss
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 3/7/2024 | Received: 3/26/2024 | 19 Days
- ’81 Fleer, ’81 Topps, ’82 Donruss, ’82 Fleer, ’83 Donruss
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 10/28/2024 | Received: 11/16/2024 | 18 Days
- ’82 Donruss, ’83 Donruss, ’85 Fleer, ’87 Topps, ’88 Topps, ’89 Pacific Senior League
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Tim Stoddard is a name that resonates not only in baseball, but also in basketball history. As a towering right-handed pitcher with a knack for closing games, Stoddard enjoyed a successful Major League Baseball (MLB) career. His unique athletic journey, including an NCAA basketball championship, sets him apart as one of the most versatile athletes of his era.
Timothy Paul Stoddard was born on January 24, 1953, in East Chicago, Indiana. He attended Washington High School in East Chicago, where his athletic talents became apparent. Standing at 6’7”, Stoddard excelled in both baseball and basketball, earning a scholarship to North Carolina State University (NC State). At NC State, Stoddard was a member of the legendary 1974 basketball team that won the NCAA championship. The Wolfpack, led by coach Norm Sloan and stars like David Thompson, defeated the powerhouse UCLA Bruins in the semifinals and then Marquette in the final. Stoddard remains one of only two athletes to win both an NCAA basketball title and a World Series (the other being Kenny Lofton).
Stoddard made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox on September 7, 1975. He was not in the bigs for the next few years and moved on to Baltimore and starting in 1978, became a key bullpen piece for the Orioles, contributing to their success in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His finest moment came in 1983 when he helped the Orioles win the World Series. Stoddard was a dependable reliever, but posted a 6.09 ERA over 57.2 innings that season. He appeared in five World Series games, allowing only three runs on baseball’s biggest stage.
Over his 13-year career, Stoddard played for several teams, including:
- Chicago White Sox (1975)
- Baltimore Orioles (1978–1983)
- Chicago Cubs (1984)
- San Diego Padres (1985–1986)
- New York Yankees (1986–1988)
- Cleveland Indians (1989)
Stoddard ended his career with a solid record of 41-35, a 3.95 ERA, and 76 saves in 485 games. His imposing presence on the mound, combined with a sharp slider and solid fastball, made him a trusted arm in late-game situations.
Following his retirement as a player, Stoddard transitioned into coaching. He became the pitching coach at Northwestern University, and also worked with young athletes in various capacities. His coaching career allowed him to pass on his wealth of knowledge and experience to the next generation of players. Stoddard’s influence extended beyond the field, as he became known for his positive impact on young athletes’ development, emphasizing hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
Tim Stoddard’s legacy is unique not only because of his dual-sport success but also due to his adaptability and commitment to excellence. His contributions to the Orioles’ bullpen in the 1980s, combined with his coaching career, reflect a lifelong dedication to sports.
Stoddard’s story is a reminder that success in athletics often comes from versatility and seizing opportunities. His journey from an NCAA basketball champion to a World Series-winning pitcher showcases the remarkable paths a professional athlete’s career can take.
Today, Stoddard remains a respected figure in sports, remembered for his big-game performances and his ability to inspire through both his athletic achievements and his mentorship.
The Score on Tim Stoddard – 6.5
These are all pretty good returns from Tim. One thing that I really like now that I have started combining returns from guys I know I have a lot of in the backlog is that you can really see when players are consistent. For instance, all of these came back from Tim in between 2-3 weeks. That great! You can also see how consistent he is with the autograph and that he signs pretty much everything.
Thanks Mr. Stoddard! I’m giving this lot a 6.5 overall.
These aren’t my first returns from him. To see prior posts, check these out:
>>> READ MORE ABOUT MY AUTOGRAPH SCORING SYSTEM <<<
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.