Yennier Cano tied a franchise record for consecutive batters retired to begin the season during the Orioles’ 6-2 victory against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday afternoon.
Cano induced a Rafael Devers ground ball in the eighth inning, his 24th consecutive batter retired, before hitting Justin Turner with his next pitch. That left him tied with original record holder Fred Holdsworth.
This begs the question: Who is Fred Holdsworth?
Fred Holdsworth pitched for the Orioles during parts of the 1976 and 1977 seasons. Called up from the minors in mid-July, he debuted with 4.2 scoreless innings against the California Angels.
Holdsworth didn’t allow a base runner until his fourth appearance on July 24 when he walked the Milwaukee Brewers’ Charlie Moore. Robin Yount followed with an RBI double.
The pitching-rich Orioles traded Holdsworth to the Montreal Expos on July 14, 1977. According to Holdsworth, arm problems, including a nagging rotator cuff injury, prevented him from realizing the potential he showed when the O’s called him up.
Here’s a tip of the cartoon bird cap to former Orioles reliever and now co-record holder Fred Holdsworth.
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Related Reading: Talkin’ With the Pros: Fred Holdsworth, Chicago North MSBL
Fred Holdsworth (BR Bullpen)
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