Darwin signed with the Angels as a pitcher in 1962. That year with San Jose (California
League) he struck out 202 and walked 149 in 153 innings. His control problems and
disabling injuries contributed to his gradual switch to the outfield starting in
1966.
The Twins made Darwin their regular centerfielder in 1972, and although he
showed good power over the next three seasons (22, 18, and 25 HR), he led the AL
in strikeouts each year (145, 137, 127) and had fewer fielding chances than any other
centerfielder. In 1974 he tied for fourth in HR and was fifth in RBI (94). Traded
to Milwaukee in 1975 while hitting .219, he was never again a regular, and he finished
his career with more strikeouts than hits.
(SH)
Bobby Darwin
