Eastwick was a rookie sensation in 1975, tying for the NL lead with 22 saves, with a 2.60 ERA. He then won three and saved two in post-season play as the Reds became the '75 World Champions. The 6'3" fireballer saved a league-high 26 in 1976, which, with his 11 relief wins, earned him the NL Fireman of the Year award. After being traded to St. Louis during a 1977 salary dispute, Eastwick parlayed free agency into a $1.1 million five-year pact in 1978 with the Yankees. They shipped him to the Phillies that June 14. Eastwick set a NL fielding record for pitchers by going 274 consecutive errorless games. (MC)
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FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»October 2, 1974:
During a 13–0 win over Reds, the Braves Hank Aaron homers off Rawly Eastwick. It is Aaron's 733rd career clout and comes in his last National League at bat.
»June 15, 1977:
The Reds keep trading today, sending P Gary Nolan to the Angels for INF Craig Henderson. Cincy also swaps P Rawly Eastwick to the Cardinals for P Doug Capilla. Then, a fine trade for the Brewers, Milwaukee snag P Mike Caldwell from the Reds for P Dick O'Keeffe and infielder Garry Pyka. Caldwell has had trouble regaining his form following arm surgery, but in 1978 he will be the American League's comeback player of the year. In a final deal, the Reds acquire infielder Rick Auerbach from the Texas Rangers.
»June 14, 1978:
The Yankees acquire OF Jay Johnstone from the Phillies in exchange for P Rawly Eastwick, who was a disappointment after New York signed him for more than $1 million.
»May 17, 1979: The wind is really blowing out at Wrigley as the Cubs (6) and the Phillies (5) combine for a ML-record-tying 11 home runs and 97 total bases during a wild 10-inning slugfest won 23–22 by the Phils. Dave Kingman has three home runs and six RBIs for the Cubs, while teammate Bill Buckner has a grand slam and seven RBIs. Mike Schmidt's two home runs include the game-winner in the 10th off Cub relief ace Bruce Sutter. Bob Boone has five RBIs and Larry Bowa five hits. The Phils jump to a 7–0 lead in the 1st and lead 15–6 after three innings, and 21–9 going into the bottom of the 6th but can't hold it. Rawly Eastwick shuts out the Cubs for two frames to win. The two teams combine to have 21 different players score runs and the 2-team total of 47 extra bases on long hits (24-Phi) sets a ML mark for an extra inning game. It is the largest scoring game in the majors since August 25, 1922, when these same two teams met.
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