This curveballer had chronic arm trouble, spending parts of four seasons and all
of one (1985) on the disabled list. A starter with Atlanta, he was demoted after
going 1-8 in 1977. Traded to the Astros in 1979, he became a reliever, and he excelled
in 1980. He was 5-0 with eight saves and a 0.90 ERA at the All-Star break, but tendinitis
in his shoulder (which eventually ended his career) caused a second-half slump; he
finished 8-5, with 11 saves and a 2.82 ERA.
(MC)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»September 8, 1975: The Astros outslug the Braves, 9–6, with Jose Sosa picking up his only career win. The loss goes to Frank LaCorte, making his ML debut.
»August 12, 1976: At Philadelphia, the Braves edge the Phils, 4–3, pinning the loss on Jim Lonborg. Atlanta pitcher Frank LaCorte wins his first ML game after nine losses.
»May 25, 1979:
The Braves ship Frank LaCorte (4–24 lifetime) to the Astros for Bo McLaughlin (9–15 lifetime). LaCorte will turn it around, going 19–20 for the rest of his career, while McLauglin will win just one more game.
»May 23, 1984:
At Anaheim, 41,205 watch as Dan Petry and the Tigers clip the Angels, 4–2, to run Detroit's record to 34–5. Detroit has now won 16 straight on the road to tie the American League record of the 1912 Senators. The win goes to Petry (7–1). Losing pitcher is reliever Frank LaCorte, who takes his last ML loss when he gives up a two-run homer in the 7th to Lance Parrish. LaCorte will beat the Yankees Phil Niekro on the 29th for his last win.
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