This 6'6" 205-lb reliever used a difficult sidearm delivery to help Atlanta to the 1969 division title with 27 saves. He appeared in every game of the LCS. Upshaw's career was sidetracked the following spring when he nearly severed a finger on his pitching hand while showing teammates how to dunk a basketball. He missed the entire season and never became the bullpen stopper he had been prior to his accident. (PB)
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FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»April 5, 1971:
In 45 degree weather, the Reds play their first opener at Riverfront Stadium, dropping a 7–4 decision to the Braves. The Reds make six errors, three by 3B Woody Woodward. The win goes to 6' 6" reliever Cecil Upshaw, who missed last season after almost losing the ring finger on his pitching hand. Upshaw was dunking a basketball and his hand got entangled in the net causing the injury.