Books and articles about Richie Zisk

A three-time minor league home run champ, Zisk replaced Roberto Clemente as Pittsburgh's right fielder in 1973. He moved to left field to accommodate stronger-armed Dave Parker in 1975. From 1973 to 1976, Zisk averaged .299 with 17 HR a season, but felt unappreciated among the Parkers and Stargells, saying he was "buried alive in Pittsburgh." Manager Danny Murtaugh thought Zisk was a lazy dreamer. Zisk welcomed his trade to the White Sox for Goose Gossage and Terry Forster after the 1976 season and reached career highs of 30 HR and 101 RBI in 1977. He then signed a lucrative ten-year contract with Texas as a free agent. After three Ranger seasons, Zisk was traded to Seattle and hit .311 as a DH in 1981, setting a Mariner record with homers in five straight games, and earning AL Comeback Player of the Year honors. After multiple knee operations and a wrist injury, he retired after 1983. (JCA)