1983 Profile: Rudy May

"In 1982 Rudy May saw success and injury, spent time in the majors and minors, started and relieved. Only a seasoned veteran, of outstanding ability, could adjust to such a campaign and have Rudy's high degree of success. In Pinstripes, Rudy posted a record of 6-6 with three saves in 41 appearances and boasted a strikeout to walk ratio of better than 6 to 1. All this despite a sore left shoulder that landed him on the disabled list and a brief stint at Columbus.
With 15 years of experience, the Yankees look to Rudy May for both wit and wisdom. He knows the league, its hitters, and how to win. His value is enhanced tenfold by his control and versatility."

-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook

"Rudy pitched well in 1982 with excellent control despite a slight shoulder problem in mid-June. He was placed on the disabled list on June 4 with a sore left shoulder and was activated on June 27. Rudy struck out 16 batters before he allowed his first walk on May 15.
He began the season in the bullpen, but was pressed into the starting rotation when Doyle Alexander suffered a broken hand. Rudy ended the season with 85 strikeouts and 14 walks with a strikeout to walk ratio of better than 6 to 1 (five of the 14 walks were intentional). From June 27 through September 9 he made 25 appearances, 24 in relief, winning five with no losses and saving three. Rudy was selected by the White Sox this past January 20 from the compensation pool (as compensation for Steve Kemp), but the selection was voided by the American League because of a no-trade clause.
In 1980 Rudy won the AL ERA title with a 2.47 mark, though he was disabled early in the season with a lower back strain. He won his last eight decisions of 1980 and his first three of 1981 for a personal winning streak of 11.
He originally made it to the majors in 1965 with the Angels and threw a 1-hitter against Denny McLain and the Tigers in his first game, but without a decision. He suffered a sore shoulder later that year and struggled in the minors for three seasons. Rudy had been a mainstay of the Angels' pitching staff from 1969 through June 15, 1974 when he was sold to the Yankees. He struck out nine batters in a row while at Portsmouth in 1964.
Rudy lettered in baseball, basketball, football and track at Castlemont High School in Oakland where he was a teammate of Joe Morgan and played against Willie Stargell and Paul Silas. He grew up rooting for the Giants. He credits three of his pitching coaches for helping his career the most: George Bamberger, Jim Brewer and Whitey Ford."

-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide