Gullett, Big Red Machine hurler, dies at age 73

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – One of the young phenom pitchers of the 1970s during the Reds decade of championships, Don Gullett died on Wednesday at the age of 73.

The cause of death was not immediately known. The Reds announced Gullett's passing.

"Don dedicated 24 years to this franchise as a player, coach and Minor league instructor," Reds CEO Bob Castellini said in a statement. "An anchor on the pitching staff of one of the greatest baseball teams in history, his contributions to our rich tradition, our city and his community will never be forgotten."

A native of Lynn, Ky., Gullett was the 14th overall pick by Cincinnati in the 1969 Draft. After only 11 Minor League games that season, the left-hander debuted in the Major Leagues as a 19-year-old in 1970.

In 236 games over seven seasons from 1970-76, Gullett went 91-44 with a 3.03 ERA for the Reds. He signed as a free agent with the Yankees before the 1977 season.

Gullett made only eight starts during the 1978 season with New York because of a torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder. It was a career-ending injury.

Overall, Gullett pitched in six League Championship Series and four World Series. He won three straight World Series titles with the Reds (1975-76) and Yankees, going 14-4 with a 3.58 ERA in 22 starts in 1977.

Gullett spent 16 seasons in the Reds' organization as a coach from 1990-2005 , including the last 13 years as a bullpen or pitching coach on the Major League staff.

In 2002, Gullett was elected to the Reds Hall of Fame.