Statement from the Giants on the Passing of Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry 

SAN FRANCISCO – The Giants are saddened to learn of the passing of Hall of Fame right-handed pitcher Gaylord Perry, who passed away earlier this morning at his home in South Carolina. Perry was 84 years old.

“The Giants are deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry,” said Giants Chairman Greg Johnson. “Gaylord was an integral part of the Giants and a great teammate and friend to many in the organization. We extend our deepest condolences to Gaylord’s family, friends, and his fans everywhere.”

“Gaylord Perry was larger than life both on and off the field,” said Larry Baer, Giants President & Chief Executive Officer. “Gaylord was not only a Giants legend but a baseball legend with a storied 22-year career that touched three different decades. Here in San Francisco, he helped lead those early Giants teams in the 60s and early 70s that brought young Giants fans like myself out to Candlestick Park to fall in love with the game of baseball. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Deborah and his family and friends during this time.”

“He was a good man, a good ballplayer and my good friend. So long old Pal,” said Giants Hall of Famer Willie Mays.

"I am very saddened to hear about Gaylord's passing. He was a wonderful teammate with a great sense of humor," said Giants Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda. "He had a great personality and was my baseball brother. In all my years in baseball, I never saw a right-handed hurler have such a presence on the field and in the clubhouse. He threw excellent pitches and provided the batter with another thing to think about as the pitch swept toward the plate. My deepest condolences to his wife Deborah, and the entire Perry Family."

"I was informed this morning of Gaylord Perry's passing and it's tough losing a legend,” said Giants Hall of Famer Juan Marichal. “Gaylord was smart, funny, and kind to everyone in the clubhouse. When he talked, you listened. During our 10 seasons together in the San Francisco Giants rotation, we combined to record 369 complete games, more than any pair of teammates in the Major Leagues. I will always remember Gaylord for his love and devotion to the game of baseball, his family, and his farm. Alma and I send our love to Deborah and their children and mourn his loss with them."

Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991, Perry began his professional career with San Francisco in 1962 and spent 10 seasons in a Giants uniform from 1962-1971. He was named an All-Star for the first time in his career in 1966 after going 21-8 with a 2.99 ERA in 36 games (35 starts). Perry finished 18th in the MVP voting that season.

Four years later in 1970, Perry led the National League in wins (23), games started (41), shutouts (five) and innings pitched (328.2) en route to finishing the year 23-13 with a 3.20 ERA. He garnered All-Star recognition for a second time in his career, finished second in the Cy Young voting and was 14th in the MVP voting.

As a Giant, Perry went 134-109 with a 2.96 ERA in 367 career games (283 starts) and tossed 125 complete games (including 21 shutouts). In San Francisco Giants history (1958-present), Perry ranks second in wins, ERA, complete games, shutouts and innings pitched (2,294.2). His 283 career starts are fourth-most in SF-history and his 1,606 strikeouts are fifth-most. He’s one of just seven pitchers in the SF-era to win at least 100 games with the club. Perry’s No. 36 was retired by the Giants in 2005 and the Giants later erected a statue of Perry outside of Oracle Park in August of 2016 at the Second & King St. entrance to the ballpark.

Perry went on to have a 22-year Major League career that saw him become the first pitcher to win a Cy Young Award in both the National and American Leagues. He’d win the 1972 AL Cy Young Award with Cleveland after going 24-16 with a 1.92 ERA and then won the NL award six years later in 1978 with San Diego when he went 21-6 with a 2.73 ERA.

In his 22 Major League seasons with San Francisco, Cleveland (1972-75), Texas (1975-77, 80), San Diego (1978-79), New York-AL (1980), Atlanta (1981), Seattle (1982-83) and Kansas City (1983), Perry was 314-265 with a 3.11 ERA and 303 complete games in 777 career games (690 starts). His 314 career wins are 17th-most all-time in Major League history and he’s one of eight pitchers in MLB history to win at least 300 games while striking out at least 3,500 batters

The Williamston, NC native was a five-time 20-game winner (1966, 1970, 1972, 1974 and 1978) and five-time All-Star (1966, 1970, 1972, 1974 and 1979).

Outside of Major League Baseball, Perry had an immeasurable impact on the lives he touched throughout his journey. He proudly served as a member of the United States Army.

After his retirement, he took pride in his role as the head coach of the Limestone University baseball team, which provided him an opportunity to continue doing what he loved while giving back to the game of baseball and developing young men into upstanding citizens, providing guidance on and off the field.

Gaylord is survived by his wife, Deborah, and his three children, Allison, Amy, and Beth. He is predeceased by his son, Jack, and wife Blanche.

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