Rudy May was never the flashiest name in baseball, nor was he the most talked-about pitcher of his era. However, his career spanned nearly two decades, during which he displayed remarkable consistency, adaptability, and perseverance. As a left-handed pitcher, May carved out a successful career in Major League Baseball (MLB), earning respect for his control and ability to reinvent himself as the game evolved. His journey through baseball exemplifies the value of patience and determination, proving that longevity and dependability can sometimes mean more than short bursts of dominance.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Rudolph May Jr. on July 18, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Rudy May grew up with a natural talent for baseball. As a young left-handed pitcher, his ability to throw with precision made him stand out. Like many aspiring players, he had dreams of making it to the big leagues, and by his teenage years, he was already on scouts’ radars.
May was signed by the Minnesota Twins in 1962 but never made it to the majors with them. Instead, he found himself traded to the Philadelphia Phillies and later to the California Angels, where he eventually got his first real shot in the big leagues. On April 18, 1965, he made his MLB debut with the Angels, delivering a performance that showcased his potential. In that game, he struck out ten batters, hinting at the strikeout ability that would become a hallmark of his pitching style.
Finding His Stride with the Angels
While May had an impressive debut, his early years in the majors were marked by inconsistency. He struggled with control issues and bounced between the minor leagues and the big leagues. However, his perseverance paid off, and by the early 1970s, he had established himself as a reliable starting pitcher for the Angels.
During his time with the team, he developed a reputation for being a solid left-handed arm in the rotation. His ability to mix his fastball with off-speed pitches kept hitters off balance. Though he never put up eye-popping numbers, he was a dependable presence on the mound, logging innings and giving his team a chance to win whenever he pitched.
Transition to the Baltimore Orioles
In 1974, May was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, where he continued to be a key part of the pitching staff. Under the guidance of the Orioles’ renowned pitching coaches, he refined his mechanics and improved his control. The Orioles were a competitive team during this era, and May’s ability to eat up innings made him a valuable asset.
One of his standout seasons came in 1976 when he posted a 3.54 ERA over 238 innings. His ability to keep runs off the board and limit walks made him a favorite among managers and teammates alike. Though he wasn’t overpowering, his craftiness and intelligence on the mound allowed him to compete with some of the best hitters in the league.
The Yankees Years and a Career Evolution
After his stint in Baltimore, May found himself traded to the Montreal Expos in 1977 before being dealt again to the New York Yankees in 1980. It was with the Yankees that he experienced a significant career shift. With age catching up to him, he transitioned from being a full-time starter to a more flexible role that included relief appearances.
The Yankees, a powerhouse team during this time, utilized May as a swingman, meaning he could start when needed but also come out of the bullpen in high-leverage situations. His adaptability allowed him to extend his career and remain valuable to a team with championship aspirations. In 1980, he posted a 15-5 record with a league-best 2.46 ERA, a testament to his ability to adjust to new roles and continue contributing at a high level.
Wrapping Up His Career
May played his final MLB seasons with the Yankees before retiring after the 1983 season. By the time he hung up his cleats, he had amassed a career record of 152-156 with a respectable 3.46 ERA over nearly 2,700 innings pitched. While his win-loss record might not jump off the page, his longevity and ability to adapt made him a well-respected figure in the sport.
After retirement, May remained connected to the game in various ways, including mentoring young pitchers and offering insights into the art of pitching. His story serves as an inspiration for left-handed pitchers who might not have overwhelming velocity but can succeed through control, intelligence, and adaptability.
Legacy and Impact on the Game
Rudy May’s career might not be as widely celebrated as some of his contemporaries, but his impact on the game is undeniable. He proved that longevity and reliability could be just as valuable as short bursts of brilliance. His ability to transition from a starter to a reliever later in his career also set an example for many pitchers who sought to extend their playing days.
Left-handed pitchers often have an advantage in baseball due to their unique angle and movement, and May exemplified how a lefty can make the most of his natural gifts. His career spanned nearly two decades, during which he adapted to different roles, different teams, and different expectations. In an era where pitchers often struggled with durability, May stood out as a model of consistency.
Today, Rudy May is remembered as one of the more underrated left-handed pitchers of his time. While he never won a Cy Young Award or led the league in strikeouts, he played an important role on every team he was a part of. His career serves as a reminder that success in baseball is not always about being the most dominant player but about finding ways to contribute year after year.
For young pitchers looking to make a name for themselves, May’s journey offers valuable lessons: control is just as important as power, adaptability is key to longevity, and perseverance can turn a good career into a great one. His name may not be the first that comes to mind when discussing great left-handed pitchers, but those who played with or against him know just how important he was to the teams he pitched for.
Rudy May’s story is a testament to what makes baseball such a great sport—the ability for players to evolve, overcome challenges, and leave behind a legacy that, while not always in the spotlight, is deeply respected by those who truly know the game.
