Frank LaCorte

Frank LaCorte
Pitcher
Born:(1951-10-13)October 13, 1951 San Jose, California,U.S.
Batted:Right Threw:Right
MLB debut
September 8, 1975, for the Atlanta Braves
Last MLB appearance
September 24, 1984, for the California Angels
MLB statistics
Win–loss record	23–44
Earned run average	5.01
Strikeouts	372
Teams
Atlanta Braves(1975–1979) Houston Astros(1979–1983) California Angels(1984)

Frank Joseph LaCorte(/ləˈkɔːrti/la-KOR-tee;born October 13, 1951) is anAmericanformerprofessional baseballplayer whopitchedinMajor League Baseball(MLB) from 1975–1984 for theAtlanta Braves,Houston Astros,andCalifornia Angels.Aright-hander,he stood 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) tall and weighed 180 pounds (82 kg).

Early career

LaCorte attendedGilroy High SchoolthenGavilan Collegeand was signed by the Braves as an undraftedfree agentin 1972. He broke into the Majors late in his third professional season, and would play all or part of ten years in the MLB. Initially astarting pitcher,LaCorte hurled for the perennially struggling late-1970s Braves for the first 44games pitchedof his MLB career. He won only four of 28decisions(.143) and compiled a poor 6.23earned run averagein 179innings pitchedduring his tenure with the Braves.

Effective member of Astros' bullpen

On May 25, 1979, he was traded to Houston (for pitcherBo McLaughlin) and eventually established himself with the Astros as arelief pitcher.LaCorte was a member of the1980National League West Divisionchampion Astros. Along withJoe SambitoandDave Smith,he was an integral part of the club's successful bullpen. His statistics from the 1980 season were his career best in wins (8), ERA (2.82), games pitched (55),games finished(44), andsaves(11).

He appeared in two games in relief in the1980 National League Championship Series,and was thewinnerin Game 2's 7–4 Houston win. That win on October 8 was the first postseason victory in Astros history. However, in the deciding fifth game, LaCorte gave updoublestoDel UnserandGarry Maddoxin the tenth inning, as thePhiladelphia Philliesbroke a 7–7 deadlock to win their firstNational Leaguetitle in 30 years.

During a May 26, 1982, game against theMontreal Expos,LaCortewalkeda batter with thebases loaded.He was so angry that he burned his uniform when he returned to the clubhouse.

During his Major League career, LaCorte appeared in 253 total games — only 32 as a starting pitcher — and allowed 457hitsand 258 bases on balls in 490 innings pitched. He notched 372strikeoutsand 26 saves to go along with his 23 Major-League wins. He retired from professional baseball after the1984season.

Post-baseball career

Upon his retirement, LaCorte moved back toGilroy, California,where he was raised, and purchased a tow truck business named Marx Towing. His wife is a former beauty pageant queen. They have been married for more than 40 years and have two grown children.

On December 3, 1985, LaCorte was driving in Gilroy and hit Anne Swift (age 88) and Alice Denhard (age 68) with his car while they were crossing the street in a crosswalk. Anne Swift died on January 15, 1986. LaCorte pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter, and was sentenced to a $1,700 fine, 200 hours of community service, and 3 years probation.

External links

• Career statistics and player information fromBaseball Reference,orBaseball Reference (Minors)