Dave LaRoche, a left-handed pitcher, had a solid career in Major League Baseball, playing for several teams over 14 seasons. His journey to the New York Yankees is particularly interesting, marked by his innovative approach to pitching and the creation of one of the most talked-about pitches in baseball history: the "La Lob."
Before joining the Yankees, LaRoche played for the California Angels, Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs, and Cleveland Indians. He was known for his reliable relief pitching, accumulating a respectable career ERA and tallying up saves along the way.
LaRoche joined the Yankees in 1981, a team already stacked with talent and eager for a pitcher who could bring something unique to their bullpen. During his tenure with the Yankees, LaRoche posted a 3.75 ERA, recording 8 saves and 54 strikeouts in 89.1 innings pitched. His performance was solid, but it was his innovative pitch that truly made waves.
The "La Lob" was LaRoche's secret weapon—a slow, high-arching pitch that baffled batters. This pitch, thrown with a dramatically reduced velocity, floated towards the plate at a speed usually reserved for slow-pitch softball. The ball would ascend high into the air, seemingly defying the conventions of baseball physics before dropping into the strike zone.
The "La Lob" quickly became one of the most talked-about pitches in baseball. Batters were often caught off-guard by its slow approach and high arc. Some would swing so hard and miss that they appeared to be aiming for the moon, the ball looking gigantic as it floated towards them. The contrast to the usual fastballs they faced left them flailing.
"Some hitters look at it and they start laughing, LaRoche said, "But it keeps them off balance. It's not something they see every day, and that's the idea."
However, not every batter was fooled. On occasion, a hitter with perfect timing would connect with the "La Lob," sending the ball soaring out of the park. These moments were rare but memorable, as the juxtaposition of the leisurely pitch and the explosive hit was a spectacle for fans and players alike. LaRoche had mixed success with his lob. Some games saw him retire batter after batter with ease, while others had him watching helplessly as his lob was sent into the stands. Despite its unpredictability, the "La Lob" became a symbol of his ingenuity and willingness to experiment.
Even after his playing days were over, LaRoche's legacy lived on through this unusual pitch. The "La Lob" remains a quirky footnote in baseball history, a testament to a pitcher who dared to be different and brought a touch of the unexpected to America's pastime.
BYB Yankee History Contributor
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