Season 16 saw the leagues first inductee, Ted Walsh.Ted was a 7 Time All Star, 1 Time Cy Young, 1 Time Silver Slugger. He had a career ERA of 3.47 which helped him win 231 games while losing only 110, for a .677 winning percentage. He pitched 3105.2 innings over 509 games, striking out 2485 batters, walking only 941 batters. In his final season in the majors at age 42 he added to his legend by picking up 5 saves, displaying his versatility.
Ted's best statistical season was season 8 in which he won 27 games and had a 1.03 whip. When asked about his best season during an interview at his retirement he responded, "Season 8? Are you kidding that was good but for me it will always be about season 4. We won the series that year, and the memories..We are still close."
When contacted for his thoughts on Walsh, Season 4 MVPBenito Romero said, "Walshie's just being Walshie. He was never about individual accolades. For him its always been about team. From my viewpoint however, the numbers he put up in Coors are sick."
Russ Maurer, who joined the team mid season in season 4 summed it up, "Ted was more than just the leader of the rotation, he was the leader of the team and the proxy pitching coach. He elevated all of us and I became a better pitcher just watching him prepare."
Walsh's career after baseball however is where this goes from a warm fuzzy piece to a tragedy. Walsh's current whereabouts are unknown. After a confrontation with a fan at a memorabilia show Ted retired to the Yukon. Calls go unanswered and photos are about as rare as that of bigfoot. Where have you gone Ted Walsh, Honolulu turns its lonely eyes to you.
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