The flame throwing Baltimore Orioles minor leaguer Steve Dalkowski never saw time in the Majors, despite his intense pitching skills. He died on April 19 reportedly of complications from Covid-19. He was 80 years old.
He might just be the most famous pitcher you’ve never heard of. The 5’11 175-pound lefty affectionately known as “Dalko” entered the Orioles minor league system at age 18. He reported threw a fast ball at speeds between 110 and 115 MPH. Unfortunately, like the Laloosh of the fictional Durham Bulls in the movie, Dalkowski struggled with command.
In a movie, that lack of command made Laloosh endearing and funny.