Jim Lonborg later became a dentist in Hanover, Massachusetts, but in 1967 he was the best pitcher in the American League, earning the Cy Young Award as the ace of the Boston Red Sox.
Nicknamed “Gentleman Jim,” the 6’ 5” right-hander was certainly no gentleman as he led the AL in hit batters with 19. That is a remarkable achievement for someone who posted a 2.7 BB/9. The previous year Lonborg managed only seven, getting a dent from one of his tosses. There is a reason behind this sudden selective deterioration of control.
The Red Sox had a new manager, one Dick Williams.