Ron Taylor, World Series Champion and Doctor, Passes Away
The baseball world mourns the loss of Ron Taylor, a prominent pitcher who left an indelible mark both on and off the field. Taylor, a two-time World Series winner and later a doctor, passed away on Monday at the age of 87.
Taylor was a fundamental part of the champion teams of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964 and the New York Mets in 1969, demonstrating his worth in crucial moments. His performance in the postseason was impeccable, not allowing runs in his performances.
In 1969, as a key reliever for the “Miracle Mets”, he led the team with 59 appearances. That season, the right-handed pitcher achieved 13 saves with an ERA of 2.72. His impact was notable in the World Series that year, where he secured a save in the second game, retiring the last seven batters against the Baltimore Orioles.
Taylor’s career in the Major Leagues spanned 11 seasons, accumulating a record of 54-43 with 74 saves and an ERA of 3.93 in 491 appearances (17 as a starter). He played for the Cleveland Indians (1962), Cardinals (1963-65), Houston Astros (1965-66), Mets (1967-71), and San Diego Padres (1972).
In the 1964 World Series, against the New York Yankees, Taylor pitched 4 and two-thirds innings without allowing hits, securing a save in the fourth game.
After his successful baseball career, Taylor returned to his native Toronto and studied medicine at the University of Toronto. For three decades, he served as the team doctor for the Toronto Blue Jays before establishing his private practice in 2014.
Ron Taylor’s legacy transcends the playing field, as a member of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, the Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, and the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.
