We learned via social media on Tuesday morning that LaMarr Hoyt, the 1983 American League Cy Young winner, passed away at the age of 66. Former White Sox executive Dan Evans was among those to first share the unfortunate news.
During his eight-year career, Hoyt played for the White Sox (1979-84) and Padres (1985-86), also adding an All-Star appearance to his accolades. The right-hander went 74-49 with a 3.92 ERA (410 ER/942.0 IP), 513 strikeouts, 3.58 FIP, 104 ERA+, and 1.193 WHIP over his six seasons in Chicago, a key part of Tony La Russa’s Winning Ugly team.
“My first impression of LaMarr was, ‘Here is a pitcher’. He had average stuff but amazing command and tremendous confidence, and he never showed fear,” said La Russa. “We brought him up to the big leagues in 1979 and nothing bothered him. He had this impressive cool where he believed if he made his pitches, he would get hitters out. He faced teams multiple times in a season but could change up his looks and keep them off balance. What a great competitor.”
“LaMarr was a great pitcher and a great teammate. We would sit around and talk pitching for hours,” said Richard Dotson, who won 22 games with the White Sox in 1983 and finished fourth in the Cy Young award voting. “He really knew how to pitch. His stuff was never great, but he had a great sinker and exceptional command. LaMarr, Britt Burns, Harold Baines and I all came up to the big leagues around the same time and grew up together, which eventually led to that memorable 1983 season. We are all going to miss him.”
“My dad passed away from cancer with me by his side early in the morning of the 29th,” said Mathew Hoyt, LaMarr’s oldest son. “He genuinely loved being a part of the White Sox organization, and I can say without a doubt those were the best years of his life. All he talked about in his final days was baseball, the White Sox and all of his former teammates.”
Originally drafted by the Yankees in 1973, Hoyt was traded to the White Sox along with pitching prospect Bob Polinsky, outfielder Oscar Gamble, and cash considerations for shortstop Bucky Dent in 1977. Two years later on September 14th, 1979, he would make his Major League debut in a 1-2-3 inning against the Oakland Athletics.
Though Hoyt originally started out as a relief pitcher when making the team, he was later introduced to the starting rotation in 1982. That year and the following, he would claim the most wins in the American League – earning 19 victories in ’82 and 24 in 1983. It was during that ’83 Cy Young campaign when Hoyt was most dominant, owning a 3.66 ERA (106 ER/260.2 IP) with 148 strikeouts, 4.77 strikeout to walk ratio, and a 1.024 WHIP. He also finished 13th in MVP voting.
After the 1984 season, the White Sox and Padres completed a trade that sent San Diego’s Ozzie Guillen, Tim Lollar, Bill Long, and Luis Salazar to Chicago in exchange for Hoyt, Kevin Kristan, and Todd Simmons. Hoyt would make the National League’s All-Star team in his first season with the Padres and was named the starting pitcher for the Midsummer Classic. Sadly, personal issues off the field became a real problem following the 1985 season and derailed the remainder of his career.
Over the years, Hoyt managed to turn things around and still returned to Chicago to participate in events like Sox Fest as well as take in a few games. His presence will most definitely be missed.
On behalf of everyone here at Sox On 35th, I would like to offer our sincerest condolences to Hoyt’s family, friends, fans, and anyone who was impacted by his life. May he rest in peace.
Follow us on social media @SoxOn35th!
Featured Photo: White Sox/Twitter
