Former MLB Pitcher Lindy McDaniel Dies of COVID-19

Lindy McDaniel, who pitched in MLB for 21 seasons for five teams primarily out of the bullpen, has died of COVID-19. He was 84.

The Oklahoma born McDaniel signed with the St. Louis Cardinals as a bonus baby in 1955 making his big league debut that September. McDaniel's younger brother Von also briefly pitched for the Cardinals in 1957 and 1958. In 1960, McDaniel had a finest season going 12-4 with a 2.09 ERA earning 27 saves and was named to the NL All-Star team twice (this was when there were two All-Star Games) finishing third in MLB Cy Young balloting and fifth in the NL MVP race.

The Cardinals traded McDaniel to the Chicago Cubs prior to the 1963 season. In his inaugural season at Wrigley, McDaniel saved a league leading 22 games. Prior to the 1966 season, the Cubs traded McDaniel to the San Francisco Giants in a deal which included Bill Hands and Randy Hundley. In the middle of the 1968 season, the Giants dealt McDaniel to the New York Yankees for pitcher Bill Monbouquette. In 1970, McDaniel saved a career high 29 games. The Yankees traded McDaniel to the Kansas City Royals prior to the 1974 season for a young outfielder named Lou Piniella. McDaniel would end his career following the 1975 season. In 987 appearances (only 74 starts), McDaniel went 141-119 with a 3.45 ERA while recording 174 saves.

During his playing career, McDaniel was as well known for his preaching as his pitching. A devout Christian, McDaniel published a newsletter called "Pitching for the Master" and would influence the Bible study which remains a staple of MLB to this very day. At the time of his death, McDaniel was an elder at the Lavon Church of Christ near Dallas. 

By all appearances, McDaniel led an active life. Sadly, McDaniel is now among the nearly 250,000 Americans we have lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and his community is the poorer for it. R.I.P.