Houston Astros History: J.R. Richard Released By Team

Even though J.R. Richard had suffered a stroke back in 1980, he was still on the Houston Astros roster. On this day in 1984, the team released him, ending his career.

July 30, 1980 was a frightening day for Houston Astros fans. J.R. Richard, one of their power arms, had a stroke while warming up before a game. A couple of weeks earlier, he had complained of nausea and numbness in his arm, despite the Astros being unable to determine any problems.

Richard attempted a comeback in 1982 and 1983. Although he suffered from blurred vision and slowed reflexes due to the stroke, he pitched in the minors during both seasons. He fared relatively well in the lower minors, despite a lack of command, but was battered in AAA. Richard was even brought up to the Astros in 1982, although they never planned to put him in a game.

However, Richard never improved from that spot. The Astros had hoped that he would be able to return to the mound at the Major League level, but as he dealt with the damage from his stroke, it became apparent that Richard would never be able to be that same pitcher again. On this day in 1984, the Astros released Richard, ending his career.

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He had a rough go of things after his time with the Astros ended. Richard invested in several business ventures, and lost over $300,000 in an oil business scam. He was divorced twice, and paid over $650,000 to his first wife as a divorce settlement. By the time 1994 came around, he was broke and living under a bridge, that time of glory on the diamond worlds away.

Fortunately, he would get back on his feet. Richard became eligible for a pension from the Majors, and found religion. He began working for a construction company, and eventually became a minister. Finally, he got back into baseball, working with donors to establish programs for children in the Houston area. It was a tough road, but Richard got back on his feet again.

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One of the best pitchers in the history of the Houston Astros, J.R. Richard’s time with the team came to an end on this day in 1984.