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|caption=Briles in 1965
|caption=Briles in 1965
|birth_date={{Birth date|1943|8|5}}
|birth_date={{Birth date|1943|8|5}}
|birth_place=[[Dorris, California]]
|birth_place=[[Dorris, California]], U.S.
|death_date={{death date and age|2005|2|13|1943|8|5}}
|death_date={{death date and age|2005|2|13|1943|8|5}}
|death_place=[[Orlando, Florida]]
|death_place=[[Orlando, Florida]], U.S.
|bats=Right
|bats=Right
|throws=Right
|throws=Right
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*2× [[World Series]] champion ({{wsy|1967}}, {{wsy|1971}})
*2× [[World Series]] champion ({{wsy|1967}}, {{wsy|1971}})
}}
}}
'''Nelson Kelley Briles''' (August 5, 1943 – February 13, 2005) was a [[Major League Baseball]] [[pitcher]]. A hard thrower whose best pitch was a slider, he exhibited excellent control. Briles batted and threw right-handed.
'''Nelson Kelley Briles''' (August 5, 1943 – February 13, 2005) was an American [[Major League Baseball]] [[pitcher]]. A hard thrower whose best pitch was a slider, he exhibited excellent control. Briles batted and threw right-handed. He was a [[starting pitcher]] on [[World Series]] champions with the [[1967 St. Louis Cardinals season|St. Louis Cardinals]] in [[1967 World Series|1967]] and [[1971 Pittsburgh Pirates season|Pittsburgh Pirates]] in [[1971 World Series|1971]].


==St. Louis Cardinals==
==St. Louis Cardinals==
Born in [[Dorris, California]], he grew up in [[Chico, California]] where he played [[baseball]] at [[Chico Senior High School]]. He met his wife, Ginger Briles, in their high school musical, Damn Yankees. He then played baseball at [[Santa Clara University]] (1961-1963) before signing with the [[St. Louis Cardinals]] as an amateur free agent in {{baseball year|1963}}. He spent just one season in their [[farm system]] before joining the Cards in {{baseball year|1965}}.
Born in [[Dorris, California]], he grew up in [[Chico, California]] where he played [[baseball]] at [[Chico Senior High School]]. He met his wife, Ginger Briles, in their high school musical, Damn Yankees. He then played baseball at [[Santa Clara University]] (1961-1963) before signing with the [[St. Louis Cardinals]] as an amateur free agent in {{baseball year|1963}}. He spent just one season in their [[farm system]] before joining the Cards in {{baseball year|1965}}.


Though used primarily as a [[starting pitcher]] in {{baseball year|1964}} with the [[Tulsa Oilers]], Briles pitched out of the [[bullpen]] upon his arrival in the majors. He was 1-2 with a 3.29 [[earned run average]] and one [[save (baseball)|save]] as a [[relief pitcher]] when he made his first start on September 25 against the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]]. Though he pitched well (seven innings, one [[earned run]]), he was out-pitched by [[Sandy Koufax]], and lost his first major league start.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN196509250.shtml|title=Los Angeles Dodgers 2, St. Louis Cardinals 0|publisher=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]|date=September 25, 1965}}</ref> He was far less effective in his next start (six earned runs in seven [[innings pitched]]), however managed to win that one thanks to the nineteen [[run (baseball)|runs]] his Cardinals teammates put on the board.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU196509300.shtml|title=St. Louis Cardinals 19, Houston Astros 8|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|date=September 30, 1965}}</ref>
Though used primarily as a [[starting pitcher]] in {{baseball year|1964}} with the [[Tulsa Oilers]], Briles pitched out of the [[bullpen]] upon his arrival in the majors. He was 1–2 with a 3.29 [[earned run average]] and one [[save (baseball)|save]] as a [[relief pitcher]] when he made his first start on September 25 against the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]]. Though he pitched well (seven innings, one [[earned run]]), he was out-pitched by [[Sandy Koufax]], and lost his first major league start.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN196509250.shtml|title=Los Angeles Dodgers 2, St. Louis Cardinals 0|publisher=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]|date=September 25, 1965}}</ref> He was far less effective in his next start (six earned runs in seven [[innings pitched]]), however managed to win that one thanks to the nineteen [[run (baseball)|runs]] his Cardinals teammates put on the board.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU196509300.shtml|title=St. Louis Cardinals 19, Houston Astros 8|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|date=September 30, 1965}}</ref>


Briles suffered through a hard luck {{baseball year|1966}} season, going 4-15 despite a relatively modest 3.21 ERA. He was 4-3 with a 3.55 ERA and six saves in {{baseball year|1967}} when an injury to [[Bob Gibson]] (a broken leg suffered at the hands of a [[Roberto Clemente]] line drive) forced him into the starting rotation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TYouAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zYYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5540,2672413&dq|title=Gibson Sidelined in St. Louis Loss|work=[[Tri City Herald]]|date=July 16, 1967}}</ref> He lost two of his first three starts, but then won his last nine [[Decision (baseball)|decisions]] to end the season at 14-5 with a [[National League]] leading .737 [[winning percentage]] (the Cardinals also won his two no-decisions during that stretch). His 2.43 ERA was also best on the Cardinals staff.
Briles suffered through a hard luck {{baseball year|1966}} season, going 4-15 despite a relatively modest 3.21 ERA. He was 4–3 with a 3.55 ERA and six saves in {{baseball year|1967}} when an injury to [[Bob Gibson]] (a broken leg suffered at the hands of a [[Roberto Clemente]] line drive) forced him into the starting rotation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TYouAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zYYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5540,2672413&dq|title=Gibson Sidelined in St. Louis Loss|work=[[Tri City Herald]]|date=July 16, 1967}}</ref> He lost two of his first three starts, but then won his last nine [[Decision (baseball)|decisions]] to end the season at 14–5 with a [[National League (baseball)|National League]] leading .737 [[winning percentage]] (the Cardinals also won his two no-decisions during that stretch). His 2.43 ERA was also best on the Cardinals staff.


The Cards finished the season at 101-60 to cruise into the {{wsy|1967}} [[World Series]]. Facing the [[Boston Red Sox]], Briles was tabbed as the game three starter. [[Triple crown (baseball)|Triple crown winner]] [[Carl Yastrzemski]] emerged as the game two hero for the Bosox with two [[home runs]] and four [[runs batted in]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS196710050.shtml|title=1967 World Series, Game Two|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|date=October 5, 1967}}</ref> After the loss, Cardinals manager [[Red Schoendienst]] commented to the media that Red Sox starter [[Jim Lonborg]] was brushing back Cardinal hitters. In Yastrzemski's first [[at-bat]] in game three, Briles hit him on the calf with a pitch causing an argument at [[home plate]] between the two teams' managers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LwFaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=I0sNAAAAIBAJ&pg=7095,1142387&dq|title=Briles Hurls St. Louis Into Series Lead|work=[[The Victoria Advocate]]|date=October 8, 1967}}</ref> From there, Briles held Yastrzemski hitless on his way to a 5-2 [[complete game]] victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN196710070.shtml|title=1967 World Series, Game Three|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|date=October 7, 1967}}</ref> He also pitched two scoreless innings in game six.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS196710110.shtml|title=1967 World Series, Game Six|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|date=October 11, 1967}}</ref>
The Cards finished the season at 101–60 to cruise into the {{wsy|1967}} [[World Series]]. Facing the [[Boston Red Sox]], Briles was tabbed as the game three starter. [[Triple crown (baseball)|Triple crown winner]] [[Carl Yastrzemski]] emerged as the game two hero for the Bosox with two [[home runs]] and four [[runs batted in]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS196710050.shtml|title=1967 World Series, Game Two|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|date=October 5, 1967}}</ref> After the loss, Cardinals manager [[Red Schoendienst]] commented to the media that Red Sox starter [[Jim Lonborg]] was brushing back Cardinal hitters. In Yastrzemski's first [[at-bat]] in game three, Briles hit him on the calf with a pitch causing an argument at [[home plate]] between the two teams' managers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LwFaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=I0sNAAAAIBAJ&pg=7095,1142387&dq|title=Briles Hurls St. Louis Into Series Lead|work=[[The Victoria Advocate]]|date=October 8, 1967}}</ref> From there, Briles held Yastrzemski hitless on his way to a 5-2 [[complete game]] victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN196710070.shtml|title=1967 World Series, Game Three|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|date=October 7, 1967}}</ref> He also pitched two scoreless innings in game six.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS196710110.shtml|title=1967 World Series, Game Six|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|date=October 11, 1967}}</ref>


Briles won his first four starts of {{baseball year|1968}} to bring his winning streak to thirteen games (14 including the post-season). He won a career high nineteen games with a career high 141 [[strikeouts]] that year to establish himself as a legitimate number two starter behind Gibson. The World Champion Cardinals returned to the World Series in {{wsy|1968}} to face the [[Detroit Tigers]]. Briles made the game two start against [[Mickey Lolich]], and gave up four earned runs in five plus innings to take the loss.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN196810030.shtml|title=1968 World Series, Game Two|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|date=October 3, 1968}}</ref> Paired up against Lolich again for game five, Briles left the game in the seventh inning with a 3-2 lead and a runner on first. The bullpen, however, was unable to hold the lead.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET196810070.shtml|title=1968 World Series, Game Five|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|date=October 7, 1968}}</ref>
Briles won his first four starts of {{baseball year|1968}} to bring his winning streak to thirteen games (14 including the post-season). He won a career high nineteen games with a career high 141 [[strikeouts]] that year to establish himself as a legitimate number two starter behind Gibson. The World Champion Cardinals returned to the World Series in {{wsy|1968}} to face the [[Detroit Tigers]]. Briles made the game two start against [[Mickey Lolich]], and gave up four earned runs in five plus innings to take the loss.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN196810030.shtml|title=1968 World Series, Game Two|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|date=October 3, 1968}}</ref> Paired up against Lolich again for game five, Briles left the game in the seventh inning with a 3–2 lead and a runner on first. The bullpen, however, was unable to hold the lead.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET196810070.shtml|title=1968 World Series, Game Five|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|date=October 7, 1968}}</ref>


Briles went 15-13 with a 3.52 ERA in {{baseball year|1969}} as the Cards slumped to fourth place in the newly formed [[National League East]]. He left in the third inning of his May 12, {{baseball year|1970}} start against the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] with a pulled muscle in his right leg.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iXskAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OygEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7461,952073&dq|title=Allen's 11th Homer Helps Cards Win|work=[[The Milwaukee Journal]]|date=May 13, 1970}}</ref> He tried pitching through the injury, but was ineffective, and placed on the disabled list for the first time in his career on June 13. He was never able to regain form, and ended the season at 6-7 with a 6.24 ERA.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a0xSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B3wDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5491,4956848&dq|title=Briles, Cardinals Start 2nd Half With Hopes Of Brighter Days|work=[[St. Petersburg Times]]|date=July 17, 1970}}</ref> Just as pitchers and [[catcher]]s were reporting the following season, he and [[Vic Davalillo]] were sent to the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] for [[Matty Alou]] and [[George Brunet]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=13glAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0vIFAAAAIBAJ&pg=925,2280422&dq|title=Nelson Briles Traded To Pirates While Matty Alou Will Join St. Louis Cardinals|work=[[Gettysburg Times]]|date=January 30, 1971}}</ref>
Briles went 15–13 with a 3.52 ERA in {{baseball year|1969}} as the Cards slumped to fourth place in the newly formed [[National League East]]. He left in the third inning of his May 12, {{baseball year|1970}} start against the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] with a pulled muscle in his right leg.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iXskAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OygEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7461,952073&dq|title=Allen's 11th Homer Helps Cards Win|work=[[The Milwaukee Journal]]|date=May 13, 1970}}</ref> He tried pitching through the injury, but was ineffective, and placed on the disabled list for the first time in his career on June 13. He was never able to regain form, and ended the season at 6–7 with a 6.24 ERA.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a0xSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B3wDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5491,4956848&dq|title=Briles, Cardinals Start 2nd Half With Hopes Of Brighter Days|work=[[St. Petersburg Times]]|date=July 17, 1970}}</ref> Just as pitchers and [[catcher]]s were reporting the following season, he and [[Vic Davalillo]] were sent to the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] for [[Matty Alou]] and [[George Brunet]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=13glAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0vIFAAAAIBAJ&pg=925,2280422&dq|title=Nelson Briles Traded To Pirates While Matty Alou Will Join St. Louis Cardinals|work=[[Gettysburg Times]]|date=January 30, 1971}}</ref>


==Pittsburgh Pirates==
==Pittsburgh Pirates==
Briles spent most of his first season in Pittsburgh in the bullpen, however, was added to the starting rotation in September. Though he pitched very well, (3-1 with two [[shutouts in baseball|shutout]]s, a complete game and a 1.74 ERA) he did not make an appearance in the [[1971 National League Championship Series]] against the [[San Francisco Giants]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1971_NLCS.shtml|title=1971 National League Championship Series|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|date=October 2–6, 1971}}</ref> He did, however, earn a game five start in the [[1971 World Series]] against the [[Baltimore Orioles]]. With the series tied at two games apiece, Briles pitched a brilliant two-hitter to carry the eventual World Champions to a 3-2 series lead. He also drove in a [[run (baseball)|run]] with a second inning [[single (baseball)|single]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PIT/PIT197110140.shtml|title=1971 World Series, Game Five|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|date=October 14, 1971}}</ref> He pitched three seasons for the Pirates, going 36-28 with a 2.98 ERA.
Briles spent most of his first season in Pittsburgh in the bullpen, however, was added to the starting rotation in September. Though he pitched very well, (3-1 with two [[shutouts in baseball|shutout]]s, a complete game and a 1.74 ERA) he did not make an appearance in the [[1971 National League Championship Series]] against the [[San Francisco Giants]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1971_NLCS.shtml|title=1971 National League Championship Series|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|date=October 2–6, 1971}}</ref> He did, however, earn a game five start in the [[1971 World Series]] against the [[Baltimore Orioles]]. With the series tied at two games apiece, Briles pitched a brilliant two-hitter to carry the eventual World Champions to a 3–2 series lead. He also drove in a [[run (baseball)|run]] with a second inning [[single (baseball)|single]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PIT/PIT197110140.shtml|title=1971 World Series, Game Five|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|date=October 14, 1971}}</ref> He pitched three seasons for the Pirates, going 36–28 with a 2.98 ERA.


Briles, who studied [[drama]] at Santa Clara, became just as famous off the field in [[Pittsburgh]] with a nightclub act in which he sang and told jokes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BokbAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MlEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7642,1912944&dq|author=Lenny Litman|date=October 20, 1971|title=Briles 'Swings' At Holiday House|work=[[The Pittsburgh Press]]}}</ref> Perhaps the second most memorable moment of his time with the Pirates had to do with [[hockey]] rather than baseball. On his way to training camp in [[Bradenton, Florida]] in {{baseball year|1972}}, Briles made a pit stop at a hockey game between the [[St. Louis Blues]] and [[Boston Bruins]]. Between periods, Blues radio broadcaster Dan Kelly interviewed Briles. Comments Briles made about Pittsburgh sports fans and the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] were deemed insulting by Pittsburgh fans. He denied most of the quotes attributed to him and claimed that his words were misconstrued.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZeoeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NlMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2118,839790&dq|author=Pat Livingston|date=February 18, 1972|title=Nelson Briles: No, It Isn't So|work=The Pittsburgh Press}}</ref> Following the {{baseball year|1973}} season, he was traded with [[Fernando González (baseball)|Fernando González]] to the [[Kansas City Royals]] for [[Kurt Bevacqua]], [[Ed Kirkpatrick]] and minor leaguer Winston Cole.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ayhGAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QdAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=7388,514405&dq|author=Ken Rappoport|date=December 5, 1973|title=Grimsley, Briles Among Those In Diamond Deals|work=[[The Portsmouth Times]]}}</ref>
Briles, who studied [[drama]] at Santa Clara, became just as famous off the field in [[Pittsburgh]] with a nightclub act in which he sang and told jokes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BokbAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MlEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7642,1912944&dq|author=Lenny Litman|date=October 20, 1971|title=Briles 'Swings' At Holiday House|work=[[The Pittsburgh Press]]}}</ref> Perhaps the second most memorable moment of his time with the Pirates had to do with [[ice hockey|hockey]] rather than baseball. On his way to training camp in [[Bradenton, Florida]] in {{baseball year|1972}}, Briles made a pit stop at a hockey game between the [[St. Louis Blues]] and [[Boston Bruins]]. Between periods, Blues radio broadcaster Dan Kelly interviewed Briles. Comments Briles made about Pittsburgh sports fans and the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] were deemed insulting by Pittsburgh fans. He denied most of the quotes attributed to him and claimed that his words were misconstrued.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZeoeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NlMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2118,839790&dq|author=Pat Livingston|date=February 18, 1972|title=Nelson Briles: No, It Isn't So|work=The Pittsburgh Press}}</ref> His last act while a member of the Pirates was singing "[[The Star-Spangled Banner]]" prior to Game 4 of the [[1973 World Series]].<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1973/10/18/archives/briles-lends-voice-of-pirates-to-series-briles-adds-pirate-voice-to.html Smith, Red. "Briles Lends Voice Of Pirates to Series," ''The New York Times'', Thursday, October 18, 1973.] Retrieved May 17, 2022.</ref>


==Kansas City Royals==
==Kansas City Royals==
Shortly after his trade to the Royals, Briles released the [[single (music)|single]] "Hey Hank" b/w "Soft the Summer Wind Blows" on [[Capitol Records]]. "Hey Hank" was the pitcher's plea to [[Hank Aaron]] that he try to hit home run number 715 off of somebody else (though Briles was now in the [[American League]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://willimanticrecords.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html|title=A Belated Opening Day – Repost of Six Year Old Program|publisher=Willimantic Records|date=April 6, 2012}}</ref> Briles suffered set back after set back with the Royals. Just as the {{baseball year|1974}} season was set to begin, he was placed on the disabled list with a sore right knee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qANlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wIINAAAAIBAJ&pg=3750,2436394&dq|title=Cepeda, Aparacio Released|work=[[Edmonton Journal]]|date=March 27, 1974}}</ref> After two appearances, he reinjured the knee, requiring surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vd9eAAAAIBAJ&sjid=i1MNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4932,400929&dq|title=Briles Will be Back June 22|work=[[St. Joseph News-Press]]|date=May 2, 1974}}</ref>
He was traded with [[Fernando González (baseball)|Fernando González]] to the [[Kansas City Royals]] for [[Kurt Bevacqua]], [[Ed Kirkpatrick]] and minor league first baseman Winston Cole at the [[Winter Meetings]] in [[Houston]] on December 4, 1973.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ayhGAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QdAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=7388,514405&dq|author=Ken Rappoport|date=December 5, 1973|title=Grimsley, Briles Among Those In Diamond Deals|work=[[The Portsmouth Times]]}}</ref> Shortly after the trade, Briles released the [[single (music)|single]] "Hey Hank" b/w "Soft the Summer Wind Blows" on [[Capitol Records]]. "Hey Hank" was the pitcher's plea to [[Hank Aaron]] that he try to hit home run number 715 off somebody else (though Briles was now in the [[American League]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://willimanticrecords.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html|title=A Belated Opening Day – Repost of Six Year Old Program|publisher=Willimantic Records|date=April 6, 2012}}</ref> Briles suffered set back after set back with the Royals. Just as the {{baseball year|1974}} season was set to begin, he was placed on the disabled list with a sore right knee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qANlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wIINAAAAIBAJ&pg=3750,2436394&dq|title=Cepeda, Aparacio Released|work=[[Edmonton Journal]]|date=March 27, 1974}}</ref> After two appearances, he reinjured the knee, requiring surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vd9eAAAAIBAJ&sjid=i1MNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4932,400929&dq|title=Briles Will be Back June 22|work=[[St. Joseph News-Press]]|date=May 2, 1974}}</ref>


Likewise, his {{baseball year|1975}} season was hampered by injuries. After missing the entire month of June, he returned on the [[Fourth of July]], but was forced to leave his first game back with soreness in his elbow.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ypofAAAAIBAJ&sjid=VtQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=959,264574&dq|title=Mayberry Continues Spree|work=Nevada Daily Mail|date=July 6, 1975}}</ref> He was forced out of his final start of the season on September 1 after three innings when his knee began acting up again.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=c7MwAAAAIBAJ&sjid=EPsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7184,199076&dq|title=Royals Lose Two... Win One|work=[[Lakeland Ledger]]|date=September 2, 1975}}</ref> After the season, he was traded to the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] for [[second baseman]] [[Dave Nelson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Dt9LAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BYsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7236,1999038&dq|title=Briles Sent to Rangers for Nelson|work=[[The Free Lance-Star]]|date=November 13, 1975}}</ref>
Likewise, his {{baseball year|1975}} season was hampered by injuries. After missing the entire month of June, he returned on the [[Fourth of July]], but was forced to leave his first game back with soreness in his elbow.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ypofAAAAIBAJ&sjid=VtQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=959,264574&dq|title=Mayberry Continues Spree|work=Nevada Daily Mail|date=July 6, 1975}}</ref> He was forced out of his final start of the season on September 1 after three innings when his knee began acting up again.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=c7MwAAAAIBAJ&sjid=EPsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7184,199076&dq|title=Royals Lose Two... Win One|work=[[Lakeland Ledger]]|date=September 2, 1975}}</ref> After the season, he was traded to the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] for [[second baseman]] [[Dave Nelson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Dt9LAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BYsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7236,1999038&dq|title=Briles Sent to Rangers for Nelson|work=[[The Free Lance-Star]]|date=November 13, 1975}}</ref>


==Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles==
==Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles==
Briles returned healthy to make 31 starts for the Rangers in {{baseball year|1976}}. With a staff that also included [[Hall of Fame]]rs [[Gaylord Perry]] and [[Bert Blyleven]], Rangers pitching kept them in first or near first place in the [[American League West]] through May. However, they ended the season at 76-86, and in fourth place. For his part, Briles went 11-9 with a 3.26 ERA to be named the team's "Pitcher of the Year."
Briles returned healthy to make 31 starts for the Rangers in {{baseball year|1976}}. With a staff that also included [[Hall of Fame]]rs [[Gaylord Perry]] and [[Bert Blyleven]], Rangers pitching kept them in first or near first place in the [[American League West]] through May. However, they ended the season at 76–86, and in fourth place. For his part, Briles went 11–9 with a 3.26 ERA to be named the team's "Pitcher of the Year."


With [[Doyle Alexander]] and [[Dock Ellis]] added to the starting rotation in {{baseball year|1977}}, Briles was relegated to the bullpen and fifth starter duties. He was traded just as the season was ending to the [[Baltimore Orioles]].
With [[Doyle Alexander]] and [[Dock Ellis]] added to the starting rotation in {{baseball year|1977}}, Briles was relegated to the bullpen and fifth starter duties. He was claimed off waivers by the [[Baltimore Orioles]] on September 19.<ref>[https://content.mlb.com/documents/6/7/0/265782670/1978_media_guide.pdf Baltimore Orioles 1978 Information Guide (scroll down to page 75).] Retrieved May 17, 2022.</ref>


Briles' {{baseball year|1978}} season with the Orioles was also hampered with injuries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-FwaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pCkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5323,2538026&dq|title=Weaver, Umpire Duel As Orioles Win Twice|work=[[The Milwaukee Journal]]|date=July 6, 1978}}</ref> Even when healthy, he was used very sparingly by Orioles manager [[Earl Weaver]] (54.1 innings pitched, by far a career low). He was placed on waivers January 17, {{baseball year|1979}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mGxNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rfoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6878,5399758&dq|title=Lakeland Man Suspended In Ohio 'Ringer' Scheme|work=[[Lakeland Ledger]]|date=January 18, 1979}}</ref>
Briles' {{baseball year|1978}} season with the Orioles was also hampered with injuries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-FwaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pCkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5323,2538026&dq|title=Weaver, Umpire Duel As Orioles Win Twice|work=[[The Milwaukee Journal]]|date=July 6, 1978}}</ref> Even when healthy, he was used very sparingly by Orioles manager [[Earl Weaver]] (54.1 innings pitched, by far a career low). He was released by the Orioles on January 17, {{baseball year|1979}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mGxNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rfoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6878,5399758&dq|title=Lakeland Man Suspended In Ohio 'Ringer' Scheme|work=[[Lakeland Ledger]]|date=January 18, 1979}}</ref>


==Career stats==
==Career stats==
Line 117: Line 117:
Briles had good reason to record "Hey Hank." Aaron had six career home runs off Briles in 67 at-bats, second only to [[Willie McCovey]] with seven.
Briles had good reason to record "Hey Hank." Aaron had six career home runs off Briles in 67 at-bats, second only to [[Willie McCovey]] with seven.


==Personal Life==
==Personal life==
Briles was an avid hunter and would frequently travel for hunting. One of his more notable shots was a moose in Canada. He lived with his family in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He was an avid lover of old movies and opera music.
Nelson Briles met his future wife, Mary "Ginger" Briles through their high school musical, Damn Yankees. Briles was an avid hunter and would frequently travel for hunting. One of his more notable shots was a moose in Canada. He lived with his family in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He was an avid lover of old movies and jazz music. Briles also enjoyed opera and was known to sing it while riding the gondolas in Disney World.


==Retirement==
==Retirement==
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[[Category:2005 deaths]]
[[Category:2005 deaths]]
[[Category:Baltimore Orioles players]]
[[Category:Baltimore Orioles players]]
[[Category:Baseball players from California]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Chico, California]]
[[Category:Kansas City Royals players]]
[[Category:Kansas City Royals players]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball broadcasters]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball broadcasters]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Chico, California]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Pirates announcers]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Pirates announcers]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Pirates players]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Pirates players]]

Revision as of 14:57, 19 February 2024

Nelson Briles
Briles in 1965
Pitcher
Born: (1943-08-05)August 5, 1943
Dorris, California, U.S.
Died: February 13, 2005(2005-02-13) (aged 61)
Orlando, Florida, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 19, 1965, for the St. Louis Cardinals
Last MLB appearance
September 13, 1978, for the Baltimore Orioles
MLB statistics
Win–loss record129–112
Earned run average3.44
Strikeouts1,163
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Nelson Kelley Briles (August 5, 1943 – February 13, 2005) was an American Major League Baseball pitcher. A hard thrower whose best pitch was a slider, he exhibited excellent control. Briles batted and threw right-handed. He was a starting pitcher on World Series champions with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1967 and Pittsburgh Pirates in 1971.

St. Louis Cardinals

Born in Dorris, California, he grew up in Chico, California where he played baseball at Chico Senior High School. He met his wife, Ginger Briles, in their high school musical, Damn Yankees. He then played baseball at Santa Clara University (1961-1963) before signing with the St. Louis Cardinals as an amateur free agent in 1963. He spent just one season in their farm system before joining the Cards in 1965.

Though used primarily as a starting pitcher in 1964 with the Tulsa Oilers, Briles pitched out of the bullpen upon his arrival in the majors. He was 1–2 with a 3.29 earned run average and one save as a relief pitcher when he made his first start on September 25 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Though he pitched well (seven innings, one earned run), he was out-pitched by Sandy Koufax, and lost his first major league start.[1] He was far less effective in his next start (six earned runs in seven innings pitched), however managed to win that one thanks to the nineteen runs his Cardinals teammates put on the board.[2]

Briles suffered through a hard luck 1966 season, going 4-15 despite a relatively modest 3.21 ERA. He was 4–3 with a 3.55 ERA and six saves in 1967 when an injury to Bob Gibson (a broken leg suffered at the hands of a Roberto Clemente line drive) forced him into the starting rotation.[3] He lost two of his first three starts, but then won his last nine decisions to end the season at 14–5 with a National League leading .737 winning percentage (the Cardinals also won his two no-decisions during that stretch). His 2.43 ERA was also best on the Cardinals staff.

The Cards finished the season at 101–60 to cruise into the 1967 World Series. Facing the Boston Red Sox, Briles was tabbed as the game three starter. Triple crown winner Carl Yastrzemski emerged as the game two hero for the Bosox with two home runs and four runs batted in.[4] After the loss, Cardinals manager Red Schoendienst commented to the media that Red Sox starter Jim Lonborg was brushing back Cardinal hitters. In Yastrzemski's first at-bat in game three, Briles hit him on the calf with a pitch causing an argument at home plate between the two teams' managers.[5] From there, Briles held Yastrzemski hitless on his way to a 5-2 complete game victory.[6] He also pitched two scoreless innings in game six.[7]

Briles won his first four starts of 1968 to bring his winning streak to thirteen games (14 including the post-season). He won a career high nineteen games with a career high 141 strikeouts that year to establish himself as a legitimate number two starter behind Gibson. The World Champion Cardinals returned to the World Series in 1968 to face the Detroit Tigers. Briles made the game two start against Mickey Lolich, and gave up four earned runs in five plus innings to take the loss.[8] Paired up against Lolich again for game five, Briles left the game in the seventh inning with a 3–2 lead and a runner on first. The bullpen, however, was unable to hold the lead.[9]

Briles went 15–13 with a 3.52 ERA in 1969 as the Cards slumped to fourth place in the newly formed National League East. He left in the third inning of his May 12, 1970 start against the Philadelphia Phillies with a pulled muscle in his right leg.[10] He tried pitching through the injury, but was ineffective, and placed on the disabled list for the first time in his career on June 13. He was never able to regain form, and ended the season at 6–7 with a 6.24 ERA.[11] Just as pitchers and catchers were reporting the following season, he and Vic Davalillo were sent to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Matty Alou and George Brunet.[12]

Pittsburgh Pirates

Briles spent most of his first season in Pittsburgh in the bullpen, however, was added to the starting rotation in September. Though he pitched very well, (3-1 with two shutouts, a complete game and a 1.74 ERA) he did not make an appearance in the 1971 National League Championship Series against the San Francisco Giants.[13] He did, however, earn a game five start in the 1971 World Series against the Baltimore Orioles. With the series tied at two games apiece, Briles pitched a brilliant two-hitter to carry the eventual World Champions to a 3–2 series lead. He also drove in a run with a second inning single.[14] He pitched three seasons for the Pirates, going 36–28 with a 2.98 ERA.

Briles, who studied drama at Santa Clara, became just as famous off the field in Pittsburgh with a nightclub act in which he sang and told jokes.[15] Perhaps the second most memorable moment of his time with the Pirates had to do with hockey rather than baseball. On his way to training camp in Bradenton, Florida in 1972, Briles made a pit stop at a hockey game between the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins. Between periods, Blues radio broadcaster Dan Kelly interviewed Briles. Comments Briles made about Pittsburgh sports fans and the Pittsburgh Penguins were deemed insulting by Pittsburgh fans. He denied most of the quotes attributed to him and claimed that his words were misconstrued.[16] His last act while a member of the Pirates was singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" prior to Game 4 of the 1973 World Series.[17]

Kansas City Royals

He was traded with Fernando González to the Kansas City Royals for Kurt Bevacqua, Ed Kirkpatrick and minor league first baseman Winston Cole at the Winter Meetings in Houston on December 4, 1973.[18] Shortly after the trade, Briles released the single "Hey Hank" b/w "Soft the Summer Wind Blows" on Capitol Records. "Hey Hank" was the pitcher's plea to Hank Aaron that he try to hit home run number 715 off somebody else (though Briles was now in the American League).[19] Briles suffered set back after set back with the Royals. Just as the 1974 season was set to begin, he was placed on the disabled list with a sore right knee.[20] After two appearances, he reinjured the knee, requiring surgery.[21]

Likewise, his 1975 season was hampered by injuries. After missing the entire month of June, he returned on the Fourth of July, but was forced to leave his first game back with soreness in his elbow.[22] He was forced out of his final start of the season on September 1 after three innings when his knee began acting up again.[23] After the season, he was traded to the Texas Rangers for second baseman Dave Nelson.[24]

Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles

Briles returned healthy to make 31 starts for the Rangers in 1976. With a staff that also included Hall of Famers Gaylord Perry and Bert Blyleven, Rangers pitching kept them in first or near first place in the American League West through May. However, they ended the season at 76–86, and in fourth place. For his part, Briles went 11–9 with a 3.26 ERA to be named the team's "Pitcher of the Year."

With Doyle Alexander and Dock Ellis added to the starting rotation in 1977, Briles was relegated to the bullpen and fifth starter duties. He was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles on September 19.[25]

Briles' 1978 season with the Orioles was also hampered with injuries.[26] Even when healthy, he was used very sparingly by Orioles manager Earl Weaver (54.1 innings pitched, by far a career low). He was released by the Orioles on January 17, 1979.[27]

Career stats

Seasons W L Pct. ERA G GS CG SHO SV IP H ER R HR BB K WP HBP Fld% Avg.
14 129 112 .535 3.44 452 279 64 17 22 2111.2 2141 807 929 186 547 1163 50 51 .966 .154

Briles had good reason to record "Hey Hank." Aaron had six career home runs off Briles in 67 at-bats, second only to Willie McCovey with seven.

Personal life

Nelson Briles met his future wife, Mary "Ginger" Briles through their high school musical, Damn Yankees. Briles was an avid hunter and would frequently travel for hunting. One of his more notable shots was a moose in Canada. He lived with his family in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He was an avid lover of old movies and jazz music. Briles also enjoyed opera and was known to sing it while riding the gondolas in Disney World.

Retirement

After being released by the Orioles, Briles spent Spring training 1979 with the New York Mets.[28] Though he failed to make the club, he appears in a Saturday Night Live skit featuring actual Mets players. Fictional Dominican second baseman Chico Escuela (portrayed by Garrett Morris) was also with the Mets that Spring attempting to make a comeback at 41 years old. However, he was feeling some resistance from his teammates as his tell-all book about his playing days with the Mets, Bad Stuff 'Bout the Mets, had just hit bookstores. Briles commented that he could not forgive Escuela for writing such a book.[29]

Following his retirement as a player, Briles worked as a television color commentator for the Pirates,[30] Seattle Mariners, and USA Network. He joined the Pirates' front office in 1986 as director of corporate sales. He founded the Pittsburgh Pirates Alumni Association, and was also the director of the team's annual fantasy camp.

Briles collapsed and died of an apparent heart attack in Orlando, Florida, while participating in the annual Pirates alumni golf tournament. He was 61. He was survived by his wife of forty years, Ginger, and their four children, Kelley, David, Christina and Sarah, as well as his 10 grandchildren.[31]

References

  1. ^ "Los Angeles Dodgers 2, St. Louis Cardinals 0". Baseball-Reference.com. September 25, 1965.
  2. ^ "St. Louis Cardinals 19, Houston Astros 8". Baseball-Reference.com. September 30, 1965.
  3. ^ "Gibson Sidelined in St. Louis Loss". Tri City Herald. July 16, 1967.
  4. ^ "1967 World Series, Game Two". Baseball-Reference.com. October 5, 1967.
  5. ^ "Briles Hurls St. Louis Into Series Lead". The Victoria Advocate. October 8, 1967.
  6. ^ "1967 World Series, Game Three". Baseball-Reference.com. October 7, 1967.
  7. ^ "1967 World Series, Game Six". Baseball-Reference.com. October 11, 1967.
  8. ^ "1968 World Series, Game Two". Baseball-Reference.com. October 3, 1968.
  9. ^ "1968 World Series, Game Five". Baseball-Reference.com. October 7, 1968.
  10. ^ "Allen's 11th Homer Helps Cards Win". The Milwaukee Journal. May 13, 1970.
  11. ^ "Briles, Cardinals Start 2nd Half With Hopes Of Brighter Days". St. Petersburg Times. July 17, 1970.
  12. ^ "Nelson Briles Traded To Pirates While Matty Alou Will Join St. Louis Cardinals". Gettysburg Times. January 30, 1971.
  13. ^ "1971 National League Championship Series". Baseball-Reference.com. October 2–6, 1971.
  14. ^ "1971 World Series, Game Five". Baseball-Reference.com. October 14, 1971.
  15. ^ Lenny Litman (October 20, 1971). "Briles 'Swings' At Holiday House". The Pittsburgh Press.
  16. ^ Pat Livingston (February 18, 1972). "Nelson Briles: No, It Isn't So". The Pittsburgh Press.
  17. ^ Smith, Red. "Briles Lends Voice Of Pirates to Series," The New York Times, Thursday, October 18, 1973. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  18. ^ Ken Rappoport (December 5, 1973). "Grimsley, Briles Among Those In Diamond Deals". The Portsmouth Times.
  19. ^ "A Belated Opening Day – Repost of Six Year Old Program". Willimantic Records. April 6, 2012.
  20. ^ "Cepeda, Aparacio Released". Edmonton Journal. March 27, 1974.
  21. ^ "Briles Will be Back June 22". St. Joseph News-Press. May 2, 1974.
  22. ^ "Mayberry Continues Spree". Nevada Daily Mail. July 6, 1975.
  23. ^ "Royals Lose Two... Win One". Lakeland Ledger. September 2, 1975.
  24. ^ "Briles Sent to Rangers for Nelson". The Free Lance-Star. November 13, 1975.
  25. ^ Baltimore Orioles 1978 Information Guide (scroll down to page 75). Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  26. ^ "Weaver, Umpire Duel As Orioles Win Twice". The Milwaukee Journal. July 6, 1978.
  27. ^ "Lakeland Man Suspended In Ohio 'Ringer' Scheme". Lakeland Ledger. January 18, 1979.
  28. ^ "Red Sox Avenge Playoff Defeat". Wilmington Morning Star. March 23, 1979.
  29. ^ "Fictional Mets Infielder Chico Escuela (of SNL) Visits Mets Spring Training (1979)". Centerfield Maz. March 28, 2016.
  30. ^ "Pirates, Penguins Come Up a Little Short". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. April 19, 1979.
  31. ^ "Ex-pitcher Nelson Briles Dies at 61". The Hour. February 15, 2005.
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