Buzz Capra

Lee William Capra
(Buzz)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10", Weight 168 lb.
• School Illinois State University
• High School Lane Tech High School
• Debut September 15, 1971
• Final Game September 26, 1977
• Born October 1, 1947 in Chicago, IL USA

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Biographical Information

Nicknamed by a neighbor when he was 6 living in a tenement building on Chicago’s Northside [1], Buzz Capra began his major league career with the New York Mets in September 1971. He pitched 41 games over two-plus seasons with the Metsies, winning 5 while saving 4. On May 13, 1972, he recorded a 1-0 victory in a game in which his first RBI provided the only run, driving in Cleon Jones with a single against Hall of Famer Juan Marichal of the San Francisco Giants. Buzz was a member of the Mets' 1973 National League championship team, though he did not make a postseason appearance. He did still earn a claim to fame during it. During the infamous brawl between Pete Rose and Bud Harrelson in Game 3 of the NLCS, it was Buzz's Mets cap that Pedro Borbon inadvertently put on at the end of the fracas. Upon realizing his mistake, Pedro tore it to shreds... with his teeth.

Capra was sold to the Atlanta Braves in 1974. He broke out something fierce, finishing with a 16-8 record and 137 strikeouts in 39 games (217 innings) while leading the National League with a 2.28 ERA. Almost immediately after this spike in workload (Buzz had only tossed 95 big league innings the prior two seasons), Capra was beset by arm trouble and ended his career in 1977, without regaining his effectiveness. He was released in spring training in 1978 and spent the year selling snow blowers and lawn mowers. He attempted a comeback in 1979, but again did not make it out of spring training.

Buzz was pitching coach at Northeastern Illinois University in 1981-1982, then spent over twenty years as a professional pitching coach in several minor league systems, most recently with the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets. He was a coach for the Pulaski Braves in 1982, Anderson Braves in 1983-1984, Jackson Mets in 1985, Appleton Foxes in 1986, Burlington Expos in 1987, Spartanburg Phillies in 1988-1994, Pittsfield Mets in 1995-1996, Capital City Bombers in 1997-1998, and St. Lucie Mets in 1999-2000. He later became an instructor at the Fox Valley Sports Academy in Elgin, IL.

Notable Achievements

• NL All-Star (1974)
• NL ERA Leader (1974)
• 15 Wins Seasons: 1 (1974)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1974)