Dave Ford

David Alan Ford

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 4", Weight 190 lb.
• High School Lincoln West High School
• Debut September 2, 1978
• Final Game September 9, 1981
• Born December 29, 1956 in Cleveland, OH USA

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Biographical Information

Dave Ford was a pitcher whose ERA went up each year that he pitched in the majors. A first round pick by the Baltimore Orioles in the 1975 amateur draft at age 18, he came to the majors at age 21 and posted an ERA of 0.00 in 15 innings in 1978. No Orioles pitcher has since tossed more scoreless innings to begin his major league career. The next year, 1979, he appeared in 30 innings with an ERA of 2.12. The following two years he pitched more innings but was not as effective, due in part to pain in his elbow and shoulder.

As a rookie in 1978, he was the youngest player on the Orioles, a year younger than Eddie Murray, who was a second-year player. As a young pitcher, he drew comparisons to Jim Palmer, especially after his successful debut in the majors.

His minor league career stretched from 1975 to 1985.

He is one of 16 major leaguers (through 2008) with the last name "Ford".

Notable Achievements

• 1976 Pitcher of the Year Southern League Charlotte O's

Related Sites

• Dave Ford at the SABR Bio Project