Early life

Don Sutton, a renowned American baseball pitcher, was popularly known for his remarkable 23-year career in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Sutton was born in Alabama on April 2, 1945. He was born to pretty young parents who were 18 and 15 when they had him.

As a child, Sutton’s father instilled in him a strong work ethic which he carried throughout his career.

He also grew up in an Evangelical Christians home and spent his childhood days in Florida when the family moved.

Education

Sutton attended J. M. Tate High School where he played baseball, basketball, and football. He also became the baseball leader leading his team to the small-school state finals two years in row.

At the year he graduated, Sutton was voted as the most likely to succeed. During this period, Sutton wanted to attend the University of Florida but unfortunately his coach wasn’t interested.

Sutton ended up attending Gulf Coast Community College, Panama City for one year, and then Whittier College.

Career

After a successful summer league, Sutton was signed by the Dodgers in 1966, where his career started officially.

Sutton was highly regarded for his enduring presence on the field, never missing a turn in the rotation and consistently pitching over 200 innings in 20 of his 23 seasons.

His impressive record includes 324 wins, ranking him 14th on the all-time list, and a striking 3,574 batters struck out. Notably, he earned the title of four-time All-Star and three-time ERA leader.

While he played for five different teams, his tenure with the Dodgers stood out as he helped guide them to four World Series appearances.

Sutton retired in 1988 and received the prestigious honor of being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.

Sutton was an excellent baseball player and impacted the field positively. But aside from being a baseball player, Sutton showed great potential in broadcasting.

In 1989, Don Sutton launched his broadcasting career. He lent his voice and knowledge to various teams, including the Atlanta Braves until 2018.

Personal Life

Sutton was married twice. He married his first wife, Patti and had two children with her. He also married his second wife, Mary, whom he had a daughter with.

As a form of relaxation, Sutton enjoyed playing golf and was a wine lover.

Sadly, in January 2021, at the age of 75, Sutton passed away, leaving behind an enduring legacy.