https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/largo-fl/joseph-jay-12014172
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One of the Reds star pitchers in the early 60’s, and member of the 1961 Reds NL championship team when he won 21 games. He won 21 again in 1962.
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Also totaled 30 complete games during those two seasons. That’s something you’ll never see again.
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Reds had quite a good starting rotation that year with lefty Jim O’Toole (19 wins), Bob Purkey (16) and Joey Jay (21).
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I had the privilege of working with the late, great Vada Pinson in the Mariners Clubhouse when he was a coach in Seattle. He was the star center fielder on that ‘61 team. He assigned me the responsibility of tending the infield ball. Here’s a pic of me doing that duty between innings in the old KingDome. That’s Edwin Nunez and Matt Young on the bench.
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Vada was overshadowed by the great outfielders of the day (Robinson, Aaron, May’s, Clemente, etc.), and thus was overlooked for the HOF.
Superb center fielder, great speed and am lifetime batting average of .286 taken down by playing a couple more years than he should have.
Hit.340 one year and at various times in his career led the NL in triples, doubles, and hits.
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Was a heck of a nice guy, too. A complete professional in demeanor and work ethic. Looked like he could still play in 1984. He could play that terrace in left center in old Crosley Field better than anyone.