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Ralph Terry

Ralph Willard Terry (January 9, 1936 – March 16, 2022) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played twelve seasons in (MLB) primarily as a right-handed starter for the Yankees. Born in a one-room in Big Cabin, , Terry attended Chelsea High School before signing with the Yankees organization and making his MLB debut on August 6, 1956. Over his career, he compiled a record of 107 wins and 99 losses with a 3.62 (ERA), 1,000 strikeouts, and 21 shutouts in 1,849⅓ innings across 338 games. Terry spent the bulk of his prime years with the Yankees from 1959 to 1964, emerging as a key rotation member during their dynasty era, where he won 15 or more games in three consecutive seasons (1961–1963). In 1962, he led the in wins (23), (298⅓), and earned the nod, finishing 14th in voting. He also pitched for the Kansas City Athletics (1957–1959, 1966), Cleveland Indians (1965), and (1966–1967), appearing in five with the Yankees between 1960 and 1964. His career as a was .160, with one . Terry's legacy is most defined by his contrasting performances in consecutive World Series Game 7s. In 1960, he surrendered a to of the in the bottom of the ninth, handing the Yankees a 10–9 defeat and costing them the championship— one of only two such Series-ending homers in history. He rebounded dramatically in 1962 against the San Francisco Giants, tossing a complete-game four-hitter in Game 7 for a 1–0 victory, earning MVP honors after the Yankees' third consecutive title; the final out came on a line drive by that was caught by . After retiring in 1967, Terry transitioned to professional , becoming one of the first former MLB players to compete on the (now ), where he played in events during the and . He died on March 16, 2022, at age 86 in , from complications of a sustained in a fall on ice.

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Ralph Terry was born on January 9, 1936, in Big Cabin, , to parents Frank William Terry and Erma Adams Terry. His father worked as an attendant at Eastern in Vinita and later served in the U.S. during . The couple had married as teenagers in 1932 in , reflecting the modest circumstances of rural life in the region during the era. The Terry family resided in a one-room with a dirt floor on their farm near Big Cabin, embodying the simple, agrarian lifestyle common to northeastern at the time. This rural setting, characterized by farming and close-knit community ties, shaped the family's daily routines and provided a foundation for physical labor and outdoor activities that influenced young Ralph's development. The area's isolation and emphasis on self-sufficiency fostered resilience and an appreciation for the land, with local traditions often revolving around seasonal work and communal gatherings. Terry had an older brother, John C. Terry (also known as ), born in 1933, who shared in the family's rural upbringing. The dynamic, combined with the supportive environment provided by their parents, encouraged participation in physical activities from an early age, including informal games that sparked Terry's interest in through local community events. This early familial and communal encouragement laid the groundwork for his athletic pursuits.

Education and Early Baseball

Prior to high school, Terry attended Council Grove school for grades 1 through 8, where he skipped the 3rd grade. Ralph Terry grew up in rural , where his upbringing in Big Cabin near nurtured his athletic talents from a young age. He attended High School, excelling academically and athletically as a three-sport standout in , , and . As a and on the team, Terry honed his skills, notably delivering a one-hitter with 21 strikeouts and seven RBIs in a standout ninth-grade game that shifted him to a full-time pitching role. He was also named to the Daily Oklahoman all-state team in 1953 and served as of the All-Star Game. He graduated as of his class of 48 in 1953, achieving a straight-A average that marked him as only the 14th such student in the school's history. Following high school, Terry pursued while continuing to develop his abilities. He enrolled at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M during the offseasons from 1953 to 1956, where he played as a forward, averaging 22 points per game for the Golden . He also attended Southwest Missouri State University (now ) and the University of Kansas City (now University of Missouri-Kansas City), accumulating approximately 140 credits across these institutions without earning a degree, all while balancing his studies with semipro commitments. In 1952, he pitched for the Baxter Springs Whiz-Kids in the League, and in 1953 for the Independence Indians in the same league; after graduation, he played semipro ball in . Terry's early baseball prowess drew attention from professional scouts, leading to his entry into . In November 1953, at age 17, he impressed New York Yankees scout Tom Greenwade during a tryout, prompting the team to sign him as an amateur on November 19. A brief contract dispute with the St. Louis Cardinals was resolved by Commissioner on December 11, 1953, awarding Terry's rights to the Yankees and paving the way for his professional career.

Baseball Career

Professional Debut and Minor Leagues

Ralph Terry signed with the Yankees as an amateur on November 19, 1953, following a brief dispute over his rights with the St. Louis Cardinals that was resolved by Commissioner in favor of the Yankees. Terry began his professional career in 1954 with the Yankees' Class A affiliate, the Binghamton Triplets of the Eastern League, where he posted an 11-9 record with a 3.30 over 191 , including 12 complete games and 4 shutouts. In 1955, he advanced to the Class AA of the Southern Association, recording a 7-4 mark and 3.25 in 13 starts, before being promoted midseason to the Class AAA Denver Bears of the American Association, where he went 7-5 with a 5.38 . By 1956, Terry spent the full season with the Denver Bears, achieving a strong 13-4 record and 4.45 across 174 , with 12 complete games that highlighted his growing endurance as a starter. During his tenure, Terry focused on refining his pitching mechanics, particularly improving control of his and developing a more consistent delivery to enhance body control and accuracy, which scouts noted as key to his rapid progression through the system. In mid-November , shortly after his first full season, Terry suffered a severe one-car accident in when he dozed off while driving, causing his vehicle to reach speeds of 95 mph before rolling multiple times and ejecting him; he sustained a fractured hip, bruises, and cuts, requiring 11 weeks in traction but ultimately recovering without long-term career-ending effects.

New York Yankees Era

Ralph Terry made his major league debut with the New York Yankees on August 6, 1956, against the Boston Red Sox at , where he earned the win after pitching 5.2 innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits with four strikeouts and three walks in a 4-3 victory. In his initial seasons with the Yankees, Terry split time between relief and starting roles, appearing in limited action; he posted a 1-2 record with a 9.45 in three starts in 1956 and a 1-1 mark with a 3.05 in seven games (two starts) in 1957 before being traded to the Kansas City Athletics. Returning to the Yankees in 1959, he transitioned more fully into a , recording a 3-7 record with a 3.39 over 16 starts that year. Terry reached the peak of his performance during the 1960-1962 seasons, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Yankees' rotation. In , he went 10-8 with a 3.40 ERA in 23 starts, contributing to the team's pennant. The following year, , he achieved a career-best 16-3 record with a 3.15 ERA across 27 starts, helping the Yankees secure another pennant and appearance. His most dominant season came in , when he led the with 23 wins against 12 losses, posting a 3.19 ERA in 39 starts and earning his only selection. Terry's Yankees tenure featured memorable World Series moments that defined his legacy. In the against the , he started Games 4 and 5, going 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA, but his most poignant contribution came in relief during Game 7; pitching the bottom of the ninth with the score tied 9-9, Terry served a slider to , who hit a over the left-field wall to clinch the series for , 10-9. Two years later, in the against the San Francisco Giants, Terry redeemed himself by posting a 2-1 record with a 1.80 ERA over three starts, including a complete-game victory in Game 5 (5-3). In Game 7, he outdueled Jack Sanford for a 1-0 , famously inducing a bases-loaded line drive by that was caught by second baseman for the final out, securing the championship and earning him the MVP award. Over his eight seasons with the Yankees from 1956 to 1964 (excluding 1958 when he was with Kansas City), Terry compiled an 78-59 record with a 3.43 in 210 games (149 starts), anchoring the pitching staff during a period of sustained success that included five pennants and two titles.

Later MLB Seasons and Retirement

Following a challenging 1964 season with the Yankees, where he compiled a 7-11 record amid mounting arm troubles, Terry was traded to the Indians on October 21, 1964, as part of a larger deal in which the Yankees also sent $75,000 and two players to be named later to Cleveland in exchange for pitchers and Tom Parsons. With Cleveland, Terry rebounded in , posting an 11-6 record with a 3.69 over 30 appearances, primarily as a starter, helping stabilize the rotation during his only full season with the club. However, persistent injuries limited his effectiveness the following year. In April 1966, just after holding out briefly over a salary dispute, Terry was traded from to the Kansas City for left-hander John O'Donoghue and cash, marking his return to the franchise where he had pitched earlier in his career. His stint with Kansas City proved short and unproductive, as he went 1-5 with a 3.80 ERA in 15 games (10 starts) before being sold to the on August 6, 1966. With the Mets, Terry appeared in 11 games that year, finishing 0-1 with a 4.74 ERA, and managed only two outings in 1967 (0-1, 5.40 ERA) before his release. Over his 12 MLB seasons, spanning 1956 to 1967, Terry ended with a 107-99 record, a 3.62 , and exactly 1,000 strikeouts in 1,849.1 across 338 games. At age 31, he retired after the 1967 season, citing chronic arm injuries that had plagued him since the mid-1960s and a growing interest in pursuing other endeavors, including . During his time with the Mets, Terry shared his knowledge of the pitch—learned from Yankees coach —with young reliever , a technique that became a cornerstone of McGraw's successful career.

Golf Career

Transition to Professional Golf

After retiring from Major League Baseball in 1967 due to persistent injuries, Ralph Terry turned his attention to , a sport he had begun exploring during off-seasons to aid his physical recovery and maintain fitness. Following a severe car accident in the winter of 1957-1958 that fractured his hip, Terry was encouraged by Kansas City Athletics coaches to take up as a way to strengthen his legs through walking the courses, an activity he pursued diligently alongside his commitments. This early exposure evolved into a serious pursuit after his career ended, as Terry reflected that "when one door closes sometimes another door opens," prompting him to channel his competitive drive into professional rather than extending his time in the sport that had defined his earlier years. In the late , Terry transitioned into club roles, starting as a golf pro at Roxiticus Golf Club in shortly after his MLB retirement, where he honed his skills and applied for of America membership. These steps built on years of informal practice and amateur successes, such as winning the National Baseball and Football Players' golf championship in 1967. To gain further experience and refine his game, Terry ventured internationally in the 1970s, spending two winter seasons competing on the South African Tour during his forties, where he played in multiple events and benefited from practice rounds with legends like . This period abroad provided valuable exposure to diverse courses and competition levels, solidifying his commitment to a while allowing him to balance teaching and playing opportunities back in the United States.

Achievements and Competitions

Ralph Terry's most notable professional achievement came in when he won the Midwest Section Championship, marking his transition into competitive professional play following his retirement. This victory qualified him for four events in 1981 and 1982, where he competed against the era's top professionals. Beginning in 1986, Terry joined the Senior (now known as the ), participating in 96 events over his career and earning $162,310 in official prize money. His consistent play yielded one top-10 finish, with his best result being a tie for 10th at the 1989 Showdown Classic held at Jeremy Ranch Golf & Country Club in . These performances highlighted his endurance and skill in senior-level competition, though he secured no wins on the tour itself. He was also a co-founder of the Celebrity Players Tour. Overall, Terry's professional record includes one victory—the 1980 Midwest —and appearances in over 90 senior events, underscoring a solid but non-dominant tenure in the sport. Post-peak, he remained active in local tournaments, contributing to community scenes in and . His -honed discipline in mechanics and pressure situations briefly aided his execution during these endeavors.

Personal Life and Legacy

Family and Residence

Ralph Terry married Tanya Cecilia Simmons on November 12, 1960, in . Tanya, originally from , worked as an airline stewardess at the time of their marriage. The couple remained together for over 60 years, sharing a close partnership that supported Terry through his professional shifts from to and beyond. They had two sons, Raif and Gabe, both of whom resided in . The family later expanded to include two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In 1961, as Terry considered an early opportunity to transition into professional offered by , he declined due to Tanya's with their first child and a contract raise from the Yankees, prioritizing stability during this pivotal career moment. Following his baseball retirement, Terry and his family relocated to —Tanya's hometown—in 1974, where they established their long-term residence. There, Terry owned and operated an insurance business for many years, providing a steady livelihood that allowed the family to integrate into the local community while he pursued professionally. Tanya remained a constant presence in his daily life, accompanying him through routine activities and career endeavors until his final days.

Post-Retirement Contributions

After retiring from professional sports, Ralph Terry settled in , where he owned and operated an insurance business for several years, providing financial security and community service in his adopted hometown. He also engaged in occasional reflections on his baseball career, such as recounting an early tryout anecdote from 1953 when general manager challenged the 17-year-old Terry to hit a $100 bill placed at home plate from the pitcher's mound distance of 60 feet, 6 inches; Terry succeeded on his second attempt, earning the money despite not securing a contract with the team. Terry made significant contributions to youth development through golf instruction and mentoring local athletes in Larned. Beginning in 1977, he signed a nominal $1 annual contract to teach golf at the Edwards Park Public Golf Course, starting a junior program with just eight participants that grew to send 45 young players to college golf programs while fostering life lessons in etiquette, perseverance, and fair play. Under his guidance, Larned High School's golf teams achieved 12 state championships (nine for girls and three for boys), and he continued mentoring adults and seniors, emphasizing the sport's role in personal growth. In 2016, Terry co-authored the biography Right Down the Middle: The Ralph Terry Story with John Wooley, offering an intimate account of his journey from small-town to major league stardom and beyond, which celebrated his multifaceted life and inspired readers with themes of and involvement. Living in Larned with his wife , whom he married in 1960, Terry's post-retirement efforts solidified his role as a lifelong mentor to many in the .

Death and Honors

Ralph Terry died on March 16, 2022, at the age of 86 in , where he had maintained a long-term residence. The was complications from a he sustained after slipping on ice during a fall on 2021. Throughout his life, Terry received several prestigious honors recognizing his contributions to and sports. He was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 for his major league pitching career and overall athletic impact. In 2015, he was enshrined in the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, celebrating his roots and achievements as a native of the state. The following year, in 2016, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M inducted him into its athletics hall of fame, honoring his early prowess during his time there. Following his death, tributes poured in from the and communities, underscoring his enduring legacy across both sports. In circles, reflections centered on his heroic performance in the , where he earned honors by pitching a four-hit in Game 7 to clinch the championship for the Yankees against the Giants. Golf enthusiasts and professionals similarly acknowledged his successful transition to the sport, including his status as a professional and competitor in senior tour events, highlighting his versatility and dedication.

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