Former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Don Gullett dies at 73 years old

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Don Gullett, a standout pitcher during the Big Red Machine era in the 1970s, died on Wednesday at 73 years old.

"Don dedicated 24 years to this franchise as a player, coach and minor league instructor," Reds owner Bob Castellini said in a statement. "An anchor on the pitching staff of one of the greatest baseball teams in history, his contributions to our rich tradition, our city and his community will never be forgotten."

Gullett debuted in 1970 at just 19 years old and pitched on a team that made the World Series as a rookie. "I wasn't nervous a bit going in there," he said during the playoffs. "Talking to all these reporters is a lot tougher than facing Willie Stargell or Roberto Clemente."

In 1971, Gullett joined the Reds' rotation and posted the best winning percentage in the National League. He won two games for the Reds in postseason in 1975, when the Reds went on to win the World Series. The following year, as the Reds won their second consecutive championship, he posted a 3.00 ERA across 20 starts.

Gullett's career record was 109 and 50, and he also spent 22 years as a pitching coach in the organization. He was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 2002.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Don Gullett, former Cincinnati Reds and Yankees pitcher, dies at 73