Former Twins All-Star pitcher Dean Chance dies at 74
Former Twins pitcher Dean Chance has died.
Chance, 74, had an 11-year MLB career including three seasons with the Minnesota Twins (1967-69). He also spent time with the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Indians, New York Mets and Detroit Tigers.
While details about Chance's death have not been released, the Star Tribune reports former teammate Jim Kaat said it appeared Chance died of a heart attack.
Chance, who debuted against the Twins on Sept. 11, 1961, won the Cy Young award in 1964 while playing for the Angels. He finished that season 20-9 with a 1.65 ERA and 207 strikeouts.
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At the time, he was the youngest pitcher to win the award, at age 23.
The Angels traded Chance to the Twins in December 1966. In his first season with Minnesota, Chance went 20-14 with a 2.73 ERA while striking out 220 batters in 283 2/3 innings.
Chance's time in Minnesota may best be remembered for throwing two no-hitters during the same month – August 1967. On Aug. 6, he tossed five perfect innings in a 2-0 rain-shortened victory over Boston. Then on Aug. 25 he no-hit Cleveland in a game the Twins won 2-1.
Minnesota traded Chance to Cleveland in 1969 as part of the Luis Tiant deal.
Chance retired following the 1971 season with a career record of 128-115 with a 2.92 ERA. Two months ago he was inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame.
