Claude Osteen was a workhorse of an starting pitcher for the Dodgers from 1965 to 1973. In that span he recorded 147 wins against 126 losses, a 3.09 ERA, 100 complete games, 34 shutouts, a 3.15 FIP and a WHIP of 1.217. In other words, he provided some needed innings and ace workmanship after the Dodgers struggled to compete following the retirement of Sandy Koufax in 1966.
Fortunately, he was able to enjoy the fruits of victory with Koufax at the helm during in his first two years in Los Angeles, and ended up pitching magnificently in two World Series playoff series'. In fact, if not for his efforts in the 1965 the Dodgers may not have won the crown. He threw a five-hit shut out against the Twins after both Drysdale and Koufax got beat in games 1 & 2. Overall, he went 1-1 with a 0.64 ERA in two World Series games that year. Per Gregory H. Wolf at the SABR biography project:
“(My teammates) had confidence in me. I was sitting with my wife on the airplane. Players went up and down the aisle and tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘You’ll get ’em.’ By the time I got off the plane I was a nervous wreck.”In honor of this and his service to the team he was awarded the Charles DiGiovanna Award by the Dodgers after the 1969 season. It is currently available for sale at Lelands Auction. (Auction Link) This award is bestowed upon the player who “most typified Dodger tradition.” As you may know, DiGiovanna was an onetime Dodgers batboy and clubhouse manager who died of a sudden heart attack at age 28.
Also available at the auction is the below 1990 Dodgers 100th anniversary pin made by Tiffany. (Auction Link)
Lastly, no player collection is complete without a few game-used items in the mix. (Auction Link) Below is a 1972 home jersey, a Dodgers satin jacket, Osteen's glove and a bat.
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