Former big leaguer Pete Ladd has passed away following a battle with cancer, per an announcement by the Brewers. The Portland, Maine resident was 67 years old.
“We learned today of the passing of Pete Ladd, a key member of the great Brewers teams of the early 1980s,” a statement from the club read, “Pete was a man with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Our thoughts and condolences go to his family.”
A 25th-round pick in the 1977 draft, Ladd was selected by the Red Sox as a relief pitcher and worked through the minors in that role for two seasons before making his big league with the Astros in 1979. Though his initial cup of coffee lasted just 12 1/3 innings of work, Ladd impressed in his limited time with a 2.92 ERA that was 25% better than league average at the time. Ladd wouldn’t appear again in the majors until the 1982 season, when he pitched in 16 regular season games for the Brewers, with a 4.00 ERA in 18 innings of work.
Ladd was tapped to serve as Milwaukee’s closer during the 1982 season due to an injury sustained by Hall of Fame relief arm Rollie Fingers. The right-hander was excellent while filling in for Fingers, pitching 3 1/3 scoreless innings against the Angels during the ALCS and striking out five en route to the Brewers’ first and to this point only World Series appearance in franchise history. Ladd also recorded two outs in the World Series against the Cardinals, working around a hit and two walks to avoid giving up a run during the appearance.
Following the club’s World Series run in 1982, Ladd would remain with the Brewers for three more seasons. That included the 1983 campaign, which turned out to be the best of Ladd’s career. He posted a 2.55 ERA, 48% better than league average for the day by measure of ERA+, and a 2.92 FIP in 49 1/3 innings (44 appearances) while striking out 21.1% of batters faced, though Milwaukee unfortunately missed the postseason that year after winning 87 games and finishing fifth in the AL East.
Ladd, then 29, would wrap up his big league career in Seattle after departing the Brewers following the 1985 season. He pitched well for the Mariners in 1986, with a better-than-average 3.82 ERA in 70 2/3 innings of work across 52 appearances. While he continued his playing career with the Dodgers in 1987, he struggled at the Triple-A level and didn’t crack the club’s big league roster, leading him to retirement following the 1987 season. In all, Ladd appeared in 205 games during his six-year MLB career, recording 17 wins, 39 saves, and 209 strikeouts in 287 innings of work with a career ERA of 4.14.
We at MLB Trade Rumors extend our condolences to Ladd’s family, friends, fans and former teammates.
Shame to hear of this. “Sasquatch” was probably the best friend ever had on any of the old Winter haven RS teams, any year. We hung around a lot that ’78 season together, he in that blue ford panel van. Being 1 of the few guys on that team with wheels? Was mighty popular with them as well!
King of “slap hockey also.. the old game where pulled rods with tiny, cardboard hockey players on the end? Old timers remember those games? he’d start tournaments, or try to and loved playing good old strat-o-matic baseball..
His fellow “roomies” that yr were Dennis burtt, Danny Weppner and after he was drafted? Richie Gedman. 3 made “The Bigs” eventually, not bad, with Weps tearing up his shoulder the next season.
“twas a sad day come next year (79) when Pete was the throw-in with the Bobby Watson deal. Some of us just knew that big red head was gonna make it.
Heard Pete worked in criminal justice system later on, but only contacted once after he retired. Shame how we all do that.. Just lose contact.
Best to his family, he was a gentle giant.
Thanks for those memories, John. He was a good guy from all accounts. I’m an old guy too, but I didn’t get into sportswriting until I was a bit older than usual, so I wasn’t writing when he was playing. RIP and condolences to his family and friends.
Agreed. Appreciated the relationship info John. It added a personal touch to just reading the sad news.
Thanks for the color. We think of ballplayers as heroes on the field, but it is great to hear their personal side.
Very sad, but was super happy for him that he got some time in the sun. Jeff Lahti was another one.
Prayers for Pete and his family. Hard to forget Harvey’s Wallbangers!
No link to Baseball Reference Nicki?
If you need it
baseball-reference.com/players/l/laddpe01.shtml
RIP
A nice read if interested
sabr.org/bioproj/person/pete-ladd/
Tremendous Hemlock. 1 thing tho. The bio and reports states he had a good FB, one I remember him having barely cracked 90mph. It was the sinker/slider combo he used and that stare toward the batter which was so intimidating.
Outstanding writeup and much appreciated long read.
John wasn’t his nickname ( big foot)?? Coming from a guy who wears 15 4/e I don’t forget my brother en… while a monster Redsox fan was rooting big time for the 82 brew crew… loved county stadium!!! Thanks for sharing… life goes by to quick sometimes….
Olmtiant.. Guys, when he played for the Ha-Sox called him Sasquatch, then it’s really just another name for bigfoot anyway.
U mentioned shoe size.. I may be wrong again.. Talking 45y ago.. Seems he wore like a size 17 clete? Myself no small foot either comrade(14).
RIP Pete, pretty good MLB career.
I’ve worked with Peter at Hancock Lumber in Maine for the last six years, great guy, many stories shared, he is and will be missed.
RIP Pete…..
I remember him well. RIP Pete.
Have fastball, will travel.
RIP.
I’m deeply saddened by the news of Pete Ladd’s passing. His contribution to the Brewers and his impressive career in baseball will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, fans, and former teammates during this difficult time.
RIP
RIP
That’s a name I haven’t heard since I was kid …RIP.
RIP
“Milwaukee unfortunately missed the postseason that year after winning 87 games and finishing fifth in the AL East.” Before this crazy wild card era when you truly had to earn a playoff spot
What he the Brewers made the world series in 1982, Pete Ladd had the clinching save in the ALCS.
Pete and his size 15EEE shoes. I remember that more than his W-L record.
I always referred to him as “Weird Al” because of his 1986 Topps baseball card. He was extremely generous to us fans. If you asked for an autograph, he might give you 5.