John D'Acquisto: A Hard-Throwing Right-Hander

John Francis D'Acquisto, born on December 24, 1951, in San Diego, California, was a right-handed pitcher known for his blazing fastball and competitive spirit. Drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the first round of the 1970 MLB Draft, D'Acquisto made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut on September 2, 1973. He quickly gained attention as the National League Rookie Pitcher of the Year in 1974, thanks to his 12–14 record, 3.77 ERA, and 167 strikeouts in 215 innings pitched.

A memorable moment in D'Acquisto's career came on September 21, 1973, when he pitched a complete game victory against the San Diego Padres, striking out 11 batters. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, he remained a reliable pitcher for teams like the Giants, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals. His versatility allowed him to transition between starting and relieving roles, showcasing his adaptability on the mound.

Over his 10-year MLB career, D'Acquisto appeared in 266 games, recording a 34–51 win-loss record, a 4.56 ERA, and 600 strikeouts across 779.2 innings pitched. His contributions to baseball, both as a player and later as a scout, reflect his enduring passion for the game.

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