Focus on Sport/Getty ImagesHouston Astros announces that J.R. Richard, a former All-Star pitcher and member of the club’s Hall of Fame, has passed away at the age of 71.Thursday's statement was also issued by the AstrosToday is a sad day in Houston Astros history as we mourn the passing of J.R. Richard, one of our franchise icons. J.R. will be remembered for his intimidating presence on the mound as well as being one of the most outstanding pitchers in club history. To form some of the most memorable club rotations, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with club legends Larry Dierker and Joe Niekro. Unfortunately, his playing career was cut short due to health issues. However, his 10 years as an Astros player stand out as a decade filled with excellence. Our deepest condolences go out to J.R., Lula, his wife and family, as well as his friends, family and many admirers.Richard was Houston's second overall pick in 1969's MLB draft. In 1971, he was promoted to the major leagues and joined the team's first rotation in 1975.In the late 1970s, the Louisiana native became one of the best league starters. He was fourth in NL Cy Young voting 1978, and third in 1979. In 1979, he was third.Richard compiled a tiny 1.90 ERA in his 17 first starts of the 1980 season. He was also selected for his first All-Star selection. However, he had a stroke in July that year.After extensive rehabilitation, he tried to make a comeback, pitching in spring training for the Astros and in the minor league system over the next years. However, he was injured in his calf in 1983. He was eventually released in 1984.Richard ended his MLB career with a 107-7 record, 3.15 ERA, and 1,493 strikeouts over 1,606 innings in 238 appearances.Tyler Kepner, the New York Times' two-time strikeout leader in the NL, stated that "I don’t believe I really reached my prime," the NL’s former strikeout leader said to Tyler Kepner in 2015. "If you take a look at my record, you will see that I have never leveled off."Richard was part of the inaugural class of the Astros Hall of Fame in 2019.The club announced that it would honor him by having a moment to reflect before Thursday's home match against the Minnesota Twins.
