One of the most mercurial pitchers in Astros history, this Bonham, Texas native was known for his competitive fire which earned him the nickname "Doctor Death." He was ready to come off the mound at any time to engage in any on-field melee against the opposing club.

He once defended fellow Mariner teammate Mickey Rivers against unruly White Sox fans outside old Comiskey Park in 1980, breaking a knuckle.

He was traded to Houston for their 1986 pennant run, where he went 5-2, then was kept on until 1989.

His career trailed off from 1990-94 with Boston, Toronto, Texas, and Pittsburgh. In 1997, he signed with the White Sox, who dealt him to the Giants, who then dealt him to the Indians. He re-signed with the Giants, appearing in 25 more games, where he would end his career after 1998.

Sources:

• Total Baseball, Seventh Edition, Thorn, Palmer, et al.
• Baseball: The Biographical Encyclopedia, Pietrusza, Silverman, Gershman, eds.
• The Baseball Library