Jim Crossword was a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who played in the 1970s and 1980s. He was born on July 18, 1952, in Jackson, Mississippi. Crossword began his baseball career in high school and later attended the University of Mississippi, where he played college baseball.
Crossword was former mlb pitcher jim crossword selected in the 11th round of the 1974 MLB draft by the San Francisco Giants. He spent a few years in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut on September 8, 1975. Crossword played for the Giants for four seasons, from 1975 to 1978, primarily as a relief pitcher. He had a career record of 6-5 with a 3.73 ERA and 12 saves during his time with the Giants.
In 1979, Crossword was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played for the Pirates for one season, pitching in 35 games and posting a 4-4 record with a 4.66 ERA. The following year, he signed with the Oakland Athletics as a free agent. He pitched for the Athletics for two seasons, from 1980 to 1981, appearing in 33 games and recording a 2-2 record with a 3.48 ERA.
After leaving the Athletics, Crossword signed with the Cleveland Indians, where he played for two seasons, from 1982 to 1983. He appeared in 59 games for the Indians, pitching to a 3-7 record with a 4.11 ERA. Crossword’s final MLB season was in 1984, when he played for the Milwaukee Brewers. He appeared in 27 games for the Brewers, posting a 2-2 record with a 4.08 ERA.
Throughout his MLB career, Crossword was primarily used as a relief pitcher. He appeared in a total of 189 games and had a career record of 17-20 with a 3.95 ERA and 12 saves. After retiring from baseball, Crossword went on to work in the insurance industry.
While Jim Crossword may not have been a household name during his playing days, he did leave his mark on the game. He was known for his fastball and curveball, which he used to keep batters off balance. Crossword was also respected by his teammates and coaches for his work ethic and team-first attitude.
One of Crossword’s career highlights came in 1978 when he pitched 4 2/3 innings of scoreless relief against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a crucial game. The Giants went on to win the game and remain in playoff contention. Crossword’s performance earned him high praise from his manager and teammates.
After his playing career, Crossword remained involved in baseball as a coach and instructor. He worked with young players in Mississippi, teaching them the fundamentals of pitching and helping them develop their skills. Crossword was also known for his charity work and community involvement.
Unfortunately, Jim Crossword passed away on October 5, 2015, at the age of 63. His death was mourned by the baseball community, and many former teammates and coaches spoke fondly of their time with him. Crossword may not have had a long and illustrious career in the majors, but his contributions to the game and his impact on those he worked with will not be forgotten.
In conclusion, Jim Crossword had a respectable MLB career, spanning from 1975 to 1984. He played for five different teams and primarily worked as a relief pitcher. Despite not being a standout player, Crossword made significant contributions to the teams he played for and was a reliable arm out of the bullpen.
