Johnny Rutherford

Who is Johnny Rutherford?

John William Rutherford is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers as an amateur free agent before the 1947 season, and played for them in 1952. Nicknamed "Doc", the 27-year-old rookie stood 5'10½" and weighed 170 lbs.

Rutherford pitched both as a starter and reliever for the pennant-winning 1952 Dodgers. He made his major league debut in relief against the St. Louis Cardinals at Sportsmans Park on April 30, 1952. His first major league win came a week later, also in relief, in a 5–4 decision over the Cincinnati Reds at Ebbets Field. This game brought the Dodgers' team record up to 13–4. Rutherford didn't get his first start until July 31.

For the season he appeared in 22 games with 11 starts, four complete games, 8 games finished, and 2 saves. He won 7, lost 7, and had an earned run average of 4.25. In 97.1 innings pitched he gave up 97 hits, struck out 29, and walked 29.

At the plate, he batted .290 with 3 runs batted in and 3 runs scored. In the field he recorded 3 putouts, 24 assists, made no errors, and participated in one double play.

Rutherford made one appearance in the 1952 World Series, which the New York Yankees won in seven games.