Blass and Clemente

I just finished reading the book “Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball’s Last Hero” by David Maraniss. It’s a good read, but one thing struck me when I completed it. How much did Clemente’s death affect Steve Blass?

Blass appeared to be close to Clemente, and delivered the eulogy at the team’s memorial service for the late star. In the five seasons prior to Clemente’s death, Blass was 78-44 with a 3.05 ERA.

In 1973, following Clemente’s death, he developed the so-called “Blass Disease” where he couldn’t find the plate. In just 88.2 innings, he gave up 84 walks (equaling his total in 249.2 innings the previous season) hit 12 batters and yielded 109 hits. He was only 31.

When discussing the 1971 World Series against Baltimore, the author writes about Blass’ nerves prior to starting Game 3. He writes that Blass and Clemente often met in the trainer’s room prior to games, just as they did prior to that start, and that “just being in the vicinity of Clemente was reassuring.”

I’ve never read anything linking Blass’ later pitching woes to Clemente’s death, but I didn’t have much reason to think about it prior to reading this book. I wonder now if there was a connection. It seems, on the surface, to make sense.