Still Throwing Heat

Overview

A flame-throwing star with the Houston Astros, J. R. Richard was at the top of his profession when he inexplicably began complaining of arm weakness in 1980. Initially scoffed at because he continued approaching 100 mph on the radar gun, everything changed when Richard collapsed while playing catch with a teammate—later diagnosed as a life-threatening stroke. The shocking development ended Richard’s major league career and set off a chain of events that led to the former All-Star being homeless by the mid-1990s. This rapid rise and sudden, tragic fall define the unusual, moving, and inspirational life of a Houston icon who has endured many hardships but has become an admired figure in his adopted hometown. J. R. Richard tells that story now in his own words, including the highs and the lows of his brilliant athletic career, the difficulties that befell him on and off the field, abandonment by those he counted on after his stroke, the despair of losing everything, and his ultimate redemption and giving back to the community.

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Still Throwing Heat:

Strikeouts, the Streets, and a Second Chance

By J. R. Richard and Lew Freedman, Foreword by Nolan Ryan

 

Contact: Bill Ames, Triumph Books, 312.676.4256, b.ames@triumphbooks.com

A flame-throwing star with the Houston Astros, J.R. Richard was at the top of his profession when he inexplicably began complaining of arm weakness in 1980. Initially scoffed at because he continued approaching 100 mph on the radar gun, everything changed when Richard collapsed while conducting a solo workout—later diagnosed with a life-threatening stroke. The shocking development ended Richard's major league career and set off a chain of events that led to the former fastball pitcher being homeless by the mid-1990s.

Still Throwing Heat: Strikeouts, the Streets, and a Second Chance (Triumph Books, June 2015) by J.R. Richard and Lew Freedman details the rapid rise and sudden, tragic fall of a Houston icon who, despite many hardships, has become a respected and influential community leader in his adopted hometown. From his years atop the mound in the Astrodome to spending weeks under a Houston overpass, J.R. is now telling fans his gripping story of redemption, including:

• The highs and the lows of J.R.’s brilliant athletic career
• Standing 6’8’’ and 220 pounds, choosing baseball over football and basketball
• Coping with abandonment by those he counted on most after his stroke
• Embracing faith, helping the homeless and giving back to the community

A story that transcends baseball, Still Throwing Heat: Strikeouts, the Streets, and a Second Chance delivers readers a thought-provoking and inspirational story of overcoming adversity.

About the Author(s):

J. R. Richard is a former pitcher who played his entire career with the Houston Astros. After his baseball career was cut short by a stroke, he became involved in his local church in Houston, where he is now a minister. He also spends his time helping to raise funds to support baseball programs for children. He lives in Houston, Texas.

Lew Freedman is an award-winning sportswriter and the author of dozens of sports books, including illustrated histories of the Bears, Giants, and Steelers. He coauthored Fergie: My Life from the Cubs to Cooperstown and Juan Marichal: My Journey From the Dominican Republic to Cooperstown, with the Hall of Fame pitchers. He lives in Columbus, Indiana.

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