History of Jim Bouton in Timeline

Jim Bouton, an American professional baseball pitcher, had a notable career spanning from 1962 to 1978. He played for MLB teams including the New York Yankees, Seattle Pilots, Houston Astros, and Atlanta Braves. Beyond baseball, Bouton was a multifaceted individual known for his best-selling authorship, acting, activism, sportscasting, and co-creation of the popular chewing gum brand Big League Chew.

March 8, 1939: Birth of Jim Bouton

Jim Bouton was born on March 8, 1939.

1959: Signing with the Yankees

Jim Bouton signed with the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent in 1959.

1962: "Bulldog" Nickname and Number 56

Jim Bouton earned the nickname "Bulldog" and wore number 56 during his 1962 season with the Yankees.

1962: Major League Debut

Jim Bouton made his MLB debut in 1962 with the New York Yankees.

1962: World Series Champion

Jim Bouton was part of the 1962 World Series champion New York Yankees.

1963: All-Star Game Appearance

Jim Bouton appeared in the 1963 MLB All-Star Game.

1963: 1963 World Series Performance

Jim Bouton pitched well in Game 3 of the 1963 World Series, giving up only four hits in seven innings, but the Yankees lost 1-0.

1964: League-Leading Starts

Jim Bouton led the league with 37 starts in 1964.

1964: Two World Series Wins

Jim Bouton won both of his starts in the 1964 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

1965: Arm Injury and Knuckleball

An arm injury in 1965 led Jim Bouton to develop a knuckleball.

June 15, 1968: Trade to Seattle Pilots

On June 15, 1968, Jim Bouton's contract was sold by the Yankees to the Seattle Pilots.

October 1968: Olympics Protest

In October 1968, Jim Bouton joined a protest against apartheid South Africa's involvement in the 1968 Summer Olympics.

1968: Start of "Ball Four" Project

Jim Bouton began working with Leonard Shecter on the book that would become "Ball Four" around 1968.

1969: Relief Pitching for the Pilots

Jim Bouton pitched primarily in relief for the Seattle Pilots in 1969, earning wins against the Boston Red Sox.

1969: Season Chronicled in "Ball Four"

The events of Jim Bouton's 1969 season with the Seattle Pilots were chronicled in his book "Ball Four".

1970: Publication of "Ball Four"

Jim Bouton authored and published the controversial baseball book "Ball Four" in 1970.

1970: Retirement and Broadcasting Career

Jim Bouton retired from baseball in 1970 and started a career as a sports anchor.

1972: Delegate to Democratic National Convention

Jim Bouton served as a delegate to the 1972 Democratic National Convention for George McGovern.

1973: Co-author of "Strike Zone" and "I Managed Good, But Boy Did They Play Bad"

In 1973, Jim Bouton co-authored the baseball novel "Strike Zone" and edited the anthology "I Managed Good, But Boy Did They Play Bad".

1973: Publication of Manager Tales and Acting Debut

In 1973, Jim Bouton published a collection of manager stories and made his acting debut in "The Long Goodbye".

1975: Comeback with Portland Mavericks

Jim Bouton attempted a comeback in 1975, playing for the Portland Mavericks.

1976: "Ball Four" TV Series

A TV series based on Bouton's book, "Ball Four", aired in 1976 but was canceled after five episodes.

1977: Minor League Contract with White Sox

Jim Bouton signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox in 1977.

1978: Final MLB Season

Jim Bouton played his final MLB season in 1978 with the Atlanta Braves.

1978: Return to the Majors with the Braves

Jim Bouton returned to the major leagues in 1978, playing for the Atlanta Braves.

1981: Divorce from Bobbie Bouton

Jim Bouton and his first wife, Bobbie, divorced in 1981.

1983: Publication of "Home Games"

In 1983, Bouton's ex-wife, Bobbie, co-authored a book titled "Home Games" with Nancy Marshall, the ex-wife of Mike Marshall.

1994: Bouton Receives Condolences from Mickey Mantle

In 1994, after the death of his son, Mickey Mantle contacted Jim Bouton to acknowledge a condolence card Bouton had sent, dispelling rumors that Mantle refused to attend Old-Timers' Games if Bouton was present.

August 1997: Death of Laurie Bouton

In August 1997, Jim Bouton's daughter, Laurie, died at age 31.

1997: Death of Laurie Bouton and Remarriage

In 1997, Jim Bouton's daughter Laurie was killed in a car accident. Bouton later married Paula Kurman.

June 21, 1998: Open Letter to the Yankees

On June 21, 1998, Bouton's son, Michael, published an open letter in The New York Times, urging the Yankees to invite his father to the Old Timers' Game.