Peter Dennis Vuckovich (VOO-koh-vich) (born October 27, 1952) is an American former professional baseball starting pitcher who played 10 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1975 to 1986. He came across as an intimidating presence on the mound with his frame and horseshoe moustache. Vuckovich was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1974.
In addition to his notable 12-year career as a professional baseball player, he is known for his role as fictional Yankees slugger Clu Haywood, the chief nemesis of Charlie Sheen's character Ricky Vaughn, in the popular 1989 film Major League.
Vuckovich graduated from Conemaugh Valley High School then went on to Clarion University to play baseball. Vuckovich, winner of the 1982 AL Cy Young Award, is a member of the Clarion University Sports Hall of Fame. He is also a member of both the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
Early life
Vuckovich was born on October 27, 1952, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to Serbian parents. His father Lazo, was a steel-mill worker and his mother Bosiljka (née Gjurich), was a homemaker.
He graduated from Conemaugh Valley High School in 1970 where he played baseball, football and basketball. Afterwards, he attended Clarion State College. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the third round of the 1974 MLB Amateur Draft.
Vuckovich lost Game Two of the ALCS to the Angels 4–2, and started the decisive fifth game, although not figuring in the decision. In the 1982 World Series, the Cardinals beat him 6–2 in Game Three, and he got a no-decision in the final loss.
This would, however, prove to be the zenith of his career, as Vuckovich had been battling shoulder pain for two seasons, and in spring training of , it was discovered he had torn his rotator cuff. Vuckovich skipped surgery in favor of an exercise rehabilitation. He attempted a comeback for three games, but went 0–2 in 14 innings, then missed all of 1984. Subsequent and prolonged comeback attempts all failed, and by the end of the season, Milwaukee released Vuckovich.
In an eleven-season career, Vuckovich posted a 93–69 record with 882 strikeouts and a 3.66 ERA in 1455.1 innings pitched. In postseason play, he was 1–2 with a 3.74 ERA.
While with the Brewers, Vuckovich co-owned a bar in Milwaukee with outfielder Gorman Thomas. It was called "Stormin' & Vuke's", a play on their nicknames.
Following retirement
Following his retirement, Vuckovich worked for three years (1989–1991) as a television announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers. Vuckovich portrayed fictional Yankees slugger Clu Haywood in David S. Ward's film Major League. Upon seeing Vuckovich, who the filmmakers had in mind for playing a relief pitcher, Ward saw him as the right look for an imposing hitter.
In 1992, he was hired by the Pittsburgh Pirates as a pitching instructor. Vuckovich served as the pitching coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates for the 1997–2000 seasons. He then worked his way through the Pirates organization to the position of special assistant to the general manager with the Pirates, and held a similar post with the Seattle Mariners' organization under Jack Zduriencik, Seattle's GM from 2009 to 2015. In 2016, Vuckovich served as a professional scout with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball annual wins leaders