Former Twins pitcher Dean Chance has died.
Chance, 74, had an 11-year MLB career including three seasons with the Minnesota Twins (1967-69). He also spent time with the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Indians, New York Mets and Detroit Tigers.
RIP Dean Chance, one-time 20-G winner and the LP in the unforgettable game of Oct 1 '67. Threw 5-inn rain job No-No vs Sox, too.
— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) October 12, 2015
While details about Chance’s death have not been released, the Star Tribune reports former teammate Jim Kaat said it appeared Chance died of a heart attack.
Chance, who debuted against the Twins on Sept. 11, 1961, won the Cy Young award in 1964 while playing for the Angels. He finished that season 20-9 with a 1.65 ERA and 207 strikeouts.
At the time, he was the youngest pitcher to win the award, at age 23.
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The Angels traded Chance to the Twins in December 1966. In his first season with Minnesota, Chance went 20-14 with a 2.73 ERA while striking out 220 batters in 283 2/3 innings.
Chance’s time in Minnesota may best be remembered for throwing two no-hitters during the same month – August 1967. On Aug. 6, he tossed five perfect innings in a 2-0 rain-shortened victory over Boston. Then on Aug. 25 he no-hit Cleveland in a game the Twins won 2-1.
Minnesota traded Chance to Cleveland in 1969 as part of the Luis Tiant deal.
Chance retired following the 1971 season with a career record of 128-115 with a 2.92 ERA. Two months ago he was inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame.
#Angels mourn passing of '64 Cy Young & 2015 #AngelsHOF inductee, Dean Chance. Sending our thoughts to his Family. pic.twitter.com/JGNmOQ8dKd
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) October 11, 2015
