Bert Blyleven Biography: Net Worth, Strikeouts, Age, Height, Parents, Ethnicity, Awards, Baseball Career, Wife, Retirement
Rik Aalbert Blyleven, popularly known as Bert Blyleven and nicknamed The Flying Dutchman, is a Dutch-American former professional baseball pitcher and sports broadcaster.
Celebrated for his exceptional curveball, he enjoyed a 22-season Major League Baseball career, recording 287 victories and 3,701 strikeouts.
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He won two World Series championships and earned induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011.
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Rik Aalbert Blyleven |
| Stage Name: | Bert Blyleven |
| Born: | April 6, 1951 (age 75 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Zeist, Netherlands |
| Nationality: | Dutch-American |
| Ethnicity: | Dutch |
| Height: | 1.91 metres |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | Johannes Cornelius Blijleven, Jannigje Blijleven |
| Spouse: | Gayle Blyleven |
| Children: | 6 |
| Occupation: | Former Professional Baseball Player, Sports Broadcaster, Baseball Coach |
| Net Worth: | $5 million |
Early Life and Education
Bert Blyleven was born on April 6, 1951, in Zeist, Netherlands, to Johannes Cornelius Blijleven and Jannigje Blijleven. His parents later adopted the English names Joe and Jenny Blyleven after emigrating from Europe.
He grew up in a family of seven children. His family moved to Canada before eventually settling in Garden Grove, California, in 1957.
He attended Santiago High School, where he developed his pitching abilities. His zodiac sign is Aries, and his religion is Christianity.
Career
Bert Blyleven began his professional baseball career after the Minnesota Twins selected him in the third round of the 1969 MLB Draft. Following his high-school graduation, he signed with the organisation and progressed rapidly through its minor-league system.
He made his Major League Baseball debut on June 5, 1970, at 19 years old. During his first season, he recorded 10 victories and received the Sporting News American League Rookie Pitcher of the Year recognition.
Blyleven gained wider recognition during the 1970s through his outstanding pitching performances and exceptional curveball. In 1973, he recorded 20 victories for Minnesota before moving to the Texas Rangers in 1976.
He pitched a no-hitter against the California Angels on September 22, 1977, and subsequently joined the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1978. He helped Pittsburgh win the 1979 World Series, recording an impressive postseason performance.
He later represented the Cleveland Indians, returning to Minnesota in 1985. His second major championship came in 1987, when he helped the Twins defeat the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series.
He subsequently played for the California Angels, completing his final major-league season in 1992. His career statistics included 287 victories, 250 losses, 3,701 strikeouts and a 3.31 earned run average across 22 seasons.
After retiring, Blyleven became a television commentator for the Minnesota Twins, beginning in 1996. He spent 25 seasons broadcasting games before retiring from the position after the 2020 season.
He also served as a pitching coach for the Netherlands national baseball team in several international competitions.
Awards and Nominations
- 2× MLB All-Star – 1973 and 1985
- 2× World Series Champion – 1979 and 1987
- Sporting News American League Rookie Pitcher of the Year – 1970
- Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame – 2002
- National Baseball Hall of Fame – 2011
- Minnesota Twins retired No. 28 jersey – 2011
- Minnesota Twins All-Metrodome Team – 2009
Personal Life
Bert Blyleven, 75 years old, was first married to Patricia Ann Whitehead in July 1971. Their marriage produced four children: Todd, Tim, Kimberly and Tom.
He later married Gayle Blyleven, with whom he has a family of six children and eight grandchildren.
Outside baseball, Blyleven enjoys spending time with his family, supporting charitable organisations and participating in community activities. His height is 1.91 metres.
Net Worth
Bert Blyleven’s net worth is estimated around $5 million USD. His wealth is primarily associated with his 22-season professional baseball career, during which he represented the Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians and California Angels.
His playing contracts contributed to his career earnings, while his 25-year broadcasting career with the Minnesota Twins provided another significant source of professional income.
His baseball appearances, coaching activities and sporting engagements have also contributed to his financial standing.
Career Highlights
- Minnesota Twins
- Texas Rangers
- Pittsburgh Pirates
- Cleveland Indians
- California Angels
- Netherlands National Baseball Team
- National Baseball Hall of Fame
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