J.R. Richard, intimidating pitcher whose career was cut short by a stroke, dies at 71

J.R. Richard, a huge, flame-throwing right-hander who spent 10 years with the Houston Astros before his career was cut short by a stroke, died Aug. 6. He was 71.

The team announced his death but did not provide any further details about where he died or the cause.

The 6-foot-8 Mr. Richard intimidated hitters with an effectively wild delivery, a fastball that often touched 100 mph and an almost unhittable breaking ball. He was selected by the Astros with the second overall pick in the 1969 draft and struck out 15 batters in a complete-game win over the San Francisco Giants in his major league debut on Sept. 5, 1971.