Former Houston Astros all-star JR Richard passed away at the age of 71. Richard was a key piece for the franchise, playing for them from 1971-1980.

Richard spent his entire 10-year career with the Astros and became an all-star in his final season in the big leagues, at age 30. During that season, in 1980, Richard went 10-4 with a 1,90 ERA which was by far the best of his career. He had the lowest ERA in MLB in 1979 at 2.71 and led the National League in strikeouts in back-to-back years in 1978 and 1979.

He was so dominant on the mound for a stretch that he received MVP votes in 1976 and 1979. Richard finished 7th and 3rd in the Cy Young voting in those two years as well for the Astros, respectively.

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Richard's all-star season in 1980 was cut short after he left a game early in late July when his arm went numb. When doctors couldn't figure out the problem, Richard attempted to return to the Astros that year. On July 30 of 1980, while he was warming up on the field, Richard suffered a massive stroke, ending his playing career.

While he attempted to make a comeback in 1981 with the Astros, he was never able to get over the hump as he was severely limited as a result of the stroke he had suffered.

A life taken too soon, a tip of the cap to JR Richard.