Perry pitched for eight major-league teams from 1962 until 1983. He won the Cy Young with Cleveland in 1972 and with San Diego in 1978 just after turning 40.
The native of Williamston, North Carolina, made history as the first player to win the Cy Young in both leagues, with Cleveland in 1972 and San Diego in 1978 just after turning 40.
Perry went 24-16 in his debut season with Cleveland after 10 years with the San Francisco Giants. He was 21-6 in his first season with the Padres in 1978 for his third and final 20-win season.
John Hadl, Former Chargers Quarterback, Dies at Age of 82
A dynamic do-it-all talent in college, Hadl went on to become one of the AFL’s elite quarterbacks with the Chargers. Hadl played 11 seasons for San Diego before stints with the Rams, Packers and Oilers to close out his phenomenal career.
Hadl, who was a backup on the Chargers’ 1963 AFL Championship team, led the league in passing thrice in his career, which he concluded with 33,503 yards passing, 244 touchdown passes, 1,112 yards rushing, 16 rushing scores and an 82-75-9 record as a starting QB. He was also the 1971 NFL Man of the Year.
A native of Lawrence, Kansas, Hadl starred for the Jayhawks as a quarterback, running back, defensive back, punter and returner. As a sophomore, Hadl led the nation in punting (45.6 yards per punt) and set KU records with a 94-yard punt (still the longest in school history) and a 98-yard interception return (which stood as the school best until 2007). He went on to become the school’s first two-time All-American in 1960 and ’61 when his talents at halfback.
