Rik Aalbert Blyleven was born: April 6, 1951 in Zeist, Holland. At 6 years old, his family moved to America, settling in Orange County, California. His father was a laborer who, among other jobs, straightened car bumpers with a hammer. Bert’s nightly games of catch with his dad helped develop Bert’s love of the game and not incidentally, a stinging fastball and a devastating curve. By the time he graduated high school, Bert’s pitching was so formidable, the Minnesota Twins immediately drafted him. The last of the old-style workhorses, Bert’s career has been marked by a level of tenacity and endurance absent from the game these days. In fact, his 1985 total of 293 innings pitched still hasn’t been matched in the 20 years since. His other 22-year Major League career highlights include: • 287 wins - 25th on the All-Time list • 250 loses - 10th on the All-Time list • 3.31 career Earned Run Average • 4,970 innings pitched - 13th on the All-Time list • 3,701 strikeouts - 5th on the All-Time list • 685 career starts - 9th on the All-Time list • 242 complete games • 60 shutouts - 9th on the All-Time list • 15 (1-0 wins) - 3rd on the All-Time list • One of only three pitchers to ever win a Major League game before his 20th birthday and also win a Major League game after his 40th birthday. • 7th on the All-Time homeruns allowed list • Played on two World Series teams: 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates and the 1987 Minnesota Twins • Two-Time All-Star: 1973 and 1985 • Won 20 games in 1973 Today, Bert is coming off his tenth season as Color Analyst for Minnesota Twins broadcasts. His lives with his wife Gayle in Fort Myers, Florida, and has four children and two stepchildren. During the off-season, Bert enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf. Also enjoys working around the house and bowling. Bert has been involved in many charitable organizations throughout the years including Parkinson's Association, Juvenile Diabetes, Leukemia Association, Children's Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House. For more information about Bert Blyleven visit his web site at: www.bertblyleven.com