Former Astros OF Jimmy Wynn dies – dead at 78

Former Houston Astros outfielder Jimmy Wynn died on Thursday at the age of 78.

Wynn was known by his nickname “The Toy Cannon” for his big arm. He played 15 seasons in MLB, 11 with the Astros, two with the Dodgers, one with the Braves, and final season split between the Brewers and Yankees.

Wynn was a lifetime .250 hitter with an .802 OPS. He hit 291 career home runs, topping out at 37 in 1967, when he made the All-Star team for the first time. He also had good bat control and walked more than he struck out six times during his career. He led the National League in walks twice (1969 and 1976).

Wynn was traded by the Astros to the Dodgers before the 1974 season and ended up making the All-Star team twice with Los Angeles. He was later traded to the Braves, and Dusty Baker went to the Dodgers as part of the deal.

Here’s a video clip that shows some of his play.

Nooooo! The Toy Cannon is gone. So thankful for his life & powerful, kind-hearted legacy. Jimmy Wynn was 78. He blasted 291 career homers, one famously to the Astrodome's 7th level & another onto a Cincinnati freeway. Everlasting Astros love to Rose Marie. pic.twitter.com/b41sIX6HSS

— Dinn Mann (@mooseoutfront) March 27, 2020