Minor Leaguer Steve Dalkowski, Inspiration for Nuke Laloosh of 'Bull Durham,' Dies at Age 80
There are endless debates about the best baseball movies of all time. What fans can agree on is that 1988's "Bull Durham" belongs in any conversation on the topic.
The film, directed by former minor leaguer Ron Shelton, is certainly one of the funniest sports movies ever made, and the character of Ebby "Nuke" Laloosh, played by Tim Robbins, is one of the more iconic fictional ballplayers in the canon. "Nuke" was loosely based on Steve Dalkowski, a minor league pitcher who became a legend in his own right -- sadly, he recently passed away recently at the age of 80.
Steve Dalkowski, a hard-throwing, wild left-hander whose minor league career inspired the creation of Nuke LaLoosh in the movie “Bull Durham,” has died. He was 80.
— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) April 24, 2020
by @ronaldblum
https://t.co/5X2iZ9jA0A
"Dalko," a southpaw, lived a life filled with wild moments. As those who have seen the film may have guessed, Dalkowski was a pitcher who struggled with control and simply couldn't tame his amazing velocity. When he was at his best, however, he was a beast -- he once struck out 21 batters in a single game.
Steve Dalkowski, who is said to have had the fastest fastball of all time and the inspiration for Nuke LaLoosh, has passed away at the age of 80.
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) April 24, 2020
After facing Dalkowski in a Spring Training game, Ted Williams said he’s the “Fastest ever. I never want to face him again.” pic.twitter.com/tFIhouQDlB
The original "Nuke" became a minor league legend with claims he threw well over 100 mph. The problem was the fact he walked 1,236 batters in 956 career innings over his nine-year minor league career. His legend nonetheless lives on through "Bull Durhaam," and that's exactly as it should be.
Our thoughts are with Dalkowski's family during this most difficult of times.