Dick Selma; Pitcher Set Strikeout Record as a Phillies Reliever

Dick Selma, 57, a baseball player who in 1970 set a National League record by striking out 153 batters as a relief pitcher for the Phillies, died Wednesday of liver cancer at a hospital in Clovis, Calif.

After growing up in Fresno, Selma made his major league debut in 1965 with the New York Mets. He later played for the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels and San Diego Padres.

Selma played 10 seasons in the majors, compiling a record of 42 wins and 54 losses. He also recorded 31 saves and a 3.52 earned run average. He was the pitcher of record in the expansion Padres’ first victory in 1969.

After ending his baseball career, Selma returned to the Fresno area, where he worked for a food company at night. His daytime hours were spent coaching baseball, first at Fresno City College and more recently at Clovis High School.

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