All-Star pitcher for the Houston Astros. He appeared headed for the
Hall of Fame. Then, his career ended abruptly in 1980 after suffering a
stroke which had resulted from an aneurysm in his throwing arm.
During the 1980s, after his baseball career ended, J.R. Richard was
living on the streets as a baseball has-been, and homeless. He lived as
a homeless person for several years, until a Houston-area organization,
the Star of Hope, intervened.
Was inducted into the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame in November 2002; has
been active in helping underprivleged children right after making the
transition from being homeless for several years.
Was presented an official proclaimation by Houston Mayor Lee P. Brown
on December 17, 2002 a few weeks after being inducted into the Texas
Baseball Hall of Fame.