He retired on top of his game in 1966 with 27 wins, his third Cy Young award and a chronically arthritic pitching elbow. He brought a lot of class to the team. It took more than just a good arm. He was a smart young man and took good care of himself. That is why he had his accomplishments.
Accomplishments are something both men share, but their feats are a rare topic of conversation.
You can find that in the record books. He was a gentleman and a classy guy on and off the field. Koufax proved his class last July after being named to baseball's All-Century team. It had been years since the two had spoken. Koufax phoned, not to talk about his exciting honor, but to inquire about Jucker's wife, Joanne, who had been in poor health.