Ted Abernathy, 71; Pitcher Led League in Saves With Cubs, Reds

Ted Abernathy, 71, a major league baseball pitcher who twice led the National League in saves during the 1960s, died of undisclosed causes Thursday in Gastonia, N.C.

In 1965, Abernathy recorded a league-leading 31 saves with the Chicago Cubs, along with a 2.57 earned-run average. He had 28 saves and a 1.27 ERA two seasons later with the Cincinnati Reds.

He pitched for seven teams during his 1955-72 major league career, appearing in 681 games and picking up 148 saves. He had a 63-69 win-loss record and a 3.46 ERA.

After shoulder surgery left his career in doubt, he changed his pitching motion from a three-quarter delivery to a sidearm style.

Abernathy made his major league debut with the Washington Senators. In addition to the Cubs and Reds, he also pitched for Cleveland, Atlanta, St. Louis and Kansas City.