Gaylord Perry still jokes about his infamous spitball and how much it contributed to his decorated career.
The San Francisco Giants retired the jersey of the Hall of Fame right-hander Saturday night, the 10th player or manager to have their number retired in the club's 123-year history and the first since Orlando Cepeda in 1999.
"It was between me and Juan Marichal, and they took me," Perry said.
Still quite the jokester, Perry earlier spoke of how he once tried silicone on his hands. When he thought about what it's typically used for, he said he couldn't concentrate on his work.
So, he stuck to his usual.
"I'd put Vaseline on my hands and shake the opponents' hands the night before I pitched," Perry said. "They'd say, 'What are you doing?' and I'd say, 'I'm just getting ready for tomorrow night.' "
The 66-year-old Perry posted 314 victories in a 22-year career with eight teams, the first 10 with the Giants. He pitched one of 17 no-hitters in franchise history Sept. 17, 1968, against the St. Louis Cardinals and Cy Young Award winner Bob Gibson at Candlestick Park.
"What an honor," Perry said following a warm standing ovation. He played for the Giants from 1962-1971.
With streamers and balloons, his No. 36 was unfurled above the second deck of bleachers in left field, between the No. 30 of Cepeda and Willie McCovey's No. 44 — two more Giants' Hall of Famers of his era. Highlights of Perry's career played on the big screen on the main scoreboard in center field.
"Gaylord, how would you have liked to pitch in this ballpark? What a delight," said Mike McCormick, who along with his former teammates presented Perry with a framed plaque of his jersey.
Perry's number decorated the grass in foul territory along the first- and third-base lines, and the first 20,000 fans received a bobblehead of his likeness.
Perry, a five-time All-Star, was the first pitcher to win the Cy Young Award in both leagues, and he posted four 20-win seasons.
PADRES TRADE: The slumping San Diego Padres acquired third baseman Joe Randa from Cincinnati for two minor league pitchers Saturday and demoted struggling Sean Burroughs to Triple-A.
The Padres also were discussing a trade that would send first baseman Phil Nevin to Baltimore for pitcher Sidney Ponson, but had yet to ask the slugger to waive his limited no-trade clause. The Orioles are one of eight teams Nevin can block a trade to.
"The Padres have not even asked our approval yet," agent Barry Axelrod told The Associated Press. "If they were to ask for our approval, for Phil to even consider it I'm sure there would have to be some discussion. He and/or I would want to talk with the Orioles and find out what his role would be there."
Nevin went 1-for-3 with a walk during a 2-0 loss Saturday in Philadelphia. San Diego's sixth straight loss cut its lead in the weak NL West to three games over Arizona.
NIX TO HAVE SURGERY: Texas Rangers center fielder Laynce Nix said Saturday he will have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder next week.
The Rangers also added right-hander James Baldwin to the roster and recalled first baseman Adrian Gonzalez from Triple-A Oklahoma. Left-hander Erasmo Ramirez and infielder Marshall McDougall were optioned to Oklahoma.
After consulting earlier in the week with team physician Dr. Keith Meister, Nix opted to have a muscle tear in the shoulder repaired now so he will be ready for spring training.
ALSO: The Colorado Rockies added infielder Anderson Machado to their 25-man roster and purchased left-hander Randy Williams' contract from Triple-A Colorado Springs . . . The Tigers sent right-handed pitcher Justin Verlander to Double-A Erie . . . The Minnesota Twins sent right-hander Scott Baker back to Triple-A Rochester after he won the second game of a day-night doubleheader.