He debuted with the Kansas City Athletics in September 1965, and went on to pitch in 655 games, all but 32 in relief. Most of his starts came in his first 2 full seasons with Kansas City (1966-67).
Lindblad worked almost exclusively in relief following the Athletics' move to Oakland. For 3 seasons, he was the top southpaw in a bullpen that at various times featured righthanders Jack Aker, Diego Segui, and Rollie Fingers.
In May 1971, Lindblad was traded to the Senators for lefty closer Darold Knowles and 1st baseman Mike Epstein. (The Nats also got 1st baseman Don Mincher and catcher Frank Fernandez.) In ’71 he led the team with 8 saves. The following season as a Ranger, he led the AL with 66 games (all in relief).
After a year-and-a-half with Washington/Texas, Lindblad returned to the A’s in exchange for outfielder Brant Alyea. This time he was #3, behind Fingers and Knowles. With Knowles’ departure to the Cubs after the 1974 season, Lindblad moved up a notch, and was once again the A’s top lefty reliever.
After supporting Fingers in the 'pen during the '75 and '76 seasons, Lindblad was dealt back to the Rangers. He played for Texas for 1 ½ seasons (just like last time), and finished up his career with 2 months in Yankee pinstripes at the end of 1978.
Following the '78 season he was purchased by the Mariners, but released before the '79 season began.
He played in 3 post-seasons – '73 and '75 with Oakland, and '78 with New York.
Lindblad passed away in 2006 at age 64.
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