Bobby Shantz

Infobox MLB retired
name=Bobby Shantz
position=Pitcher


bats=Right
throws=Left
birthdate=birth date and age|1925|9|26
city-state|Pottstown|Pennsylvania
deathdate=
debutdate=May 1
debutyear=by|1949
debutteam=Philadelphia Athletics
finaldate=September 29
finalyear=by|1964
finalteam=Philadelphia Phillies
stat1label=Win-Loss record
stat1value=119-99
stat2label=Earned run average
stat2value=3.38
stat3label=Strikeouts
stat3value=1,072
teams=
* Philadelphia / Kansas City Athletics (by|1949-by|1956)
* New York Yankees (by|1957-by|1960)
* Pittsburgh Pirates (by|1961)
* Houston Colt .45's (by|1962)
* St. Louis Cardinals (by|1962-by|1964)
* Chicago Cubs (by|1964)
* Philadelphia Phillies (by|1964)
highlights=
* 3x All-Star selection (1951, 1952, 1957)
* 8x Gold Glove Award winner (1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964)
* 1952 AL MVP

Robert Clayton Shantz (born September 26, 1925 in Pottstown, Pennsylvania) was a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics (1949-1954), Kansas City Athletics (1955-1956), New York Yankees (1957-1960), Pittsburgh Pirates (1961), Houston Colt .45's (1962), St. Louis Cardinals (1962-1964), Chicago Cubs (1964), and the Philadelphia Phillies (1964).

A left-hander, Shantz began his career as a starting pitcher, but about halfway through he converted to a competent relief pitcher.

He enjoyed his best season in by|1952 when he led the American League in wins (24) and won the MVP Award. In the process, he led the A's to their last winning season in Philadelphia. There was talk in the Philadelphia papers in August that he was on a pace to win 30 games. But in a game against Washington, Shantz was hit on the hand by a Walt Masterson pitch that ended his season and his wins at 24. The 1952 A's had some excellent players, including batting champion Ferris Fain, home run hitter Gus Zernial, and fleet center fielder Dave Philly. But the club resumed its losing ways, drew fewer and fewer fans, and moved to Kansas City after the 1954 campaign.

A highly skilled fielder, Shantz won eight consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1957 to 1964 (American League, 1957-60; National League, 1961-64; in 1957 the award was rendered for both leagues). Shantz also was selected for the All-Star Game in 1951, 1952 and 1957. In the fifth and final inning of the 1952 All Star Game, the left–handed Shantz exhibited his distinctive sidearm delivery and sharp curve. He struck out three respected hitters in a row: Whitey Lockman, Jackie Robinson, and Stan Musial.

Shantz was selected in the 1961 MLB Expansion Draft by the Colt .45s from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

He is the brother of former Major Leaguer Billy Shantz.

ee also

* List of Major League Baseball ERA champions
* List of Major League Baseball wins champions

External links

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