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{{short description|American baseball player (born 1925)}}
{{short description|American baseball player (born 1925)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
{{Infobox baseball biography
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'''Robert Clayton Shantz''' (born September 26, 1925) is an American former professional [[baseball]] player. He played as a left-handed [[pitcher]] in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) from {{Baseball year|1949}} through {{Baseball year|1964}}, and won the 1952 American League [[Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player Award]] as a member of the [[Philadelphia Athletics]]. A three-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]], Shantz won eight consecutive [[Gold Glove Award]]s and won a World Series championship with the 1958 [[New York Yankees]]. He is the last living Philadelphia Athletics
'''Robert Clayton Shantz''' (born September 26, 1925) is an American former [[professional baseball]] left-handed [[pitcher]]. He played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) from {{Baseball year|1949}} through {{Baseball year|1964}}, and won the 1952 American League [[Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player Award]] as a member of the [[Philadelphia Athletics]]. A three-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]], Shantz won eight consecutive [[Gold Glove Award]]s and won a World Series championship with the 1958 [[New York Yankees]]. He is the last living Philadelphia Athletics player and the oldest living MLB MVP. Additionally, he and [[Tommy Brown (baseball)|Tommy Brown]], are the only two former players still alive who debuted in the [[1940s]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/Oldest_Living_Baseball_Players.php | title=The Oldest Living Major League Baseball Players &#124; Baseball Almanac }}</ref>
player.


He also played for the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]], [[Houston Astros|Houston Colt .45s]], [[St. Louis Cardinals]], [[Chicago Cubs]], and the [[Philadelphia Phillies]].<ref name=data>{{cite web|title=Bobby Shantz Statistics and History|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shantbo01.shtml|website=baseball-reference.com|publisher=sports-reference.com|access-date=November 8, 2015}}</ref> Shantz began his career as a [[starting pitcher]], but about halfway through he converted to a competent [[relief pitcher]]. In 1951, he added the [[knuckleball]] to his repertoire. Standing only {{convert|5|ft|6|in|abbr=on}}, Shantz had a career record of 119 games won, 99 games lost, and an [[earned run average]] (ERA) of 3.38.
He also played for the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]], [[Houston Astros|Houston Colt .45s]], [[St. Louis Cardinals]], [[Chicago Cubs]], and the [[Philadelphia Phillies]].<ref name=data>{{cite web|title=Bobby Shantz Statistics and History|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shantbo01.shtml|website=baseball-reference.com|publisher=sports-reference.com|access-date=November 8, 2015}}</ref> Shantz began his career as a [[starting pitcher]], but about halfway through he converted to a competent [[relief pitcher]]. In 1951, he added the [[knuckleball]] to his repertoire. Standing only {{convert|5|ft|6|in|abbr=on}}, Shantz had a career record of 119 games won, 99 games lost, and an [[earned run average]] (ERA) of 3.38.


==Career==
==Career==
Shantz enjoyed his best season in 1952 when he led the [[American League]] in wins (24) and won the [[MLB Most Valuable Player Award|MVP Award]].<ref name=data/> In the process, he led the A's to a 79–75 record and fourth-place finish in the American League, their last winning season in Philadelphia. In a September 1952 game, Shantz's left wrist was broken after he was hit by a pitch thrown by [[Walt Masterson]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Shantz Suffers Broken Wrist As A's Nip Nats|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zKxHAAAAIBAJ&pg=4058,2152381&dq=bobby+shantz+broken+wrist&hl=en|access-date=November 8, 2015|agency=[[Associated Press]] (AP)|work=Meriden Record|date=September 24, 1952|location=Meriden-Wallingford, Connecticut|page=4}}</ref> The following season, Shantz injured his shoulder in a game against the [[Boston Red Sox]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Bobby Shantz Is Sidelined With Injured Shoulder|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2245&dat=19530522&id=RIgzAAAAIBAJ&pg=3748,5532350&hl=en|access-date=November 8, 2015|agency=[[United Press International]] (UP)|work=Lodi News-Sentinel|date=May 22, 1953|location=Lodi: CA|page=10}}</ref> Shantz saw only limited action for the rest of 1953 and pitched only eight innings in 1954.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fraley|first1=Oscar|title=Bobby Shantz Apparently Has Made It All The Way Back|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LVJgAAAAIBAJ&pg=2287,3751727&dq=bobby+shantz+wrist&hl=en|access-date=November 8, 2015|agency=[[United Press International]] (UP)|work=The Wilmington News|date=May 19, 1955|location=Wilmington, North Carolina|page=17}}</ref> After the 1954 season was complete, the Athletics were sold and moved to Kansas City for the 1955 season.
Shantz graduated from [[Pottstown High School]] in [[Pottstown, Pennsylvania]], in 1943.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pottsmerc.com/2023/05/03/undeterred-at-97-former-al-mvp-bobby-shantz-makes-annual-visit-to-pottstown/|title=Undeterred at 97, former AL MVP Bobby Shantz makes annual visit to Pottstown|first=Evan|last=Wheaton|date=May 4, 2023}}</ref> He signed with the [[Philadelphia Athletics]] as a [[free agent]] and made his MLB debut in 1949. In 1952, Shantz led the [[American League]] (AL) in wins (24) and won the [[MLB Most Valuable Player Award|AL Most Valuable Player Award]].<ref name=data/> In the process, he led the A's to a 79–75 record and fourth-place finish in the American League, their last winning season in Philadelphia. In a September 1952 game, Shantz's left wrist was broken after he was hit by a pitch thrown by [[Walt Masterson]] of the Senators.<ref>{{cite news|title=Shantz Suffers Broken Wrist As A's Nip Nats|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zKxHAAAAIBAJ&pg=4058,2152381&dq=bobby+shantz+broken+wrist&hl=en|access-date=November 8, 2015|agency=[[Associated Press]] (AP)|work=Meriden Record|date=September 24, 1952|location=Meriden-Wallingford, Connecticut|page=4}}</ref> The following season, Shantz injured his shoulder in a game against the [[Boston Red Sox]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Bobby Shantz Is Sidelined With Injured Shoulder|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2245&dat=19530522&id=RIgzAAAAIBAJ&pg=3748,5532350&hl=en|access-date=November 8, 2015|agency=[[United Press International]] (UP)|work=Lodi News-Sentinel|date=May 22, 1953|location=Lodi: CA|page=10}}</ref> Shantz saw only limited action for the rest of 1953 and pitched only eight innings in 1954.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fraley|first1=Oscar|title=Bobby Shantz Apparently Has Made It All The Way Back|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LVJgAAAAIBAJ&pg=2287,3751727&dq=bobby+shantz+wrist&hl=en|access-date=November 8, 2015|agency=[[United Press International]] (UP)|work=The Wilmington News|date=May 19, 1955|location=Wilmington, North Carolina|page=17}}</ref> After the 1954 season was complete, the Athletics were sold and moved to Kansas City for the 1955 season.


In 1957, Shantz was traded to the New York Yankees as part of a 13-player deal.<ref>[https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1957/02/20/84909402.html?pageNumber=39 Yankees obtain Ditmar and Shantz in thirteen-player deal with Athletics]</ref> He led the league in ERA in his first year with the Yankees, but was never a regular starting pitcher afterwards.
On February 19, 1957, the Athletics traded Shantz, [[Art Ditmar]], [[Wayne Belardi]], [[Jack McMahan]], and [[players to be named later]] (PTBNL) to the [[New York Yankees]] for [[Rip Coleman]], [[Milt Graff]], [[Billy Hunter (baseball)|Billy Hunter]], [[Mickey McDermott]], [[Irv Noren]], [[Tom Morgan (baseball)|Tom Morgan]], and a PTBNL.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1957/02/20/archives/noren-coleman-go-to-kansas-city-players-in-athleticsyankees-trade.html|title=NOREN, COLEMAN GO TO KANSAS CITY; Players in Athletics-Yankees Trade|first=William J.|last=Briordy|work=The New York Times |date=February 20, 1957|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref> The Yankees sent [[Jack Urban]] to the Athletics and the Athletics sent [[Curt Roberts]] and [[Clete Boyer]] to the Yankees to complete the trade. He led the league in ERA in his first year with the Yankees, but was never a regular starting pitcher afterwards.


A highly skilled fielder, Shantz won eight consecutive [[Gold Glove Award]]s from 1957 to 1964 ([[List of Gold Glove Award winners at pitcher|American League]], 1957–60; [[List of Gold Glove Award winners at pitcher|National League]], 1961–64; in 1957 the award was rendered for both leagues). Shantz also was selected for the [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Game]] in 1951, 1952 and 1957.<ref name=data/> In the fifth and final inning of the 1952 [[All Star Game]], the left&ndash;handed Shantz exhibited his distinctive sidearm delivery and sharp curve and control and struck out three consecutive National League hitters: [[Whitey Lockman]], [[Jackie Robinson]] and [[Stan Musial]].
A highly skilled fielder, Shantz won eight consecutive [[Gold Glove Award]]s from 1957 to 1964 ([[List of Gold Glove Award winners at pitcher|American League]], 1957–60; [[List of Gold Glove Award winners at pitcher|National League]], 1961–64; in 1957 the award was rendered for both leagues). Shantz also was selected for the [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Game]] in 1951, 1952 and 1957.<ref name=data/> In the fifth and final inning of the 1952 [[All Star Game]], the left&ndash;handed Shantz exhibited his distinctive sidearm delivery and sharp curve and control and struck out three consecutive National League hitters: [[Whitey Lockman]], [[Jackie Robinson]] and [[Stan Musial]].


Shantz appeared in relief three games each in the 1957 and 1960 [[World Series]] with the [[Casey Stengel]] managed [[New York Yankees]].<ref name=data/> Shantz was selected in the [[1960 MLB expansion draft]] by the [[Washington Senators (1961–71)|Washington Senators]] from the New York Yankees; the Senators then traded Shantz to the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] for [[Bennie Daniels]], [[Harry Bright]], and [[R. C. Stevens]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/11/08/1st-expansion-draft-a-slap-dash-affair/|title=1ST EXPANSION DRAFT A SLAP-DASH AFFAIR|first=Scripps Howard News|last=Service|website=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=November 8, 1992}}</ref> The [[Houston Colt .45s]] selected Shantz from the Pirates in the [[1961 MLB expansion draft]]. On May 7, 1962, the Colt .45s traded Shantz to the [[St. Louis Cardinals]] for [[John Anderson (pitcher)|John Anderson]] and [[Carl Warwick]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/05/07/archives/colts-send-shantz-to-cardinals-in-deal-for-anderson-warwick-keane.html|title=Colts Send Shantz to Cardinals in Deal for Anderson, Warwick; Keane to Use Left-Hander, 36, in Relief Houston Acquires Outfielder and Pitcher|work=The New York Times |date=May 7, 1962|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref>
Shantz appeared in relief three games each in the 1957 and 1960 [[World Series]] with the [[Casey Stengel]] managed [[New York Yankees]].<ref name=data/>


On June 15, 1964, the Cardinals traded Shantz, [[Ernie Broglio]], and [[Doug Clemens]] to the [[Chicago Cubs]] for [[Lou Brock]], [[Jack Spring]], and [[Paul Toth]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-jun-15-1964-br/5098246/|title=Jun 15, 1964: Brock for Broglio|newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=June 15, 1964|pages=20|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The Cubs sold Shantz to the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] in August 1964. He retired after the 1964 season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/12/12/archives/shantz-quitting-baseball-after-16-years-in-majors.html|title=Shantz Quitting Baseball After 16 Years in Majors|work=The New York Times |date=December 12, 1964|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref>
Shantz had the distinction of being selected in expansion drafts in consecutive seasons. He was selected in the [[1960 MLB expansion draft]] by the [[Washington Senators (1961–71)|Washington Senators]] from the New York Yankees, and in the [[1961 MLB expansion draft]] by the Colt .45s from the Pittsburgh Pirates.


In his 16-year major league career, Shantz recorded a .195 [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]] (107-for-548) with 60 [[run (baseball)|runs]], 20 [[double (baseball)|doubles]], 1 [[home run]], 46 [[Run batted in|RBI]] and 47 [[bases on balls]]. Defensively, he posted a .976 [[fielding percentage]] which was 19 points higher than the league average at his position.<ref name="data" />
In his 16-year major league career, Shantz recorded a .195 [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]] (107-for-548) with 60 [[run (baseball)|runs]], 20 [[double (baseball)|doubles]], one [[home run]], 46 [[runs batted in]] and 47 [[bases on balls|walks]]. Defensively, he posted a .976 [[fielding percentage]] which was 19 points higher than the league average at his position.<ref name="data" />


==Personal life==
He is the brother of former Major League [[catcher]] [[Billy Shantz]]. He is the oldest living former player of the [[Chicago Cubs]], [[Houston Astros]], and [[Philadelphia Phillies]] organizations. He is also the oldest living player to have won a [[Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player Award]].
He is the brother of former Major League [[catcher]] [[Billy Shantz]]. He is married to Shirley Vogel, and they have four children, Bobby, born in 1954, followed by Kathy, Teddy, and Danny, born in 1965.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Marmer |first1=Mel |title=Bobby Shantz |url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bobby-shantz/ |website=sabr.org |publisher=SABR |access-date=November 30, 2023}}</ref>

As of August 2024, Shantz is the third-oldest living Major League player.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Oldest Living Major League Baseball Players |url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/Oldest_Living_Baseball_Players.php |website=baseball-almanac.com |publisher=Baseball Almanac, Inc. |access-date=November 30, 2023}}</ref> Following the death of [[Bill Harrington (baseball)|Bill Harrington]] in January 2022, Shantz became the last surviving player who played under [[Connie Mack]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kepner |first1=Tyler |title=With One More Title, the Eagles Would Finally Match the A's |work=The New York Times |date=February 8, 2023 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/08/sports/baseball/philadelphia-athletics-eagles.html |access-date=November 30, 2023}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{baseballstats|mlb=122060|espn=27391|br=s/shantbo01|fangraphs=1011804|brm=shantz001rob|retro=S/Pshanb102}}
*{{baseballstats|mlb=122060|espn=27391|br=s/shantbo01|fangraphs=1011804|brm=shantz001rob|retro=S/Pshanb102}}
*{{SABR Baseball Biography Project|22649411}}
*[https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/22649411 Bobby Shantz] at SABR (Baseball BioProject)
*[https://www.astrosdaily.com/players/Shantz_Bobby.html Bobby Shantz] at Astros Daily
*[https://www.astrosdaily.com/players/Shantz_Bobby.html Bobby Shantz] at Astros Daily


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[[Category:American League wins champions]]
[[Category:American League wins champions]]
[[Category:American people of German descent]]
[[Category:American people of German descent]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Chicago Cubs players]]
[[Category:Chicago Cubs players]]
[[Category:Gold Glove Award winners]]
[[Category:Gold Glove Award winners]]

Latest revision as of 07:52, 6 October 2024

Bobby Shantz
Shantz in 1953
Pitcher
Born: (1925-09-26) September 26, 1925 (age 99)
Pottstown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Left
MLB debut
May 1, 1949, for the Philadelphia Athletics
Last MLB appearance
September 29, 1964, for the Philadelphia Phillies
MLB statistics
Win–loss record119–99
Earned run average3.38
Strikeouts1,072
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Robert Clayton Shantz (born September 26, 1925) is an American former professional baseball left-handed pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1949 through 1964, and won the 1952 American League Most Valuable Player Award as a member of the Philadelphia Athletics. A three-time All-Star, Shantz won eight consecutive Gold Glove Awards and won a World Series championship with the 1958 New York Yankees. He is the last living Philadelphia Athletics player and the oldest living MLB MVP. Additionally, he and Tommy Brown, are the only two former players still alive who debuted in the 1940s.[1]

He also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Colt .45s, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and the Philadelphia Phillies.[2] Shantz began his career as a starting pitcher, but about halfway through he converted to a competent relief pitcher. In 1951, he added the knuckleball to his repertoire. Standing only 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m), Shantz had a career record of 119 games won, 99 games lost, and an earned run average (ERA) of 3.38.

Career

[edit]

Shantz graduated from Pottstown High School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, in 1943.[3] He signed with the Philadelphia Athletics as a free agent and made his MLB debut in 1949. In 1952, Shantz led the American League (AL) in wins (24) and won the AL Most Valuable Player Award.[2] In the process, he led the A's to a 79–75 record and fourth-place finish in the American League, their last winning season in Philadelphia. In a September 1952 game, Shantz's left wrist was broken after he was hit by a pitch thrown by Walt Masterson of the Senators.[4] The following season, Shantz injured his shoulder in a game against the Boston Red Sox.[5] Shantz saw only limited action for the rest of 1953 and pitched only eight innings in 1954.[6] After the 1954 season was complete, the Athletics were sold and moved to Kansas City for the 1955 season.

On February 19, 1957, the Athletics traded Shantz, Art Ditmar, Wayne Belardi, Jack McMahan, and players to be named later (PTBNL) to the New York Yankees for Rip Coleman, Milt Graff, Billy Hunter, Mickey McDermott, Irv Noren, Tom Morgan, and a PTBNL.[7] The Yankees sent Jack Urban to the Athletics and the Athletics sent Curt Roberts and Clete Boyer to the Yankees to complete the trade. He led the league in ERA in his first year with the Yankees, but was never a regular starting pitcher afterwards.

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.[2] In the fifth and final inning of the 1952 All Star Game, the left–handed Shantz exhibited his distinctive sidearm delivery and sharp curve and control and struck out three consecutive National League hitters: Whitey Lockman, Jackie Robinson and Stan Musial.

Shantz appeared in relief three games each in the 1957 and 1960 World Series with the Casey Stengel managed New York Yankees.[2] Shantz was selected in the 1960 MLB expansion draft by the Washington Senators from the New York Yankees; the Senators then traded Shantz to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Bennie Daniels, Harry Bright, and R. C. Stevens.[8] The Houston Colt .45s selected Shantz from the Pirates in the 1961 MLB expansion draft. On May 7, 1962, the Colt .45s traded Shantz to the St. Louis Cardinals for John Anderson and Carl Warwick.[9]

On June 15, 1964, the Cardinals traded Shantz, Ernie Broglio, and Doug Clemens to the Chicago Cubs for Lou Brock, Jack Spring, and Paul Toth.[10] The Cubs sold Shantz to the Philadelphia Phillies in August 1964. He retired after the 1964 season.[11]

In his 16-year major league career, Shantz recorded a .195 batting average (107-for-548) with 60 runs, 20 doubles, one home run, 46 runs batted in and 47 walks. Defensively, he posted a .976 fielding percentage which was 19 points higher than the league average at his position.[2]

Personal life

[edit]

He is the brother of former Major League catcher Billy Shantz. He is married to Shirley Vogel, and they have four children, Bobby, born in 1954, followed by Kathy, Teddy, and Danny, born in 1965.[12]

As of August 2024, Shantz is the third-oldest living Major League player.[13] Following the death of Bill Harrington in January 2022, Shantz became the last surviving player who played under Connie Mack.[14]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The Oldest Living Major League Baseball Players | Baseball Almanac".
  2. ^ a b c d e "Bobby Shantz Statistics and History". baseball-reference.com. sports-reference.com. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
  3. ^ Wheaton, Evan (May 4, 2023). "Undeterred at 97, former AL MVP Bobby Shantz makes annual visit to Pottstown".
  4. ^ "Shantz Suffers Broken Wrist As A's Nip Nats". Meriden Record. Meriden-Wallingford, Connecticut. Associated Press (AP). September 24, 1952. p. 4. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
  5. ^ "Bobby Shantz Is Sidelined With Injured Shoulder". Lodi News-Sentinel. Lodi: CA. United Press International (UP). May 22, 1953. p. 10. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
  6. ^ Fraley, Oscar (May 19, 1955). "Bobby Shantz Apparently Has Made It All The Way Back". The Wilmington News. Wilmington, North Carolina. United Press International (UP). p. 17. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
  7. ^ Briordy, William J. (February 20, 1957). "NOREN, COLEMAN GO TO KANSAS CITY; Players in Athletics-Yankees Trade". The New York Times – via NYTimes.com.
  8. ^ Service, Scripps Howard News (November 8, 1992). "1ST EXPANSION DRAFT A SLAP-DASH AFFAIR". Chicago Tribune.
  9. ^ "Colts Send Shantz to Cardinals in Deal for Anderson, Warwick; Keane to Use Left-Hander, 36, in Relief Houston Acquires Outfielder and Pitcher". The New York Times. May 7, 1962 – via NYTimes.com.
  10. ^ "Jun 15, 1964: Brock for Broglio". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. June 15, 1964. p. 20 – via newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "Shantz Quitting Baseball After 16 Years in Majors". The New York Times. December 12, 1964 – via NYTimes.com.
  12. ^ Marmer, Mel. "Bobby Shantz". sabr.org. SABR. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  13. ^ "The Oldest Living Major League Baseball Players". baseball-almanac.com. Baseball Almanac, Inc. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  14. ^ Kepner, Tyler (February 8, 2023). "With One More Title, the Eagles Would Finally Match the A's". The New York Times. Retrieved November 30, 2023.

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
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