Bobby Shantz

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 thro... more

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 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... less