In Celebration of Former MLB Pitcher Bobby Shantz Turning 100

Two days ago, former MLB pitcher Bobby Shantz turned 100.

A native of Pottstown, Pennsylvania just outside of Philadelphia, Shantz was an all-around athlete but upon graduating high school stood under five feet tall. He would have a growth spurt to 5,6 and less than 140 pounds soaking wet while serving in the U.S. Army during WWII, but most pro scouts were still leery of his height until his hometown Philadelphia A's took a chance on him just after the 1947 season signing a professional contract at the age of 22.

Shantz would make his big-league debut with the A's during the 1949 season mainly working out of the bullpen but struggled with his control walking 74 batters against 58 strikeouts over 127 innings pitched. However, Shantz would have a breakout season in 1951 going 18-10 with a 3.94 ERA primarily as a starting pitcher earning his first of three AL All-Star Team appearances. Remarkably, Shantz did this as the A's finished sixth in the AL with a 70-84 record, 28 games back of the New York Yankees.

The 1951 season was a preview of what was to come. In 1952, Shantz would have a season to remember. In 33 starts, Shantz went 24-7 with a 2.48 ERA striking out a career high 152 batters while earning another AL All-Star Team selection. As there was no Cy Young Award at the time, Shantz was named the AL MVP beating out a trio of the Yankees - Allie Reynolds, Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra. In no small part due to Shantz's performance, the A's would have a winning record and improve to fourth place in the AL but still a distant 16 games back of the Yankees.

Unfortunately for Shantz, the diminutive southpaw would injure his shoulder the following season falling to 5-9 with a 4.09 ERA in only 16 starts. However, the A's stuck with him as the team moved from Philadelphia to Kansas City. 

During the years, the A's were in KC the team was essentially a glorified farm club for the Yankees. Shantz would become part of this pipeline being sent to the Bronx prior to the 1957 team in an 11-player trade which would eventually include future Yankees third baseman Clete Boyer. Shantz would enjoy a resurgence in Yankee pinstripes in 1957 working both as a starter and a reliever posting an 11-5 record with a league leading 2.45 ERA earning the first of 8 Gold Gloves for his fielding work along with his final AL All-Star Team selection. He would also appear in his first World Series starting Game 2 against the Milwaukee Braves though he would be on the losing end of a duel with Lew Burdette. The Yankees would lose the series to the Braves in 7 games.

For the remainder of his career, Shantz would return to the bullpen with a few spot starts. He did earn a World Series ring in 1958 as the Yankees got a measure of revenge against the Braves though he did not appear that in Series. Shantz did pitch three games in the 1960 World Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates although Bill Mazeroski would dash their hopes in the most memorable Game 7 in World Series history. 

Ironically, Shantz would spend the 1961 season with the Pirates before splitting 1962 with the expansion Houston Colt-45s and the St. Louis Cardinals. Shantz had a chance for another World Series ring with the Cardinals in 1964 but was part of the infamous trade which sent Ernie Broglio to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for future Hall of Famer Lou Brock. If that wasn't bad enough, Shantz would be sent to the Philadelphia Phillies where he witnessed the team collapse to the good fortune of the Cardinals.

In 537 career games (including 171 starts), Shantz went 119-99 with a 3.38 ERA fanning 1072 batters in 1935.2 innings pitched earning 8 Gold Gloves, 3 AL All-Star Team selections, a World Series ring and an AL MVP. He is the only pitcher in MLB history who stood 5,6 or shorter who has tossed 200 innings in season thrice.

After his retirement as a pitcher, Shantz returned to the Philly suburbs where he co-owned a dairy bar restaurant for more than 20 years.

Bobby Shantz is a small man who earned big achievements and has lived a long life. 

I leave you with Shantz's appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" during his dream season of 1952. Happy belated 100th birthday!!!