Hoyt Wilhelm

Hoyt Wilhelm
Birthdate 7/26/1922
Death Date 8/23/2002
Debut Year 1952
Year of Induction 1985
Teams Angels, Braves, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Indians, Orioles, White Sox
Position Pitcher

Though he made his MLB debut at age 29, Hoyt Wilhelm was the 1st pitcher to save 200 games & the 1st to appear in 1,000 games.

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Hoyt Wilhelm began his pro career at age 19; his MLB debut came a decade later

Hoyt Wilhelm began his pro career at age 19; his MLB debut came a decade later

Hoyt Wilhelm graduated from high school in 1941 and immediately started his professional career. Seen as a non-prospect, he was sent to Class D Moorseville for the ’42 season. The next three years Wilhelm spent working for Uncle Sam in World War II. When he returned, Wilhelm stayed in the mino
The back of the Heilbroner Baseball Bureau card shows his minor league odyssey

The back of the Heilbroner Baseball Bureau card shows his minor league odyssey

Shown here is the reverse of Hoyt Wilhelm’s Heilbroner Baseball Bureau information card. On the front it is dated 1942; here there is a postmark from 1947. Baseball Reference states that Wilhelm pitched 7 minor league seasons from 1942-1951. Interestingly, this card also lists Wilhelm pitching
Hoyt Wilhelm made his third All Star team in four years in 1962

Hoyt Wilhelm made his third All Star team in four years in 1962

Hoyt Wilhelm penned this letter the day after Christmas in 1961. The pitcher writes to early player agent Frank Scott, the master of endorsements and paid appearances. Wilhelm asks about tax advice from Scott. The 1962 season was around the corner and the pitcher would succeed. Though his won-loss r
After retiring as a player Wilhelm spent nearly a quarter century coaching

After retiring as a player Wilhelm spent nearly a quarter century coaching

Hoyt Wilhelm’s playing career ended in 1972 when the Dodgers released him five days before his 50th birthday. He was without baseball for the first time since his teens. His absence from the game did not last long. The next season he managed in the Atlanta Braves minor league system. In ’
Hoyt Wilhelm spent 50 years in pro baseball - 28 as a player & 22 as a coach

Hoyt Wilhelm spent 50 years in pro baseball - 28 as a player & 22 as a coach

Hoyt Wilhelm spend a half-century in baseball. He played for 5 minor league teams and 9 teams in the majors. A rookie at age 29, he retired as a player just short of his 50th birthday. Though he never played for the Yankees, he spent nearly two decades with the organization as a coach. Shown here is
Hoyt Wilhelm was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday, July 28, 1985

Hoyt Wilhelm was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday, July 28, 1985

Baseball’s ultimate honor is induction into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. After a 21-year big league career that included a then-record 1,070 appearances, pitcher Hoyt Wilhelm earned the distinction. Success after 8 years on the ballot, Wilhelm joined first-ballot selection and me

One response to “Hoyt Wilhelm”

  1. Lawrence Smith says:

    Best knuckle ball, in my opinion. RIP SIR!

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