Bob Kline

Robert George Kline [Junior] (December 9, 1909 – March 16, 1987) was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for three teams between the 1930 and 1934 seasons. Listed at 6' 3", 200 lb., Kline batted and threw right-handed. He was born in Enterprise, Ohio.

For the film director, see Hercules: Zero to Hero. For similarly named people, see Robert Klein (disambiguation).
Bob Kline
Pitcher
Born: (1909-12-09)December 9, 1909
Enterprise, Ohio, U.S.
Died: March 16, 1987(1987-03-16) (aged 77)
Westerville, Ohio, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 17, 1930, for the Boston Red Sox
Last MLB appearance
July 15, 1934, for the Washington Senators
MLB statistics
Won–lost record30–28
Earned run average5.05
Strikeouts87
Teams

Career

A fastball thrower, Kline started and filled various relief roles coming out of the bullpen as a closer, middle reliever, and set-up man. He entered the majors in 1930 with the Boston Red Sox, playing for them four years before joining the Philadelphia Athletics (1934) and Washington Senators (1934). While in Boston, he learned to pitch a sinker from roommate Wilcy Moore which helped him to win 11 games in 1932.

On October 1, 1933, Kline was the opposing pitcher at Yankee Stadium during the last pitching appearance for Babe Ruth.

At the end of the season, he was sent by Boston along with Rabbit Warstler and cash to the Athletics in the same transaction that brought Lefty Grove, Rube Walberg and Max Bishop to the Red Sox. He split the season with Philadelphia and Washington, collecting seven relief wins to lead the American League pitchers.

In a five-season career, Kline posted a 30-28 record with 87 strikeouts and a 5.05 earned run average in 148 appearances, including 37 starts, eight complete games, one shutout, seven saves, and 441⅔ innings of work.

Following his playing career, Kline managed the 1946 Marion Cardinals and 1947 Johnson City Cardinals. He died in Westerville, Ohio, at age 77.

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