Bob Lee (baseball) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bob Lee |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: November 26, 1937 Ottumwa, Iowa, U.S. |
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| Died: March 25, 2020 (aged 82) Lake Havasu City, Arizona, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| April 15, 1964, for the Los Angeles Angels | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| August 25, 1968, for the Cincinnati Reds | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 25–23 | ||
| Earned run average | 2.71 | ||
| Strikeouts | 315 | ||
| Saves | 64 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Robert Dean Lee (born November 26, 1937 – died March 25, 2020) was an American pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played from 1964 to 1968 for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles/California Angels, and the Cincinnati Reds. Bob Lee was known for being a strong pitcher who often finished games. He was also sometimes a "spot starter," meaning he would start a game when needed. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 225 pounds, he threw and batted right-handed. People called him by fun nicknames like "Moose," "Horse," and "Big Bob."
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Bob Lee's Early Life and Baseball Start
Bob Lee was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, on November 26, 1937. He grew up in Bellflower, California, and went to Bellflower High School. After high school, he started his baseball journey. In 1956, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed him to play. Before reaching the big leagues, he spent eight years playing in the Minor Leagues. This is where players develop their skills before joining Major League Baseball.
Joining Major League Baseball
Bob Lee made his big league debut in 1964 with the Los Angeles Angels. His first game was on April 15, 1964. He pitched one inning without allowing any runs and got two strikeouts. Even though his team lost 6–4 to the Washington Senators, it was a good start for him.
Amazing Rookie Season
Bob Lee had a fantastic first year in 1964. He finished with a record of 6 wins and 5 losses. His earned run average (ERA) was very low at 1.51. ERA measures how many earned runs a pitcher gives up per nine innings. A lower ERA means a better pitcher. He played in 64 games and set a personal best with 111 strikeouts.
Continued Success with the Angels
In 1965, Bob Lee continued his strong pitching. He had 9 wins and 7 losses with a 1.92 ERA in 69 games. The next year, 1966, he had 5 wins and 4 losses with a 2.74 ERA in 61 games. During these three years, he earned 58 saves. A save happens when a relief pitcher finishes a close game without letting the other team score. He was one of the top pitchers in the American League for saves and games played.
Setting Records and All-Star Recognition
Bob Lee set an Angels team record by pitching 21 innings in a row without giving up any runs. This amazing streak happened between 1964 and 1965. His record stood for 48 years! It was finally broken in 2013 by another pitcher named Jered Weaver. Because of his great performance, Bob Lee was chosen for the 1965 American League All-Star Team. This is a big honor, even though he didn't get to pitch in the game itself.
Later Career and Retirement
Before the 1967 season, Bob Lee moved to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He only played in four games for the Dodgers before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds. After joining the Reds, he didn't have the same level of success as his first three seasons. In 1967, he had 3 wins and 3 losses with a 4.44 ERA in 27 games. In 1968, his final Major League season, he had 2 wins and 4 losses with a 5.15 ERA in 44 games.
Playing in Winter Leagues
Besides playing in the Major Leagues, Bob Lee also played baseball in other countries. He pitched for teams like the Tiburones de La Guaira and Leones del Caracas in the Venezuelan Winter League. He played there between 1963 and 1969, which helped him stay sharp during the off-season.
A Special Return
In 2011, the Angels team invited former players to throw out the first pitch at their home games. Bob Lee was one of these honored players. He threw out the first pitch at the game on April 10, 2011. It was a nice way for fans to remember his contributions to the team.
Passing Away
Bob Lee passed away on March 25, 2020. He was at his home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
