Jim Konstanty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jim Konstanty |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: March 2, 1917 Strykersville, New York, U.S. |
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| Died: June 11, 1976 (aged 59) Oneonta, New York, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| June 18, 1944, for the Cincinnati Reds | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 19, 1956, for the St. Louis Cardinals | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 66–48 | ||
| Earned run average | 3.46 | ||
| Strikeouts | 268 | ||
| Saves | 74 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
Casimir James Konstanty (born March 2, 1917 – died June 11, 1976) was an American baseball player. He was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). A relief pitcher comes into the game after the starting pitcher.
Konstanty was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1950. This is a huge honor for a relief pitcher. He played for several teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals. He threw and batted right-handed.
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Early Life and Education
Jim Konstanty grew up in Strykersville, New York. His father was a farmer. Jim was a talented athlete in high school in Arcade, New York. He also played sports at Syracuse University.
At Syracuse, he earned a science degree. He was part of the university's basketball team from 1936 to 1939. Before becoming a professional baseball player, Konstanty worked as a physical education teacher. He taught in Saint Regis Falls, New York.
Baseball Career Highlights
Konstanty started his professional baseball career in 1941. He was 24 years old. He played briefly for the Cincinnati Reds in 1944. He also played for the Boston Braves in 1946. In 1945, he served in the United States Navy.
After his military service, he spent three seasons playing in the minor leagues. The minor leagues are where players develop their skills. In 1948, the Philadelphia Phillies called him up to the major leagues. He became a special kind of pitcher called a relief specialist. He used pitches like a slider and a change-up very well.
The Amazing 1950 Season
The year 1950 was Jim Konstanty's best. The Phillies team, known as the "Whiz Kids," won the National League championship. Konstanty was named the Most Valuable Player for the National League. He is the only relief pitcher in the National League to ever win this award.
That season, he played in 74 games. This was a major league record at the time. He won 16 games and led the National League with 22 saves. A save happens when a relief pitcher finishes a close game without letting the other team score. He was also chosen for the NL All-Star team.
In a surprising move, Konstanty was chosen to start Game 1 of the 1950 World Series. He pitched against the New York Yankees. He only allowed four hits in eight innings. However, the Phillies lost the game 1–0. The Yankees' pitcher, Vic Raschi, pitched a shutout.
Later Career and Retirement
After his amazing 1950 season, Konstanty was not as effective. In the middle of the 1954 season, he was traded to the New York Yankees. He played for the Yankees for two seasons. He then played half a season for the St. Louis Cardinals. He retired from baseball in 1957.
In his 11-season career, Konstanty had a record of 66 wins and 48 losses. He also had 74 saves. His ERA was 3.46. He pitched in 433 games.
Life After Baseball
After retiring from baseball, Jim Konstanty lived in Worcester, New York. In 1948, he opened a sporting goods store in Oneonta, New York. He ran this store until 1973.
He also worked as a pitching coach for minor league teams. From 1968 to 1972, he was the director of athletics at Hartwick College. This college is also in Oneonta, New York. He passed away in Worcester at the age of 59.
In 2008, Jim Konstanty was honored. He was elected into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball annual saves leaders
