Hoyt Wilhelm

James Hoyt Wilhelm (July 26, 1922 in Huntersville, North Carolina - August 23, 2002 in Sarasota, Florida) was an American relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. Born in Huntersville, North Carolina, he was best known for his knuckleball, which enabled him to have great longevity – occasionally as a starting pitcher, but mainly as a specialist relief man (in which role he won 124 games). He is recognized as the first pitcher to have saved 200 games in his career.

Related Topics:
July 26 - 1922 - Huntersville, North Carolina - August 23 - 2002 - Sarasota, Florida - American - Relief pitcher - Major League Baseball - Knuckleball - Saved

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Much travelled, his clubs included the New York Giants (1952-56), Baltimore Orioles ('58-'62) – for whom he threw he threw a no-hitter against the New York Yankees in 1958, Chicago White Sox ('63-'68), and spells with the St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Indians, California Angels, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, with whom he was playing when he eventually retired after the 1972 season.

Related Topics:
New York Giants - Baltimore Orioles - New York Yankees - 1958 - Chicago White Sox - St. Louis Cardinals - Cleveland Indians - California Angels - Atlanta Braves - Chicago Cubs - Los Angeles Dodgers - 1972

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His success as a reliever helped the gradual change in usage patterns of pitchers, and the popularity of the concept of a "relief ace". Along with Phil Niekro, Wilhelm is considered by many one of the greatest knuckleballers to have played the game, and he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985.

Related Topics:
Phil Niekro - Baseball Hall of Fame - 1985

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Career statistics

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WLPCTERAGGSCGSVIPHERHRBBSO

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143122.5402.521,07052202272254.11,7576321507781,610

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