Bill Lee (right-handed pitcher)
Encyclopedia
William Crutcher "Big Bill" Lee (October 21, 1909 - June 15, 1977) was a Major League Baseball
pitcher from 1934 through 1947 for the Chicago Cubs
, Philadelphia Phillies
, and Boston Braves
.
Lee was originally a top prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals
organization. In August 1933, Cardinals general manager Branch Rickey
called his counterpart with the Cubs, William Veeck, Sr.
and offered him two pitchers—Lee and Clarence Heise
. According to Bill Veeck
, one of Rickey's favorite tricks was to offer another team two players and trust that the other team would take the wrong one. In the case of Lee and Heise, Rickey knew that all but one Cubs pitcher was right-handed, and expected the Cubs to take Heise, a left-hander. However, on the advice of chief scout Jack Doyle
, the Cubs took Lee.
Lee spent 10 full seasons with the Cubs, as well as a pair of cameo appearances in 1947. His best year in 1938 when he helped lead the Cubs to the World Series
with a record of 22-9 and 2.66 ERA. His career marks were 169 wins, 157 losses and a 3.54 ERA. His 139 wins with the Cubs are still the ninth-most in franchise history.
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
pitcher from 1934 through 1947 for the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
, Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, and Boston Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
.
Lee was originally a top prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
organization. In August 1933, Cardinals general manager Branch Rickey
Branch Rickey
Wesley Branch Rickey was an innovative Major League Baseball executive elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1967...
called his counterpart with the Cubs, William Veeck, Sr.
William Veeck, Sr.
William Veeck, Sr. was a sports writer and baseball executive. He was president of Chicago Cubs from 1919 to his death in October, 1933. Under Veeck's leadership, the Cubs won three pennants, in 1918, 1929, and 1932....
and offered him two pitchers—Lee and Clarence Heise
Clarence Heise
Clarence Edward Heise , was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played in with the St. Louis Cardinals.Heise was originally in the Chicago Cubs organization. In August 1933, Cardinals general manager Branch Rickey called his counterpart with the Cubs, William Veeck, Sr. and offered him two...
. According to Bill Veeck
Bill Veeck
William Louis Veeck, Jr. , also known as "Sport Shirt Bill", was a native of Chicago, Illinois, and a franchise owner and promoter in Major League Baseball. He was best known for his publicity stunts to raise attendance. Veeck was at various times the owner of the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis...
, one of Rickey's favorite tricks was to offer another team two players and trust that the other team would take the wrong one. In the case of Lee and Heise, Rickey knew that all but one Cubs pitcher was right-handed, and expected the Cubs to take Heise, a left-hander. However, on the advice of chief scout Jack Doyle
Jack Doyle (baseball)
John Joseph "Jack" Doyle was an Irish-American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned 17 seasons, mainly in the National League.He was born in Killorglin, Ireland, and emigrated to the U.S...
, the Cubs took Lee.
Lee spent 10 full seasons with the Cubs, as well as a pair of cameo appearances in 1947. His best year in 1938 when he helped lead the Cubs to the World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
with a record of 22-9 and 2.66 ERA. His career marks were 169 wins, 157 losses and a 3.54 ERA. His 139 wins with the Cubs are still the ninth-most in franchise history.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball leaders in career wins
- List of Major League Baseball ERA champions
- List of Major League Baseball wins champions