Johnny Schmitz
Encyclopedia
John Albert Schmitz, nicknamed "Bear Tracks" (November 27, 1920 – October 1, 2011), was a left-handed pitcher
in Major League Baseball
who played 13 seasons between and , missing 1943 to 1945 due to World War II
. His nickname was inspired by the way he shuffled to the mound and his size 14 feet. He was born in Wausau, Wisconsin
.
At 6'0", 170 pounds, Schmitz batted right-handed but threw lefty. Originally signed by the Cleveland Indians
in , he was obtained by the Chicago Cubs
from the Milwaukee Brewers
of the American Association
as part of a minor league working agreement.
He made his major league debut with the Cubs on September 6, , at the age of 20. He was the fourth-youngest player that year. In his debut, he threw only one pitch.
He pitched marvelously in the short stint that would be his first major league season: in five games - including three starts - he went 2-0with a 1.31 earned run average
, and one complete game
. That season was a foreshadowing of the success he would witness in the next few years of his career.
In , he posted a solid 3.43 ERA despite a mediocre 3-7 record with the Cubs (who as a team went 68-86 that year). He would end up missing the next three years due to military service, but in he came back better than ever. An All-Star
that year, he posted a 2.61 ERA in 41 games, 31 started. He went 11-11, with 135 strikeout
s in 224+ innings pitched
, allowing just six home run
s in that time. He led the league in strikeouts and was second in hits allowed per nine innings that year (he allowing just 7.38H/9IP). He was fourth in the league in games started, fifth in innings, sixth in ERA and complete games (14) and seventh in game appearances. This performance put him at 30th place in MVP
voting that year.
His season was fairly disappointing — he posted a record of 13-18, leading the league in walks
. His 3.22 ERA was still good for 10th in the league, as were his 97 strikeouts. His four saves were ninth in the league, and his three shutouts were sixth.
In , he went 18-13 with a 2.64 ERA. He made the All-Star game for the second time of his career. He was 12th overall in MVP voting, third in the league in wins and complete games (18), fifth in ERA and sixth in games started (30). He also led the league in hits allowed per nine innings, giving up an average of only 6.92.
His next two and a half seasons with the Cubs were less than stellar. In that time, he went a combined 23-35, posting a cumulative ERA of 4.80. Still, he finished 23rd in MVP voting in .
It was this subpar performance that prompted a trade by the Cubs to the Brooklyn Dodgers
(a team he'd won 18 games against) on June 15, . He was sent from the Cubs along with Andy Pafko
, Wayne Terwilliger
and Rube Walker
, to the Dodgers for Bruce Edwards
, Joe Hatten
, Eddie Miksis
and Gene Hermanski
.
He never played a full season with the Dodgers. In parts of the 1951 and 1952, Schmitz went 2-5 with a 4.96 ERA in 26 games, 10 of them started. On August 1, , he was selected off waivers from the Dodgers by the New York Yankees
. He ended up posting a 3.60 ERA in five games with them before being traded with Jim Greengrass
, Bob Marquis
and Ernie Nevel
to the Cincinnati Reds
for Ewell Blackwell
. He gave up no runs in five innings of work (in three games total) for the Reds that year. Shoulder and arm problems would result in him playing less and less.
In the 1952/1953 offseason, he was purchased by the Yankees. He only appeared in three regular season games in 1953 with them before being picked up by the Washington Senators
off waivers on May 12. His time with them in 1953 was quite similar to the last few seasons-he posted a 2-7 record.
was quite a career revitalization for Schmitz. In 29 games, 23 of them started, he posted an 11-8 record to compliment a 2.91 ERA, which was ninth best in the league. That success did not carry over to , though. He went 7-10 that year with a 3.71 ERA.
In the 1955 offseason, he was traded by the Senators with Bob Porterfield
, Tom Umphlett
and Mickey Vernon
to the Boston Red Sox
for Karl Olson
, Dick Brodowski
, Tex Clevenger
, Neil Chrisley
and Al Curtis, a minor leaguer. He ended up appearing in only two games with the Red Sox in 1956 before being purchased by the Baltimore Orioles
. He ended his career with them, playing his final game on September 7. He was released by the Orioles on October 18, . Overall, he went 93-114 in his career, posting an ERA of 3.55. He walked 757 batters and struck out 746. He was a poor hitter overall with a .141 career batting average
, although he did hit two home runs. As a fielder, he committed 23 errors
for a .963 fielding percentage
. He was involved in 43 double plays in his career.
Until his death he lived in Wausau, Wisconsin
, and was greens keeper at the American Legion golf club Wausau.
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
in Major League Baseball
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...
who played 13 seasons between and , missing 1943 to 1945 due to World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. His nickname was inspired by the way he shuffled to the mound and his size 14 feet. He was born in Wausau, Wisconsin
Wausau, Wisconsin
Wausau is a city in and the county seat of Marathon County, Wisconsin, United States. The Wisconsin River divides the city. The city is adjacent to the town of Wausau.According to the 2000 census, Wausau had a population of 38,426 people...
.
At 6'0", 170 pounds, Schmitz batted right-handed but threw lefty. Originally signed by the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
in , he was obtained by 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...
from the Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers (minor league baseball team)
The Milwaukee Brewers were a Minor League Baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They played in the American Association from 1902 through 1952.-A Milwaukee Tradition:...
of the American Association
American Association (20th century)
The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the...
as part of a minor league working agreement.
He made his major league debut with the Cubs on September 6, , at the age of 20. He was the fourth-youngest player that year. In his debut, he threw only one pitch.
He pitched marvelously in the short stint that would be his first major league season: in five games - including three starts - he went 2-0with a 1.31 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
, and one complete game
Complete game
In baseball, a complete game is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher.As demonstrated by the charts below, in the early 20th century, it was common for most good Major League Baseball pitchers to pitch a complete game almost every start. Pitchers were...
. That season was a foreshadowing of the success he would witness in the next few years of his career.
In , he posted a solid 3.43 ERA despite a mediocre 3-7 record with the Cubs (who as a team went 68-86 that year). He would end up missing the next three years due to military service, but in he came back better than ever. An All-Star
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
that year, he posted a 2.61 ERA in 41 games, 31 started. He went 11-11, with 135 strikeout
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
s in 224+ innings pitched
Innings pitched
In baseball, innings pitched are the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of batters and baserunners that are put out while the pitcher on the pitching mound in a game. Three outs made is equal to one inning pitched. One out counts as one-third of an inning, and two...
, allowing just six home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s in that time. He led the league in strikeouts and was second in hits allowed per nine innings that year (he allowing just 7.38H/9IP). He was fourth in the league in games started, fifth in innings, sixth in ERA and complete games (14) and seventh in game appearances. This performance put him at 30th place in MVP
MLB Most Valuable Player Award
The Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award is an annual Major League Baseball award, given to one outstanding player in the American League and one in the National League. Since 1931, it has been awarded by the Baseball Writers Association of America...
voting that year.
His season was fairly disappointing — he posted a record of 13-18, leading the league in walks
Base on balls
A base on balls is credited to a batter and against a pitcher in baseball statistics when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire calls balls. It is better known as a walk. The base on balls is defined in Section 2.00 of baseball's Official Rules, and further detail is given in 6.08...
. His 3.22 ERA was still good for 10th in the league, as were his 97 strikeouts. His four saves were ninth in the league, and his three shutouts were sixth.
In , he went 18-13 with a 2.64 ERA. He made the All-Star game for the second time of his career. He was 12th overall in MVP voting, third in the league in wins and complete games (18), fifth in ERA and sixth in games started (30). He also led the league in hits allowed per nine innings, giving up an average of only 6.92.
His next two and a half seasons with the Cubs were less than stellar. In that time, he went a combined 23-35, posting a cumulative ERA of 4.80. Still, he finished 23rd in MVP voting in .
It was this subpar performance that prompted a trade by the Cubs to the Brooklyn Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
(a team he'd won 18 games against) on June 15, . He was sent from the Cubs along with Andy Pafko
Andy Pafko
Andrew Pafko is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball. From 1943 through 1959, Pafko played for the Chicago Cubs , Brooklyn Dodgers and Milwaukee Braves . He batted and threw right-handed...
, Wayne Terwilliger
Wayne Terwilliger
Willard Wayne "Twig" Terwilliger is a former second baseman, coach, and manager in Major League Baseball.-Early life:...
and Rube Walker
Rube Walker
Albert Bluford "Rube" Walker was an American Major League Baseball catcher and longtime pitching coach....
, to the Dodgers for Bruce Edwards
Bruce Edwards (baseball)
Charles Bruce Edwards was an American professional baseball player. He played for ten seasons as a catcher in Major League Baseball from to and from to , most notably for the Brooklyn Dodgers.- Baseball career:...
, Joe Hatten
Joe Hatten
Joseph Hilarian Hatten was a Major League Baseball pitcher.Hatten started in pro ball with Crookston in the old Northern League in 1937. Acquired by the Montreal Royals from the Minneapolis Millers of the American Association in the 1941-42 off-season, Hatten pitched for the Royals briefly in 1942...
, Eddie Miksis
Eddie Miksis
Edward Thomas Miksis was an American Major League Baseball player. Born in Burlington, New Jersey, he stood 6' 0" and weighed 185 lbs...
and Gene Hermanski
Gene Hermanski
Eugene Victor Hermanski was a Major League Baseball outfielder. A native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, he attended Seton Hall University....
.
He never played a full season with the Dodgers. In parts of the 1951 and 1952, Schmitz went 2-5 with a 4.96 ERA in 26 games, 10 of them started. On August 1, , he was selected off waivers from the Dodgers by the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
. He ended up posting a 3.60 ERA in five games with them before being traded with Jim Greengrass
Jim Greengrass
James Raymond Greengrass is a former professional baseball player. He played five seasons in Major League Baseball, from 1952 until 1956, for the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies, primarily as an outfielder.-External links:...
, Bob Marquis
Bob Marquis
Robert Rudolph Marquis is a former left-handed baseball outfielder who played professionally from 1947 to 1954, and for the Cincinnati Reds in 1953....
and Ernie Nevel
Ernie Nevel
Ernie Wyre Nevel , was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played in and with the New York Yankees and in with the Cincinnati Reds. He batted and threw right-handed. Nevel had a 0-1 record, with a 6.10 ERA, in 14 games, in his three year career.He was born in Charleston, Missouri and died in...
to the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
for Ewell Blackwell
Ewell Blackwell
Ewell Blackwell was a right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. Nicknamed "The Whip" for his sidearm, snap-delivery, Blackwell played for the Cincinnati Reds for most of his career ....
. He gave up no runs in five innings of work (in three games total) for the Reds that year. Shoulder and arm problems would result in him playing less and less.
In the 1952/1953 offseason, he was purchased by the Yankees. He only appeared in three regular season games in 1953 with them before being picked up by the Washington Senators
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
off waivers on May 12. His time with them in 1953 was quite similar to the last few seasons-he posted a 2-7 record.
was quite a career revitalization for Schmitz. In 29 games, 23 of them started, he posted an 11-8 record to compliment a 2.91 ERA, which was ninth best in the league. That success did not carry over to , though. He went 7-10 that year with a 3.71 ERA.
In the 1955 offseason, he was traded by the Senators with Bob Porterfield
Bob Porterfield
Erwin Coolidge "Bob" Porterfield is a former right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for twelve seasons between 1948 and 1959 for the New York Yankees, Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs...
, Tom Umphlett
Tom Umphlett
Thomas Mullen Umphlett is a former center and right fielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1953 to 1955 with the Boston Red Sox and Washington Senators....
and Mickey Vernon
Mickey Vernon
James Barton "Mickey" Vernon was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Washington Senators for the majority of his career, as well as four other teams: the Cleveland Indians , Boston Red Sox , Milwaukee Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates...
to the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
for Karl Olson
Karl Olson
Karl Arthur Olson of Kentfield, California was a former backup outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Boston Red Sox , Washington Senators and Detroit Tigers . He batted and threw right-handed.In a six-season career, Olson was a .235 hitter with six home runs and 50 RBI in 279...
, Dick Brodowski
Dick Brodowski
Richard Stanley Brodowski is a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1952 through 1955 for the Boston Red Sox , Washington Senators and Cleveland Indians . He batted and threw right-handed.Brodowski was 19 years old when he reached the majors in 1952 with the Boston Red...
, Tex Clevenger
Tex Clevenger
Truman Eugene "Tex" Clevenger is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher/spot starter who played for the Boston Red Sox, Washington Senators, Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees from 1954-1962. He was 6'1" tall and 180 pounds, and threw and batted right-handed. He attended Fresno State...
, Neil Chrisley
Neil Chrisley
Barbra O'Neil Chrisley is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played from 1957 to 1961 with the Washington Senators, Detroit Tigers and Milwaukee Braves. He was 6'3" tall, weighed 187 pounds and he threw right and batted left-handed.He was originally signed by the Boston Red Sox as a...
and Al Curtis, a minor leaguer. He ended up appearing in only two games with the Red Sox in 1956 before being purchased by the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
. He ended his career with them, playing his final game on September 7. He was released by the Orioles on October 18, . Overall, he went 93-114 in his career, posting an ERA of 3.55. He walked 757 batters and struck out 746. He was a poor hitter overall with a .141 career batting average
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
, although he did hit two home runs. As a fielder, he committed 23 errors
Error (baseball)
In baseball statistics, an error is the act, in the judgment of the official scorer, of a fielder misplaying a ball in a manner that allows a batter or baserunner to reach one or more additional bases, when such an advance would have been prevented given ordinary effort by the fielder.The term ...
for a .963 fielding percentage
Fielding percentage
In baseball statistics, fielding percentage, also known as fielding average, is a measure that reflects the percentage of times a defensive player properly handles a batted or thrown ball...
. He was involved in 43 double plays in his career.
Until his death he lived in Wausau, Wisconsin
Wausau, Wisconsin
Wausau is a city in and the county seat of Marathon County, Wisconsin, United States. The Wisconsin River divides the city. The city is adjacent to the town of Wausau.According to the 2000 census, Wausau had a population of 38,426 people...
, and was greens keeper at the American Legion golf club Wausau.
Other information
- He wore number 7 in 1941 (one of the rare times in history a pitcher wore a single digit number), 23 in 1942, 53 from 1946 to 1950, 53 and 19 in 1951, 19, 45, and 40 in 1952, 35 and 31 in 1953, 31 in 1954, 20 in 1954 and 1955 and 21 and 40 in 1956.
- It has been determined that he earned $21,000 in 1949.
- Quote: "Three inches in front of home plate it (Johnny Schmitz's curve ball) was up around your head; the catcher wound up catching it by your feet. He could drop it in a coffee cup." - Rex BarneyRex BarneyRex Edward Barney was a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1943 and from 1946 through 1950....
in "Old Dodgers Were 'Patsies' for Him" (Baseball DigestBaseball DigestBaseball Digest is a baseball magazine resource, published in Evanston, Illinois by Lakeside Publishing Company. It is the oldest and longest-running baseball magazine in the United States....
: September 1996)