Career Timeline of Bobby Shantz: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 27, 2025

How Bobby Shantz built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Robert 'Bobby' Shantz, a former MLB left-handed pitcher, played from 1949 to 1964. He won the 1952 American League MVP with the Philadelphia Athletics, was a three-time All-Star, and earned eight consecutive Gold Glove Awards. Shantz won a World Series with the 1958 New York Yankees. Notably, he is the last surviving Philadelphia Athletics player, the oldest living MLB MVP, and the last MLB player to have played in the 1940s.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1948: Signed with Philadelphia Athletics

In 1948, Bobby Shantz signed with the Philadelphia Athletics as a free agent and played for the Class A Lincoln A's, achieving an 18-7 record.

1949: MLB Debut

In 1949, Bobby Shantz made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

1951: Learned the Knuckleball

In 1951, Bobby Shantz added the knuckleball to his pitching repertoire.

1952: American League MVP Award

In 1952, Bobby Shantz was awarded the American League Most Valuable Player Award as a member of the Philadelphia Athletics.

February 19, 1957: Traded to the New York Yankees

On February 19, 1957, Bobby Shantz was traded by the Athletics to the New York Yankees along with other players for Rip Coleman and other players.

1958: World Series Championship

In 1958, Bobby Shantz won a World Series championship as a member of the New York Yankees.

1960: Selected in the MLB expansion draft

In 1960, Bobby Shantz was selected by the Washington Senators in the MLB expansion draft.

1961: Selected by Houston Colt .45s

In 1961, Bobby Shantz was selected by the Houston Colt .45s from the Pirates in the MLB expansion draft.

May 7, 1962: Traded to St. Louis Cardinals

On May 7, 1962, Bobby Shantz was traded by the Colt .45s to the St. Louis Cardinals for John Anderson and Carl Warwick.

1963: Season with the Cardinals

In 1963, Bobby Shantz had a good year with the Cardinals, going 6-4 with 11 saves and a 2.61 ERA.

June 15, 1964: Traded to the Chicago Cubs

On June 15, 1964, Bobby Shantz, Ernie Broglio, and Doug Clemens were traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Chicago Cubs for Lou Brock, Jack Spring, and Paul Toth.

August 1964: Sold to the Philadelphia Phillies

In August 1964, Bobby Shantz was sold by the Chicago Cubs to the Philadelphia Phillies.

1964: Final Season with the Phillies

During the final month-and-a-half of his 16-year career in 1964, Bobby Shantz pitched well for the Phillies, giving up only eight runs in 32 innings, contributing to the team's pursuit of the National League pennant.