History of Bobby Shantz in Timeline

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

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

September 26, 1925: Robert Clayton Shantz Born

On September 26, 1925, Robert Clayton Shantz was born. He would later become a professional baseball pitcher.

1943: Graduated from Pottstown High School

In 1943, Bobby Shantz graduated from Pottstown High School, where he excelled in multiple sports including baseball, basketball, and swimming.

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.

1951: All-Star Game Selection

In 1951, Bobby Shantz was selected for the All-Star Game.

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.

1952: All-Star Game Selection

In 1952, Bobby Shantz was selected for the All-Star Game.

1952: Shortest MLB Pitcher

In 1952, his best season, Bobby Shantz was the smallest MLB pitcher.

1954: Birth of Son Bobby

In 1954, Bobby Shantz's son, Bobby, was born.

1956: Shantz called best fielding pitcher

In 1956, Bobby Shantz was called the best fielding pitcher in baseball by A's manager Lou Boudreau.

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.

1957: All-Star Game Selection

In 1957, Bobby Shantz was selected for the All-Star Game.

1957: First Gold Glove Award

In 1957, Bobby Shantz won his first Gold Glove Award, which was the inaugural year the award was given and the first one given to a pitcher. He won it while in the American League.

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.

1961: First National League Gold Glove Award

In 1961, Bobby Shantz won his first Gold Glove Award in the National League.

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.

1964: Eighth Consecutive Gold Glove Award

In 1964, Bobby Shantz won his eighth consecutive Gold Glove Award, marking the end of his streak.

1964: MLB Career End

In 1964, Bobby Shantz's Major League Baseball (MLB) career ended.

1964: Death of Shantz's Father

In 1964, Bobby Shantz's father, Wilmer, died while attending an exhibition basketball game in which Bobby was playing.

1965: Birth of Son Danny

In 1965, Bobby Shantz's son, Danny, was born.

2022: Last Philadelphia Athletics Player

In 2022, Bobby Shantz became the last surviving player who played for the Philadelphia Athletics after the death of Bill Harrington.

March 6, 2025: Second Oldest Living MLB Player

On March 6, 2025, following the death of Art Schallock, Bobby Shantz became the second-oldest living MLB player after Bill Greason, and the oldest living World Series champion.