Final Card: Bob Shaw

And now a 10-day blitz, as I wrap up most of the remaining 10-year veterans who retired in the late 1960s...


Bob Shaw (#470) was signed by the Tigers prior to the 1953 season, and spent the next several years in their farm system. His major-league debut came on August 11, 1957 with the Tigers.

1958 was Bob's first full season in the majors. Although he began the season with Detroit, in June he was traded to the White Sox along with 3B/1B Ray Boone for pitcher Bill Fischer and outfielder Tito Francona.



Bob was a starter and reliever for the White Sox. In 1959, he compiled a record of 18-6, and his .750 winning percentage led the American League. All good things must come to an end, as in June 1961 Shaw was traded to Kansas City in an 8-player deal. Poor Bob, he went from the 4th-place White Sox (just 2 years removed from a World Series appearance) to the last-place Athletics!

Not to worry. After the season he was traded to the Milwaukee Braves (with infielder Lou Klimchock) for catcher Joe Azcue, third baseman Ed Charles, and outfielder Manny Jimenez. He posted a 15-9 record in his first season with the Braves, but after slipping to 7-11 at age 30, he was traded to the Giants after the 1963 season.

After another disappointing season in 1964, Bob compiled a 16-9 record the following season. In June 1966 he was sold to the Mets. The Mets had three 11-game winners in 1966: Shaw, fellow-journeyman Jack Fisher, and up-and-coming Dennis Ribant. The starting rotation was rounded out by the aging Bob Friend and 21-year-old Tug McGraw.

In late July 1967, Bob was sold to the Cubs. After only 9 appearances, he was released on September 19th, ending his 11-year career.