Bill Krueger – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Bill Krueger spent 14 seasons in Major League Baseball, moving through eight different teams before calling it quits in 1995. The left-handed pitcher kicked off his career with the Oakland Athletics in 1983 and wrapped things up with the Seattle Mariners in 1995 at 37. Over his career, Krueger put together a 68-66 win-loss record, mostly working as a spot starter and reliever for clubs like the Dodgers, Brewers, and Tigers.

Krueger’s path to the majors was anything but typical. He didn’t get drafted out of the University of Portland, so he signed as a free agent with Oakland. That underdog start really shaped how he approached the game. Even though he never became a big name, Krueger found a spot as a crafty lefty who could start or come out of the bullpen—whatever his team needed.

The 1991 season probably stands out as Krueger’s best. He went 10-6 with the Seattle Mariners and posted a career-best 3.60 ERA. Reinventing himself became a theme, and when he retired in 1995 after a second stint with the Mariners, it just showed how his determination kept him in the big leagues for nearly 15 years.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball Career

Bill Krueger grew up in the American Midwest, spent his high school years in Oregon, and kept working on his game at the college level.

High School and College Years

William Culp Krueger was born April 24, 1958, in Waukegan, Illinois. His family moved to Oregon, and he went to McMinnville High School in McMinnville. He made a name for himself there as a promising lefty, known for his control and pitching smarts.

After high school, Krueger went on to play for the University of Portland. As a Portland Pilot, he worked on his mechanics and sharpened his command, which eventually opened the door to pro baseball. He didn’t overpower hitters, but his command caught people’s attention.

His college years with the Pilots really helped him develop—both as a pitcher and as a person.

Path to Professional Baseball

Krueger didn’t get drafted out of college, which meant he had to take a different route. He signed as an undrafted free agent and started working his way through the minor league system.

He chipped away in the minors, focusing on location and changing speeds since he didn’t have a blazing fastball. That became his calling card in the majors too.

By 1983, Krueger’s hard work paid off. He made his major league debut with the Oakland Athletics on April 10, at 24. That unconventional route just showed how much he loved the game and how determined he was.

MLB Debut and Seattle Mariners Years

Krueger’s time in Major League Baseball included a couple of stints with the Seattle Mariners, where he pitched as both a starter and a reliever. His career with the Mariners actually bookended his MLB run, which says a lot about his versatility.

Major League Debut

Krueger made his MLB debut on April 10, 1983 with the Oakland Athletics. At 6-foot-5, the lefty had already put in plenty of time in the minors after his college days in Portland. He didn’t follow the usual path—he went undrafted, even though he’d had success in college.

In his first big league game, Krueger showed he could keep hitters off balance. He didn’t blow anyone away with velocity, but he mixed pitches and hit his spots.

The early years saw him bouncing around as he tried to find his groove in the majors.

Significant Games and Achievements with the Mariners

Krueger had more than one run with the Seattle Mariners, finishing his MLB career with them in 1995. The Mariners used him as both a starter and a reliever, depending on what they needed.

In 1991, during spring training, Krueger earned a spot in the rotation and ended up posting an 11-8 record—one of his best seasons. He proved he could handle some of the league’s toughest hitters.

His 1995 season with the Mariners happened during that wild playoff run—the “Refuse to Lose” year. He didn’t have a huge role, but being part of that team was a big deal for him.

Key Teammates and Coaches

While with the Mariners, Krueger shared the field with some serious talent—Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, and Randy Johnson were all there in 1995. That’s got to be a cool experience, right?

Lou Piniella managed the Mariners during Krueger’s last season, bringing his fiery energy to the clubhouse. Pitching coaches helped Krueger get the most out of his stuff, especially since he relied more on control than speed.

Krueger’s willingness to do whatever the team needed made him a respected teammate and a steady presence in the clubhouse during his 12-year MLB career.

Journeyman Years and Team Changes

If you want an example of a baseball journeyman, look at Bill Krueger. He played for eight teams in his 13-year MLB career, always finding ways to contribute—whether starting or coming out of the bullpen.

Time with the Oakland Athletics

Krueger joined the Oakland Athletics in 1987 and finally found a bit of stability after bouncing around early on. He put up a 4.48 ERA over 17 games that year, giving the A’s some much-needed depth from the left side.

In 1988, he improved to 7-4 with a 3.43 ERA, mostly as a spot starter. That season helped cement his reputation as a steady southpaw who could handle different roles.

The A’s were turning into a powerhouse at the time, heading toward the World Series, but Krueger’s role was more limited compared to some of their stars.

Stints with Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals

After Oakland, Krueger landed with the Minnesota Twins for the 1989 season. He pitched in 28 games and posted a 4.25 ERA, handling both starting and relief work.

In 1990, he split the season between the Twins and the Kansas City Royals. He got traded mid-year, which just kind of sums up the journeyman life. With Kansas City, he tried to settle in but didn’t really find his rhythm.

His numbers that year were pretty average, but he could jump into new teams and contribute, which made him useful for trades. All the moving around was tough, but it showed his resilience and professionalism.

Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers Period

Krueger’s next stop was the Chicago White Sox in 1991, though he didn’t spend much time there before moving on. It was a short chapter but added another team to his resume.

The Detroit Tigers picked him up in December 1992. With Detroit, Krueger had one of his better runs late in his career. In 1993, he posted a 6-4 record with a 4.30 ERA over 33 games.

The Tigers released Krueger in June 1994 during the strike-shortened season. That just shows how unpredictable baseball can be, especially for journeymen. Still, Krueger kept finding new opportunities, refusing to let go of his career.

Later Career: National League and Final Seasons

In his last few years, Krueger bounced between several teams in both leagues. His lefty arm kept him in demand, even as he dealt with the usual ups and downs of a long career.

Transition to the Milwaukee Brewers

Krueger switched to the Milwaukee Brewers in 1992. It was his first time with a National League team since the Brewers had changed leagues. He mostly worked out of the bullpen, though he’d step in as a starter when needed.

Even though the Brewers weren’t winning much, Krueger’s experience came in handy for the younger pitchers. He was especially tough on left-handed hitters, and the Brewers used him for those key matchups.

They’d bring him in for specific situations, trying to get the most out of his strengths.

Cincinnati Reds and Stint with the Montreal Expos

In 1993, Krueger signed with the Cincinnati Reds, hoping to give their bullpen a boost. He didn’t stay long, but he did his job in relief.

Later that season, the Reds traded him to the Montreal Expos, who were chasing a playoff spot. The Expos wanted more pitching depth, and Krueger gave them some solid innings out of the bullpen. They didn’t make the playoffs, but he did what he could.

Krueger’s ability to quickly settle into new teams and help out wherever needed really stood out during these years.

Final Seasons: San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, and Retirement

Krueger landed with the San Diego Padres in 1994. The season got cut short by the players’ strike, but he still gave the Padres some reliable innings. His experience was helpful during a pretty chaotic time for baseball.

In 1995, he joined the Colorado Rockies, which meant pitching at Coors Field—never an easy task for anyone, especially pitchers. The thin air made things tough, but Krueger managed to contribute as the Rockies made their first playoff appearance.

After the 1995 season, Krueger retired from professional baseball after 13 seasons. Playing for eight different teams, he showed just how adaptable and persistent he could be in a game where careers rarely last that long.

1995 Retirement and Legacy

Bill Krueger ended his baseball career in 1995 after 13 years in the majors. He moved through plenty of teams, and his resilience as a left-handed pitcher left a mark on the game and the people he played with.

Final MLB Season

Krueger wrapped up his professional baseball career with the Seattle Mariners in 1995. That year, he put up a 5-6 record and a 4.91 ERA in 29 appearances. He helped the Mariners during the regular season, but the team left him off the postseason roster as they made their playoff run.

The Mariners made history in 1995 by winning their first division title, and Krueger got to be part of that ride. Still, not being included on the playoff roster pretty much signaled the end for him.

After 1995, Krueger tried to keep his playing days going. He gave it one last shot with the Chicago Cubs during spring training in 1996, but he didn’t make the team. That was it for his professional baseball career.

Impact on Teams and Teammates

Krueger built a reputation as a valuable clubhouse presence and a steady mentor over his career. He bounced around to eight different teams, bringing his experience and perspective everywhere he went.

Teammates often mentioned Krueger’s baseball intelligence and his openness to share what he knew. He understood pitching strategy well, especially as a lefty specialist, so younger pitchers leaned on him.

In Seattle, during both 1991 and 1995, Krueger helped shape a winning attitude that finally paid off with the 1995 breakthrough. His leadership went well beyond his numbers on the mound.

Coaches liked his professional approach and the way he could slide into different roles—starter, reliever, whatever the team needed. That flexibility kept him on rosters in both leagues.

Career Highlights and Overall Statistics

Krueger’s MLB journey lasted 13 seasons, taking him to Oakland, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Seattle, Minnesota, Montreal, Detroit, and San Diego. He finished with a 68-66 win-loss record, a 4.35 ERA, and pitched 1,185 innings.

His standout year came in 1991 with Seattle, where he went 11-8 with a 3.60 ERA over 27 starts. That season, he really showed he could hang as a reliable starter at the top level.

Krueger never made an All-Star team, but he stayed durable and adaptable. He moved between starting and relief roles, which probably added years to his career. He finished with:

• 325 MLB appearances
• 175 starts
• 867 strikeouts
• Left-handed specialist skills

Lasting that long in the majors, especially for someone who started as an undrafted free agent, says a lot about his determination and baseball smarts.

Notable Games, Performances, and Milestones

From 1983 to 1995, Bill Krueger had some memorable moments, even if he never became a household name.

Memorable Pitching Performances

Krueger’s time with the Mariners in the early ’90s included one of his best stretches. In 1991, he finished 11-8 with a 3.60 ERA in 24 starts—pretty consistent for a pitcher who shifted between roles.

In his last season, 1995, Krueger still chipped in for a Mariners team that won the AL West and reached the ALCS. He only pitched in 12 games that year, but he managed a 2-1 record before calling it a career.

His best overall season might have been 1988 with Oakland, when he went 7-4 with a 3.43 ERA. When he got a real shot, he usually delivered.

Noteworthy Opponents and Matchups

Krueger pitched against some of the game’s best hitters, including a bunch who ended up in the Hall of Fame. He played for eight teams, so he often faced old teammates—like going up against Randy Johnson after their time together in Seattle.

He bounced between the American and National Leagues, taking on different hitters, stadiums, and lineups. That adaptability kept him in the game.

In 1995, his last year, Krueger pitched in 12 games for the Mariners, helping them reach the playoffs, even though he didn’t make the postseason roster.

Playing Style and Contributions as a Pitcher

Bill Krueger carved out a place for himself with his crafty left-handed style and ability to fill different roles. From 1983 to 1995, he made himself useful to eight different teams.

Pitching Arsenal and Approach

Krueger didn’t rely on power. He pitched with finesse, mixing up speeds and using deception. At 6’2″, he used location and smarts more than velocity to get hitters out.

His main pitches:

• Fastball in the upper 80s
• Changeup
• Breaking ball with movement

He succeeded by hitting his spots and thinking through every at-bat. Preparation mattered to him. He studied hitters and worked on his control and pitch sequence during spring training. That attention to detail probably kept him around longer than most.

Role as a Starter and Reliever

Krueger’s willingness to take on any pitching job—starter or reliever—made him valuable. He did whatever his team asked, showing flexibility that managers appreciated.

As a starter, he could keep games close with his strategic approach. In 1991, he had a strong season with Detroit, going 10-6 in 28 games.

Out of the bullpen, Krueger gave teams a steady left-handed option who could eat up innings. In his later years with the Mariners, that versatility really paid off.

In 1995, his last season, Krueger kept contributing in whatever role the Mariners needed. That attitude probably helped him stick around into his late 30s.

Connections with Teammates and Influential Figures

Krueger’s 13 years in the big leagues, spread across eight teams, gave him the chance to build relationships with all sorts of people in baseball.

Collaborations with Notable Players

He formed strong bonds with some big names. While with the Twins, he played alongside Paul Molitor, a future Hall of Famer who influenced Krueger’s approach to the mental side of the game.

His stints with the Mariners let him work with players like John Moses and Jim Dwyer, and he kept up friendships with guys throughout the league.

Baseball records show Krueger shared dugouts with plenty of notable teammates, including Roberto Kelly and Larry Milbourne. That ability to connect helped him settle in with new teams time and again.

Interactions with Coaches and Managers

Managers and coaches had a big impact on Krueger’s career. Gene Mauch, known for his strategy, helped Krueger sharpen his approach against tough hitters.

Jim Leyland, one of the game’s respected managers, worked with Krueger in Pittsburgh. Leyland’s straightforward style clicked with Krueger, who liked knowing exactly where he stood.

Pitching coaches helped Krueger adjust as he got older, focusing on location and changing speeds instead of trying to overpower hitters.

Krueger often credited these mentors for helping him last until his retirement in 1995. Their advice made a difference as he navigated the life of a journeyman pitcher.

Life After Baseball

After stepping off the mound in 1995, Bill Krueger found new directions in broadcasting, community service, and personal life.

Broadcasting and Media Work

Krueger jumped into broadcasting right after retiring. He quickly made a name for himself as a baseball analyst, offering insights from a pitcher’s perspective. Krueger joined ROOT Sports Northwest as a pre-game and post-game analyst for Mariners games, and he’s still sharing his thoughts with fans.

He didn’t stick to just baseball, either—Krueger has covered college basketball, too. Viewers seem to appreciate his straightforward takes and the way he breaks things down.

His style on air feels a lot like his playing days: prepared, thoughtful, and focused on the details. Broadcasting let him stay close to baseball while building a respected second career.

Community Involvement and Philanthropy

Krueger got involved in community work, especially around health issues. After going through his own health scare, he started advocating for heart health awareness.

He’s taken part in fundraising and speaking events, sharing his survival story. Having faced his own challenges, he tries to help others in similar situations.

Krueger also stays active in Mariners community events and alumni gatherings. He shows up at charity baseball games, fan events, and fundraisers around the Pacific Northwest. His community work seems to come from a place of gratitude for his baseball journey and the support he received.

Personal Life and Interests

Retiring at 38 gave Krueger more time with family, something he’s mentioned appreciating after so many years on the road.

Even though part of him probably thought he could’ve kept pitching, Krueger embraced retirement. Health issues became a significant part of his story after baseball. As a former athlete—he’s 6-foot-5—Krueger’s serious health scare caught people off guard and changed his perspective.

Baseball recognized his legacy when they inducted him into the West Coast Conference Hall of Fame. Krueger remains respected as both a former player and a knowledgeable voice in the game.

Recognition and Influence on Baseball

Bill Krueger’s impact on Major League Baseball goes beyond his stats. His versatility on the mound and later work as a broadcaster have left a real mark on the sport.

Honors and Awards

During his 13 years in the MLB, from 1983 to 1995, Krueger built a reputation as a dependable lefty who could handle just about any pitching role thrown his way. He never landed the Cy Young or MVP, but honestly, not every great player needs a shelf full of trophies to prove their worth. People around the league noticed his grit and determination—maybe that mattered more.

After hanging up his glove, Krueger got a pretty special nod: the West Coast Conference Hall of Honor inducted him. That one really highlights what he did at the University of Portland, long before his big-league days.

Honestly, his proudest moment might have been fighting his way back from a tough injury just to keep playing. That kind of perseverance? Teammates and even rivals respected it, and you can’t ask for much more than that.

Legacy in Major League Baseball

Bill Krueger’s legacy in MLB? It’s all about his versatility and how long he managed to stick around. Over a career that stretched from 1983 to 1995, he played for eight different teams, carving out a spot as a valuable utility pitcher who could jump in as a starter or come out of the bullpen. Not every pitcher can say that.

After he hung up his cleats, Krueger didn’t just fade away. He jumped into broadcasting and found his groove as a senior baseball analyst for Root Sports, where he’s broken down pitching strategy and the little things that make baseball tick. Fans—especially those who love the details—have learned a lot from him.

Then there’s his story off the field. Krueger survived sudden cardiac arrest and decided to use his experience to talk about heart health. He’s been open about his survival story, and honestly, that might’ve saved lives.

Looking at his journey—from an undrafted guy to a 13-year MLB veteran—it’s hard not to feel inspired. He’s proof that perseverance can take you places, even when the odds aren’t exactly in your favor.