Bob Schmidt – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Bob Schmidt’s story in Major League Baseball gives us a real look at what it meant to be a journeyman catcher during the late 1950s and early 1960s. From his rookie All-Star nod to his last days with the New York Yankees, Schmidt carved out a spot as a skilled defensive player, bouncing between four franchises and making his mark behind the plate.

Robert Benjamin Schmidt played seven seasons in Major League Baseball from 1958 to 1965, catching for the San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Senators, and New York Yankees before he retired at 32. He built a reputation for steady defense, even setting a Major League record for most putouts in an extra-inning game. After the 1965 season, Schmidt stepped away from pro baseball.

Schmidt’s path from a St. Louis kid to a major league mainstay shows just how much grit it took to stick around in pro baseball back then. He dealt with military service, team relocations, and all sorts of changes, but he still left a legacy that goes way beyond the numbers. His career is really about those unforgettable moments and the defensive skills that made him stand out.

Early Life and Path to Major League Baseball

Robert Benjamin Schmidt was born on April 22, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri. He got his shot at professional baseball at 18 when the New York Giants signed him as an amateur free agent before the 1951 season.

His journey to the majors hit a pause, though, when he had to serve in the military during the Korean War.

Childhood and Background

Schmidt grew up in St. Louis during the tail end of the Great Depression and through World War II. Born in 1933, he learned the game in a city that basically breathes baseball.

By his late teens, Schmidt was already catching the eye of pro scouts. At 6’2″, with a strong arm and a right-handed swing, he really fit the mold of a big-league catcher.

At 18, the New York Giants noticed him and signed him before the 1951 season. That was the start of his professional baseball road.

Minor League Progression

Schmidt began his career with the Lenoir Red Sox in the Western Carolina League in 1951. He played 50 games that first year, hitting .284 with 4 home runs, 11 doubles, and 6 triples.

He managed 27 runs and 37 RBIs off 48 hits in 169 at-bats. That early promise made it clear why the Giants wanted him.

In 1952, Schmidt moved up to the Oshkosh Giants in the Wisconsin State League. He played 119 games, hit 11 homers, and posted a .248 average, slowly building his skills as a catcher.

Military Service and Return to Baseball

The United States Military called Schmidt up during the Korean War, and he served for two full seasons (1953-1954). That meant putting baseball on hold.

Once he finished his service, Schmidt came back and spent three more seasons working his way up the minors. He climbed the ladder step by step, sharpening his game behind the plate.

By 1958, Schmidt finally got his shot with the big club. He joined the San Francisco Giants during their first year out West and made his MLB debut on April 16, 1958, at 24.

Major League Debut and San Francisco Giants Years

Bob Schmidt kicked off his big-league career with the San Francisco Giants in 1958 and made waves as an All-Star rookie. Over four years with the Giants, he had some unforgettable moments, including a record-setting putout game and a monster performance against Sandy Koufax.

MLB Debut in 1958

Schmidt made his MLB debut on April 16, 1958, with the Giants at 24. He joined the team just as they were settling into San Francisco after leaving New York.

He quickly proved himself. Schmidt was one of five rookies to start for the Giants that first season in San Francisco. His first game came against the Dodgers, and he got one at-bat.

The Giants needed new blood at catcher—Wes Westrum, Ray Katt, and Valmy Thomas were either aging or not getting it done. Schmidt stepped in and grabbed the starting job.

He’d started his pro journey in 1951 with the New York Giants, but military service in 1953 and 1954 delayed his rise. Once back, he worked through the minors and finally broke through.

Notable All-Star Season

Schmidt’s rookie year was a big deal—he made the 1958 National League All-Star team. That was the peak of his career and showed just how fast he made an impact.

Getting picked for the All-Star team as a rookie catcher is no small feat. He impressed managers and coaches across the league with his work behind the plate and his bat.

It was tough competition, too. Schmidt had to stand out among a lot of established catchers in the National League.

By 1959, Schmidt started splitting time behind the plate with Hobie Landrith, a lefty hitter. The Giants used a platoon system, hoping to squeeze more offense out of the position.

Performance and Key Games

On August 31, 1958, Schmidt delivered a career game against the Dodgers. He brought in six runs off Sandy Koufax, including a grand slam in the first inning and another home run.

Earlier that summer, on June 22, he set a Major League record with 22 putouts in an extra-inning game against the Phillies. That was a real showcase of his defensive chops.

During his Giants years, Schmidt kept his batting average around .243, adding home runs and RBIs from behind the plate.

He paired his hitting with solid defense. Schmidt would later lead the American League in fielding percentage with the Washington Senators, but he was already known as a steady glove guy.

The Giants traded him in 1961, sending Schmidt, Don Blasingame, and Sherman Jones to the Reds for catcher Ed Bailey.

Tenure with Cincinnati Reds

Bob Schmidt landed with the Cincinnati Reds partway through the 1961 season after a trade from the Giants. His stint was short and, honestly, pretty rough at the plate, even though the Reds were having a big year.

Trade to Cincinnati

The Reds picked up Schmidt during the 1961 season after he’d played just two games with the Giants. Cincinnati was gearing up for a shot at the pennant and needed to shore up their catching depth.

For Schmidt, it was a chance to start fresh. His playing time in San Francisco had dried up by 1961, even after his All-Star season.

Cincinnati wanted Schmidt for his experience behind the plate. They needed a reliable backup as they chased their first pennant since 1940.

Role during the Pennant-Winning Season

Schmidt joined the Reds in their 1961 run for the National League pennant. The team boasted stars like Frank Robinson, Vada Pinson, and Jim O’Toole.

Even though he was on a pennant-winning team, Schmidt didn’t play much. He got into 27 games, mostly as a backup catcher and pinch-hitter.

The Reds’ success came from their regulars, especially strong pitching and hitting. Schmidt still brought veteran leadership and helped out when called on.

Performance Breakdown

Schmidt’s numbers with the Reds weren’t pretty. In 27 games, he managed just 9 hits in 70 at-bats, ending up with a .129 batting average.

His offensive stats looked like this:

• 4 runs scored
• 1 home run
• 4 RBI
• 8 walks and 14 strikeouts

He posted a .218 on-base percentage and a .171 slugging percentage, for a .389 OPS. That was well below league average, and honestly, below what anyone expected from him.

After that tough year, Schmidt left Cincinnati. His struggles there really signaled the start of a downturn in his career.

Washington Senators and Fielding Achievements

Bob Schmidt spent 1962 and 1963 with the Washington Senators, and that’s where he really shined defensively, leading the American League in fielding percentage. His glove and steady bat made him a valuable piece for the Senators.

Joining the Senators

Schmidt landed with the Washington Senators in 1962 after his short Reds stint. Switching to the American League gave him a clean slate and a chance to show what he could do behind the plate.

He played 88 games that first year and racked up 274 plate appearances. Schmidt handled the grind of catching in the majors and proved he could still contribute.

The move to Washington gave him more stability than he’d had with Cincinnati. He actually got to play regularly again.

Leading the League in Fielding

In 1962, Schmidt hit his defensive peak. He led all AL catchers with a .997 fielding percentage, making him one of the steadiest hands in the league.

That .997 mark meant he made almost no errors—less than three out of every 1,000 chances. That’s about as reliable as catchers get.

Schmidt’s leadership in fielding percentage showed he could handle pitchers and frame pitches with the best of them. The Senators’ pitchers definitely benefited from having him behind the plate.

Across his MLB career, Schmidt finished with a .988 fielding percentage. That’s a testament to just how consistent he was defensively.

Offensive Contributions

Defense was Schmidt’s calling card, but he wasn’t a zero at the plate. In 1962, he hit .242 with 62 hits in 256 at-bats and knocked in 31 RBI.

He added 14 doubles and 10 home runs that year. Not bad for a catcher, especially one known more for his defense.

In 1963, his playing time dropped to just 9 games. He still got 3 hits in 15 at-bats, showing he could get it done when needed.

Schmidt’s mix of defense and serviceable offense made him a solid addition to the Senators during his time there.

Final Season with New York Yankees and Retirement in 1965

Bob Schmidt wrapped up his big-league career in 1965 with the New York Yankees. He played 20 games that season before he retired from professional baseball at 32.

Transition to the Yankees

Schmidt joined the Yankees in 1965 after two years with the Senators. By then, the Yankees were sliding fast from their glory days.

That season was rough for New York. They finished 77-85, landing in sixth place in the American League.

It was their worst finish since 1925. The Yankees ended up 25 games behind the Minnesota Twins, and everyone could tell the dynasty era was over.

Schmidt played on a roster that was struggling to find its way. Manager Johnny Keane tried to steer the team, but it was clearly a tough time for the Yankees.

Last Games and Retirement Decision

Schmidt played in just 20 games during his last season with the Yankees. He stepped to the plate 45 times and had 40 at-bats during that short stint.

He finished with a .250 batting average, tallying 10 hits and 4 runs. Schmidt hit one home run and drove in three runs before calling it a career.

Bob Schmidt took the field for the last time on June 9, 1965, against the Kansas City Athletics. In that final major league game, he went 2-for-3 at the plate.

At age 32, Schmidt decided to retire from Major League Baseball after seven seasons. His career concluded with a .243 batting average, 39 home runs, and 150 RBIs over 454 games.

The veteran catcher spent time with four different teams. Schmidt retired just as the New York Yankees started to move away from their glory days of the late ’50s and early ’60s.

Career Overview and Legacy

Bob Schmidt’s Major League career lasted seven seasons, from 1958 to 1965. He really made his mark as a reliable catcher for four teams.

His rookie year was a standout. He earned All-Star recognition and set himself up for a steady, if not flashy, career.

Cumulative MLB Statistics

Robert Benjamin Schmidt posted a .243 batting average in 454 big league games. He collected 317 hits, smacked 39 home runs, and drove in 150 runs while playing for the San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Senators, and New York Yankees.

Schmidt hit his stride offensively in 1958 with the Giants. That year, he batted .244, hit 14 home runs, and produced 54 RBIs over 127 games.

Those 96 hits in ‘58? That’s nearly a third of his career total, which is kind of wild when you think about it.

Schmidt showed off his defensive skills behind the plate. In his rookie season alone, he racked up 616 putouts. His career WAR (Wins Above Replacement) sat at 2.2, with his best single season coming in 1958 at 1.6.

His career statistics also show 55 doubles, 4 triples, and 133 runs scored. Schmidt struck out 199 times and drew 100 walks during his time in the majors.

Career Highlights and Records

Schmidt’s biggest achievement? Easily his selection to the 1958 National League All-Star team. That honor came right in his rookie year, when he served as the Giants’ main catcher.

He made his debut on April 16, 1958, facing the Los Angeles Dodgers. Schmidt wrapped up his career on June 9, 1965, as a Yankee against the Kansas City Athletics.

The 1958 season really stood out for Schmidt. He started 107 games behind the plate and finished 93 of them. He handled 682 total chances with a .982 fielding percentage.

Schmidt put up modest but steady power numbers. He hit 14 home runs in 1958, his career high. After that, he never managed more than 10 homers in a season.

Impact and Lasting Recognition

Schmidt played professional baseball for ten years, not just in the majors but in the minors too. He racked up 725 hits in 2,761 at-bats, finishing with a .263 batting average, 93 home runs, and 274 RBIs down in the minors.

When he hung up his cleats, Schmidt moved into construction. He took on the role of foreman at a construction company, then eventually settled into retirement in St. Charles, Missouri.

His playing days stretched through the late 1950s and early 1960s. That era brought a lot of changes to baseball, and Schmidt found himself playing for the Giants right after their move from New York to San Francisco.

The Baseball Almanac, along with other stats sites, still keeps track of Schmidt’s career numbers. He made his mark as a reliable defensive catcher, backing up pitching staffs for four different MLB teams.