Stubby Overmire – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Frank “Stubby” Overmire made a name for himself over a solid ten-year run in Major League Baseball before he finally hung up his cleats in 1952.

He pitched left-handed and grew up in Moline, Michigan. People called him “Stubby” because he stood just 5-foot-7 and weighed 170 pounds. That build might seem small for a pitcher, but honestly, it never held him back.

Overmire played on three big league teams during his decade on the mound. He picked up 58 wins and 67 losses with a 3.96 ERA, suiting up for the Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Browns, and New York Yankees. Along the way, he collected two World Series championships and even started a game in the 1945 World Series against the Chicago Cubs.

Let’s dig into Overmire’s story, from his humble Michigan beginnings to his rise through the Detroit Tigers organization. He pitched with a style that kept him competitive, despite not being a big guy. Even after his playing days, Overmire stayed in the game as a coach and manager in the minors. His life in baseball spanned decades, and there’s a lot to unpack.

Early Life and Background

Frank W. Overmire was born on May 16, 1919, in Moline, Michigan. Later, folks would know him as “Stubby,” a nod to his shorter stature.

He grew up in a small Michigan town. His journey to the majors started with school and early baseball in the Grand Rapids area.

Birth and Family Origins

Frank W. Overmire arrived on May 16, 1919, in Moline, Michigan. This rural spot in Michigan gave him his start.

He didn’t get the nickname “Stubby Overmire” until later. At just 5’7″ and 170 pounds, he was smaller than most of his baseball peers.

His family stayed rooted in Michigan. Overmire’s final resting place is Hooker Cemetery in Wayland, Michigan.

Education and High School Achievements

Overmire attended Lee High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, during the mid-1930s. Some records call it Wyoming Lee, which just narrows down the spot in Grand Rapids.

His high school years really helped him develop his baseball chops. Back then, student-athletes had to juggle schoolwork and sports, not always an easy balance.

After high school, he went on to Western State Teachers College. That’s what we now call Western Michigan University, over in Kalamazoo.

Beginnings in Baseball

Overmire played for the Hilltoppers, Western State Teachers College’s team, from 1938 to 1941. Those college years were huge for his growth as a pitcher.

He threw left-handed, which made him a real asset on the mound. Scouts started to notice as his skills sharpened in college.

The Detroit Tigers picked him up in 1941 as an undrafted free agent. That signing kicked off his pro baseball story, and he debuted in the majors on April 25, 1943, at age 23.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Frank “Stubby” Overmire pitched ten seasons in Major League Baseball, from 1943 to 1952. He finished with a 58-67 record and a 3.96 ERA in 266 games.

He played for the Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Browns, and New York Yankees. Along the way, he collected two World Series rings.

Major League Baseball Debut

Overmire debuted in the majors on April 25, 1943, pitching for the Detroit Tigers at just 23. The Tigers had signed him as an undrafted free agent two years earlier, after his college days.

He wasted no time making an impression. Overmire won 7 games that rookie year, completed 8 games, and threw 3 shutouts for Detroit.

His nickname “Stubby” stuck because of his size, but it didn’t stop him from getting outs. He showed right away that he could handle the big leagues.

That first season, Overmire quickly became a reliable starter in Detroit’s rotation. He finished what he started and showed he had the stamina for the job.

Detroit Tigers Era

Overmire spent seven seasons with Detroit, from 1943 to 1949, and became a key member of their pitching staff. In 1944, he put up career-best numbers: 11 complete games, 3 shutouts, and a 3.07 ERA.

The 1945 season was a big one. Overmire helped the Tigers win the American League pennant, started 22 games, and picked up 9 wins.

He started Game 3 of the 1945 World Series against the Chicago Cubs. Overmire gave up just 2 runs in 6 innings, but he took the loss as the Tigers got shut out 3-0.

His best season came in 1947:

• 11 wins, 5 losses
• 3.77 ERA
• 3 shutouts (5th in AL)
• .688 winning percentage (5th in AL)

Overmire’s steady work made him a mainstay in Detroit’s rotation.

St. Louis Browns and New York Yankees Tenure

Overmire moved to the St. Louis Browns in 1950 and pitched there for three seasons. Late in 1951, the Yankees traded for him.

He pitched in 15 games for the Yankees during their 1951 title run. Overmire picked up his second World Series ring when New York beat the Giants that year.

After his Yankees stint, Overmire went back to the Browns for 1952. His last MLB game came on August 3, 1952, closing out his playing days.

His Browns years were the tail end of his career. While his numbers dipped from his Detroit days, he still managed to help out when called on.

Overmire ended up with 301 strikeouts in 266 games. For a smaller guy, he showed a lot of grit and stuck around longer than most.

Detroit Tigers Legacy

Stubby Overmire spent seven seasons with the Detroit Tigers, from 1943 to 1949. He carved out a reputation as a steady pitcher during the team’s best stretch of the 1940s.

His efforts helped Detroit win the 1945 World Series, a high point for both him and the franchise.

Significant Seasons

Overmire’s best years came in the mid-1940s, right as the Tigers became a real force in baseball. He made a splash in 1943 with a five-hit, complete game victory over Cleveland.

A few days later, he tossed a four-hitter against the St. Louis Browns. Not bad for a rookie.

The 1944 season was a turning point. Overmire won 11 games, including his final six decisions that year. Detroit finished just one game behind the Browns, and his late-season wins kept them in the hunt.

In 1947, he posted an 11-5 record—his best winning percentage as a Tiger. That year really showed what he could do when he was on.

1945 World Series Championship

The 1945 season was the real peak for Overmire and the Tigers as they captured their second World Series title. He chipped in with nine wins and four saves in the regular season, helping Detroit clinch the pennant.

Overmire got the start for Game 3 of the World Series against the Cubs. Even as the smallest player on either team, he turned in a gutsy six-inning, two-run performance.

Unfortunately, Chicago’s Claude Passeau threw a one-hit shutout, and Overmire took the loss. Still, the Tigers won the series in seven games.

That World Series appearance locked in Overmire’s spot in Detroit baseball history.

Pitching Style and Notable Statistics

Stubby Overmire brought a left-handed delivery to the majors, even though he was just 5’7″ and 170 pounds.

He put together a 3.96 ERA in 266 games, and his control on the mound really stood out.

Pitching Techniques and Traits

Overmire threw left but batted right, which made him a useful southpaw for managers. With his smaller frame, he focused on finesse instead of velocity.

He cared more about control than racking up strikeouts. Overmire averaged just 2.6 walks per nine innings, showing excellent command of the strike zone.

He pitched as both a starter and reliever, and his durability showed. Overmire completed 50 games and picked up 10 saves.

His top season was 1944, when he went 11-11 with a 3.07 ERA. That year, he tossed 199.2 innings and finished 11 games.

Career ERA and Statistical Highlights

Overmire’s career ERA of 3.96 was solid for a mid-rotation pitcher back in the ’40s and early ’50s. He finished 58-67, not bad considering the teams he played for.

He barely gave up homers—just 0.4 per nine innings, which was much lower than most pitchers of his era.

The lefty struck out 301 batters in 1,130.2 innings. His strikeout-to-walk ratio sat at 0.93, so he relied more on getting outs than overpowering hitters.

He posted a WHIP of 1.401, meaning he let some runners on but usually managed to limit the damage.

Overmire appeared in one World Series with Detroit, giving him some postseason experience before he retired in 1952.

Retirement and Later Life

Stubby Overmire wrapped up his baseball career after the 1952 season, when he was 33. He didn’t leave the game, though—he went on to coach and manage in the Detroit Tigers’ minor league system for 16 years.

Final Seasons and Retirement in 1952

Frank W. Overmire’s last years on the mound weren’t easy. In 1951, he went 1-6 with the Browns, though his ERA stayed respectable at 3.54.

The New York Yankees traded for Overmire on June 15, 1951, sending Tommy Byrne and cash to St. Louis. Overmire picked up his only Yankees win in a complete game against the Philadelphia Athletics.

The Yankees sent him back to the Browns for 1952. Overmire made his last major league appearance on August 3, 1952.

Career Statistics:

• Record: 58-67
• ERA: 3.96
• Strikeouts: 301
• Games: 266

Life After Baseball

After he hung up his cleats, Overmire jumped right into baseball instruction. He managed in the Detroit Tigers’ farm system for 16 seasons, developing young talent all over the organization.

His biggest role showed up in June 1963 when he joined Chuck Dressen’s coaching staff as the Tigers’ pitching coach. Overmire became Denny McLain’s first major league pitching coach, working with the future Cy Young Award winner.

McLain later praised Overmire’s mentorship. He told the Grand Rapids Press, “Stubby and I got along fine. Stubby was a heck of a guy. You could talk to Stubby off the record, and he would talk to the manager for you on your behalf. He was a trustworthy guy.”

With Overmire guiding him, McLain won 16 games in 1965 and 20 in 1966. Fellow pitcher Mickey Lolich also thrived, picking up 18 wins in 1964 and 15 in 1965.

Overmire helped develop notable players like Jim Bunning, Mickey Lolich, and Mark Fidrych. In 1967, Mayo Smith replaced him with Johnny Sain as pitching coach.

Overmire died on March 3, 1977, in Lakeland, Florida, at age 57.

Legacy and Honors

Stubby Overmire’s impact goes way beyond his stats on the field. His hometown community set up lasting tributes to celebrate his major league career.

Annual events and recognition programs keep his memory alive, even decades after his death.

Community Recognition

Wyoming Lee High School, where Overmire played before making it to the Tigers, found several ways to honor their famous graduate. The school hosts an annual sports card show and auction in his name.

The Stubby Overmire Sports Card Show and Auction has grown into one of West Michigan’s biggest card shows. It runs for two days every November, raising money for the baseball team and other athletic programs at Wyoming Lee.

Baseball coach Ty Emelander organizes the event each year. The show brings together vendors, collectors, and former players.

Many vendors call it the biggest sports card show in the region.

Special guests often include former Detroit Tigers players. Members of the 1968 World Series championship team, like Denny McLain, Mickey Stanley, and Tom Matchick, regularly show up.

The event draws hundreds of people every year. It mixes fundraising with celebrating baseball history.

Local media usually covers the show and talks to attendees about Overmire’s impact.

Posthumous Tributes and Events

WKTV puts together a yearly television special about the card show and Overmire’s life. They air the program several times during the holiday season. You’ll catch interviews with former players and Overmire’s family members.

Jane Overmire Keller, Stubby’s daughter, usually joins in the annual events. She shares stories about her dad’s career and personality.

Her involvement keeps his legacy alive for new generations.

The show has aired for twelve straight years, at least according to recent reports. Each year, they spend time remembering Overmire’s achievements with the Detroit Tigers from 1943 to 1949.

Local baseball programs see real benefits from the fundraising. The money goes toward field improvements and equipment, and helps out with team activities.

This support makes a real difference for young athletes in the community.