Barney Schultz – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

George Warren “Barney” Schultz wrapped up his seven-season major league journey in 1965, having earned a reputation as one of baseball’s most reliable knuckleball pitchers. Growing up in New Jersey, he spent parts of seven seasons between 1955 and 1965 with the St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers, and Chicago Cubs. He carved out a niche as a dependable relief pitcher back when specialized closers were still something new.

Schultz made his biggest mark during the Cardinals’ 1964 World Series championship run. He notched 14 saves in the last two months of the season and helped push St. Louis past the Philadelphia Phillies to win the National League pennant. His knuckleball was especially nasty during that stretch. Cardinals manager Johnny Keane even said after Game One of the World Series, “Without him, we wouldn’t be here.”

From the days he picked up the knuckleball from a neighborhood kid in South Jersey to his last season in 1965, Schultz’s baseball story really showed the grit it takes to master one of the game’s trickiest pitches. He spent more than a decade grinding through the minor leagues before he finally found steady success in the majors. He retired with a 20-20 record and left a legacy that carried on into coaching with both the Cardinals and Cubs.

Early Life and Background

George Warren “Barney” Schultz was born into a working-class family in Beverly, New Jersey, on August 15, 1926. He grew up surrounded by baseball and discovered his signature knuckleball pitch thanks to a neighborhood mentor.

Birth and Family Origins

George Warren Schultz came into the world on August 15, 1926, in Beverly, New Jersey. He was the third of four sons born to Leo and Madeline Schultz.

His dad, Leo, worked as a steelworker, which really set the tone for Barney’s blue-collar character. His mom, Madeline, came from Northern Ireland, giving the family a bit of international flair.

The Schultz family lived out the working-class values of 1920s America. Leo’s tough job in the steel industry kept the family going during some pretty rough economic times.

An uncle started calling George “Barney,” a nickname that stuck with him through his baseball career. That family connection helped shape who he was, both on and off the field.

Youth and Amateur Baseball Journey

Barney grew up in South Jersey, and baseball was just part of his everyday life. He later said he “always seemed to have a ball and glove,” which pretty much sums up his early dedication.

A key turning point came when an older kid in the neighborhood showed him the knuckleball. Barney found the pitch’s weird, unpredictable movement fascinating. “He could make it dance,” Schultz recalled about his young mentor.

The knuckleball felt natural in Barney’s hands. Even though most people struggle to grip and control it, he managed it pretty well.

That early knack for the knuckleball became the base of his pro career. It set him apart from other young players and gave him a unique edge.

Education and Development

Barney went to Burlington High School in New Jersey and quickly became the star pitcher for the school’s baseball team. Scouts started to notice his talent on the mound.

He kept working on his knuckleball throughout high school, using it as a change-of-pace pitch when he got ahead in the count. Even then, he showed a good baseball mind.

His promise as a pitcher was clear enough that in 1944, while still a teenager, the Philadelphia Phillies organization signed him as an amateur free agent. That moment kicked off his professional baseball path.

Jumping from high school standout to pro prospect wasn’t a small step. At just 18, Barney set out to chase his baseball dreams at the next level.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Barney Schultz spent more than 20 years in professional baseball, slowly climbing through the minors before finally reaching the majors at 28. His famous knuckleball became his ticket to seven seasons in the big leagues with three teams.

Minor League Progression

Schultz started his pro career in 1944 after signing with the Phillies. He spent six years in the low minors, stuck below Class B because of nagging arm problems.

Things finally turned around in 1950 when he reached Class A with the Macon Peaches. For the first time since 1945, his arm felt good. He threw 237 innings in 36 games, finishing 13-14 with a 3.57 ERA.

In 1951, he got traded mid-season to the Denver Bears. General manager Bob Howsam’s leadership helped Schultz find his groove. He walked only 43 and struck out 78 in 104 innings.

Schultz became a leader for Denver during their 1952 pennant race. He went 17-9 with a 3.18 ERA, leading the team in innings and strikeouts. His 3-1 playoff win over Omaha showed off his knuckleball, which “fluttered over the plate with rare consistency.”

After bouncing around a bit, the St. Louis Cardinals bought his contract in 1954. Under manager Johnny Keane at Triple-A Columbus, Schultz switched to relief pitching and racked up 34 scoreless innings in a row.

Major League Debut and Early Years

Schultz made his major league debut with the Cardinals on April 12, 1955, at age 28. He pitched in the team’s 14-4 Opening Day loss in Chicago and then in the home opener against the Cubs a few days later.

His first season was rough. After a string of tough outings, the Cardinals sent him down to Double-A Houston on June 16. He finished with a 1-2 record and a 7.89 ERA in 19 games, pitching just under 30 innings.

The Cardinals moved Schultz to Triple-A Omaha for 1956 and 1957, once again under Johnny Keane. He went 9-12 in 1956, but bounced back with an 8-7 record and 2.38 ERA in 1957, striking out 86 and walking only 39.

Schultz got another shot in the majors with Detroit in 1959. The Tigers called him up on June 7, but sent him back to Charleston a month later.

The Chicago Cubs bought his contract in 1960. He finally found some stability in 1961, appearing in 41 games with a 2.70 ERA. By 1962, the Cubs were calling the 35-year-old “Mr. Old Folks” as he pitched in 51 games and tied Elroy Face’s record for nine consecutive appearances.

Knuckleball Pitching Style

Schultz learned the knuckleball as a kid when a neighbor showed him the ropes. He got hooked on its “bizarre, unpredictable movement” and found he could grip it right.

In high school, Schultz used the knuckleball as a surprise pitch when he was ahead in the count. Once he hit the pros, it became his main weapon, helping him stick around even though he didn’t throw especially hard.

The knuckleball worked better some years than others. During his famous 1964 season with the Cardinals, manager Johnny Keane asked about his control. Schultz replied, “John, when I have my stuff, I know where the ball is going on four out of five pitches.”

He was at his best using the knuckleball in relief. The pitch’s unpredictable movement made it tough for hitters, especially when they only saw him for a short time. That effectiveness helped him go from a struggling starter to a reliable closer during his peak.

St. Louis Cardinals Years

Barney Schultz’s connection to the St. Louis Cardinals lasted for decades and defined his major league career. He debuted with them in 1955, returned for a World Series run in 1964, and finished his career there in 1965.

Initial Stint and Role Evolution

Schultz made his big league debut with the Cardinals on April 12, 1955, at 28 years old. He pitched in 19 games his first year, posting a 1-2 record and a 7.89 ERA over just under 30 innings.

He struggled out of the gate. After some rough outings, the Cardinals sent him down to Double-A Houston that June.

The club moved Schultz to Johnny Keane’s Triple-A Omaha team for the 1956 and 1957 seasons. There, he really started to sharpen his relief pitching skills.

In 1957, Schultz made big strides at Omaha. He appeared in 44 games (just three as a starter), finished 8-7 with a 2.38 ERA in 121 innings, and struck out 86 while walking only 39.

1964 Season and World Series Victory

Schultz started the 1964 season at Triple-A Jacksonville. He was lights out, putting up a 0.85 ERA through mid-July with a 32-inning scoreless streak.

Manager Johnny Keane kept pushing for Schultz’s call-up. The Cardinals brought him back up on July 31, 1964, when they were 53-49 and trailing Philadelphia by seven games.

Keane wasted no time using Schultz as the team’s closer. In the final 60 games, Schultz pitched 30 times, all in relief. He played a huge role in the team’s late surge.

The Cardinals won the National League pennant with a 93-69 record. Schultz ended the regular season with one win, 14 saves, and a 1.64 ERA. His knuckleball was especially tough in high-pressure moments.

During the World Series against the Yankees, Schultz threw three strong innings of relief in Game One. Keane said after the game, “Without him, we wouldn’t be here.”

1965 Season and MLB Retirement

The 1965 season turned out to be Schultz’s last in the majors. At 39, he kept working out of the Cardinals bullpen all season.

Even at that age, he stayed effective, thanks to the knuckleball’s unique quirks that let pitchers last longer than usual.

Schultz finished his major league career with the Cardinals, where it all began. He wrapped up eight seasons with a 20-20 record in 227 games for the Cardinals, Detroit Tigers, and Chicago Cubs.

After hanging up his spikes, Schultz moved into coaching for the Cardinals. He worked as a minor league pitching instructor from 1967 to 1970, then served as the team’s major league pitching coach from 1971 to 1975.

Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers Tenure

Barney Schultz pitched for both the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers during his seven years in the majors. He kept throwing his signature knuckleball for these teams between 1955 and 1965.

Chicago Cubs Highlights

Schultz spent a good chunk of his career with the Chicago Cubs. He pitched for them during the 1965 season, which ended up being his last in the big leagues.

The Cubs had a tough year, finishing 72-90 and landing eighth in the National League. Wrigley Field saw 641,361 fans that year, ranking the team ninth out of ten in attendance.

While with the Cubs, Schultz leaned on his knuckleball more than ever. That pitch made him a bit of an oddball on the roster.

By the time he joined the Cubs, Schultz was already a seasoned veteran. In 1965, he was wrapping up a career full of experience from other teams.

Detroit Tigers Experience

The Detroit Tigers also had Schultz on their roster at one point. He pitched for the Tigers as part of his seven-year big league run.

Schultz brought his knuckleball skills to Detroit, giving the team a different look on the mound.

His time with the Tigers added to his experience in the American League. The Tigers gave him more chances to develop his pitching.

While the stats from his Detroit days aren’t always front and center, they still count toward his overall career. The knuckleball was always his calling card, no matter which team he played for.

Notable Achievements and Statistics

Schultz finished his career with 20 wins and 20 losses in 227 major league games. That record covers his time with the Cardinals, Tigers, and Cubs.

He played from 1955 to 1965, with a few gaps here and there. He saw action in 1955, 1959, and then every year from 1961 to 1965.

The knuckleball was his trademark all the way through. That pitch helped him stick around at the top level for seven seasons across three teams.

His even 20-20 record speaks to his steady presence on the mound. He gave each of his teams reliable innings over a career that spanned a decade.

Career Statistics and Performance

Barney Schultz put together a 20-20 win-loss record with a 3.63 ERA over seven seasons, from 1955 to 1965. He leaned on his knuckleball, especially in relief, racking up 35 saves and finishing his career with 4.0 WAR.

Win-Loss Record and ERA

Schultz wrapped up his career with 20 wins and 20 losses in 227 games. His 3.63 ERA actually landed him 9% better than league average, thanks to a 109 ERA+.

He really found his stride with the Chicago Cubs in 1961 and 1962. In 1961, he went 7-6 with a 2.70 ERA. The next year, he posted a 5-5 record and a 3.82 ERA.

Best ERA Performance:

• 1964: 1.64 ERA in 49.1 innings (234 ERA+)
• 1961: 2.70 ERA in 66.2 innings (155 ERA+)
• 1962: 3.82 ERA in 77.2 innings (109 ERA+)

During his last years with St. Louis, Schultz’s knuckleball really shined. In 1964, he hit his peak, posting a 1.64 ERA over 30 appearances.

WAR and WHIP Analysis

Schultz put up 4.0 WAR for his career. His top season, 1964, brought him 1.7 WAR. He kept his WHIP at 1.209, which is pretty solid for a knuckleball pitcher.

He found his most value during his Cubs years. In both 1961 and 1962, Schultz managed 1.3 WAR, adding up to 3.0 WAR over three seasons in Chicago.

WAR by Team:

• Chicago Cubs: 3.0 WAR (3 seasons)
• St. Louis Cardinals: 1.2 WAR (4 seasons)
• Detroit Tigers: -0.2 WAR (1 season)

His WHIP got a lot better toward the end of his career. In 1964, he posted a career-best 0.932 WHIP, showing off improved command of his knuckleball.

Postseason Contributions

Schultz played a key role in the Cardinals’ 1964 World Series run. He notched 14 saves and a 1.64 ERA that regular season, helping St. Louis clinch the National League pennant.

That postseason, his knuckleball baffled hitters and gave the Cardinals a real edge. His 234 ERA+ in 1964 stands as one of the best relief performances in team history.

He brought more than just stats, though. Schultz offered leadership and shared his pitching knowledge with the younger Cardinals, which definitely helped during their championship season.

Post-Retirement Activities and Legacy

Barney Schultz kept his baseball journey going long after his last pitch in 1965, spending almost twenty years coaching. Teams like the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs valued his knuckleball wisdom and leadership.

Coaching and Instruction Roles

Schultz jumped right into coaching in 1966. At 39, he took a player-coach job in the Cardinals’ minor league system.

He pitched and mentored younger players in Tulsa, and the team even made the playoffs that year.

The Cardinals moved Schultz up to their big league coaching staff in 1967. He picked up another World Series ring as St. Louis beat Boston in seven games.

He stuck with the Cardinals through 1975, splitting his time between the minors and the majors.

After leaving St. Louis, Schultz joined the Chicago Cubs as a coach. Working with both teams gave him a pretty unique perspective on team cultures.

He even went to Japan for a couple seasons to coach pitchers, proving he could adapt and share his knowledge anywhere.

Influence on Future Pitchers

Schultz focused on teaching the knuckleball to young pitchers. His own success with the pitch later in his career made him a go-to instructor.

Plenty of pitchers asked him for advice on off-speed pitches. He’d pitched through arm injuries, so he knew how to teach mechanics that kept arms healthy.

His patient style came from his own long path to the majors. Schultz really understood what minor leaguers were up against.

He passed on his knuckleball knowledge to keep this rare pitching style alive. Not many coaches could match his expertise.

Recognition and Honors

Schultz picked up two World Series rings during his career. He celebrated the 1964 championship as a player and grabbed the 1967 title as a coach, both times helping the Cardinals reach the top.

He spent 38 years in professional baseball, which is honestly pretty remarkable. That kind of longevity let him work alongside several generations of players and coaches.

The Cardinals really appreciated his loyalty and all the know-how he brought to the team. Schultz stuck with them for years, and you could tell there was genuine respect going both ways.

He started out as a struggling minor leaguer but eventually became a World Series champion. That journey inspired a lot of players, and his persistence through tough times shaped how he coached others.