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

Bill Stoneman made his mark in baseball history during his eight-year Major League career from 1967 to 1974. The right-handed pitcher from Oak Park, Illinois, pitched for the Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, and California Angels.

His career had some remarkable highs, like two no-hitters, and plenty of tough stretches that really captured the expansion era of baseball.

Stoneman threw two no-hitters for the Montreal Expos and later served as the general manager who led the Anaheim Angels to their first World Series championship in 2002. He threw his first no-hitter on April 17, 1969, against the Philadelphia Phillies, and it was only his fifth major league start.

The second no-hitter came on October 2, 1972, when he beat the New York Mets at Jarry Park in Montreal. That game became the first major league no-hitter ever pitched in Canada.

Let’s take a look at Stoneman’s journey, from his days as a standout at the University of Idaho to his professional achievements. We’ll explore his pitching style, his impact with the Expos, and how arm injuries ended what looked like a promising career.

His story didn’t end when he left the mound. Stoneman later reinvented himself as an executive and left a lasting mark on the game.

Early Life and Education

William Hambly Stoneman III was born on April 7, 1944, in Oak Park, Illinois, to William Hambly Stoneman Jr. and Kathryn Stoneman.

His baseball journey really began after his family moved to West Covina, California, in 1954. There, he developed his pitching skills in local youth leagues and high school before moving on to college baseball at Mt. San Antonio College and the University of Idaho.

Family Background

William Hambly Stoneman III arrived in Oak Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, on April 7, 1944. His dad, William Hambly Stoneman Jr., worked as a mechanical engineer, even though he never earned a formal degree.

His mom, Kathryn, loved baseball and passed that on to the family.

The Stonemans had deep roots in Chicago’s baseball culture. Kathryn’s mother actually attended the 1932 World Series at Wrigley Field, the famous game where Babe Ruth supposedly called his shot.

“She was a Cubs fanatic,” Stoneman once said about his grandmother.

Bill grew up with three brothers: Rick, Jim, and John. When Bill was ten, the family moved from the Midwest to West Covina, California, just east of Los Angeles.

That move turned out to be pretty important for his baseball future.

West Covina High School Accomplishments

After landing in West Covina, Stoneman got involved in organized baseball through local Little League and Pony League teams. He showed real promise as a pitcher and, against the usual advice, started throwing curveballs when he was still a kid.

“They say that kids shouldn’t be allowed to throw curves until they’re in their late teens,” Stoneman said, “but I’ve been throwing them since I was 10.” That early curveball became his trademark.

At West Covina High School, he kept building his pitching skills. His high school performance caught the eye of junior college scouts.

Those years in West Covina set the stage for everything that came next.

Collegiate Career at Mt. San Antonio College and University of Idaho

Stoneman started his college baseball journey at Mt. San Antonio College, where he made an immediate splash. Local media picked him for the Eastern Conference First All-Star team.

After a year, he transferred to the University of Idaho in 1963. He joined the Vandals baseball team and quickly became a dominant pitcher in the Big Sky Conference.

In 1965, he led the league in strikeouts and ERA, earning a spot on the Big Sky Conference’s First All-Star Team. The next year, he was even better, going 7-2 with a 0.45 ERA.

The Vandals finished 34-9 in 1966 and won the conference title. Over three seasons at Idaho, Stoneman went 17-10 with a 1.44 ERA and 245 strikeouts in 192⅔ innings.

His college career ended with a tough 3-2 loss to the University of Arizona Wildcats in the district playoffs. Still, his stellar numbers drew the attention of MLB scouts, and he got selected in the 1966 amateur draft after earning his business degree.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Bill Stoneman pitched in the majors from 1967 to 1974, playing for three teams and tossing two no-hitters. He started with the Chicago Cubs but found his best years with the Montreal Expos, where he became the team’s first real star on the mound.

Chicago Cubs: MLB Debut

Stoneman debuted in the big leagues on July 16, 1967, with the Chicago Cubs. Scout Gene Handley picked him in the 31st round of the 1966 amateur draft.

He made his first start in the second game of a doubleheader against the San Francisco Giants. Stoneman pitched 5⅓ innings and gave up just two earned runs in a 3-2 Cubs victory.

Manager Leo Durocher mostly used him out of the bullpen after those first starts. Stoneman finished his rookie year with a 2-4 record and a 3.29 ERA.

The 1968 season didn’t go well. Military service with the Arizona National Guard interrupted his spring training. He struggled early, posting a 6.75 ERA, and got sent down to Triple-A Tacoma.

Durocher criticized him after a blown save against Pittsburgh, and that really shook Stoneman’s confidence. The manager even told him to stop throwing his curveball for the rest of the year.

Montreal Expos: Rise to Prominence

The Cubs left Stoneman unprotected in the 1968 expansion draft. The Montreal Expos picked him with their 19th selection on October 14, 1968.

He didn’t get off to a great start with Montreal. In his second career start, he lasted just one-third of an inning and had a 108.00 ERA after the opening series.

But then, on April 17, 1969, everything changed. Stoneman threw the first no-hitter in Expos history, shutting out the Philadelphia Phillies in just the team’s ninth game ever. He walked five and struck out eight in a 7-0 win at Connie Mack Stadium.

Career Statistics with Montreal:

• 1969: 11-19 record, 4.39 ERA, 5 shutouts
• 1970: 7-15 record, 4.59 ERA
• 1971: 17-16 record, 3.15 ERA (career-best season)
• 1972: Threw second no-hitter against New York Mets

His best season came in 1971. Stoneman pitched 294⅔ innings and posted his only winning record as a starter. He led the National League in walks with 146, but his control was better overall.

California Angels: Final Season and Retirement

Stoneman joined the California Angels for the 1974 season. Arm injuries had already started to take a toll during his last years in Montreal, where he went 4-8 with a 6.80 ERA in 1973.

Things didn’t improve with the Angels. Stoneman went 1-8 with a 6.14 ERA in his final season.

He made his last big league appearance on June 30, 1974, against the Texas Rangers. Stoneman pitched four innings, gave up eight hits, and allowed five earned runs.

Final Career Totals:

• Record: 54-85
• ERA: 4.08
• Strikeouts: 934
• Games Pitched: 254

Stoneman finished with 54 career wins, the most by any pitcher from the University of Idaho. His two no-hitters still stand out as major highlights in Expos history.

Pitching Style and Signature Achievements

Stoneman became a power pitcher, relying on his curveball and fastball to rack up 934 strikeouts over eight seasons. The two no-hitters he threw for the Montreal Expos, both 7-0 wins, are probably what most fans remember.

Power Pitching and the Curveball

Stoneman built his game around a nasty curveball that worked perfectly with his fastball. At 5’10” and 170 pounds, he packed a surprising punch for his size.

His strikeout numbers peaked in Montreal. In 1971, he fanned 251 batters in 295 innings, finishing third in the National League behind Tom Seaver and Ferguson Jenkins.

He liked to go after hitters with his curveball in big moments. That pitch became his calling card, and it helped him pile up strikeouts during his best years.

When Stoneman joined Montreal in 1969, his control improved a lot. The Expos let him settle in as a full-time starter under manager Gene Mauch, and that really helped him hone his command.

No-Hitters and Historic Performances

Stoneman threw both of his no-hitters with the Montreal Expos. Each game ended in a 7-0 shutout.

His first no-hitter happened on April 17, 1969, against the Philadelphia Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium. It was just his fifth major league start and the Expos’ ninth game as a franchise.

He struck out eight and walked five in that complete game win.

The second no-hitter came on October 2, 1972, against the New York Mets at Jarry Park in Montreal. That was the first major league no-hitter pitched in Canada.

He struck out nine and walked seven, with Tim McCarver behind the plate. Both games showed how well Stoneman could handle pressure and get big outs when it mattered.

Notable Seasons and Key Stats

Stoneman’s best run came from 1969 to 1972, when he threw over 200 innings every year. His 1971 season really stands out.

1971 Season Highlights:

• Record: 17-16
• ERA: 3.15
• Strikeouts: 251 (3rd in NL)
• Innings Pitched: 295
• Complete Games: 20 (tied for 3rd in NL)

He showed impressive durability in Montreal. In 1971, he made 39 starts, tying the league lead with Ferguson Jenkins.

Stoneman made his only All-Star appearance in 1972, pitching two innings in relief and striking out two. He wrapped up his career with a 54-85 record and a 4.08 ERA over 245 games.

Reputation Among Peers

Players respected Stoneman for his competitive edge and ability to pitch deep into games. He threw 45 complete games in eight seasons, which was a big deal in that era.

Hitters found his curveball tough to hit, especially during his prime years. His strikeout numbers put him near the top of the league.

Teammates noticed his work ethic and how seriously he prepared between starts. Even though he mostly played for losing teams, Stoneman always brought intensity and kept working to get better.

His no-hitters earned him a permanent spot in baseball lore. The Montreal Expos later inducted him into their Hall of Fame to honor what he meant to the team’s early years.

Legacy with the Montreal Expos

Bill Stoneman secured a special place in Montreal Expos history with his no-hitters and steady leadership during the team’s early days. He helped shape the team’s identity under manager Gene Mauch as the Expos found their footing in Major League Baseball.

First No-Hitter in Franchise History

On April 17, 1969, Stoneman made baseball history by throwing the first no-hitter for the Montreal Expos. The Expos had only played eight games before that, so pulling off a no-hitter in game nine? That’s almost unheard of for an expansion team.

The game took place at Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia, where the Phillies couldn’t touch him. Stoneman struck out eight and walked five in a 7-0 win. Just 6,496 fans were there to see it happen.

Key Details of the No-Hitter:

• Date: April 17, 1969
• Opponent: Philadelphia Phillies
• Final Score: 7-0 Expos
• Strikeouts: 8
• Walks: 5

It’s wild to think about, considering how rough Stoneman’s season started. In his Expos debut, he lasted only a third of an inning and wound up with a jaw-dropping 108.00 ERA.

The Expos didn’t let the moment pass quietly. They tore up his contract and handed him a $2,000 raise. Between games of a doubleheader against the Cubs, the team surprised him with a new Renault and even flew his mother and brother in from Vietnam to Montreal.

Role Under Gene Mauch

Gene Mauch really shaped Stoneman’s career with the Expos. Mauch actually asked for Stoneman in the 1968 expansion draft, thinking his pitching would be a great fit.

Under Mauch, Stoneman became a workhorse. In 1969, he led the team in both wins (11) and losses (19), pitching a hefty 253 innings. His five shutouts that year set a franchise record that stuck around for quite a while.

Their working relationship had its ups and downs, especially with Stoneman’s control issues. Mauch stood by him when people accused Stoneman of hitting batters on purpose. “If Stoneman could throw the ball exactly where he wanted to, he wouldn’t have walked 160 batters last year,” Mauch said.

In 1971, Stoneman had his best season, thanks in large part to Mauch’s faith in him. He went 17-16 with a 3.15 ERA, the only winning season of his career. He pitched 294⅔ innings that year, showing just how tough he was.

Mauch even predicted Stoneman would “blossom out” before the ’71 season started. He wasn’t wrong—Stoneman delivered his finest season.

Recognition and Montreal Expos Hall of Fame

Stoneman’s impact on the Montreal Expos earned him lasting recognition with the team. That no-hitter still stands out as one of the franchise’s most iconic moments, especially since it happened so early on.

Fans at Jarry Park loved Stoneman for his toughness and reliability. The Expos struggled a lot back then, finishing 52-110 in 1969, but Stoneman gave the rotation some much-needed stability.

He set team records with five shutouts in 1969 and 146 walks in 1971. Those numbers show both his potential and the wildness that sometimes got the better of him.

Stoneman’s ties to Montreal didn’t end with baseball. He married Diane Falardeau, an Air Canada flight attendant, in December 1969 after meeting her on a team flight. Unlike most former Expos, he decided to stay in Canada even after his playing days ended.

That no-hitter against the Phillies really cemented his legacy. It proved that even new teams could make baseball history fast, and it gave Expos fans a reason to believe.

Career Highlights and Notable Games

Bill Stoneman pitched for eight years in the majors, tossing two no-hitters and bringing steady performances to every team he joined. His best year was 1971, with a 17-16 record and a 3.15 ERA. By 1974, his time with the California Angels marked the close of a career filled with memorable games against some of the National League’s best.

All-Star Selection in 1972

In 1972, Stoneman picked up his only All-Star selection while pitching for the Montreal Expos. That year, he really showed off improved control and consistency.

Getting named an All-Star was the high point of his personal accolades. As a National League All-Star, he joined a pretty exclusive club.

His All-Star nod underlined just how valuable he was to the Expos. It came just three years after his first no-hitter, which is kind of poetic if you think about it.

Memorable Games Against Top Teams

Stoneman’s best-known outing happened on April 17, 1969, when he no-hit the Phillies. That was just the Expos’ ninth game ever—talk about instant history.

He threw his second no-hitter against the New York Mets on October 2, 1972. That game was also his last complete game, which makes it extra special.

Stoneman’s MLB debut came against the San Francisco Giants on July 16, 1967. He pitched 5⅓ innings and gave up just two earned runs—not a bad way to start.

He once struck out 14 Padres in a single game, which stuck with him. Baseball Digest even featured that game in their “Game I’ll Never Forget” series.

Statistics in the 1974 Season

Stoneman’s last year with the California Angels didn’t go well. He finished 1-8 with a 6.14 ERA and didn’t get many chances to pitch.

His final MLB appearance came on June 30, 1974, against the Texas Rangers. He lasted four innings, gave up eight hits, struck out just one, walked none, and allowed five earned runs.

By then, arm injuries had really slowed him down. He just couldn’t pitch the way he used to.

Baseball Almanac lists his career totals as 54 wins, 85 losses, and 934 strikeouts in 254 games. That last season barely made a dent in his overall stats.

Life After Retirement and Impact on Baseball

Bill Stoneman left his mark on baseball long after he stopped pitching. He moved into executive roles and helped build teams that went the distance. His biggest achievement? As general manager of the Anaheim Angels, he put together the club’s first World Series-winning roster in 2002.

Transition to Baseball Executive Roles

When Stoneman retired in 1974, he stepped away from baseball and went into banking. That business experience turned out to be pretty useful when he returned to the sport in an executive role.

He rejoined the Expos in their front office. With his playing background and business sense, he fit right in evaluating talent and handling the day-to-day baseball operations.

Switching from player to executive let Stoneman use his baseball smarts in a whole new way. He knew firsthand what players needed to succeed at the highest level.

Contributions to the Angels Organization

Stoneman ran the Anaheim Angels as general manager from 1999 to 2007. The highlight of his tenure was building the 2002 team that finally won the franchise’s first championship.

He made smart moves to bring in the right players for that title run. His knack for spotting pitching talent, probably sharpened by his own pitching days, played a big part in assembling those competitive rosters.

That 2002 World Series win was the crowning moment of Stoneman’s executive career. He took the Angels from underdogs to champions.

After stepping down as GM in 2007, Stoneman stayed on as a consultant. He kept helping out, sharing his experience and mentoring the next generation of executives in the organization.

Mentorship and Influence in Baseball

Stoneman influenced more than just team building. He brought a wealth of experience as both a player and executive, and younger baseball staff often leaned on his insights.

Having thrown two no-hitters himself, he could really speak with authority when it came to evaluating pitchers. That kind of firsthand expertise shaped how organizations approached pitching.

Stoneman went from playing on an expansion team to helping build a championship club. His journey really showed how valuable baseball experience can be in front office jobs. If anything, his success made people take former players in baseball operations a lot more seriously.