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

Bill Voiselle put together a solid nine-year run in Major League Baseball, pitching for three National League teams before retiring in 1950. This right-hander from South Carolina made his mark with the New York Giants, Boston Braves, and Chicago Cubs through the 1940s.

Voiselle finished his career with 74 wins and 84 losses in 246 games. His standout season came in 1944, when he picked up 21 wins for the Giants.

Voiselle stood out not just for his pitching but also for his deep connection to his hometown. The National League let him wear jersey number 96, a nod to Ninety Six, South Carolina, where he grew up. That small-town pride really became part of his story in the majors.

From his MLB debut in 1942 to his last game in 1950, Voiselle’s baseball journey captured the gritty, competitive spirit of the era. He moved between teams, like lots of players did back then. His story gives you a glimpse into the lives of steady contributors who helped shape baseball during World War II and after.

Early Life and Background

William Symmes Voiselle was born on January 29, 1919, in Greenwood, South Carolina. He grew up in the nearby town of Ninety Six.

He started out with big league dreams and plenty of local support for his baseball skills.

Family and Upbringing in Ninety Six

Voiselle spent his childhood in Ninety Six, a small town that would become forever linked with his baseball legacy. Like lots of kids back then, he dreamed about making it big in baseball.

Ninety Six gave him a tight-knit community where young athletes could hone their skills. Growing up there shaped his work ethic and character.

He kept his connection to Ninety Six throughout his life. You could see the town’s influence on him both as a player and as a person.

High School Baseball and Local Recognition

Voiselle went to Ninety-Six High School and played for the school baseball team. Those years really mattered—they helped him develop the skills he’d need for the majors.

During high school, Voiselle started to show the kind of talent that gets scouts interested. His performances on the school team helped build his reputation as a rising young pitcher.

Locals definitely noticed what he could do. Success at that level set the stage for what came next.

Entry into Professional Baseball

Voiselle made the jump from high school ball to the pros, kicking off his path to the big leagues. At 6’4″ and 200 pounds, he looked like a pitcher teams wanted.

He got into pro baseball through the classic scouting system of the early 1940s. The New York Giants saw his potential and signed him.

By 1942, Voiselle had worked his way through the minors and was ready for his Major League debut. He took the mound for the first time on September 1, 1942, at age 23, facing the Chicago Cubs.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Bill Voiselle played nine seasons in the majors from 1942 to 1950, making a name for himself as a notable pitcher in the National League. His career included a standout rookie season, trades between three teams, and wearing jersey number 96—the highest number in baseball at that time.

MLB Debut and Rookie Highlights

Voiselle debuted in the majors on September 1, 1942, with the New York Giants against the Chicago Cubs. He pitched a scoreless inning in relief during a 10-5 loss at Wrigley Field.

His breakout came in 1944 when he became a full-time starter. That year, the rookie led the National League in several categories:

• 312⅔ innings pitched (league leader)
• 161 strikeouts (league leader)
• 21 wins (third in NL)

He completed 25 games and posted a 3.02 ERA, even though the Giants finished with a losing record. Those 21 wins made him one of the most successful rookie pitchers ever.

The Baseball Writers Association took notice. He finished fifth in National League MVP voting and earned “Pitcher of the Year” from The Sporting News.

Teams Played For and Key Trades

Voiselle’s MLB career took him to three National League teams over nine seasons:

New York Giants (1942-1947)

• Spent five and a half seasons
• Put up his best stats
• Started with number 17, then switched to 96

Boston Braves (1947-1949)

• Traded on June 13, 1947, with cash for Mort Cooper
• Improved under manager Billy Southworth
• Started the deciding game of the 1948 World Series

Chicago Cubs (1950)

• Final MLB season
• Served as both a starter and reliever

The move to Boston gave Voiselle’s career a boost. He went 8-7 for the rest of 1947 and helped the Braves win the 1948 pennant alongside Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Voiselle put up respectable stats over his nine MLB seasons:

He still holds the distinction of being the last rookie pitcher to throw over 300 innings in a season. That 312⅔-inning mark from 1944 probably won’t ever be touched, given today’s pitch limits.

Career Highlights:

• 1944 NL All-Star selection
• Led NL in innings and strikeouts as a rookie
• Started the deciding game of the 1948 World Series

Voiselle became known for wearing number 96 with the Boston Braves, a tribute to Ninety Six, South Carolina. That was the highest jersey number in MLB until the late 20th century, when Mitch Williams and Turk Wendell both wore 99.

Notable Seasons and Performance

Voiselle’s career had high points and some rough patches, from his amazing 1944 rookie season to a tough final year. He peaked in the mid-1940s with the Giants and later made a solid World Series showing with the Braves.

Breakout Rookie Season in 1944

Voiselle burst onto the MLB scene in 1944 with one of the best rookie seasons of the decade. At 25, he posted a 21-16 record for the Giants and quickly became a top starter.

He led the National League with 312.2 innings pitched. Voiselle struck out 161 batters and completed 25 games—he was nothing if not durable.

He made the All-Star team and finished fifth in MVP voting. That 3.02 ERA looked even better when you consider he faced 1,327 batters, more than anyone else in the league.

Key 1944 Stats:

• 21-16 record with 3.02 ERA
• 312.2 innings pitched
• 161 strikeouts
• 25 complete games
• All-Star selection

His performance anchored the Giants’ rotation and gave manager Mel Ott a reliable workhorse.

Peak Years with the New York Giants

Voiselle spent six seasons with the Giants from 1942-1947, finishing with a 46-52 record and a 3.64 ERA. His best years came in 1944 and 1945, when he combined for 35 wins.

In 1945, Voiselle pitched 232.1 innings and went 14-14, including four shutouts. When his control was on, he could dominate hitters.

People started calling him “Ninety-Six” after his hometown. That number became his trademark, showing up on his uniform.

Voiselle’s durability stood out during his Giants years. He averaged over 200 innings per season from 1944-1946.

Giants Highlights:

• 409 strikeouts in 805.2 innings
• 53 complete games in 111 starts
• 7 shutouts in six seasons

Sometimes, control issues got the better of him—he walked 340 batters with New York. Still, his ability to go deep into games made him valuable.

Boston Braves and World Series Run

The Boston Braves picked up Voiselle in 1947, and he joined a rotation that would reach the World Series in 1948. He went 8-7 with Boston in 1947, setting up a big year to come.

In 1948, Voiselle played a key role in the Braves’ championship run. He finished 13-13 with a 3.63 ERA, tossing 215.2 innings alongside Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain.

During the World Series against the Cleveland Indians, Voiselle made two appearances. He pitched 10.2 innings with a 2.53 ERA, but the Braves lost in six games.

That season, he notched nine complete games and two shutouts. Voiselle struck out 89 and walked 90, still struggling a bit with control.

1948 World Series Stats:

• 2 games pitched
• 2.53 ERA in 10.2 innings
• 0-1 record

The Braves’ rotation—Spahn, Sain, and Voiselle—gave them the depth to push through the season and into October.

Final Year with the Chicago Cubs

Voiselle’s career fizzled out with the Chicago Cubs in 1950. At 31, he just couldn’t find his control or effectiveness, going 0-4 with a 5.79 ERA.

He managed only 51.1 innings, a huge drop from his earlier years. Voiselle walked 29 and struck out just 25, and control problems really hurt him.

The Cubs mostly used him as a spot starter, giving him seven starts in 19 games. He couldn’t pitch deep into games, which limited his role.

His last major league appearance came on July 8, 1950, against the Cincinnati Reds. He pitched 1.2 innings, gave up four hits, and allowed three earned runs.

1950 Final Season:

• 0-4 record with 5.79 ERA
• 51.1 innings pitched
• 29 walks and 25 strikeouts
• 7 starts in 19 games

That tough finish closed out a career that had once shown a lot of promise.

Jersey Number 96 and Legacy

Bill Voiselle’s jersey number 96 stood as the highest number ever worn in Major League Baseball at the time, giving him lasting recognition beyond his pitching. The nickname “Ole 96” tied him forever to his South Carolina roots.

Significance of Jersey Number 96

Voiselle got special permission from the National League to wear number 96. That unique number honored his hometown of Ninety Six, South Carolina.

He made baseball history when he first wore 96 for the Boston Braves at Wrigley Field on June 22, 1947. No one else had ever worn that number in the majors.

Historic Significance:

• First player to wear #96 in MLB
• Highest number worn by any player at the time
• Only player to wear his hometown’s name as his jersey number

The National League’s approval showed they valued players’ connections to their hometowns. Voiselle’s request set a new standard for meaningful jersey numbers in baseball.

Nickname and Cultural Impact

Fans gave Voiselle the nickname “Ole 96” because of his jersey number, and that name stuck with him long after he retired. For a lot of folks, the nickname ended up more memorable than his stats.

That unusual number showed just how proud he felt about his small-town roots. He carried the spirit of Ninety Six, South Carolina, all the way to the majors with the Boston Braves, New York Giants, and Chicago Cubs.

People still talk about his jersey number decades after he hung up his glove. Baseball historians and fans love to bring up Voiselle when the conversation turns to unique numbers and what they mean.

Voiselle’s story reminds us that players can honor their hometowns, even while chasing glory at the top of pro sports.

Post-MLB Career and Life After Baseball

When Bill Voiselle retired from Major League Baseball in 1950, he didn’t step away from the game. Instead, he kept playing in the minor leagues and eventually returned home to South Carolina.

He stayed active in his community and picked up a few honors for what he’d accomplished on the field.

Minor Leagues and Central Carolina Textile League

Voiselle kept his pro baseball career going for seven more years in the minors after leaving the majors. He just wasn’t ready to give up the game he loved.

After his minor league run, he headed back to Ninety Six and joined the local mill team. That semi-pro gig let him stay close to baseball and his hometown crowd.

The mill team belonged to the textile league system, which was a big deal in South Carolina during the 1950s and 1960s. These teams gave mill workers and their families something to look forward to, and let ex-pros like Voiselle stick around the sport.

Voiselle’s time on the mill team helped him bridge the gap from professional ball to retirement. Honestly, his presence probably drew bigger crowds and made the games more competitive.

Community Involvement in South Carolina

Once he settled back in Ninety Six, Voiselle jumped right into community life. He kept up strong connections with the town that had always cheered him on.

Coming home meant a lot to him, and folks in Ninety Six never stopped celebrating their hometown hero. Even years after he stopped playing, people still talked about him with real pride.

You could see the town’s admiration everywhere. Local leaders and regulars alike remembered him as the guy who put Ninety Six on the baseball map.

Honors and Recognitions

Voiselle’s special bond with his hometown got him recognition all over South Carolina baseball history. By wearing number 96, he became the only player to literally put his town’s name on his back.

Historicbaseball.com later featured him among more than 900 pro players from South Carolina. That kind of spotlight helps keep his story alive for new generations of fans.

People still call him “Ole 96”—a nickname that ties together his baseball career and his pride in where he came from. It set him apart and created a lasting connection between his achievements and his community.

Bill Voiselle in Baseball History

Bill Voiselle carved out his spot in baseball history with his record-breaking number 96 and a rookie season that turned heads. His story pops up in baseball databases and books, and people still compare him to other pitchers from his era.

Media Coverage and Historical References

During his playing days, major baseball publications paid close attention to Voiselle’s career. The Sporting News named him its “Pitcher of the Year” in 1944 after an incredible rookie year. That kind of recognition helped build his reputation.

His number 96 became one of the game’s most famous quirks. For a long time, nobody in the majors wore a higher number than Voiselle. Not until Mitch Williams and Turk Wendell showed up with number 99 much later. You’ll find that fact in all sorts of baseball trivia books.

Writers still mention Voiselle’s number when they talk about oddball uniforms or players with strong ties to their hometowns. His nickname “Ol’ Ninety-Six” pops up in stories about the Boston Braves and in baseball histories.

The 1948 World Series keeps his name alive too. He started the deciding game against the Cleveland Indians, and you’ll spot that in World Series records and Braves team histories.

Presence in Baseball Databases and Literature

You can find all of Voiselle’s stats and career info in the big baseball databases. Baseball-Reference.com lists everything, from his debut on September 1, 1942, to his last game on July 8, 1950.

His rookie numbers still look impressive today. He pitched 312⅔ innings in 1944, a record no rookie has matched since. That stat shows up everywhere in baseball record books.

RetroSheet and other historical baseball groups keep detailed logs of his games. Those resources let researchers dig into his performance and see how his career played out.

Baseball books often bring up Voiselle when they talk about pitching in the 1940s. Writers mention his role with the 1948 Braves, especially in stories about that World Series run. The famous “Spahn and Sain and Pray for Rain” poem? It usually leads to talk about other Braves pitchers like Voiselle.

Comparisons with Other Pitchers

Bill Voiselle’s career always seems to invite comparisons to other pitchers who had big rookie years but then struggled with consistency. When he went 21-16 as a rookie in 1944, that put him right up there with the best debut seasons for pitchers in the 1940s.

He pitched 312⅔ innings that year, which jumps off the page compared to what modern pitchers do. That kind of workload was a lot, even back then, and it really shows how much the Giants leaned on him.

Voiselle had a career full of hot and cold streaks, which honestly, was pretty common for pitchers in his era. Like a lot of hurlers in the 1940s, he had to figure out how to stay steady all season long.

He threw 25 complete games in his rookie year, and that lines up with what teams expected from their starters at the time.

In 1948, he pitched in the World Series, so he gets to share some company with other notable Braves pitchers. Sure, Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain got more headlines, but Voiselle’s role on that pennant-winning team definitely earned him some respect in Boston.