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

Bob Heffner pitched in the major leagues for five seasons, from 1963 to 1968. He played for three different American League teams, taking the mound as both a starter and reliever during baseball’s pre-expansion era.

Heffner, a 6-foot-4 righty from Allentown, Pennsylvania, made his mark on the game, though he retired in 1968 after his final season with the California Angels. That wrapped up a journey that started on his high school field and led him to the majors.

He finished with a career record of 11 wins and 21 losses in 115 games. But honestly, those numbers don’t really capture the flashes of brilliance he showed, especially considering he played for some tough-luck teams.

Heffner’s path through baseball really highlights the challenges for players in his era. He bounced between teams and roles, trying to carve out his place in the majors.

He had standout years with the Boston Red Sox, a short run with the Cleveland Indians, and wrapped up with the Angels before stepping away from the game that shaped much of his adult life.

Early Life and Athletic Background

Robert Frederic Heffner was born September 13, 1938, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. His parents, Margaret (Koch) and Curtis Heffner, raised him in a working-class household that valued athletic talent and determination.

Heffner’s path to professional baseball started there. He excelled at both baseball and basketball, pushing himself to reach the big leagues.

Childhood and Family Roots

Heffner grew up as the youngest of three in Allentown. His dad, Curtis, worked as a wire worker at Allentown Steel and Wire Company and later as a maintenance man at General Electric.

Bob’s uncle, Art Heffner, owned a farm, and Bob spent time there helping out. Those days on the farm taught him a lot about hard work and sticking with things.

He attended the Herbst School, then moved on to Allentown High School. The blue-collar environment of his upbringing shaped the values he carried into sports.

During high school, the school radio broadcaster started calling him “Butch.” The nickname stuck, following him all the way into his pro baseball days.

High School Achievements in Multiple Sports

At Allentown High, Heffner shined in both baseball and basketball. He picked up all-state honors as a basketball guard in 1956 and 1957.

In 1957, he captained the team and earned all-American status in basketball. His leadership and athleticism made him stand out on the court.

Heffner’s baseball feats were just as impressive. He threw one no-hitter in 1956, then followed that up with two more in 1957. He also led the baseball team as captain.

Outside of high school, he played for his American Legion Lenty Post team. That squad won the Pennsylvania state championship in 1956, with Heffner pitching a huge 2-1 two-hitter and striking out 15 in the September 9 title game.

Path to Professional Baseball

Heffner’s leap to pro baseball came on June 12, 1957, when Boston Red Sox scout Tommy Thomas signed him to his first contract. He graduated from Allentown High that year.

The Red Sox sent him to their Class-D affiliate, the Corning Red Sox, in the New York/Penn League. He made his pro debut on July 2, 1957.

He pitched in 18 games that first season, starting five, and put up a 6-3 record with a 3.81 ERA. He showed real promise as a young pitcher in the Red Sox system.

That signing capped off his high school success and launched his professional journey. Later, his local ties paid off when he pitched for the Allentown Red Sox.

Basketball Accolades and Dual-Sport Talent

Heffner’s basketball skills proved he was more than just a baseball guy. His all-state selections in 1956 and 1957 as a guard showed off his court vision and competitiveness.

He moved from all-state to all-American status and team captain in 1957, which says a lot about his leadership. Those qualities definitely helped him on the mound, where mental toughness and strategy are everything.

Back in the 1950s, top high school athletes often played multiple sports, and Heffner fit that mold. His versatility helped him grow as an athlete.

Playing both sports built his hand-eye coordination, fueled his competitive edge, and taught him to handle pressure. Those traits served him well in his baseball career.

Professional Career Overview

Bob Heffner pitched five seasons in Major League Baseball as a right-hander from 1963 to 1968. He debuted with the Boston Red Sox in a complete-game win, then played for three teams, bouncing between starting and relieving.

Major League Baseball Debut

Heffner made his MLB debut on June 19, 1963, at Fenway Park against the Detroit Tigers. He tossed a complete game, leading the Red Sox to a 9-2 win and giving up just seven hits.

Heffner doubled off the center-field wall in his first big-league at-bat. His dad caught the first five innings before flying back to Pennsylvania.

The Red Sox had called up Heffner from the Seattle Rainiers to help their thin pitching staff. In the Pacific Coast League, he’d gone 5-4 with a 1.92 ERA.

Manager Johnny Pesky liked the improvement in Heffner’s control after those early starts. Heffner earned the fifth starter spot after that strong debut.

Transition Between Teams

Heffner’s career took him through three organizations. He spent his first three seasons with the Boston Red Sox, from 1963 to 1965, seeing both good and not-so-good stretches.

In October 1965, Boston sold his contract to Toronto. Cleveland then grabbed him from Toronto in the Rule 5 draft at the end of November.

Cleveland only kept him briefly at the major league level, but he did well in the minors. After they sent him to Portland in April 1966, he put up a 15-8 record with a 2.85 ERA and earned team MVP honors.

The New York Mets’ Jacksonville farm club bought his contract from Cleveland in October 1966. But Heffner announced his retirement in late February 1967.

He came back for one last run with the California Angels in 1968. After that season, the Angels put him on the restricted list, and he called it a career at 29.

Roles as Starter and Reliever

Heffner moved between starter and reliever roles throughout his MLB years. In 1963, he mostly started games, including three complete games and a 2-0 shutout against the Orioles.

His most flexible season came in 1964, when he appeared in 55 games. He started 10 and finished 21 as a reliever, showing he could do a bit of everything.

Heffner sometimes struggled to find consistency in relief. In 1965, he posted a 7.71 ERA through May, and the team sent him down to Triple-A Toronto.

On June 27, 1964, he delivered his best relief outing, throwing eight innings of three-hit, one-run ball. But home runs were a problem—he gave up 20 in 158⅔ innings that year.

Summary of Career Statistics

Heffner wrapped up his five-year MLB run with an 11-21 record and a 4.51 ERA over 114 games. He picked up six saves and held a 1.322 WHIP.

His best season came in 1964, when he went 7-9 with a 4.08 ERA and pitched 158⅔ innings. That year, he struck out 77 while walking just 36.

Career Totals:

• Win-Loss Record: 11-21
• ERA: 4.51
• Games Appeared: 114
• Saves: 6
• WHIP: 1.322

Heffner didn’t do much at the plate, hitting just .128 in 102 plate appearances. He did hit one home run—a solo shot in 1964 against Cleveland—and had that memorable debut double.

Tenure with Boston Red Sox

Bob Heffner pitched three seasons for the Boston Red Sox from 1963 to 1965. He became a versatile arm, handling both starting and relief work. His best year was 1964, when he picked up seven wins, five saves, and struck out 112 over 55 games.

Breakout Seasons (1963–1965)

Heffner made his big-league debut with Boston on June 19, 1963, at age 24. That rookie year, he went 4-9 with a 4.26 ERA in 20 games, mostly as a starter.

Heffner’s real breakout came in 1964. He pitched in 55 games, started 10, and mostly worked out of the bullpen. He notched seven wins and five saves that year.

Heffner’s strikeout numbers jumped. He fanned 77 batters in 1963 and then 112 in 1964. That 6.4 K/9 rate in 1964 showed he could really miss bats.

The 1965 season didn’t go as well. Heffner battled control problems, posting a 7.16 ERA in 27 games. He managed just 42 strikeouts in 49 innings—a big drop from his previous year.

Notable Performances and Memorable Games

Heffner’s best work came in 1964, when he balanced starting and relief roles. He completed one game and picked up several key late-inning saves.

In 1963, he threw three complete games and recorded a shutout. When his control was on, he could pitch deep into games.

Heffner’s 6-foot-4 frame and delivery made him tough to face. His strikeout numbers from 1963–1965 showed he could get hitters out when he was in the zone.

Heffner’s ability to move between roles became a defining trait in Boston. He gave the manager options and filled whatever spot the team needed.

Key Pitching Statistics and Milestones

In his three years with the Red Sox, Heffner went 11-20 with a 4.60 ERA in 102 appearances. He started 30 games, completed four, and threw two shutouts.

He struck out 231 in 332.1 innings with Boston. His 1.324 WHIP was decent, though his walk rate of 2.7 per nine innings left a little to be desired.

The 1964 season really stood out. He pitched 158.2 innings and picked up five saves, showing he could close out games too.

Heffner’s rough 1965 season saw his ERA balloon to 7.16 and his strikeout rate slip to 7.7 per nine. That performance led to his exit from Boston after the year.

Season with Cleveland Indians

Bob Heffner’s time with the Cleveland Indians in 1966 was short but worth mentioning. He pitched in just five games, but still managed a 3.46 ERA, even if his win-loss record didn’t reflect it.

Trade to Cleveland Indians

After his tough 1965 season with the Boston Red Sox, Bob Heffner packed his bags for Cleveland in 1966. The righty just couldn’t find his groove that final year in Boston, ending up with a rough 7.16 ERA over 27 outings.

The Indians wanted to strengthen their pitching staff with experienced arms, so they picked up Heffner. At 27, he still had the physical tools that made him effective earlier in Boston.

Cleveland brought in Heffner hoping he could give their rotation and bullpen some reliable depth. They figured maybe a change of scenery would help him rediscover the form he showed in his strong 1964 season.

Pitching Highlights in 1966

Heffner didn’t pitch much for Cleveland in 1966, but he looked better than he had in Boston. He took the mound for just five games, including one start, and logged 13 innings in total.

His 3.46 ERA stood out as a big improvement from the year before. Heffner allowed 12 hits, walked three, and struck out seven during his short time with the Indians.

He showed more control than he had in his last Boston season. With a WHIP of 1.154, his command looked sharper, but with so few innings, it was tough to say if he could keep it up.

Heffner wound up with a 0-1 record for Cleveland. He showed flashes of a comeback, but the team didn’t give him a regular spot in the pitching plans.

Contributions to Team Dynamics

Heffner mainly served as a veteran presence for the Indians, stepping in for spot starts or relief when needed. His years in Boston gave him plenty of experience to share with Cleveland’s younger pitchers.

Standing 6-foot-4, Heffner often mentored the up-and-comers, passing along insights from his time in the American League. Even if he didn’t pitch much, the team appreciated his work ethic and attitude.

Cleveland used players like Heffner to keep things steady as the roster changed. His leadership helped hold the clubhouse together through the 1966 season.

Heffner’s time in Cleveland didn’t last long, but he earned respect from teammates and coaches for his professionalism. He was always willing to take on whatever role the team needed.

Final MLB Years and Retirement in 1968

Bob Heffner wrapped up his major league career with the California Angels in 1968. That capped a five-year run across three teams. He battled back through the minors and made one last shot at the big leagues before he retired from professional baseball at 29.

Joining the California Angels

The California Angels gave Heffner a shot during spring training in 1968. He’d spent the previous season with the Seattle Rainiers in the Pacific Coast League, putting up a solid 7-6 record with a 3.53 ERA.

Even after pitching well in Seattle, Heffner got sent back to the minors on April 1, 1968. The Angels still kept him in mind as backup for their pitching staff.

Heffner got the call to return to the majors on April 27, 1968. That marked his last chance to pitch in the big leagues after earlier stints with Boston and Cleveland.

Memorable Moments in 1968

Heffner’s time with the Angels in 1968 was short, but it closed out his pro baseball journey. He pitched a handful of games as a reliever during that final season.

The 29-year-old right-hander brought his experience to the Angels’ bullpen. At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, he still looked the part as he tried to help out the staff.

Game-by-game details from his 1968 stint are pretty sparse, but that year finished off his major league stats. Heffner ended up with 11 wins, 21 losses, a 4.51 ERA, and five saves in 114 games.

Retirement from Professional Baseball

After the 1968 season, Bob Heffner decided it was time to step away from pro baseball. At just 29, he closed the book on a career that started when the Boston Red Sox signed him back in 1957.

Heffner’s retirement wrapped up an 11-year journey that took him through several minor league teams. He spent five seasons in the majors from 1963 to 1968, pitching for three American League clubs.

Back in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Heffner settled into life after baseball. He’d worked for General Electric during his early playing days, which helped him transition into a post-baseball career.

Legacy and Post-Retirement Life

Bob Heffner left a modest but meaningful mark on pro baseball, especially in his hometown of Allentown, Pennsylvania. After retiring in 1968, Robert Frederic Heffner stayed connected to his community and remained a respected figure right up until his death at 86 on June 25, 2025.

Impact on Teammates and the Community

Heffner built strong bonds with his Boston Red Sox teammates. He became especially close with star closer Dick Radatz, his roommate on road trips. Their friendship went beyond baseball—Radatz even joined Heffner on a cross-country drive to spring training in Scottsdale, Arizona, back in February 1965.

Even with an 11-21 career record, Heffner earned respect for his work ethic and steady presence. Manager Johnny Pesky once said Heffner “pitched better than” his 4-9 record in 1963, pointing out, “we didn’t get him any runs.”

People in Allentown always thought highly of Heffner. He even got to play pro ball in his hometown when the Red Sox set up a minor league team there from 1958 to 1960. That connection stayed with him for life.

Life After Baseball

After hanging up his spikes, Heffner went back to Allentown, where his roots ran deep. He married Janet Gangewer on November 9, 1959, and they shared over 50 years together.

During the offseasons, Heffner worked at General Electric in Allentown, starting out as a materials handler. He kept that job going, even while playing pro baseball. That extra experience probably made life after baseball a little easier.

Heffner never lost touch with his baseball past. In 2012, someone snapped a photo of him at home in Allentown, holding baseballs from his playing days—a quiet reminder of his professional achievements.

Passing and Remembrance

Robert Frederic “Butch” Heffner died peacefully at his home in Allentown on June 25, 2025. He was 86.

His loving family surrounded him, including his devoted wife Janet.

Multiple baseball publications and local media outlets reported his passing. The Society for American Baseball Research quickly updated his biographical details, showing just how much he meant to baseball history.

Heffner’s obituary called him one of Allentown’s all-time sports greats. People remembered him not just for five seasons in the MLB with the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, and California Angels, but also for his high school days, where he earned all-state honors in basketball and threw several no-hitters in baseball.