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

Bob Keegan’s baseball career is a real testament to persistence and late-blooming success in pro sports. Born in Rochester, New York, on August 4, 1920, Keegan didn’t break into the major leagues until he turned 32—making him one of the oldest rookies around.

Keegan spent all six years of his Major League Baseball career with the Chicago White Sox from 1953 to 1958. He finished with a 40-36 record and retired at 38.

The right-handed pitcher’s path to the majors was far from typical. After serving as a B-24 bomber navigator during World War II, Keegan worked his way through the minor leagues for years before finally getting a shot with Chicago.

He spent time in the New York Yankees organization and struggled to get noticed there. Eventually, he landed with the White Sox in 1952.

Keegan’s major league stint was short, but he managed to leave his mark. He made the All-Star team in 1954 after a fantastic 16-win season, and he threw a no-hitter against the Washington Senators in 1957 at age 37.

His story really shows the challenges of breaking into pro baseball later in life, the impact of military service, and the grit it takes to succeed at the highest level.

Early Life and Education

Robert Charles Keegan was born on August 4, 1920, in Rochester, New York. He found his love for baseball thanks to his dad.

He excelled at Marshall High School, then continued his athletic career at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania.

Family Background in Rochester

Robert Charles Keegan grew up as the older of two sons to Charles and Mabel Keegan. His father worked as a salesman at the Hires Turner Glass Company.

Charles also pitched for semipro teams around Rochester. Bob watched his dad play and started copying his style.

He spent summer breaks playing for local semipro teams. The family stayed in Rochester throughout Bob’s childhood.

Baseball was a big deal in the Keegan family. Bob learned by watching his father pitch and picked up the game early.

High School Achievements

Bob Keegan attended Marshall High School in Rochester in the late 1930s. He played both baseball and basketball for the school.

As a senior in 1939, he led the baseball team to a county championship. Keegan mostly played as a heavy-hitting infielder during his high school years.

He pitched when the team needed him and showed real promise on the mound. His performance caught the eye of professional scouts.

New York Yankees scout Herbie Moran approached Keegan and offered him a contract. By then, he’d already started college at Fenn College in Cleveland, Ohio.

He planned to transfer to Bucknell University for a better athletic program.

College Years at Bucknell University

Keegan moved to Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, after a short stint at Fenn College. He played baseball and basketball for the Bucknell Bison.

Yankees scout Paul Krichell signed him to an agreement that would take effect after college. During the 1941 varsity baseball opener, Keegan played shortstop and hit a home run against Susquehanna University.

When coach John Sitarsky needed a pitcher against Gettysburg, Keegan stepped up and struck out 14 batters in a 6-2 loss. Keegan captained the 1942 Bucknell baseball team and hit .420 that season.

In February 1943, he left college to join the U.S. Army Air Force for World War II service. After the war, Keegan thought about returning to Bucknell to finish his degree.

At 25, he figured it was his last shot at a professional baseball career and chased that dream instead.

Military Service and Post-War Transition

World War II interrupted Bob Keegan’s baseball career. He served as a B-24 bomber navigator in the Pacific Theater.

After the war, he faced a big decision—finish college or go for pro baseball at age 25.

World War II Experience

Robert Charles Keegan joined the U.S. Army Air Force in February 1943 while still at Bucknell. He served during intense fighting in the Pacific.

Keegan rose to first lieutenant while stationed in New Guinea. As a B-24 bomber navigator, he needed precision and courage on dangerous missions.

The war brought personal milestones, too. On May 20, 1944, while stationed at an air base in Monroe, Louisiana, Keegan married his sweetheart, Lois Hansford.

He called her and said, “Honey, I’m lonely. Let’s get married.” Lois flew down for the ceremony, and after the war, they had two children.

Return from Service and Early Baseball Career

After the war, 25-year-old Keegan stood at a crossroads. He thought about finishing his education at Bucknell but decided it was “then or never” for a baseball career.

The New York Yankees had kept tabs on Keegan since his high school days. Scout Paul Krichell had signed him to an agreement before the war.

In 1946, Keegan reported to the Yankees and joined the Binghamton Triplets in Class A baseball. Manager Garland Braxton quickly figured out Keegan’s future was on the mound, not as a position player.

This shift from college shortstop to pro pitcher kicked off Keegan’s long minor league journey.

Minor League Career

Bob Keegan spent close to a decade in the minors before making it to the majors. His journey took him from the Yankees organization through various levels of pro baseball, and he eventually found success with the Rochester Red Wings back home.

Beginnings with the New York Yankees Organization

Keegan joined the Yankees organization in 1946 after his military service. At 25, he had to pick between baseball and returning to Bucknell.

The Yankees sent him to the Binghamton Triplets in Class A of the Eastern League. Manager Garland Braxton soon realized Keegan’s hitting wouldn’t cut it at the pro level, but his strong arm looked promising.

Keegan posted a 5-6 record over ten starts in his first season. In 1947, he improved to 10-5 with Binghamton, earning a late-season promotion to the Newark Bears in Class AAA.

The higher level was tough for Keegan. From 1947 to 1950, he struggled with a 22-39 record split between Newark and Kansas City in the American Association.

His arm often got sore during spring training, which made it hard to show what he could do when trade opportunities came up.

Development with Rochester Red Wings

After the Yankees sold his contract to Syracuse in April 1952, Keegan finally broke out as a dominant pitcher. The unaffiliated International League club gave him the chance he needed.

Keegan led Syracuse to an 88-66 record in 1952, finishing second behind Montreal. He went 20-11, leading the league in wins, innings pitched (273), complete games (27), and shutouts (7).

He finished fourth in the MVP race, just behind three position players. Rochester fans honored him with a special day on June 22, 1952, when Syracuse visited.

Keegan, his wife, and family got loads of gifts from supporters who’d followed his career. That standout season caught the eye of several major league teams.

The Phillies, Yankees, and Braves all showed interest.

International League Success

The Chicago White Sox bought Keegan’s contract on October 22, 1952. General manager Frank Lane picked Keegan over Bobo Holloman after Syracuse’s GM offered him either pitcher.

Lane defended signing a 32-year-old rookie, pointing out that Keegan was still younger than other successful White Sox pitchers like Marv Grissom and Joe Dobson.

After his major league career ended in 1958, Keegan returned to the minors with his hometown Rochester Red Wings. At 38, he posted an 18-10 record with a 3.04 ERA in 1959.

His 18 wins led the International League that year. Keegan even managed the team for a day on August 2, though the Red Wings lost both games of a doubleheader.

He pitched one more season with Rochester before retiring after 15 years in pro baseball.

Major League Career with the Chicago White Sox

Bob Keegan’s six-year MLB run with the Chicago White Sox started at age 32 in 1953. He went from rookie reliever to All-Star starter, racking up 198 strikeouts, multiple complete games, and several shutouts as a steady right-hander.

MLB Debut and Rise to Prominence

Keegan made his MLB debut on May 24, 1953, against the Detroit Tigers. After 12 years in the minors, he entered the game as a reliever in the fourth with the White Sox down 1-0.

He pitched five scoreless innings, allowed just two infield singles, and picked up his first big league win when Chicago rallied for two runs in the ninth.

The 1954 season was Keegan’s breakout. He started strong with a 9-1 record and 2.29 ERA through June.

That performance got him a spot on the American League All-Star team, where he pitched two-thirds of an inning alongside five other White Sox players.

Keegan wrapped up 1954 with a 16-9 record and 3.09 ERA. He pitched a career-high 209⅔ innings and helped the White Sox win 94 games.

Pitching Style and Performance

Keegan relied on control and durability, not blazing speed. He focused on complete games and limiting walks, which made him valuable as both a starter and occasional reliever.

His best year came in 1954 with 16 wins. He finished his career with 198 strikeouts across 136 games—solid numbers, even if not overpowering.

In 1957, Keegan threw a no-hitter against the Washington Senators at age 37. That game was the highlight of his career.

His arm troubles often showed up during spring training, which hurt his early-season performance. Manager Paul Richards taught him to start preparing earlier in the offseason to deal with those issues.

Role as a Right-Handed Pitcher

As a right-hander, Keegan filled several roles in the White Sox rotation. He started games during his peak years and was a steady option when injuries hit other pitchers.

At 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, Keegan had the durability the White Sox wanted. Manager Paul Richards turned to him in big moments, even using him as a pinch-hitter when the team needed a spark.

In 1954, Keegan pinch-hit against Philadelphia when the White Sox were 0-for-35 in pinch-hitting. He delivered a clutch single to left, tying the game and helping Chicago win 4-3.

He could do more than pitch—he hit .321 in 1953 with nine singles in 28 at-bats. That made him valuable in National League-style strategic spots.

Key Teammates and Opponents

Keegan played with White Sox ace Billy Pierce. Pierce called him “Smiley” because it always looked like Keegan was grinning, even when he wasn’t. In 1955, Pierce won the American League ERA title, but Keegan struggled with injuries that year.

The 1954 White Sox had impressive pitching depth. Keegan joined Pierce in the rotation, and five White Sox players, including Keegan, made the All-Star team that year. That alone says a lot about the team’s overall talent.

He faced tough American League competition in the 1950s. The Cleveland Indians, with their stacked lineup, often gave him trouble. In 1954, the Indians won 111 games, right when Keegan enjoyed his best season.

Keegan’s career overlapped with the Yankees’ dynasty years. He never faced them in postseason play, though. He had plenty of memorable games against teams like the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox. Some of his best performances came in those matchups, including complete game wins and shutouts.

Historic Achievements and Milestones

Bob Keegan really hit his stride in the mid-1950s. He earned American League All-Star recognition in 1954 and threw a no-hitter against the Washington Senators in 1957.

His biggest moments happened in games that truly mattered. Keegan made his mark as a late-blooming pitcher who didn’t even reach the majors until his early thirties.

1954 American League All-Star Season

Keegan broke out in 1954. He went 16-9 with a 3.09 ERA for the Chicago White Sox. That performance earned him a spot on the American League All-Star team, thanks to manager Casey Stengel.

The 1954 season became his most successful year. He pitched 209⅔ innings and completed 14 out of 29 starts. By June 9, he held a 9-1 record with a 2.29 ERA.

During the July 13 All-Star Game in Cleveland, Keegan came in for the eighth inning. He pitched two-thirds of an inning but gave up a two-run homer to Gus Bell of the Cincinnati Reds. The American League team rallied in the bottom of the inning, so Keegan avoided taking the loss.

Getting chosen for the All-Star team meant a lot for a pitcher who didn’t make the majors until he was 32.

Legendary No-Hitter in 1957

At 37, Keegan tossed a no-hitter against the Washington Senators on August 20, 1957. This was a huge achievement, especially since most pitchers his age had already retired.

Keegan’s determination and skill really stood out that night. He walked only a few batters and picked up several strikeouts. Even at his age, he showed he could still dominate.

That no-hitter still stands as one of the most impressive feats by an older pitcher in MLB history. Keegan’s late start didn’t stop him from doing something special.

Notable Games and Highlights

Keegan made his major league debut on May 24, 1953, against Detroit. He came in as a reliever and picked up his first win, tossing 5⅓ scoreless innings and allowing just two hits.

He even made headlines as a pinch hitter. In 1954, the White Sox pinch hitters were 0-for-35. Keegan stepped in and delivered a key RBI single against Philadelphia’s Alex Kellner, finally breaking the team’s pinch-hitting slump.

Over his career, Keegan pitched multiple shutouts and threw a handful of memorable complete games. He became a reliable part of the rotation, even though he joined the majors later than most guys.

Later Career, Retirement, and Legacy

Bob Keegan spent his final years in pro baseball moving from the big leagues back to the minors. He found new success with his hometown team. After retiring, he stayed close to Rochester’s baseball community and kept supporting local sports.

Final MLB Season and Move to the Minors

Keegan’s last season with the White Sox was 1958. The team decided not to keep him in their plans, so they released him.

Instead of calling it quits, Keegan went back to Rochester. He signed with the Rochester Red Wings for the 1958 season, bringing his career full circle.

At 38, Keegan still had plenty left. He finished with an 18-10 record for the Red Wings. That season showed the veteran could still dominate at the Triple-A level.

His strong year in Rochester proved he made the right call by continuing to play. He didn’t just fade away after leaving Chicago.

Life After Baseball

After retiring, Keegan stayed in Rochester, New York for good. He kept close ties with the community that had always supported him.

There isn’t much specific info about what he did for work after baseball. Still, he stayed involved in local baseball and kept his connection to the sport alive.

Keegan lived in Rochester until he passed away on June 20, 2001, at 80. He spent more than four decades after his playing days as a respected figure in Rochester’s sports scene.

Enduring Impact on Rochester Community

Keegan’s connection to Rochester ran deeper than just his playing days. He actually became a lifelong supporter of local athletic teams, and he used his baseball experience to give something back to the community that cheered for him.

People in Rochester noticed his impact while he was still playing. Back in 1952, when Keegan played in the minor leagues, Rochester fans put together a special day for him at the local ballpark when Syracuse came to town. They showed up in force and showered him and his family with gifts.

Rochester residents saw Keegan’s story as a local success. His journey from semipro teams in the city all the way to the major leagues felt like the dream of every young athlete in Rochester.

Keegan stayed accessible to local baseball fans and young players throughout his life. He stuck around the community, inspiring generations of Rochester residents and keeping that connection to professional baseball alive.