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

Bob Locker spent a decade as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball, tossing his signature sinker for five different teams from 1965 to 1975. This right-hander from Iowa turned into one of the most reliable relievers of his era, racking up 95 saves and holding a sharp 2.75 earned run average across 576 games.

Locker’s career hit its high point in 1972 when he helped the Oakland Athletics win the World Series championship, serving as a key setup man in their dominant bullpen. His rise from a small-town Iowa ranch to the lights of the World Series feels like a classic baseball success story, full of persistence and adaptability.

This look at Locker’s career traces his path from college geology student to pro baseball player. He developed into one of the game’s most dependable relief specialists and made a lasting impact on the teams he joined.

You can see the dedication it takes to make it at baseball’s top level, especially during such a wild, changing decade in the sport.

Early Life and Education

Robert Awtry Locker was born March 15, 1938, in George, Iowa, where his family ran a working ranch. His journey from Iowa farmland to pro baseball started at Iowa State University with legendary coach Cap Timm, who helped shape Locker’s raw talent into major league potential.

Family Background in Iowa

Robert Awtry Locker came into the world on March 15, 1938, in the small town of George, Iowa. His parents, Henry and Northa Locker, owned a ranch at the edge of town, raising cattle and growing corn.

The Lockers ran a pretty diverse farm, with cattle, sheep, and show horses and ponies. Young Bob spent plenty of after-school hours on the farm, especially chopping corn.

Even with all those chores, he still found time to play baseball whenever he could.

Bob always spoke fondly of his mother, calling her “an absolute saint” and crediting her as “the reason I turned out reasonably well.” That strong family base gave him some real stability during his early years out on the ranch.

High School and Early Baseball Success

Locker went to George High School in Iowa, where he started sharpening his baseball skills. In high school, he saw himself as “a typical farmboy, trying to throw the ball through a brick wall.”

His pitching style back then was all about raw power, not much finesse or strategy. He just tried to throw harder and harder, hoping to blow batters away with speed.

That rough, unpolished approach would eventually need a lot of work before he could play at higher levels.

The farm work and his natural athletic ability gave him a strong physical foundation. Still, his pitching technique needed serious improvement before he could compete with the best.

Iowa State University Achievements

Locker followed his mom’s footsteps and enrolled at Iowa State University. He played baseball under Cap Timm, the legendary coach who had the biggest impact on his baseball development.

Timm coached the Cyclones for over 30 years, and the team’s ballpark now carries his name. Under Timm, Locker totally changed as a pitcher.

He worked on his mechanics, adjusted his grips, shortened his stride, and learned to hold the ball longer before letting it go.

“Those adjustments, coupled with my inflexible fingers, allowed me to throw the sinker with full fastball velocity,” Locker later said. Timm helped him develop the sinker that would become his signature pitch in the majors.

Locker also finished his geology degree at Iowa State and joined Army ROTC. That military training meant he had to fulfill a service commitment, which pulled him away from baseball in 1962 and 1963.

Path to Major League Baseball

Bob Locker’s journey to the big leagues really got going at Iowa State, where he grew from a raw farmboy into a polished prospect. He signed with the Chicago White Sox, worked his way through the minors, and served his military commitment before finally making it to the majors.

Signing With the Chicago White Sox

Locker caught the eye of several organizations during his time at Iowa State. He played under Cap Timm, who helped him develop his sinker pitch and better control his delivery.

By his senior year, three teams wanted him: the White Sox, Yankees, and Orioles. The Yankees offered the most money—$12,000.

Still, Locker chose the White Sox’s $10,000 offer for strategic reasons. He figured the White Sox would give him the quickest shot at the majors.

He thought that by the time he was ready, older White Sox pitchers like Early Wynn would be retiring.

Locker’s choice showed his practical side. He was willing to pass up extra cash for a better chance to play in the big leagues.

Minor League Progression

Locker kicked off his pro career in 1960 with a short stint in the low minors. He went back to Iowa State to finish his geology degree before fully jumping into baseball.

In 1961, he joined the Lincoln Chiefs in the Class B Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League. He had a great year, leading his team with a 2.57 ERA and 15 wins.

He also threw 228 innings, the most in the league that year.

That heavy workload proved he could handle a lot of innings. His control and durability became big parts of his pitching style.

The sinker he developed in college worked well against pro hitters.

After his military service, Locker returned to baseball in 1964. The White Sox moved him up to the Indianapolis Indians of the Pacific Coast League.

At 26, he dominated Triple-A hitters in his first season back. Locker led Indianapolis starters in several categories, tossing 226 innings with a 2.59 ERA and 16 wins.

He struck out 178 and walked just 57, showing off his control.

Military Service and Return to Baseball

Locker’s baseball path got interrupted by his Army ROTC service. He spent 1962 and 1963 on military duty, missing a couple of key development years.

During a military leave in 1962, Locker married Judy Swalve. They had their first child in 1963 while he was still serving.

So, Locker came back to baseball with family responsibilities on his shoulders.

That two-year break could’ve derailed his career. A lot of players struggle to get back into form after a long layoff.

But Locker’s military experience seemed to help him in other ways.

When he returned in 1964, Locker was more mature and disciplined. Military training gave him a knack for organization and paying attention to details.

He even carried index cards to track info about hitters and umpires.

Locker showed up at spring training in 1965 in great shape. He wore a weighted vest and did finger exercises to strengthen his hands.

His preparation and work ethic really impressed the White Sox coaches.

Major League Career Overview

Bob Locker put together a 57-39 record with a 2.75 ERA over 576 games from 1965 to 1975. He made his mark as a steady relief pitcher for the Chicago White Sox before helping the Oakland Athletics win the 1972 World Series.

Chicago White Sox Years (1965–1969)

Locker made his big league debut in 1965 with the White Sox at age 27. He joined a bullpen with Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm and Eddie Fisher under manager Al Lopez.

The White Sox used Locker’s sinker ball to great effect. He pitched 91⅓ innings as a rookie, finishing 5-2 with a 3.15 ERA.

Lopez often called on him for middle relief to keep games close.

Eddie Stanky replaced Lopez as manager in 1966. Stanky told Locker he’d fine him $200 for any hit he gave up on a pitch that wasn’t his sinker.

That rule helped Locker develop his best pitch, but it also limited what else he could throw.

Key White Sox Statistics:

• 1967: 20 saves, 2.09 ERA (his best season)
• Games: Led AL relievers with 77 appearances
• Innings: 124⅔ innings pitched

The White Sox bullpen led the majors in ERA for four straight years while Locker was there. Still, the team’s weak offense kept them from reaching the World Series.

Seattle Pilots and Milwaukee Brewers (1969–1970)

The White Sox traded Locker to Seattle on June 8, 1969, after a tough stretch where his ERA had climbed to 7.23. He joined Jim Bouton and Mike Marshall in the Pilots’ bullpen.

Locker bounced back quickly in Seattle. His ERA after the trade dropped to 2.18, compared to 6.55 before.

He allowed just 69 hits and three home runs in 78⅓ innings with the Pilots.

The Pilots became the Milwaukee Brewers in 1970. Locker kept pitching well, helping steady the bullpen during the team’s move.

He developed a strange training routine with Bouton and Marshall. They tossed an eight-pound shot put to each other before games.

“People thought we were crazy, but it didn’t hurt our arms,” Locker remembered.

That odd routine seemed to work. Locker’s sinker got even better during his time with the Pilots and early Brewers.

Oakland Athletics and the 1972 World Series

Oakland picked up Locker before the 1971 season. Manager Dick Williams used him as his “designated rally-killer” during the Athletics’ championship runs.

The team won 101 games in 1971, and Locker played a crucial role in middle relief. Williams gave him clear roles, something he hadn’t really had before.

Oakland won the 1972 World Series, and Locker played a big part alongside stars like Vida Blue. His ground ball-inducing sinker was a weapon in high-pressure moments.

1972 World Series Impact:

• Reliable middle relief
• Helped bridge the gap to the closer
• Part of a dominant Oakland pitching staff

Williams knew exactly how to use Locker’s sinker in key spots to shut down opposing rallies.

Chicago Cubs and Career Finale

The Cubs picked up Locker for the 1973 season. He pitched at Wrigley Field with stars like Billy Williams during his next-to-last year.

Locker took a break from baseball in 1974, then returned to Chicago for his final season in 1975. By then, age and arm wear had caught up with him.

He made his final big league appearance in 1975 with the Cubs. Locker retired after pitching 879 career innings with steady control over his ten seasons.

Finishing his career in Chicago felt fitting, since that’s where he’d first made his name as a major league pitcher. Even in his last seasons, his sinker still fooled hitters.

Relief Pitching Style and Legacy

Bob Locker built his career around a nasty sinker that became his calling card in the bullpen. He worked with some of baseball’s greatest relievers and earned a reputation as a dependable middle reliever who could handle tough situations.

Signature Sinker and Pitching Arsenal

Locker’s whole career centered on his “wipeout sinker,” a pitch that set him apart from other relievers. Unlike Tommy John’s more predictable roll-over sinker, Locker threw what he called a “smothered sinker.”

“There are two kinds of sinker,” Locker said. “One is a roll-over sinker, Tommy John had one of those, a predictable pitch. I had a smothered sinker, which is a lot like a knuckleball. It’s hard to predict.”

His pitch dropped unpredictably, making it tough for hitters to square up. Locker had to fight the sinker “every day, every pitch” because it could be so wild.

When White Sox manager Al Lopez and pitching coach Ray Berres saw his sinker in 1965, they told him to quit starting and focus on relief work. They also told him to drop his other pitches and stick with the sinker.

Manager Eddie Stanky took it even further in 1966, threatening to fine Locker $200 for every hit he gave up on anything but his sinker.

Role as a Reliever and Bullpen Contributor

Locker worked as a middle reliever, bridging the gap between starters and closers. His teammate Eddie Fisher said, “It was Locker who went in to pitch the middle innings and keep the Sox in the game.”

He led the American League with 77 appearances in 1967, showing off his durability. That year, he also notched 20 saves and posted a 2.09 ERA over nearly 125 innings.

Locker’s role changed over time as relief pitching evolved. He finished with 95 career saves, ranking 174th all-time when he retired. His 48 saves with the White Sox put him 15th in franchise history.

Career Relief Statistics:

• 595 total appearances
• 288 games finished
• 2.75 career ERA
• 879 innings pitched

Locker pitched in nearly 600 major league games over his ten-year career. He lasted twice as long as the average player, even while battling elbow problems and scar tissue.

Notable Teammates and Comparisons

Locker pitched alongside Hall of Fame reliever Hoyt Wilhelm. He also worked with White Sox bullpen regulars Eddie Fisher and Wilbur Wood.

Together, they built one of baseball’s top relief staffs in the mid-to-late 1960s. That group really set a high standard for the era.

Later on, Locker landed with the Oakland Athletics during their rise to dominance. He joined Darold Knowles and other relievers as the A’s started their championship run.

Locker earned a World Series ring in 1972, which has to be a highlight for any pitcher.

If you look at modern stats, Locker’s career lines up closely with David Robertson, a former White Sox closer. Their numbers show a 93.5% similarity, which is pretty striking.

In his later years, Locker pitched a lot like Kent Tekulve, another submarine-style reliever. That comparison feels pretty spot-on if you’ve seen both throw.

Paul Votano put Locker in his top 50 relief pitchers of all time in “Late and Close: A History of Relief Pitching.” That’s some serious respect.

Locker’s approach stood out. He kept detailed notes on both batters and umpires.

“I keep tabs on just how umpires call pitches on me,” he once admitted, showing off his analytical side.

Statistical Highlights and Achievements

Bob Locker put together some impressive stats over his 11-year major-league career from 1965 to 1975.

His 2.75 ERA really stands out among relievers from his era. He also struck out 577 batters, showing he could handle hitters pretty well.

Career ERA and Strikeouts

Locker’s 2.75 career ERA might be his best stat. That number puts him among the top relief pitchers of the 1960s and early 1970s.

He threw 879 innings in 576 games during his time in the majors. Along the way, he struck out 577 batters and rarely gave up free passes.

In 1967, Locker had his best season, posting a 2.09 ERA. He led American League relievers that year with 77 appearances and 124⅔ innings pitched.

His sinker made life tough for hitters. They hit ground balls off him all the time, which led to plenty of double plays and weak contact.

Saves and Key Appearances

Locker piled up saves when the stat looked a little different than it does now. His top season for saves came in 1967 with 20 saves.

He showed up in 576 games during his big-league career. In 1967, he pitched in 95 games, which is a wild number for a reliever.

Most of the time, Locker pitched in high-pressure situations.

Jerome Holtzman, who helped invent the save statistic, covered Locker a lot during his White Sox years. In 1966, Eddie Fisher told Holtzman that Locker had become the team’s best reliever.

The White Sox bullpen led the majors in ERA for four straight years during the mid-1960s. Locker played a huge role as their main setup man and sometimes as the closer.

Major-League Awards and Records

Locker’s biggest achievement came when he helped the 1972 Oakland Athletics win the World Series. Manager Dick Williams called on him as the team’s “rally-killer” during that title run.

The A’s won 101 games in 1971 and then grabbed the World Series in 1972. Locker pitched important innings both seasons as a key bullpen guy.

He finished his career with 57 wins and 39 losses. That’s a strong record for a reliever and shows he kept his team in games.

Locker never made an All-Star team, but people around the league respected his steady performance. He held a 2.75 ERA over 11 seasons, which is rare for a relief specialist from that time.

Life After Baseball and Personal Life

Bob Locker left baseball and found success in real estate and business ventures around the Bay Area. He stayed close with his family while building a new career, and later he got involved in baseball advocacy efforts.

Transition to Real Estate and Business

After retiring in 1975, Locker jumped into the real estate industry. He brought the same discipline and work ethic from the mound to his business life.

He made the Bay Area his home base for real estate. That region’s growing economy gave him plenty of chances to use his skills and connections.

His geology degree from Iowa State University actually helped him out after baseball. That science background let him understand property development and land use, which gave him an edge.

People respected him as a former major league player. His athletic background helped him build trust with clients and business partners.

Community and Family Life in the Bay Area

Locker settled down in the Bay Area and built strong community ties. His family stayed at the center of his life there.

He kept up with old baseball friends while making new connections in his adopted community. Locker often showed up at local events and stayed approachable for fans who remembered his playing days.

Even after moving to California, his Iowa roots mattered to him. Locker liked to talk about the values he learned growing up on his family’s ranch in George, Iowa.

The Bay Area’s business scene fit Locker’s personality and interests. He enjoyed the mix of technology, finance, and more traditional industries that made real estate work interesting for him.

Legacy and Recognition

Years after he retired, Locker jumped in to help promote Marvin Miller’s election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. He teamed up with his former teammate, Jim Bouton, supporting the website thanksmarvin.com along the way.

This advocacy really showed how much Locker understood Miller’s importance to player rights. Miller actually led the Major League Baseball Players Association for much of Locker’s career.

Locker kept engaging with baseball issues long after he stopped playing. He clearly respected the people who worked to improve life for professional players.

Baseball fans still remember Locker for his 95 career saves and his part on the 1972 World Champion Oakland Athletics. That 6-1 record with 10 saves during the championship season? Definitely a high point in his career.