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

Bob Priddy built a solid career as a right-handed pitcher during baseball’s golden era, suiting up for six different Major League teams from 1962 to 1971. The Pittsburgh native debuted with his hometown Pirates and later pitched for the San Francisco Giants, Washington Senators, Chicago White Sox, California Angels, and Atlanta Braves before retiring at just 31.

Priddy put together a 24-38 record with a 4.00 ERA over 249 games, mostly coming out of the bullpen during his nine seasons in the majors. He stood 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighed 200 pounds, and brought the kind of physical presence that made him a valuable bullpen piece when relief pitching was becoming more specialized.

Let’s dig into Priddy’s baseball journey, from rising through Pennsylvania’s high school ranks to reaching the major leagues. We’ll look at the trades that shaped his path, his most productive years with Atlanta, and the pitching style that kept him in the game for almost a decade.

His story really echoes what so many journeyman players experienced as the backbone of MLB rosters in the 1960s.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Bob Priddy grew up in Pittsburgh during the 1940s and 1950s. He became a versatile athlete at McKees Rocks High School.

He didn’t just stick to baseball—he stood out in several sports before the Pittsburgh Pirates signed him as an amateur free agent in 1958.

Birthplace and Family Background

Robert Simpson Priddy was born on December 10, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Back then, Pittsburgh’s amateur baseball scene was thriving, giving young athletes like Priddy plenty of chances to grow their skills.

The city’s strong baseball culture shaped Priddy’s early development. Local amateur leagues were competitive, and Priddy got to show what he could do.

He captained the Sto-Ken-Rox Rams, a top amateur team in the area. Taking on that leadership role as a teenager really showed his baseball smarts and knack for guiding others.

High School Baseball Achievements

At McKees Rocks High School, Priddy was a true multi-sport athlete. He earned about 10 letters across different sports.

Baseball Performance:

• Mostly played as an infielder
• Had a reputation as a solid hitter
• Spent a lot of time at third base and shortstop

Other Sports:

• Football: Played as a versatile back—ran, caught, and threw touchdown passes
• Basketball: Made contributions as part of the team

Scouts took notice of his athleticism. Priddy’s ability to shine in different roles showed his natural talent and drive to compete.

Path to Signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates

In January 1958, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed Priddy to a pro contract as an amateur free agent. They sent him to Salem in the Appalachian League for his first season.

That year in Salem, Priddy played as a position player, not a pitcher. He split time between third base, shortstop, and the outfield, hitting .222 with 6 home runs.

The Pirates made a big call in 1959. They moved Priddy from the infield to the mound, a switch that changed his whole career.

After that, he never played in the field again. The move to pitching really marked the start of his journey toward the Major Leagues.

Major League Baseball Debut and Career Start

Bob Priddy broke into the big leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates in September 1962, grabbing his first win in dramatic fashion during his debut. His early years with Pittsburgh didn’t offer many chances, but he found more regular work with the San Francisco Giants through 1966.

MLB Debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates

Priddy made his MLB debut on September 20, 1962, at Forbes Field. He took the mound in the ninth inning with the Pirates trailing the Cincinnati Reds 3-1.

He held Cincinnati scoreless in relief. Then the Pirates rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth to win 4-3, so Priddy earned the victory in his first game.

That debut came after he got called up once the 1962 minor league season wrapped. He’d signed with the Pirates in 1959 and spent three years working his way up through their farm system.

Initial Performance and Role

After that debut, Priddy didn’t appear in the majors in 1963. He came back to the Pirates in 1964 for his first real shot.

In 1964, Priddy worked only as a relief pitcher. He appeared in 19 games, all from the bullpen, and put together a 1-2 record.

He picked up one save and finished with a 3.93 ERA. Not bad at all, and it proved he could help at the major league level, but his role with the Pirates stayed pretty limited.

That season, Priddy established himself as a reliable bullpen option. Even so, Pittsburgh’s deep roster meant he didn’t get a lot of chances to move up.

Transition to San Francisco Giants

In February 1965, the Pirates traded Priddy and first baseman Bob Burda to the San Francisco Giants for veteran catcher Del Crandall. That trade really changed the course of Priddy’s career.

The Giants actually loaned Priddy to the Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate in Columbus for most of 1965. Even so, San Francisco called him up for eight games out of their bullpen.

The 1966 season was Priddy’s first full year in the majors. He pitched in 38 games for the Giants, making three starts.

He lost all three starts, but in relief he was lights out. Priddy went 6-0 coming out of the pen and picked up a save, showing he could really deliver when the Giants used him right.

Teams and Key Trades During Career

Bob Priddy’s nine-year MLB career saw him play for six teams, with trades that shaped his journey from the Pirates to his last season in 1971. The biggest moves included trades to the San Francisco Giants and Washington Senators, which really defined his middle years.

Playing for the San Francisco Giants

Priddy landed with the San Francisco Giants in February 1965 in a trade that sent him and Bob Burda from Pittsburgh for Del Crandall. It gave him a fresh start.

With the Giants, Priddy played parts of 1965 and all of 1966. He finally got more consistent playing time than he ever saw in Pittsburgh.

He stayed in San Francisco for almost two full seasons. The Giants mostly used him as a relief pitcher during this stretch.

Honestly, the West Coast seemed to fit Priddy’s style. He gained valuable experience working with the Giants’ coaches and pitching staff.

Washington Senators and Role Changes

The Giants traded Priddy and Cap Peterson to the Washington Senators on December 13, 1966, for pitcher Mike McCormick. That deal brought him back east.

Washington offered a new chapter. The Senators let him take on a bigger role in their pitching rotation.

He worked with new teammates and coaches in Washington. The team appreciated his experience and steady presence on the mound.

The trade worked out for both sides. Priddy adjusted well to the American League style during his stint with the Senators.

Chicago White Sox Tenure

Priddy’s path eventually took him to the Chicago White Sox, one of the six teams he played for in his MLB career.

His time in Chicago brought new experiences. The White Sox organization counted on him as a veteran pitcher.

The American League Central gave Priddy fresh challenges. He worked with new teammates and adapted to the White Sox style.

Chicago was part of his later career. Playing for multiple teams made Priddy a valuable addition to the White Sox staff.

Stint with the California Angels

The California Angels became another stop in Priddy’s journey through six MLB teams. His time there added to his career stats and experience.

Playing for the Angels brought him back to the West Coast. The club got a boost from his veteran presence and pitching skills.

His stint in California rounded out his diverse experience. The Angels made use of his abilities while he was with the team.

That move to California was another chapter for Priddy. He wrapped up his MLB run in 1971, finishing with 24 wins and 38 losses across all six teams.

Atlanta Braves Years and Retirement

Bob Priddy played his final MLB seasons with the Atlanta Braves from 1969 to 1971, mostly as a relief pitcher. With the Braves, he tallied 12 saves and delivered several notable performances before calling it a career at 31.

Performance with the Atlanta Braves

Priddy joined the Atlanta Braves in 1969 and quickly became a key bullpen arm. Over three seasons, he made plenty of appearances as a reliever.

His main job was to close games and provide middle relief. Priddy racked up 12 saves for the Braves, proving he could handle high-pressure situations.

Even in the later stages of his career, the right-hander kept putting up consistent numbers. He worked alongside other relievers to back up the Braves’ starters.

Key Stats with Atlanta Braves:

• Years played: 1969-1971
• Saves: 12
• Primary role: Relief pitcher
• Games: Multiple appearances over three seasons

Notable Games and Highlights

Priddy’s best game as a Brave probably came on August 12, 1970, against the Montreal Expos. He came in to relieve Phil Niekro, who was struggling, and tossed six outstanding innings.

That day, he gave up just one hit over six innings. His dominant relief outing earned him the win and showed he could handle long relief work.

The performance against the Expos really highlighted Priddy’s value. He could step up for both short and long relief when the team needed it.

He also took the mound against the San Francisco Giants on July 19, 1971. Even though he got tagged with the loss, it was just another example of his steady presence for the Braves.

Retirement from MLB in 1971

The 1971 season closed the book on Priddy’s nine-year MLB career. He finished up with the Atlanta Braves after three seasons with them.

At 31, Priddy decided to step away from professional baseball. His last year came in 1971, ending a run that started in 1962 with the Pirates.

Priddy wrapped up his MLB career with 24 wins, 38 losses, and 261 games pitched. His 4.00 ERA and 294 strikeouts showed he was a solid reliever throughout.

He played for six teams in all during his time in the majors. When he retired, he brought to a close a journey that took him from Pittsburgh to Atlanta, with stops in San Francisco, Washington, Chicago, and California.

Pitching Style and Career Statistics

Bob Priddy finished with a 24-38 record and a 4.00 ERA over nine big league seasons. He made his mark as a reliable right-handed pitcher, mostly excelling in relief.

From 1962 to 1971, he pitched for six teams, struck out 294 batters, and became a dependable bullpen option.

Pitching Techniques and Strengths

Priddy stood 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighed about 200 pounds. That solid build really helped his right-handed delivery.

His frame let him generate decent velocity and stick with it deep into his outings. As a righty, Priddy liked to challenge hitters with his fastball.

He focused more on control and consistency than just blowing pitches by guys. The Pennsylvania native worked hard to get good against both lefties and righties.

He usually tried to get ahead in the count, then forced hitters to put the ball in play. Priddy found his technique worked best in relief roles.

He’d come in during pressure situations and stay calm on the mound.

Career Win-Loss Record and ERA

Priddy wrapped up his nine-season career with 24 wins and 38 losses, which gave him a .387 winning percentage. His 4.00 ERA put him around the middle of the pack for pitchers in his era.

He struck out 294 batters while playing for six different teams. The Atlanta Braves and Chicago White Sox were probably his most memorable stops.

During the mid-1960s, he had his best statistical years. Priddy’s consistency helped him hang onto a roster spot with several organizations.

His career numbers look like what you’d expect from a reliable middle reliever. He kept his ERA pretty steady over his years in the majors.

Key Moments as a Relief Pitcher

In 1971, Priddy appeared in 39 games for the Atlanta Braves. He posted a 4.14 ERA at home over 23 appearances.

He pitched 37 innings at home, giving up 42 hits and 17 earned runs. On the road that season, he put up a 4.32 ERA in 16 games.

Priddy tossed 25 innings away from home, allowing 24 hits and 12 earned runs. That 1971 season really showed off Priddy’s durability as a reliever.

He walked 43 batters that year, hit one, and threw three wild pitches. As his career went on, Priddy’s role as a relief specialist became clearer.

He’d give managers innings when starters faltered and helped bridge the gap to closers. Managers valued his ability to pitch multiple innings and offer some flexibility in the bullpen.

Legacy and Personal Life

Bob Priddy left behind memories of unique pitches like the “goo-goo ball” and the “entie-wabbler.” Those pitches made him stick out to teammates and opponents.

After he hung up his spikes, he built a successful life as a jeweler in California. He enjoyed retirement until his passing in 2023.

Impact on Teams and Teammates

Priddy earned respect from teammates for his pitching knowledge and his readiness to help younger players. He could be outspoken, and that sometimes led to tension, especially with California Angels manager Lefty Phillips in 1969.

“He has them warming up in the second inning. He has them warming up when the pitcher throws two consecutive balls,” Priddy once complained about Phillips’ handling of pitchers.

Even with those conflicts, Priddy’s peers valued him. One unnamed Angels player actually backed up Priddy’s view, calling Phillips’ approach a “reign of terror.”

Priddy’s most memorable contributions probably came from his quirky pitches. “The goo-goo ball is a pretty mean pitch. There aren’t but two or three guys in baseball who can hit it,” he told the Atlanta Journal in 1971.

His “entie-wabbler” pitch, though even more effective, took too much out of his arm to use often.

Life After Baseball

After retiring in 1971, Priddy started a new career as a jeweler in San Mateo, California. That job let him use the same attention to detail and precision he’d shown on the mound.

He enjoyed an active retirement with two main hobbies. He spent a lot of time golfing, finding some peace on the course after years of competition.

Coin collecting became another passion, fitting his meticulous nature and sharp eye. Priddy stayed close with his family during his post-baseball years.

He’s survived by his daughters Vera and Danielle, along with their families, who supported him through his transition from the game to everyday life.

Passing and Remembering Bob Priddy

Bob Priddy passed away at his home in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, on September 28, 2023. He was 83.

He’d come back to his hometown, the same place where he kicked off his professional baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1962.

His stats show the life of a journeyman pitcher, with a 24-38 record and a 4.00 ERA. Over nine seasons, he pitched in 249 games and wore the jerseys of six different teams.

Relief pitchers in that era faced a tough road, and Priddy really lived that experience.

Baseball fans still talk about Priddy’s colorful personality. Some folks even say his pitches were unlike anything else in baseball history.

He didn’t shy away from speaking up about team management. His inventive style on the mound made him stand out in 1960s baseball, and honestly, that’s pretty rare.