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

Robert John Shaw wrapped up his 11-season Major League Baseball career in 1967. That journey took him through seven different teams and two World Series appearances.

He was born in the Bronx in 1933. Shaw transformed from a struggling college football player into a skilled right-handed pitcher who stamped his name on some of baseball’s most memorable moments in the late 1950s and 1960s.

Shaw hit his peak during the Chicago White Sox’s 1959 pennant-winning season. He posted an 18-13 record with a 2.69 ERA and delivered a crucial Game 5 World Series victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

That year, Shaw established himself as one of the American League’s top pitchers, finishing third in ERA and leading all starters with a .750 winning percentage. Later in his career, he reinvented himself as a relief pitcher, becoming an early specialist in a role that would eventually define modern baseball.

Shaw started out sleeping on dorm room floors at St. Lawrence University. By his final days with the Chicago Cubs, he had shown the grit and adaptability it takes to survive in the majors.

He built important relationships with baseball legends like Early Wynn. Shaw set odd records, like five balks in a single game, and stayed connected to the sport he loved even after his playing days ended.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Robert John Shaw was born on June 29, 1933, in the Bronx, New York. He grew up during the Great Depression.

His athletic journey started in high school on Long Island. At St. Lawrence University, he made a pivotal decision to switch from football to baseball.

Birth and Family Background

Shaw entered the world on June 29, 1933, in the Bronx, New York. He arrived during the height of the Great Depression, when times were tough for many families.

His family later moved to Garden City on Long Island. That suburban community gave him a different environment from the Bronx.

Garden City opened up more opportunities for youth sports and outdoor activities. Shaw’s parents supported his athletic interests from an early age.

They encouraged him to participate in multiple sports while he was growing up. That early support played a huge role in his development as an athlete.

Shaw grew up in New York in the 1930s and 1940s, right in the middle of baseball’s golden era. The state had three major league teams back then.

That environment helped nurture his love for the game.

Education and College Baseball

Shaw attended high school in Garden City, Long Island. He focused on football at first.

He was six-foot-two and showed promise on the football field during his high school years. His size and athletic ability made him a natural for the sport.

After graduating, Shaw enrolled at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. The university sat in upstate New York, about 50 miles southwest of Montreal.

That rural setting was a big change from his Long Island upbringing. At St. Lawrence, Shaw made a career-defining decision.

He left football behind and chose baseball instead. That move turned out to be the right call for his athletic future.

His natural pitching ability started to shine during his college years. Shaw’s college baseball career at St. Lawrence helped him develop skills that would catch the eye of professional scouts.

His right-handed pitching showed enough promise for Major League Baseball teams to take him seriously.

American Legion Baseball Experience

Shaw played American Legion baseball during the summers. This league gave young players across the country a chance to develop.

The program has long served as a stepping stone to professional baseball. Shaw used his time in American Legion ball to sharpen his pitching during those summer months.

These games were more competitive than typical college baseball at the time. That higher level of competition prepared him for the professional ranks.

American Legion baseball also put him in front of scouts from pro organizations. Many future major leaguers got discovered in this league.

Shaw’s performance in those games likely played a role in his signing with the Detroit Tigers. By 1953, his amateur career had taken off enough to draw professional interest.

The Detroit Tigers signed him as an amateur free agent that year. Shaw’s journey from Bronx-born kid to professional prospect was complete.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Bob Shaw pitched for seven different teams in both the American and National Leagues during his 11-season MLB career. His journey from a rookie with the Detroit Tigers to his final appearance with the Chicago Cubs showed off his durability and adaptability as a right-handed pitcher.

MLB Debut and Teams Played For

Shaw made his big league debut on August 11, 1957, with the Detroit Tigers at age 24. He pitched 3.0 innings in his first MLB game against the Chicago White Sox.

The Tigers traded Shaw to the Chicago White Sox in June 1958. That move turned out to be great for his career.

He spent three productive seasons with the White Sox from 1958 to 1961. Shaw bounced around to several teams:

• Detroit Tigers (1957-1958)
• Chicago White Sox (1958-1961)
• Kansas City Athletics (1961)
• Milwaukee Braves (1962-1963)
• San Francisco Giants (1964-1966)
• New York Mets (1966-1967)
• Chicago Cubs (1967)

He played his final MLB game on September 11, 1967, with the Chicago Cubs against the Houston Astros. Shaw pitched one inning in that last appearance.

Pitching Style and Physical Attributes

Shaw stood 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 195 pounds. That build gave him good leverage and helped him stay durable throughout his career.

He threw right-handed and batted right-handed, making him a classic righty pitcher of his era. Shaw’s pitching style focused on control rather than power.

He relied on location and changing speeds instead of just trying to overpower hitters. That approach helped him stay effective across different teams and leagues.

His durability let him pitch regularly for 11 seasons. Shaw adapted to different team systems and coaching styles, which kept him in the majors for a long time.

Career Highlights and Awards

Shaw made the 1962 National League All-Star team while playing for the Milwaukee Braves. That honor came during one of his best seasons in the National League.

In 1966, Shaw led all National League pitchers in defensive efficiency with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. That accomplishment showed he could do more than just pitch.

His most memorable performance came in the 1959 World Series with the Chicago White Sox. Shaw beat Sandy Koufax with a 1-0 shutout victory in Game 5 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 1959 season was Shaw’s best. He won 18 games for the American League champion White Sox, helping the team reach their first World Series since 1919.

Career Achievements and Statistics

Shaw finished his career with 108 wins and 98 losses over 433 games pitched. That win-loss record shows he was a steady, reliable starting pitcher.

He kept a 3.52 earned run average over his 11 MLB seasons. Shaw struck out 880 batters in his career, averaging about 80 strikeouts per season.

Career Statistics Summary:

• Win-Loss Record: 108-98
• ERA: 3.52
• Strikeouts: 880
• Games Pitched: 433
• Fielding Percentage (1966): 1.000

Shaw holds the major league record for most balks by a pitcher in a single game. He committed five balks on May 4, 1963, while pitching for the Milwaukee Braves against the Chicago Cubs.

Key Moments in Bob Shaw’s Playing Career

Shaw’s 11-year major league career featured several pivotal moments that defined his legacy. His standout performance in the 1959 World Series and his transformation into an All-Star pitcher stand out.

His journey through seven different teams showcased both his adaptability and the demand for his pitching skills.

1959 World Series Performance

Shaw’s most memorable moment came during the 1959 World Series between the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a rough Game Two, when he allowed four runs on eight hits, Shaw faced enormous pressure to help his team avoid elimination.

In Game Five at the Los Angeles Coliseum, Shaw delivered a masterful performance against Sandy Koufax and the Dodgers. He pitched scoreless ball into the eighth inning before a crowd of 92,706 fans, the largest World Series attendance ever.

The game almost slipped away in the seventh inning. With two outs and two runners on, Charlie Neal hit a deep fly ball to right-center, but manager Al Lopez’s defensive substitution worked out when Jim Rivera made a spectacular catch to keep the lead.

Shaw later called this his “best moment in baseball.” The White Sox won 1-0 and forced a Game Six back in Chicago.

Even though the team lost the series, Shaw’s 2.57 ERA across his two World Series starts proved he could handle the pressure.

Notable Trades and Team Changes

Shaw’s career was full of trades that shaped his path as a pitcher. His first big move happened on June 15, 1958, when Detroit traded him and Ray Boone to the Chicago White Sox for Tito Francona and Bill Fischer.

That trade changed everything for Shaw. He had refused to report to the minors after Detroit tried to send him down, hoping for a better opportunity. The move to Chicago paired him with mentor Early Wynn and set up his breakout 1959 season.

On June 10, 1961, Shaw and a group of players went to Kansas City. The White Sox got Ray Herbert, Don Larsen, Andy Carey, and Al Pilarcik in return.

He didn’t stay long with the Athletics. Four months later, another December trade sent him to Milwaukee with Lou Klimchock for Joe Azcue, Ed Charles, and Manny Jiménez.

The biggest trade came in December 1963 when Milwaukee sent Shaw, Del Crandall, and Bob Hendley to San Francisco. The Giants gave up Felipe Alou, Ed Bailey, Billy Hoeft, and Ernie Bowman in the deal.

All-Star Selection and Pitching Records

Shaw had his best individual season in 1962 with the Milwaukee Braves. That year, he made his only All-Star team.

He led the team in ERA (2.80) and strikeouts and finished second in wins with a 15-9 record and 12 complete games. At the All-Star Game in Washington’s RFK Stadium, Shaw made a lasting impression.

He pitched two innings and earned the save for the National League, finishing the game by getting his former Chicago teammate Luis Aparicio to fly out to center.

Shaw’s 1959 season with the White Sox stands as his most celebrated. He finished third in the American League in both wins (18) and ERA (2.69), and led all starters with a .750 winning percentage.

His three shutouts anchored Chicago’s pennant-winning rotation. In 1966, Shaw achieved a perfect 1.000 fielding average as a pitcher, leading the National League in defensive efficiency at his position.

That accomplishment highlighted his complete approach to the game, not just his pitching stats. Shaw’s career record of 108 wins and 98 losses over 433 games showed his consistency and durability.

He adapted from starter to reliever, especially in his later years, which extended his career and showed his versatility on the mound.

Significant Games, Records, and Relationships

Bob Shaw’s career featured memorable moments that went beyond his win-loss record. He set a historic balk performance and taught one of baseball’s most controversial pitches.

His most notable contributions came through clutch World Series performances and his mentorship of future Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry.

Record-Setting Game Performances

Shaw set the major league record for most balks by a pitcher in a single game. On May 4, 1963, pitching for the Milwaukee Braves against the Chicago Cubs, he committed five balks in one game.

Umpires strictly enforced balk rules during that stretch, and the game ended up with seven total balks called. Shaw accounted for most of them.

Shaw’s biggest victory came in Game 5 of the 1959 World Series. Pitching for the Chicago White Sox, he beat Sandy Koufax and the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 1-0 shutout performance.

That shutout put the White Sox up 3-2 in the series, at least for a moment. Shaw outdueled one of baseball’s all-time greats, showing he could handle the pressure when it really counted.

Mentoring and Influence on Other Players

Back in 1964, Shaw played a huge part in shaping Gaylord Perry’s pitching arsenal while they were teammates on the San Francisco Giants. He taught Perry how to throw a spitball and, maybe more importantly, how to hide it from umpires and other teams.

Perry later talked about Shaw’s lessons in his 1974 autobiography “Me and the Spitter.” That book explained how Shaw’s advice helped Perry master the illegal pitch that defined so much of his Hall of Fame career.

Shaw didn’t just explain the mechanics. He also showed Perry the tricks of getting away with the spitball, teaching him the sneaky moves needed to avoid getting caught.

Contribution to the Spitball Legacy

By teaching Perry the spitball, Shaw left a mark on baseball history. Perry went on to win 314 games, and the spitball became a big part of his success.

Even though Major League Baseball banned the spitball back in 1920, Shaw kept the knowledge alive. His instruction bridged the gap to an earlier era, preserving a bit of baseball’s past.

Perry’s success with the spitball, which he learned from Shaw, set off a lot of arguments about illegal pitches. The debate kept Shaw’s legacy in the spotlight during Perry’s entire career.

Shaw’s appearance in “Me and the Spitter” made sure people remembered him as more than just a pitcher with good stats.

Post-Playing Career and Coaching Roles

After his playing days, Shaw moved into coaching roles and business ventures. He became a respected mentor in youth baseball and worked in commercial real estate development in Florida.

Minor League and MLB Coaching Positions

When Shaw retired from pro baseball in 1967, he started coaching in organized baseball. He took on several coaching jobs at different levels, sharing his pitching knowledge with young players.

He spent time coaching in the minor leagues. Shaw’s grasp of pitching mechanics and game strategy made him a valuable teacher for up-and-coming players.

He brought the same work ethic to coaching that he had as a player. Playing for seven major league teams gave him insight into lots of different coaching styles and training methods.

Shaw liked to focus on fundamental mechanics and mental prep. He often drew from his own experiences with mentors like Early Wynn.

Success in American Legion Baseball

Shaw found his biggest coaching success in American Legion baseball, where he made a real impact on young players. He coached Jensen Beach Post 126 in Florida, building a strong program that earned national attention.

With Shaw leading them, Jensen Beach Post 126 reached the American Legion World Series. That’s about as far as you can go in youth baseball.

Shaw’s coaching style for American Legion players was about more than just skills. He pushed teamwork and sportsmanship right alongside technical baseball instruction.

He became known for helping young pitchers improve. Shaw taught proper mechanics and worked to help players understand the mental side of pitching in tough games.

A lot of his former players moved on to play college baseball, and a few even made it to the pros.

Personal Life, Legacy, and Death

After leaving baseball in 1967, Bob Shaw built a career in commercial real estate in Florida. He stayed connected to the game that shaped his early years. He died on September 23, 2010, at 77 after battling liver cancer.

Life in Florida and Real Estate Career

Shaw moved to Florida after his baseball career and got into commercial real estate. He focused his business in northern Palm Beach County and became a respected figure in the local market.

He settled in Tequesta, Florida, and lived there for many years. Shaw’s move from sports to business reflected the entrepreneurial drive he’d shown when he started investing in real estate during his playing days, with some help from teammate Early Wynn.

He first bought commercial property with his 1958 World Series earnings, and that business sense served him well. Shaw managed to navigate the ups and downs of Florida real estate for decades.

He married Asta Scovill of Wyckoff, New Jersey, after his standout 1962 season. They had three children: Karen, Linda, and Glenn.

Final Years and Death

Shaw spent his later years in Florida, where he’d built his post-baseball life. Health problems caught up with him, and he eventually developed liver cancer.

On September 23, 2010, Shaw died at age 77. That day marked the end of a life filled with both sports and business accomplishments.

The baseball community mourned his loss. Shaw had made a real contribution to the game during his 11-year career, and his passing was noted by baseball publications and organizations.

Legacy in Baseball

Shaw really left his mark during the Chicago White Sox’s 1959 pennant-winning run. That year, he went 18-6 with a 2.69 ERA, and honestly, those numbers made him a huge part of the team’s history.

Career Statistics:

• Overall Record: 108-98
• ERA: 3.52
• Saves: 32
• Seasons: 11 (1957-1967)

He took the win in Game 5 of the 1959 World Series in front of 92,706 fans at the Los Angeles Coliseum. People still talk about that crowd, since it’s the biggest ever for a World Series game.

Shaw made the 1962 All-Star team with the Milwaukee Braves, which showed he could shine no matter where he played. Teams valued him for his ability to step in as either a starter or a reliever.

He almost walked away from baseball, but then he turned into a World Series hero. That kind of perseverance in pro sports is rare.