Dick Stigman – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Richard Lewis Stigman made a name for himself over seven seasons in Major League Baseball as a left-handed pitcher. He played for three teams between 1960 and 1966.

Born in Nimrod, Minnesota—a tiny town if there ever was one—Stigman’s journey from rural lumber yard worker to major league All-Star really feels like a classic American baseball story from the 1960s.

Dick Stigman wrapped up his professional baseball career after the 1966 season, finishing with the Boston Red Sox. The Minnesota native ended up with a 46-54 record and a 4.03 ERA across 119 major league games.

He pitched as both a starter and a reliever, always ready to take the mound. His career took him from the Cleveland Indians, where he picked up rookie All-Star honors, to his home state Minnesota Twins, and finally to Boston.

Some of his biggest moments include getting picked as an American League All-Star in his rookie year and pitching for the 1965 Minnesota Twins, the team that took home the American League pennant.

His story captures the struggles of small-town players reaching the majors, the changing roles of pitchers in baseball, and the business side of the sport in a really transformative decade.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Dick Stigman started out in rural Minnesota, learning to pitch with his older brother Al. His time at Sebeka High School put his talent on display, and he eventually caught the eye of Cleveland Indians scout Cy Slapnicka back in 1954.

Family Background and Childhood

Richard Lewis Stigman arrived on January 24, 1936, in Nimrod, Minnesota—a town so small, only about 75 people lived there. He grew up in a hard-working family with two brothers, including Al, who also threw left-handed.

Baseball was always in the picture for the Stigman boys. Their mom cleaned a big hall, and the brothers used that space to play catch through the rough Minnesota winters.

This kind of dedication helped both brothers keep working on their game, even when the weather made it tough.

Money was tight for the family, so Dick and Al pooled their savings to buy a left-handed catcher’s mitt. That way, they could practice pitching to each other as much as they wanted.

Al later shared a story about what set Dick apart. “Dick was so much more confident than I was,” Al admitted. “I was always the nervous type. I remember a Legion coach asked us to play for him when we were pretty young. I told him I wasn’t sure we were good enough, but Dick just said, ‘Yes we are.’ That confidence really made the difference.”

Sebeka High School Playing Days

Dick Stigman went to Sebeka High School in Sebeka, Minnesota, and that’s where his pitching really took off. As a lefty, he stood out on the mound and quickly drew attention.

His most unforgettable high school moment came during his senior year. He threw a perfect game, striking out an incredible 21 batters in seven innings. That kind of dominance defined his amateur days.

The timing couldn’t have been better. Cy Slapnicka, the Cleveland Indians scout known for signing Hall of Famers like Bob Feller, Bob Lemon, and Herb Score, sat in the stands that day.

Slapnicka didn’t end up at the game by chance. He’d been following Stigman and liked the young pitcher’s mix of velocity and control. That perfect game sealed the deal—Slapnicka decided to go after Stigman for the Cleveland organization.

Signing with the Cleveland Indians Organization

Three days after he graduated from Sebeka High School in 1954, Stigman was working at a local lumber yard. Suddenly, his life changed.

He got called to the office, where Cy Slapnicka waited with a contract offer. “I came out of the yard in my overalls and saw his Cadillac parked there, with both my parents in the car,” Stigman remembered. They all drove to the Graystone Hotel in Detroit Lakes to talk things over.

Stigman appreciated how Slapnicka treated his family. “I was really impressed that he respected my parents enough to include them, so they’d know I wasn’t getting into something shady,” he said.

The money wasn’t huge, but for a young guy from a working-class family, it was a good deal. Slapnicka offered $200 a month, plus another $200 monthly bonus if he stuck with the team. That added up to $400 a month, which easily beat his lumber yard pay of $185.

Signing with the Cleveland Indians meant more than just a financial boost. For Stigman, it was a shot at his childhood dream and a way to help his family.

Major League Baseball Debut and Cleveland Indians Era

Dick Stigman debuted in the majors with the Cleveland Indians on April 22, 1960, at age 24. His rookie year landed him a spot on the American League All-Star team and kicked off his seven-year MLB run.

MLB Debut in 1960

Stigman stepped onto a big-league mound for the first time on April 22, 1960, facing the Kansas City Athletics. He tossed 2⅓ innings of perfect relief—no hits, one strikeout, not a single walk.

He pitched in 41 games that rookie season, finishing with a 5-12 record and a 4.03 ERA over 119 innings.

Even though the win-loss record wasn’t great, Stigman showed he could handle different roles, pitching as both a starter and reliever.

Chicago White Sox manager Al Lopez noticed what Stigman could do. The rookie’s knack for striking out hitters and keeping control impressed plenty of scouts.

All-Star Selections and Achievements

Al Lopez picked Stigman for the 1960 American League All-Star team. That happened during his first year with the Indians.

Back then, Major League Baseball held two All-Star games each season from 1959 to 1962. Stigman made the roster but didn’t get to pitch in either game.

“I don’t know if I deserved to be on the team,” Stigman later admitted, “but I must have done something to impress Lopez when I faced the White Sox.”

Still, being an All-Star was a big deal for him. He loved being “around all those baseball legends” at the midsummer classic.

Notable Games and Performance with the Indians

Arm problems slowed Stigman down in 1961. He appeared in just 22 games and finished with a 2-5 record, striking out 48.

His strikeout numbers dipped compared to his rookie year. The arm issues cut into his innings and effectiveness.

The Cleveland Indians traded Stigman to the Minnesota Twins in April 1962. He left with Vic Power in exchange for pitcher Pedro Ramos.

Leaving Cleveland wasn’t easy for him. “I really liked it there and felt bad about leaving friends behind,” he said about the trade.

His two years with the Indians had ups and downs. Scouts liked his fastball and curve, and that’s what led to his All-Star nod.

Minnesota Twins Years

Dick Stigman’s time with the Minnesota Twins from 1962 to 1965 marked his best years in the majors. He put together his strongest seasons in 1962 and 1963, played a part in the 1965 pennant run, and struck out plenty of hitters.

1962–1963 Peak Seasons

Stigman joined the Twins in 1962 and quickly settled into the starting rotation. His left-handed pitching gave the staff a needed boost.

The 1962 and 1963 seasons were his best. He took the ball every fifth day and put in a lot of innings for Minnesota.

He showed he could handle the workload of an American League starter. Stigman’s strikeout numbers looked good, and he didn’t back down from hitters.

Playing for his home state team meant a lot to him. That hometown connection probably helped him keep up his performance.

Role in the 1965 Minnesota Twins

The 1965 Minnesota Twins won the American League pennant in a season fans still talk about. Stigman helped the team, pitching as both a starter and reliever.

Manager Sam Mele relied on his versatility. Stigman could start or work out of the bullpen, filling whatever role the team needed.

Minnesota’s pitching depth fueled their success that year. Stigman’s flexibility helped the Twins stay strong through the long season.

The staff racked up plenty of strikeouts, and Stigman’s efforts added to that total.

Performance in the 1965 American League Pennant Race

In the tense 1965 pennant race, Stigman made key appearances that helped Minnesota clinch the title. His experience and calm under pressure stood out.

He once made ten straight starts without getting a decision in 1965 and 1966. That odd streak became a major league record, though a few others have tied it since.

The pennant chase went down to the wire. Stigman’s steady presence gave the Twins confidence in big moments.

His pitching helped push Minnesota into the 1965 World Series against the Dodgers. The staff had made it through a tough American League schedule.

Pitching Style and Strikeout Ability

Stigman stood 6-foot-3 and threw left-handed, which helped him get a good angle on his pitches. That size made things tricky for both lefties and righties.

He always had a knack for strikeouts, racking up 755 over his seven-year career—many of them while with the Twins.

He leaned on a fastball and curveball combo, keeping hitters guessing. His breaking ball worked especially well against lefties who struggled to read its spin.

Stigman’s WHIP and innings totals showed he could pitch deep into games. He didn’t walk many, which helped him stay effective during long outings.

Boston Red Sox and Final MLB Season

Dick Stigman’s career wrapped up in 1966, when he joined the Boston Red Sox for his last season in the majors. Things didn’t go as smoothly there—he posted a 5.44 ERA in 34 games before the team traded him to the Cincinnati Reds organization, and then he decided to retire.

Transition to the Red Sox in 1966

Stigman landed in Boston for the 1966 season after four years with the Twins. At 30, he found himself in a different spot with the Red Sox than he’d been with previous teams.

Boston used him mostly as a reliever and spot starter. He appeared in 34 games, starting just 10 and coming out of the bullpen most of the time.

That was a big change from his Minnesota days, when he started regularly. The Red Sox even tried him in 4 games as a closer, showing they weren’t quite sure where he fit.

Highlights of 1966 Season

Stigman wrapped up his final MLB season with the Red Sox, and honestly, the results were all over the place. He finished with a 2-1 record over 81 innings, but his performance just wasn’t what it had been back in Minnesota.

He ended up with a 5.44 ERA, which, if we’re being frank, was one of the worst of his career. Over the season, he gave up 85 hits and 46 walks, though he still managed to strike out 65 batters.

He completed one game and recorded a shutout during his time in Boston. In those 81 innings, he surrendered 15 home runs, which definitely didn’t help his ERA.

Key 1966 Statistics:

• Games: 34
• Wins-Losses: 2-1
• ERA: 5.44
• Strikeouts: 65
• Innings Pitched: 81.0

Stigman made his final MLB appearance on September 10, 1966, facing the New York Yankees. He threw 2 innings, allowed 1 hit and 1 earned run, and struck out a batter.

Trade to the Cincinnati Reds and Retirement

After the 1966 season, the Boston Red Sox traded Stigman to the Cincinnati Reds organization. He never ended up pitching in a major league game for Cincinnati.

That trade basically closed the book on Stigman’s big league career. At just 30, he decided to retire from professional baseball instead of sticking it out in the minors.

Stigman finished his seven-year MLB run with a 46-54 record and a 4.03 ERA across 235 games. Over his career, he pitched for three teams: the Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, and Boston Red Sox.

He walked away from the game with some highlights, including an All-Star selection in 1960 and a few solid years with the Twins in the early ’60s.

Career Statistics and Pitching Records

Dick Stigman wrapped up his seven years in the majors with 46 wins, 54 losses, and a 4.03 ERA in 922.2 innings. He really had his best years with the Minnesota Twins, where he tallied 755 career strikeouts and kept a 1.328 WHIP.

Career Pitching Metrics: ERA, WHIP, Wins, and Strikeouts

Stigman’s career ERA of 4.03 kind of reflected the offensive-heavy vibe of 1960s baseball. His best season came in 1963 with Minnesota, when he posted a 3.25 ERA over 241 innings.

He racked up 755 strikeouts in his MLB career. That 1963 season really stands out—he struck out 193 and completed 15 games for the Twins.

His career WHIP landed at 1.328. During those Minnesota years, he showed better control and didn’t let as many runners on base.

Stigman’s win-loss record, 46-54, included a strong 1962 when he posted a .706 winning percentage. That year, he went 12-5 with a 3.66 ERA for Minnesota.

Complete Games and Shutouts Overview

Over his seven-year career, Dick Stigman completed 30 games. Fifteen of those came in 1963, which is almost half his career complete games in just one season.

He notched five shutouts in the majors. Three of those came during that big 1963 season, when he pitched 241 innings and really proved he could handle a starter’s workload.

That 1963 campaign just keeps popping up, doesn’t it? He started 33 games, completed nearly half of them, and showed the kind of stamina teams loved back then.

In his later years, complete games became rare for Stigman. Over his last three seasons, he managed just six combined, which probably says something about his changing role and the way teams started using pitchers.

MLB Statistical Comparisons and Noteworthy Records

Looking at the numbers, Stigman lands somewhere in the solid middle tier for pitchers of his era. His 4.03 ERA actually compared pretty well to league averages during the 1960s, a time when runs seemed to come a bit easier.

That 1963 season really stands out. He hit career highs with 193 strikeouts and 15 complete games, showing off his peak as a starter.

His best team stretch came with Minnesota, where he put up a 3.69 ERA over four years. With the Twins, he went 37-37 and struck out 538 in 643.2 innings.

Stigman’s rookie year in 1960 included an All-Star selection with Cleveland. Even though he finished 5-11, his 104 strikeouts and 133.2 innings pitched turned some heads in his debut.

Legacy, Retirement, and Post-Baseball Life

When Dick Stigman left professional baseball in 1966, he wrapped up a seven-year major league career that included an All-Star nod and a World Series appearance. After baseball, he started new chapters in business and got involved in his Minnesota community.

Retirement from Professional Baseball

Stigman’s last season with the Boston Red Sox in 1966 marked the end of his major league days at age 30. He made his final appearance on September 10, 1966, against the New York Yankees and pitched two innings.

The left-handed pitcher finished with a 46-54 record and a 4.03 ERA in 119 games. He completed 30 of his 119 career starts, which really showed the durability teams expected back then.

Boston sold Stigman after the 1966 season, and that move ended his professional baseball career since he never pitched in the majors again.

The timing must have stung for Stigman. He left Boston just a year before the Red Sox made their famous 1967 “Impossible Dream” run to the pennant.

Business Career and Community Recognition

After baseball, Richard Lewis Stigman went back to Minnesota and started working in business. Like a lot of players from his era, he needed a second career after leaving the game.

He stayed close with his hometown and Sebeka High School. Growing up in Nimrod, Minnesota—population 75—kept him grounded long after his playing days.

Stigman stayed connected to baseball through community events and local activities. His time in the majors earned him plenty of respect in Minnesota’s baseball circles.

His business kept him in Minnesota, where people still remembered him from his Twins days. Stigman often mentioned how much he appreciated the support he got from Minnesota fans during his career.

Honors and Tributes

Stigman made the 1960 American League All-Star team as a rookie with Cleveland. He didn’t get to pitch in the All-Star game, but honestly, just getting picked says a lot about the promise he showed early on.

He played a role with the 1965 Minnesota Twins, who won the American League championship. That team made it all the way to the World Series to face the Los Angeles Dodgers, although Stigman didn’t get into the series.

Dick Stigman had a standout moment in the minors with a wild 10⅔-inning no-hit performance for Triple-A San Diego on May 26, 1959. Strangely enough, that was the same night Harvey Haddix tossed his famous 12-inning perfect game.

His stats put him right up there among the more memorable left-handed pitchers of the 1960s. Between the All-Star nod, the World Series team, and a solid seven-year run, he carved out a real spot in baseball history.