Ed Klieman – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

You probably won’t find Ed Klieman in baseball’s Hall of Fame, but his eight-season run from 1943 to 1950 really says a lot about the kind of steady pitcher he was. He played during a time when the game was changing fast. Folks called him “Specs,” and he made his mark as both a starter and reliever for four teams—Cleveland Indians, Washington Senators, Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia Athletics.

Klieman’s biggest moment came in 1948. He helped the Cleveland Indians win the World Series, pitching in relief during that unforgettable season. That year was the high point of his career. He put up a stellar 2.60 ERA and chipped in four saves for the champs. His path from small-town Ohio to the World Series just shows how much grit and skill it takes to make it at baseball’s highest level.

Klieman’s stats tell the story of a guy who always did his part. He finished with a 26-28 record, 33 saves, and a solid 3.49 ERA over 222 games. His career reflected the ups and downs of 1940s baseball—trades, changing roles, and the shift from starter to reliever that really defined his later years.

Early Life and Background

Edward Frederick Klieman was born on March 21, 1918, in Norwood, Ohio. That’s where he picked up his love for baseball.

They called him “Specs” when he was a kid, and later on, some folks used “Babe” too.

Family and Childhood in Norwood, Ohio

Klieman grew up in Norwood, a small city in Hamilton County, just outside Cincinnati. He was born in 1918 and grew up as baseball was becoming America’s favorite sport.

Being so close to Cincinnati, Klieman got to see professional baseball up close with the Cincinnati Reds. That must’ve fueled his passion for the game as a young kid.

He stood 6’1″ and weighed 190 pounds—a pretty big presence on the mound. The nickname “Specs” stuck because he wore glasses, which was kind of rare for athletes back then.

There’s not much on record about his family or specific childhood stories. Still, his Ohio roots mattered to him, and he honed his skills in the Midwest before going pro.

Entry Into Baseball and Minor League Years

Klieman started his pro baseball journey in 1937 at 19. He spent six years working his way through the minors before getting his shot at the majors.

From 1937 to 1943, Klieman racked up double-digit wins in several minor league seasons. That sort of consistency got him noticed.

His breakout came in 1943 with the Baltimore Orioles in the International League. He won 23 games—a huge number that caught the eye of big league scouts.

The Cleveland Indians saw his potential and brought him up. On September 24, 1943, at age 25, Klieman debuted against the Boston Red Sox, kicking off his eight-year MLB career.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Klieman played eight seasons in the majors from 1943 to 1950. He posted a 26-28 record and a 3.49 ERA in 222 games.

He started out as a starter but eventually became a relief specialist with four different American League teams.

MLB Debut and Initial Seasons

Klieman made his MLB debut on September 24, 1943, with the Cleveland Indians at 25. In that first game against the Boston Red Sox, he threw a complete game, giving up eight hits and just one earned run, though he took the loss.

The 1944 season was his first full year in the big leagues. Klieman played in 47 games for Cleveland, starting 19 and coming out of the bullpen in 14. He put up an 11-13 record with a 3.38 ERA over 178.1 innings.

He kept busy in 1945, appearing in 38 games with 12 starts. He ended up with a 5-8 record and a 3.85 ERA. Those early years really showed his flexibility as a pitcher.

Transition to Relief Specialist

By 1947, Klieman had fully shifted into the bullpen. He pitched in 58 games that season, all in relief, leading the team in appearances.

He made a real impact as a reliever, notching 17 saves and a 3.03 ERA. That was a big deal at the time.

In 1948, he kept it going with 44 relief appearances and a 2.60 ERA. He helped Cleveland win the World Series and pitched in one game against the Boston Braves.

Klieman’s move to relief pitching made him more effective. Back then, relievers often pitched longer stints than today’s closers.

Teams Played For in MLB

Klieman spent most of his career with the Cleveland Indians from 1943 to 1948. In those six seasons, he went 24-28 with 30 saves over 197 games.

In 1949, he bounced between two teams. He started with the Washington Senators but only played two games and struggled. Then he joined the Chicago White Sox and did better, appearing in 18 games and getting three saves.

The Philadelphia Athletics picked him up for his last season in 1950. He only played five games there, struggled with a 9.53 ERA, and then called it a career.

Key Achievements and Highlights

Klieman hit his stride in 1947 and 1948 with the Cleveland Indians. He led the league in some important pitching stats and picked up a World Series ring during those two years.

Leading the League in Games Pitched and Saves

In 1947, Klieman established himself as one of the top relief pitchers in baseball. He pitched in 58 games, leading the American League in appearances.

He also led the league with 17 saves that year. That put him among the best closers of his time.

Not many pitchers managed to lead the league in both games pitched and saves in the same season. His 58 appearances were especially impressive for that era.

1948 World Series Champion Performance

The Cleveland Indians took home the 1948 World Series, and Klieman played a crucial part in that run. He went 3-2 with 4 saves in the regular season and put up a sharp 2.60 ERA in 44 games.

His work helped the Indians win their first World Series title since 1920. The pitching staff, with Klieman anchoring the bullpen, made all the difference. That championship ring was the highlight of his eight-year career.

After 1948, Klieman never quite matched that level again, but his World Series win stayed with him until his passing in 1979.

Statistical Performance and Playing Style

Klieman finished his MLB career with a 26-28 record and a 3.49 ERA in 222 games. His shift from starter to reliever marked his best years, especially in 1947 when he tallied 17 saves.

Pitching Statistics and Records

Klieman’s numbers show he really found his groove as a reliever. Over 542 innings, he kept a respectable 3.49 ERA and struck out 130 batters.

His best year was 1947—he pitched in 58 games with a 3.03 ERA and 17 saves. That led the league in appearances and made him Cleveland’s go-to closer.

He recorded 10 complete games and 2 shutouts, mostly in his early years as a starter. After moving to the bullpen, his performance really took off.

Strengths as a Relief Pitcher

Klieman’s main strengths were his durability and cool head under pressure. In 1947, he handled a heavy workload and led the league with 58 appearances.

His ERA dropped as a reliever. In 1948, he posted a career-best 2.60 ERA over 44 games. His WHIP of 1.272 in 1947 showed he had good control.

He got ground balls and kept walks in check when it mattered most. Those 17 saves in 1947 kept Cleveland in the hunt.

After 1948, though, his control faded and he struggled, which led to his retirement in 1950.

Comparison to Peers

Among 1940s relievers, Klieman’s 17 saves in 1947 stood out. Back then, closers didn’t pile up saves like they do now.

His 3.49 ERA was a little better than the league average for his era. Most relievers posted ERAs between 3.50 and 4.00, so he was a bit above the pack.

He pitched in 222 games—more than a lot of his contemporaries. That reliability made him a valuable piece, especially for Cleveland’s late-’40s teams.

Klieman’s strikeout rate was just 2.2 per nine innings, but that was pretty normal for pitchers of his time.

Trades, Notable Teammates, and Final MLB Season

Klieman’s eight-year career saw him move between several teams, which shaped his journey. He played alongside notable teammates like Early Wynn and Mickey Vernon, and his retirement in 1950 closed out a solid career.

Major Trades and Transactions

Klieman switched teams a few times, moving between four major league clubs. He started with the Cleveland Indians in 1943, then went to the Washington Senators.

Later, he joined the Chicago White Sox, and finally, the Philadelphia Athletics. That kind of movement was pretty common back then.

Team Progression:

• 1943-1946: Cleveland Indians
• 1947: Washington Senators
• 1948: Chicago White Sox
• 1949-1950: Philadelphia Athletics

Each move brought new chances and challenges. Klieman got to experience different teams and pitching staffs throughout his career.

Collaborations and Rivalries With Other Players

While pitching for the Washington Senators, Klieman shared the field with guys like Mickey Vernon and Early Wynn. Those were some competitive rosters in the late ’40s.

He also pitched alongside Joe Haynes during their overlapping years. The era was full of strong pitching staffs.

During his time with the Chicago White Sox, he played with first baseman Eddie Robinson. These pro relationships came from shared seasons and team goals.

Pitchers like Klieman faced plenty of the era’s best hitters over 222 games, which made for some tough rivalries.

Retirement in 1950 and Minor League Finale

Klieman’s last MLB season was in 1950 with the Philadelphia Athletics. His final appearance came on June 2, 1950, against the Detroit Tigers when he was 32.

He pitched 2 innings, gave up 4 hits and 1 earned run, and walked 2. That game was his last in the majors.

Klieman wrapped up his career with a 26-28 record, 33 saves, and 130 strikeouts. His 3.49 ERA summed up a solid eight-year run.

After leaving the majors, Klieman’s pro baseball days ended. He had passed rookie status in 1944 and helped Cleveland win that 1948 World Series.

Legacy and Post-Baseball Life

Ed Klieman made a real impact on Major League Baseball. He changed the way people thought about relief pitching with the Cleveland Indians and played a key role in their 1948 World Series win.

After he retired from pro baseball in 1950, he settled down in Florida. He stayed out of the spotlight until he passed away in 1979.

Impact on Cleveland Indians and MLB

Klieman really left his mark during his six seasons with the Cleveland Indians from 1943 to 1948. He helped shape the modern relief pitcher role in the American League.

In 1947, Klieman led the American League by appearing in 58 games and racking up 17 saves. That season, he showed everyone just how valuable a dedicated relief pitcher could be for a team.

His 1948 World Series season stands out as his best:

• He finished with a 2.60 ERA in 44 games.
• He added 4 saves during the Indians’ championship run.
• He teamed up with Russ Christopher, and together they gave the Indians a strong bullpen duo.

The Indians finally won their first World Series since 1920 that year. Klieman pitched in Game 5 against the Boston Braves, but honestly, he struggled a bit in that outing.

If you look at his career stats—26 wins, 28 losses, and 33 saves—you can see how he helped convince MLB teams about the value of specialized relief pitching. That idea eventually became the norm all over the league.

Life After Baseball

After his final MLB appearance on June 2, 1950, Klieman played one more season in the minor leagues. He retired completely in 1951.

He was just 33 when he walked away from professional baseball.

Klieman later moved to Homosassa, Florida, and settled into retirement. Honestly, not much is known about what he did after baseball—he kept things pretty private and out of the spotlight.

He stayed in Florida for almost thirty years. On November 15, 1979, Klieman passed away in Homosassa at 61.

People called him “Specs” because of the glasses he wore on the field. That look made him stand out, and fans seemed to remember him for it even after he stopped playing.