Hal Woodeshick – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Harold Joseph “Hal” Woodeshick made a name for himself in baseball during his 11-year run in the major leagues. This left-handed pitcher from Pennsylvania moved between six different teams from 1956 to 1967, including both the original and expansion Washington Senators. His path through pro baseball took him from struggling starter to one of the most respected relief pitchers of his time.

Woodeshick became the first-ever closer in Houston Colt .45s history and almost snagged the Cy Young Award as a reliever in 1963, posting a 1.97 ERA. His transformation from fringe player to All-Star reliever really shows how much persistence and finding the right fit can change a career. The Pennsylvania native struck out Yogi Berra for his first major league strikeout, then finished his career by getting Carl Yastrzemski out in World Series play.

Woodeshick worked his way up through the minor leagues, developing his skills before finally finding his stride with Houston in the early 1960s. His story peaked with the St. Louis Cardinals’ 1967 World Series championship team, where he played a key role in the bullpen.

From early struggles with weight and inconsistency to his best years as a dominant closer, Woodeshick’s career shows just how unpredictable baseball success can be.

Early Life and Entry Into Baseball

Harold Joseph Woodeshick grew up in a working-class family in Pennsylvania coal country before moving to western Pennsylvania, where he became a standout high school pitcher. His talent at Monaca High School caught the eye of scouts, leading to his first contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Military service interrupted his baseball career for a while.

Family Background and Hometown

Harold Joseph Woodeshick was born August 24, 1932, in Askam, Pennsylvania, near Wilkes-Barre. His parents were Harold Albert Woodeshick and Amy Naylor Woodeshick.

His family had deep immigrant roots. His paternal grandparents came from the Austro-Hungarian Empire and worked in coal mines. His mother, Amy, arrived at Ellis Island from Wigan, England, at just 16.

Hal’s father started working in the mines at 14, but later switched careers and became a carpenter. When Hal turned 8, the family made a big move.

They headed 300 miles west to Beaver County, Pennsylvania, right along the state’s western edge. There, his dad became a foreman in construction. The Woodeshicks settled in Monaca, near the county’s center.

Beaver County produced a surprising number of athletes like Terry Francona, Joe Namath, Mike Ditka, and “Pistol” Pete Maravich. Hal had a younger brother, Kenneth, and a much younger sister, Rosalie.

High School Baseball at Monaca High School

At Monaca High School, Hal quickly stood out as a baseball player. His biggest highlight was throwing a perfect game, showing off his pitching skills.

That perfect game was just one example of his talent in high school. His left-handed pitching and consistent performance made him a standout among his classmates.

Scouts took notice of his play. His skill led directly to contract talks with a big league organization.

His success at Monaca set him up for a shot at pro baseball. That mix of natural talent and competitive drive opened the door for the next step.

Signing with the Philadelphia Phillies and Minor League Beginnings

Hal’s high school success landed him a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. At just 17, he signed his first pro baseball contract.

The Phillies sent him to the Carbondale Pioneers of the North Atlantic League, a Class D team. That assignment took him back to the Wilkes-Barre area where he was born.

The Carbondale Pioneers marked Hal’s start in pro baseball. The North Atlantic League was one of many minor leagues that developed future big leaguers.

Before the Army interrupted his career, Woodeshick played for four teams in the lower minors. He moved around as teams tried to figure out where he fit.

The Phillies later sent him to affiliates for both the Cleveland Indians and New York Giants. That early stretch involved a lot of bouncing around as teams sized up his potential.

Military Service in the United States Army

In 1953, the United States Army drafted Woodeshick. That stopped his baseball progress at a pretty critical moment.

He spent two years as a military policeman from 1953 to 1954. It was a common story for young men at the time—military service was just expected.

Military service took him away from baseball right when he needed to develop. He was 21 when he went in and 22 when he got out.

After his service, Woodeshick jumped back into pro baseball. The New York Giants organization picked him up.

He reported to the Danville Leafs in the Carolina League, a Class B team. He won 14 games, finishing among the league leaders, which proved he hadn’t lost his touch despite the break.

Minor League Development

Woodeshick’s trip through the minors lasted from 1950 to 1956 and took him through several organizations and levels. He played for teams from the North Atlantic League all the way to the American Association before finally earning a shot at the majors.

Progression Through the Minors

Woodeshick started his pro career at 17 after signing with the Phillies in 1950. They sent him to the Carbondale Pioneers, where he pitched just one inning.

He changed organizations a lot early on. In 1951, he split time between the Duluth Dukes of the Northern League and another minor league team.

Military service interrupted things from 1953 to 1954. Woodeshick served two years as a military policeman during the Korean War era.

Before the Army, he bounced among four different teams in the lower minors. That pattern of movement followed him through his minor league days.

Kingsport Cherokees and Danville Leafs

After the Army, Woodeshick returned to the Giants organization. They sent him to the Danville Leafs in the Carolina League for 1955.

At Danville, he really started to shine. His 14 wins put him among the league’s best and showed he could start games effectively.

The Giants tried to promote him to Double-A Dallas. That move exposed him to the Triple-A draft.

The Detroit Tigers picked him up in that draft. That changed the course of his career and brought him closer to the majors.

Stints with Duluth Dukes, Augusta Tigers, and Charleston Senators

Detroit sent Woodeshick to the Charleston Senators in the American Association for 1956. This was his first shot at Triple-A ball.

At Charleston, Woodeshick posted a 12-5 record with a 2.75 ERA in 157 innings, even though he missed a month with a ruptured blood vessel in his pitching elbow.

The injury showed just how tough pro baseball could be physically.

Even with that setback, he drew comparisons to Herb Score, the last big lefty star in the American Association. That helped his stock rise in the Tigers system.

Key Achievements Before MLB Debut

Woodeshick’s strong season at Charleston made him one of the top pitching prospects in the league. His 2.75 ERA and high winning percentage impressed Detroit’s brass.

He pitched well enough to get a September call-up to the majors. That forced him to postpone his wedding to Marianne Fogle, which was supposed to be on September 26, 1956.

His minor league work paid off with his MLB debut on September 14, 1956, against the New York Yankees. He struck out Hall of Famer Yogi Berra for his first big league strikeout.

The Tigers saw him as one of three young pitchers, along with future Hall of Famer Jim Bunning, who could help their staff in 1957.

Major League Career Overview

Hal Woodeshick played eleven seasons in Major League Baseball from 1956 to 1967, moving through six organizations during a time of league expansion. He started with the Detroit Tigers, bounced through Cleveland and Washington, and played for two different expansion teams in back-to-back inaugural seasons.

MLB Debut with Detroit Tigers

Woodeshick made his MLB debut on September 14, 1956, against the Yankees at age 24. The Tigers were using the end of the season to evaluate young players as they finished fifth in the American League.

His debut had a memorable moment—he struck out Yogi Berra for his first big league strikeout. Still, his first MLB stint was rough, as he posted a 13.50 ERA in two starts over 5.1 innings.

The Tigers still saw him as part of their young pitching group. They compared him to Herb Score, the top lefty in the American Association.

Concerns about his weight and his curveball sent Woodeshick back to the minors in 1957. The Tigers’ confidence faded, and they traded him to Cleveland on February 18, 1958.

Journeyman Years: Cleveland Indians and Washington Senators

Woodeshick saw his trade to the Cleveland Indians as a fresh chance. “It’s the greatest break of my life,” he said, noting he’d lost weight and felt in his best shape.

The Indians’ pitching staff was in flux after Early Wynn’s trade and Herb Score’s absence. Manager Bobby Bragan kept Woodeshick on the bench for 27 days before sending him to Triple-A San Diego, never giving him a real shot.

When Joe Gordon took over as manager, Woodeshick finally got a chance. He won three complete games in four starts with a 1.85 ERA. But his next five starts didn’t go well, partly because, according to teammate Jimmy Piersall, he was tipping his pitches.

The Indians traded him to the Washington Senators in 1959. After a rocky start with a 6.52 ERA in 14 outings, he found his groove and posted a 1.13 ERA over his final 17 appearances.

Return to Detroit and Expansion Draft Selections

The 1961 season was unusual as the original Senators moved to Minnesota. Woodeshick got picked by the new expansion Washington Senators, making him one of only three players to play for two expansion teams in back-to-back inaugural seasons.

During his brief stint with the new Senators, Woodeshick received an autographed baseball from President John F. Kennedy. The president caught the second ceremonial first pitch and even asked an aide, “How do you spell Woodeshick?” before signing the ball.

After a 3-2 record with a 4.02 ERA in seven starts, the Senators traded him back to the Detroit Tigers for second baseman Chuck Cottier. The Tigers were in first place and eventually won 101 games, their first time reaching triple digits in wins in 27 years.

Woodeshick’s return to Detroit didn’t go well. He posted a 7.85 ERA in 12 games, which led to another trip to the minors. By mid-October, the Tigers sold him to the expansion Houston Colt .45s, setting up the best years of his career.

Houston Colt .45s / Astros Years

Woodeshick hit his stride with the Houston Colt .45s from 1962 to 1965, where he became baseball’s first real closer and an All-Star, leading the team in saves. Working with manager Paul Richards, he developed his signature mix of sinker, curveball, and slip pitch, making him one of the most effective relief pitchers of his era.

Pitching Evolution and Role as First Closer

Woodeshick joined the Houston Colt .45s for their very first Opening Day in 1962. The team picked up his contract from the Denver Bears on October 12, 1961.

As an expansion team, Houston gave Woodeshick a real shot to make a name for himself as a relief specialist. Manager Paul Richards saw something in him and started using him in the late innings when games got tight.

This new role changed everything for Woodeshick. He shifted from struggling as a starter to carving out a spot as one of baseball’s first real closers.

Key Stats During Houston Years:

• Seasons: 1962-1965
• Primary Role: Relief pitcher/closer
• Team: Houston Colt .45s (later Astros)

During these years, Woodeshick helped shape the modern closer position. He set the standard for what a relief pitcher could be in Houston.

All-Star Selection and Saves Leader

His work with Houston earned him an All-Star nod. For a while, he held the franchise saves record in the mid-1960s.

Woodeshick became one of the most dependable arms in Houston’s bullpen. He kept his cool and got the job done under pressure.

The team relied on his left-handed delivery to shut the door in close games. He led the club in saves more than once.

Notable Achievements:

• All-Star selection
• Team saves leader
• Consistent closer performance

Other teams started to notice the value of having a closer like Woodeshick. His example even changed the way clubs built their bullpens.

Notable Managers and Teammates

Paul Richards managed Woodeshick through his Houston seasons and really helped him grow into the closer role.

The Colt .45s had a few standouts on the roster. Rusty Staub became one of their offensive stars during this era.

Ray Culp pitched alongside Woodeshick in Houston. The staff leaned on Woodeshick to finish out games.

Later, Woodeshick shared a clubhouse with Joe Hoerner on other National League teams. Their paths crossed several times in the ‘60s.

Houston had a mix of veterans and young guys. Woodeshick’s experience brought some much-needed steadiness to the pitching staff.

Pitching Arsenal: Sinker, Curveball, and Slip Pitch

Woodeshick relied on three key pitches that kept hitters guessing. His sinker was his go-to, producing grounders and soft contact.

He mixed in a curveball that changed speeds and broke differently. That pitch helped him keep both righties and lefties off balance.

But his real trick was the slip pitch, a sneaky delivery that fooled a lot of batters. That one became his calling card in big moments.

Pitch Arsenal Breakdown:

• Sinker: Main pitch, got ground balls
• Curveball: Breaking ball for strikes and whiffs
• Slip Pitch: Deceptive, signature offering

Combining these pitches made Woodeshick a tough closer to face. Hitters just couldn’t get comfortable against his mix of speeds and movement.

His style really fit the short relief role. He could come in and attack hitters aggressively when the game was on the line.

St. Louis Cardinals and the 1967 World Series

Woodeshick landed with the Cardinals in 1965 and quickly became a key part of their bullpen. His last big league outing came in Game 6 of the 1967 World Series, when he retired Carl Yastrzemski, and the Cardinals clinched the title the next day.

Joining the Cardinals and Impact on the Bullpen

The Cardinals picked up Woodeshick from Houston in 1965. He added much-needed left-handed experience to their bullpen.

He spent three seasons in St. Louis, from 1965 to 1967. Mostly, he came in as a lefty specialist, getting big outs against tough hitters.

The Cardinals were building a championship roster at the time. They needed arms like his to compete with heavyweights such as the New York Yankees and other top teams.

Woodeshick had already played for several clubs, so he adjusted to the Cardinals’ system pretty fast. He knew his job and did it well when called on.

Role in the 1967 World Series Championship

The Cardinals met the Boston Red Sox in the 1967 World Series. Woodeshick came out of the bullpen in some crucial spots.

His most memorable moment came in Game 6. He took the mound and faced Carl Yastrzemski, one of Boston’s best.

Woodeshick got Yastrzemski to ground out. That would be his last out as a pro, a pretty great way to finish a career.

The Cardinals went on to win the World Series in seven games. Woodeshick picked up a ring as a member of that bullpen.

He threw his final pitch against a Hall of Famer, which is about as fitting an ending as you could ask for.

Noteworthy Games and Teammates

Woodeshick played with some real talent on those Cardinals teams. The roster had strong pitching and solid defenders.

The ‘67 Cardinals had plenty of bullpen depth besides Woodeshick. Manager Red Schoendienst could mix and match relievers for different situations.

Woodeshick’s knack for getting lefties out made him especially valuable. Teams loved having situational pitchers like him for those tight matchups.

That championship season became the high point of his career. After 11 years in the majors, he finished it all off with a World Series win.

His teammates respected his professionalism. Woodeshick brought calm and experience to a bullpen that needed it down the stretch.

Career Statistics and Notable Achievements

Hal Woodeshick finished with a 44-62 record and a 3.56 ERA over 11 MLB seasons, from 1956 through 1967. He notched 61 saves and struck out 484 batters, earning All-Star honors and the nickname “The Switchman.”

Win–Loss Record and ERA

Woodeshick wrapped up his career with a 44-62 record in 427 games. His 3.56 ERA showed he was a steady performer, especially when relief pitching was still a new idea.

He started 62 games but found his groove in the bullpen. He completed 7 games, threw 1 shutout, and finished 197 games as a reliever.

His best season was 1963 with Houston, when he posted a 1.97 ERA, won 11 games, and led the team with 10 saves.

Saves, Strikeouts, and Other Key Stats

Woodeshick racked up 61 saves, peaking in 1964 when he led the National League with 23. That really put him among the top closers of his era.

He struck out 484 hitters in 847.1 innings and gave up 816 hits. Over his career, he faced 3,717 batters and walked 389, with 61 of those being intentional.

He did have some control issues, throwing 55 wild pitches and hitting 35 batters. Still, he only allowed 40 home runs, which is pretty impressive.

The Cardinals’ closer logged 15 saves in 1965, helping them chase another championship.

All-Star Recognition and Awards

Woodeshick made his only All-Star team in 1963 with Houston. He pitched two shutout innings for the National League.

In that game, he struck out Joe Pepitone in the sixth and both Bob Allison and Harmon Killebrew in the seventh. He only allowed two baserunners: Zoilo Versalles walked, and Brooks Robinson singled.

His biggest team accomplishment came in 1967 with the World Series champion Cardinals. He pitched a scoreless eighth inning in Game Six.

He got Carl Yastrzemski to hit into a fielder’s choice after giving up a single to Mike Andrews.

Legacy as ‘The Switchman’

People called Woodeshick “The Switchman” because he could “turn out the lights” on hitters late in games. That nickname fit his role as one of the first specialized closers.

He became Houston’s first real closer in 1963. He owed much of his success to mastering the slider, which he learned from teammate Rusty Staub.

With general manager Paul Richards’ help, Woodeshick developed his curveball and picked up the slip pitch. Standing six-foot-four with a nasty sinker, he was a tough matchup.

His career ended on October 20, 1967, when the Cardinals released him just over a week after winning the World Series.

Life After Baseball and Legacy

Hal Woodeshick called it a career in 1967 after reaching his biggest goals: playing in an All-Star Game and a World Series. He spent most of his later years in Houston, staying connected with old teammates and leaving a real mark on the closer’s role.

Professional Life Post-Retirement

Woodeshick decided to retire right after the 1967 World Series, even though several teams wanted him. The St. Louis Cardinals released him on October 20, 1967, just eight days after the Series ended.

Teams like the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and especially the Chicago White Sox all tried to sign him.

He turned them all down. At a press conference, he said, “I have attained both of the goals I set out to reach in baseball – to play in the All-Star Game and in a World Series – and now I feel that…”

After stepping away, Woodeshick stayed in Houston. He kept close ties to the city where he found his greatest baseball success. He kept his post-baseball life mostly private, but he did stay in touch with the game through different activities.

Influence on Modern Closers and Pitching

Woodeshick’s impact on baseball went beyond his playing days. He was the first-ever closer for the Houston Colt .45s/Astros, helping start the trend toward modern relief pitching.

His 1963 season in Houston was a big deal. He posted a 1.97 ERA, which made him a Cy Young candidate alongside Dick Radatz and Ron Perranoski.

That was eleven years before a reliever finally won the Cy Young in 1974. Woodeshick showed that bullpen arms could be among the game’s best.

He played during the shift from traditional pitching roles to specialization. The Houston Astros have recognized his role in shaping how teams use relievers.

Personal Reflections and Community Involvement

After retiring, Woodeshick often showed up at banquets and reunions with former teammates. “He was a great guy, well liked,” said Hal Smith, showing the respect Woodeshick earned.

He stayed active in the Houston baseball scene. Woodeshick joined in on events celebrating the Astros and the old Colt .45s.

He helped preserve the early history of Houston’s pro baseball. Woodeshick liked sharing stories about the team’s first years and what it was like playing for an expansion club.

These get-togethers helped him keep up friendships from his playing days. People remembered him as a respected teammate long after his last pitch.

Death and Memorial

Hal Woodeshick passed away on June 14, 2009, in Houston, Texas, at age 76.

He spent most of his post-baseball years living in Houston and stayed closely tied to the community where he’d found his greatest success.

They buried him at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.

His passing really felt like the end of an era for early Houston Astros history and the evolution of modern relief pitching.

Woodeshick stands out as one of only three players who played back-to-back seasons for two different expansion teams during their very first years.

That’s a rare distinction, and it kind of shows just how much professional baseball changed in the 1960s.

He played for 11 years, from 1956 to 1967, right through a transformative time in the sport.

Former teammates and baseball historians often called him a pioneer in relief pitching and respected him as a valued member of the baseball world.