Jim Maloney – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jim Maloney ranked among the most dominant pitchers of the 1960s. He threw a fastball that made hitters across the National League nervous.

Born in Fresno, California, in 1940, this hard-throwing righty built an impressive career, mostly with the Cincinnati Reds. He retired in 1971 after a short run with the California Angels.

Maloney’s 12-year career featured extraordinary highlights, including multiple no-hitters and a reputation as one of the hardest throwers of his era. He started out as a 20-year-old rookie in 1960 and finished as a seasoned veteran, giving us a window into baseball’s evolution during one of its wildest decades.

During the mid-1960s, Maloney hit his stride and regularly ranked among the league’s elite pitchers.

Let’s dig into Maloney’s career, from his rise as a promising prospect to his days as an accomplished major leaguer. We’ll look at his best performances and the numbers he left behind.

His story covers the struggle to stay at the top in pro baseball and the reasons he stepped away at just 31.

Jim Maloney’s Early Life and Background

Jim Maloney’s road to baseball stardom started in California’s Central Valley. He grew up in a family where sports really mattered.

His dad had a baseball background and loved to coach, which helped young Jim develop as a multi-sport athlete. Eventually, Jim realized he had a special arm for pitching.

Birthplace and Family

James William Maloney was born June 2, 1940, in Fresno, California, to Earl and Marjorie Maloney. Both of his parents came from Irish roots and gave Jim a stable, middle-class childhood in post-WWII America.

Earl Maloney, who people called “Hands” for his fielding, played sandlot and semi-pro baseball on the West Coast in the 1930s. After baseball, he opened one of Fresno’s biggest used-car dealerships.

Jim and his sister Jeanne grew up in a house where sports were always encouraged. His dad’s experience in baseball gave Jim early lessons in the basics.

The Maloneys really fit the classic American success story of their time. Earl’s move from athlete to businessman showed the work ethic that would shape Jim’s approach to the game.

Early Baseball Influences

Jim started showing his athletic skills early on, playing Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. He also played basketball and football at Fresno High School.

Ollie Bidwell had a huge impact on Jim, coaching both his high school team and the American Legion Post 4 squad. With Bidwell’s help, Jim became one of the top athletes in Fresno High School history.

As a shortstop, Jim hit .310, .340, and then .500 from his sophomore to senior years. His teams went undefeated for three straight seasons, winning Northern Yosemite League titles from 1956 to 1958.

That Fresno High School team was loaded. At least five players signed pro contracts, including future major leaguers Dick Ellsworth, Lynn Rube, Mike Urrizola, and Pat Corrales.

Education and Amateur Career

Jim’s pitching talent mostly stayed hidden in high school, since Dick Ellsworth handled most of the pitching. Jim only pitched twice, but wow—he struck out 16 in a seven-inning game and 25 in nine innings.

After he graduated in 1958, every one of the 16 major league teams wanted him as a shortstop. He got plenty of offers with big signing bonuses but took his time deciding.

Bobby Mattick, the Cincinnati Reds’ West Coast scout who’d signed Frank Robinson and Vada Pinson, saw Jim’s potential as a pitcher during a workout at Crosley Field. Jim did a short stint at the University of California, then moved to Fresno City College to work on his pitching.

At Fresno City College, Jim’s move from position player to pitcher really took off. He threw 19 straight no-hit, no-run innings, just as Mattick had predicted.

Major League Debut and Rise to Prominence

Jim Maloney’s road from California high school star to big-league pitcher started with a hefty signing bonus and some wise coaching. He struggled at first, but then broke out and became one of the game’s fiercest strikeout pitchers by the mid-1960s.

Signing With Cincinnati Reds

Maloney signed with the Cincinnati Reds on April 1, 1959, for a reported $100,000 bonus. That was “the biggest bonus ever paid to a player in the area,” according to California news.

Reds scout Bobby Mattick convinced Maloney to switch from shortstop to pitcher. Mattick had also signed Frank Robinson and Vada Pinson for Cincinnati.

Even though he didn’t pitch much in high school, Maloney showed real promise at Fresno City College. He once threw 19 consecutive no-hit, no-run innings.

After signing, Maloney went to the minors to learn his craft. He had some early trouble with control, finishing with a 6-7 record and 83 walks in 124 innings at Topeka.

Coach Jim Turner worked with him to develop a curveball and get his control under wraps. Turner helped Maloney relax on the mound and taught him to pitch, not just throw.

Breakout Seasons

Maloney debuted in the majors on July 27, 1960, against the Los Angeles Dodgers at just 20. He pitched seven innings and allowed only one run, but took the loss.

His big breakthrough happened in 1963, when he went 23-7 with 265 strikeouts. That set a new Reds franchise record.

In 1963, Maloney became one of baseball’s top power pitchers. He led the majors with 9.53 strikeouts per nine innings.

He threw six shutouts that season, including his first career one-hitter. In 11 of his 33 starts, he struck out at least 10 batters.

Despite all that, Maloney didn’t get much run support. The Reds only scored 13 runs in his seven losses that year.

Notable Early Achievements

On May 21, 1963, Maloney tied a modern major league record by striking out eight Milwaukee Braves in a row. He finished with 16 strikeouts, another Reds single-game record.

Hank Aaron spoke highly of Maloney that day. “Maloney’s fastball was really jumping around. He was faster than anyone I’ve seen this season.”

Key Statistics from 1963 Season:

• Record: 23-7
• Strikeouts: 265 (club record)
• Shutouts: 6
• Games with 10+ strikeouts: 11

Maloney’s transformation didn’t go unnoticed. His roommate and catcher John Edwards said Maloney had gained confidence in his changeup and curveball to go with that blazing fastball.

Bill Virdon, who faced him, said, “even when you know he’s going to throw hard, he can throw the ball past you.”

Career Highlights and Accomplishments

Jim Maloney made his mark as one of the 1960s’ most dominant pitchers, tossing two official no-hitters and nearly a few more. His 1963 season stands out as his peak, and he earned a spot among the game’s top strikeout pitchers.

No-Hitters and Near No-Hitters

Maloney’s biggest feats were his two official no-hitters, both showing off his amazing arm and grit. On August 19, 1965, he threw a 10-inning no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs, walking 10 but shutting the door when it counted.

That Cubs game took 187 pitches and Maloney faced 40 batters. Even with a career-high 10 walks, he struck out the right hitters at the right time. The Reds won it with a Leo Cardenas homer in the tenth.

His second no-hitter came on April 30, 1969, against the Houston Astros. This time around, he kept better control and still brought the heat.

Maloney came close several other times. On June 14, 1965, he no-hit the Mets through 10 innings before giving up an 11th-inning homer to Johnny Lewis. He struck out 18 in that game, tying the National League record for strikeouts in an extra-inning game.

All-Star Selections

Maloney made the All-Star team twice, in 1963 and 1965. Those were his best years, when he cemented his status as one of the NL’s top strikeout pitchers.

His 1963 All-Star nod came after a breakout year: 23-7 with 265 strikeouts, a new Reds record. He led all of MLB with 9.53 strikeouts per nine innings.

In 1965, he made it again after another strong season. He threw six shutouts and pitched his first career one-hitter against the Milwaukee Braves on April 19.

Roberto Clemente, one of the game’s greats, said, “That fellow could throw as hard as anybody.” That’s high praise from a Hall of Famer.

Key Victories Against Top Teams

Maloney often delivered against the league’s best. In his big-league debut on July 27, 1960, he faced the defending World Series champ Dodgers and held his own.

On May 21, 1963, Maloney struck out eight consecutive Braves, tying a modern MLB record. He ended that game with 16 strikeouts, a new Reds mark. Hank Aaron said, “Maloney’s fastball was really jumping around. He was faster than anyone I’ve seen this season.”

Against the Phillies on September 24, 1960, Maloney threw a four-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts. That game helped cement his reputation as someone who could step up against tough opponents.

He also had the Giants’ number, keeping their heavy hitters in check throughout the 1960s.

Statistical Legacy and Sabermetrics

Jim Maloney pitched 12 seasons and finished with a 134-84 record, a 3.19 ERA, and 1,605 strikeouts over 1,849 innings. Sabermetrics show his best years were 1963-1966, when he racked up 25.0 WAR and proved himself as one of the era’s best.

Win–Loss Record and ERA

Maloney ended his career with 134 wins and 84 losses, for a strong .615 winning percentage. His 3.19 ERA was well above average in his best years.

His top season was 1963, when he went 23-7 with a 2.77 ERA. That got him 19th in the MVP vote and showed he could dominate NL hitters.

Peak ERA Performance:

• 1963: 2.77 ERA (120 ERA+)
• 1965: 2.54 ERA (148 ERA+)
• 1966: 2.80 ERA (140 ERA+)

From 1963 to 1966, Maloney kept his ERA under 3.00 for three of four years. His ERA+ during that run averaged 135, meaning he was 35% better than the league average.

Strikeouts and Notable Pitching Stats

Maloney struck out 1,605 batters, averaging 7.8 per nine innings. In 1963, he peaked with 265 strikeouts in 250.1 innings.

He threw 74 complete games and notched 30 shutouts in his 11 years with the Reds. In 1963 alone, he had 13 complete games and six shutouts.

Career Strikeout Highlights:

• 1963: 265 strikeouts (9.5 per nine innings)
• 1964: 214 strikeouts
• 1965: 244 strikeouts

His WHIP of 1.259 shows he could keep runners off base, even if he sometimes struggled with control. Over his career, he walked 810 batters and had a 1.98 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

WAR and Historical Rankings

Maloney racked up 34.1 pitching WAR in his career, with a whopping 25.0 of that coming during his peak four-year run from 1963 to 1966.

In 1965, he posted 8.2 WAR, one of the top single-season totals for National League pitchers.

WAR by Peak Seasons:

• 1965: 8.2 WAR
• 1966: 7.1 WAR
• 1963: 5.0 WAR
• 1964: 4.7 WAR

That 1965 season got him 21st place in MVP voting and an All-Star nod. His 8.2 WAR put him right up there with the best pitchers in baseball that year.

On average, Maloney gave his team 4.1 WAR per 162 games, which really says something about his steady, above-average performance. His FIP sat at 3.13, almost the same as his ERA, so his numbers matched his actual pitching skill, not just luck or defense.

Rivalries and Influential Contemporaries

During the 1960s, Jim Maloney went up against some of the most dangerous hitters in baseball. He had legendary battles with Carl Yastrzemski and faced off against powerhouse National League teams.

When he matched up with the Giants and Senators, fans got to see his blazing fastball challenge some of the league’s best hitters.

Matchups With Carl Yastrzemski

Maloney’s duels with Carl Yastrzemski really captured the drama of pitcher-versus-hitter in the 1960s. Yastrzemski, the Red Sox superstar who would win the Triple Crown in 1967, gave Maloney’s 99-mph fastball a true test.

Yastrzemski’s patient, disciplined approach at the plate stood in stark contrast to Maloney’s power pitching. Whenever they met in interleague play or spring training, the matchups drew plenty of attention from both fans and the press.

Key Battle Statistics:

• Yastrzemski’s patience vs. Maloney’s strikeouts
• Both hit their peaks in the mid-1960s
• Showcased top talent from different leagues

Maloney threw right-handed, bringing heat, while Yastrzemski’s left-handed swing made things interesting. These battles really captured that era’s obsession with power versus precision in baseball.

Games Against the Giants

The Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants had a real rivalry going, giving Maloney regular chances to face some of the best in the National League. He showed he could handle elite hitters like Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and Orlando Cepeda.

On June 14, 1965, Maloney threw a no-hitter against the Giants. He struck out 18 batters over 10 innings of no-hit ball, but then gave up a home run in the 11th.

Candlestick Park in San Francisco brought its own set of challenges with the wind and odd dimensions. Maloney adjusted his pitching style to deal with the ballpark but never lost his aggressive edge.

He and Juan Marichal, the Giants’ ace, often squared off in pitcher-versus-pitcher matchups. Both righties anchored their teams’ rotations during the heated 1960s National League battles.

Facing the Senators

Maloney didn’t see much of the Washington Senators since they played in different leagues for most of his career. Still, he got a few chances during spring training and exhibitions to test himself against American League hitters.

The Senators’ lineup in the ‘60s had some real sluggers, like Frank Howard and Harmon Killebrew. Maloney’s fastball-heavy approach actually worked pretty well against those power hitters.

Notable Aspects:

• Different league hitting styles
• American League umpiring quirks
• Good prep for possible World Series games

When Maloney faced the Senators, he built his reputation as a pitcher who could handle anyone. These games helped him grow into one of the National League’s top power pitchers during his Cincinnati years.

Retirement in 1971 and Post-Baseball Life

Jim Maloney’s career ended suddenly in 1971 when he was just 31, thanks to mounting injuries—especially nagging shoulder and arm problems that just wouldn’t go away. After leaving baseball, he kept some ties to the sport but started building a new life outside of it.

Final Seasons and Decision to Retire

Maloney’s last seasons were rough, with injuries and declining performance making things tough. His shoulder and arm issues had bugged him for years, and by the end, they really took their toll.

The 1970 season with the Reds was his final full year. Things hit a low point when he tore his Achilles tendon running out a hit, which felt like a cruel twist for a guy already dealing with arm trouble.

In 1971, the California Angels signed him for what turned out to be his last season. On September 21, 1971, against the Kansas City Royals, he pitched one inning and didn’t allow a hit, walk, or run.

At 31, Maloney decided to call it quits. His body just couldn’t handle pro baseball anymore after all those injuries.

Life After Baseball

After retiring, Maloney went back to California, where he’d been born in Fresno and kept close ties throughout his career.

There’s not a ton of detail out there about his post-baseball career. Still, he stayed connected to the game that had shaped his life.

He joined in on baseball events and alumni gatherings, keeping in touch with the baseball community.

Like a lot of former players, Maloney faced the challenge of shifting from professional sports to regular life. At 31, he had to start over outside of baseball, all while dealing with the lasting effects of his injuries.

Legacy in the Baseball Community

Maloney made a real mark on Cincinnati Reds history. The Reds eventually elected him to their Hall of Fame, and honestly, that just feels right.

He set a few club records for the Reds. He’s still first in career strikeouts with 1,592, and he averaged 7.87 strikeouts per nine innings.

Maloney also sits second in shutouts with 30. He’s seventh in career wins, racking up 134.

He showed up at RedsFest almost every year, always happy to hang out with fans at the team’s convention. “I love going to those events,” he admitted, sounding genuinely enthusiastic about being involved.

His stats tell the story: 134 wins, 84 losses, a 3.19 ERA, and 1,605 strikeouts in 302 games. Roberto Clemente once remarked, “That fellow could throw as hard as anybody.”

People still talk about Maloney’s no-hitters. He threw two official no-hitters and managed five one-hitters during his career.