Ken Heintzelman – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ken Heintzelman threw his last major league pitch in 1952, wrapping up a 13-season run that saw him navigate some of baseball’s wildest changes. This lefty from Missouri never reached superstar heights, but you’ll find his name in baseball history for good reason. He played for both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies while the sport shifted from its pre-war roots into something more familiar to fans today.

Heintzelman’s career had a bit of everything—steady performances, some missed opportunities, and three prime years lost to military service during World War II. In 1949, he led the National League in shutouts, which is honestly impressive. His story, from a small Missouri farm to the mound at Yankee Stadium in the 1950 World Series, feels like the classic American baseball journey—full of grit and humble wins.

When you look at Heintzelman’s career, you see how a journeyman pitcher found his way through the ups and downs of pro baseball in the 1930s and 1940s. He started out in the Pirates organization, then became part of the legendary Whiz Kids team that finally brought Philadelphia a pennant after 35 years. His journey gives a behind-the-scenes look at what life was like for the players who made the game tick—even if they never became stars.

Early Life and Background

Kenneth Alphonse Heintzelman was born on October 14, 1915, in Peruque, Missouri. Funny enough, that was just a day after the 1915 World Series ended.

His family didn’t have it easy during the Great Depression. His dad only made about $600 a year working as a caretaker.

Family and Childhood

Kenneth came into the world in Peruque, Missouri—a tiny town about 30 miles west of St. Louis. His parents, Alphonse and Mary Heintzelman, were part of the working-class backbone of rural Missouri in the early 1900s.

Alphonse was born in Germany and only made it through fifth grade. Mary finished eighth grade, which was actually pretty typical for immigrant families in the Midwest back then.

By 1940, Alphonse worked as a caretaker, and Mary kept house. That $600 income would be about $10,000 today. Kenneth was the second kid, and the second son.

The Great Depression hit the Heintzelmans hard. With little money and not much formal education, they had to scrape by during those tough years.

Early Athletic Influences

Growing up in rural Missouri in the ‘20s and ‘30s, Kenneth learned baseball at a time when the sport was everywhere. His family couldn’t afford much, so organized youth leagues probably weren’t an option.

His left-handed pitching stood out when he was a teenager. People always said left-handed pitchers could stick around longer in the game, even if their stats weren’t flashy.

Kenneth picked up the nickname “Cannonball” because of his fastball velocity. That kind of speed catches eyes—scouts and coaches noticed his natural talent early on.

His lefty delivery and lively fastball made him a hot prospect for clubs looking to sign young arms.

Path to Professional Baseball

Kenneth kicked off his pro career in 1935 after signing with the Boston Braves. He might’ve fudged his age a bit—some records say 1916 or 1917, not the real 1915.

They sent him to the McKeesport Braves in the Class-D Pennsylvania State Association. At 19, he played in 33 games and threw 195 innings, finishing with a 10-11 record and a 3.00 ERA.

The Braves’ front office slipped up, and the Pittsburgh Pirates claimed him during the 1935-36 offseason. That paperwork mistake totally changed his path.

The Pirates sent him to the Jeannette Little Pirates, still in the Pennsylvania State Association. His numbers jumped—he went 20-7 with a 3.07 ERA and showed better command.

Major League Career Overview

Kenneth Alphonse Heintzelman pitched in the majors for 13 seasons, from 1937 to 1952, with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies. He missed three seasons for military service in World War II. In 1949, he led the National League in shutouts—his best year by far.

MLB Debut and Initial Years

Heintzelman debuted on October 3, 1937, at age 21, for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He started the first game of a season-ending doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds at Forbes Field. The lefty pitched a complete game, gave up six hits and three runs, and picked up his first big league win, 4-3.

His first few years showed promise, but he didn’t get many chances. In 1938, he pitched just two innings in one game against the New York Giants.

The 1939 season was his first full year up, but he struggled—he finished with a 5.05 ERA in 35⅔ innings over 17 games.

From 1940 to 1942, Heintzelman became a regular in the Pirates’ rotation. He made 101 appearances, started 58 games, and went 27-30 with a 4.09 ERA. He threw seven shutouts and averaged 164 innings a year.

Teams Played For

Heintzelman stuck with two National League teams. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1937-1942 and again in 1946-1947 after the war. With Pittsburgh, he went 37-43 with a 4.14 ERA over parts of eight seasons.

In May 1947, the Pirates sent Heintzelman to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he’d finish his career by 1952. The move worked out—he found his groove in Philadelphia.

With the Phillies, Heintzelman had both his best and final years. He became a key part of the 1950 “Whiz Kids” team that won the pennant, even though his own numbers that season weren’t great. He finished his Phillies years with a 40-55 record and a 3.85 ERA.

Notable Career Milestones

Heintzelman’s big season came in 1949. He went 17-8 with a 3.02 ERA for the Phillies. He led the National League with five shutouts and fans picked him as the team’s MVP. That summer, he threw 33 scoreless innings in a row.

The 1950 World Series was his biggest postseason moment. Even though he had a rough regular season (3-9), Phillies manager Eddie Sawyer tapped him to start Game 3 against the Yankees. Heintzelman pitched well—he went 7⅔ innings, gave up just one earned run, but the Yankees still won 3-2.

World War II interrupted his career from 1943-1945. Heintzelman served with the 65th Infantry Division in Europe, saw combat, and later pitched for Army teams. He made his last major league appearance on August 13, 1952, finishing with 1,500 innings, a 77-98 record, and a 3.98 ERA.

Pittsburgh Pirates Tenure

Ken Heintzelman spent most of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, pitching from 1937 to 1947, with three years away for military service in World War II. He gave the Pirates steady innings as a starting pitcher, though wins didn’t always come easy for him or the club.

Key Performances With the Pirates

Heintzelman made his big league debut with the Pirates on October 3, 1937, at age 21. He quickly became a regular starter.

From 1937 to 1943, he started 85 games for the Pirates, but only won 29 of them. It wasn’t for lack of trying—he kept going out there, even when the team struggled.

He stepped away to serve in the Army during World War II from 1943 to 1945. After the war, he returned to the Pirates in 1946 and got back into the rotation.

He kept pitching for Pittsburgh through 1947. His last couple of years with the Pirates looked better, and then he got traded to the Phillies.

Role and Contributions to the Team

Heintzelman worked as a reliable starting pitcher during his Pirates days. He stood 5’11”, weighed 185 pounds, threw left, and batted right.

Mostly, he gave the team consistent innings. The Pirates counted on him as a regular starter for almost a decade.

Even though his win-loss record wasn’t flashy, Heintzelman showed up and did the job. He stayed part of the Pirates’ staff through some rough stretches.

His experience and lefty arm gave the roster some needed depth. The Pirates kept him around for several seasons, which says a lot about their trust in what he brought to the mound.

Philadelphia Phillies and the Whiz Kids

Ken Heintzelman landed with the Philadelphia Phillies in May 1947. That’s where he saw his best years and got to be part of one of baseball’s most famous teams. With the Phillies, he posted a career-high 17 wins in 1949 and played a big role in the 1950 World Series for the legendary “Whiz Kids” squad.

Transition to the Phillies

After just two appearances for the Pirates in early 1947, Ken Heintzelman got sold to the Philadelphia Phillies in May. At 31, he was ready for a new challenge after eight seasons in Pittsburgh.

“I was kind of enthused about joining the Phillies,” Heintzelman said. “Pittsburgh was rebuilding and I probably wasn’t in their plans.”

His time in Pittsburgh had been pretty average. He went 37-43 with a 4.09 ERA over eight seasons.

The Phillies weren’t exactly on fire either when he joined. They finished seventh in 1947 and sixth in 1948. In those first two years in Philly, Heintzelman went 7-10 and 6-11.

Career Highlights With the Phillies

Heintzelman broke through in 1949 when the Phillies finished 81-73 and took third in the National League. The team had some rising stars, like Richie Ashburn and Robin Roberts.

1949 Season Stats:

• 17 wins (led the team)
• 3.02 ERA (lowest on the team)
• 5 shutouts (led the National League)
• Career highs across the board

In mid-July, Heintzelman was rolling with a 12-3 record. He also fired off 33 scoreless innings in a row. Phillies fans named him team MVP that year.

Pitching coach George Earnshaw told Heintzelman to speed up his delivery during spring training. That one tweak made a big difference for the veteran at age 33.

Heintzelman didn’t get picked for the National League All-Star team, which stung a bit. “I was sore and disappointed at first, but I got over it in a hurry,” he admitted. “You don’t win ball games staying mad.”

1950 World Series and the Whiz Kids

The 1950 season really flipped the script for Heintzelman and the Phillies. His own numbers took a nosedive, but the team pulled off their biggest success in 35 years.

Heintzelman stumbled out of the gate in 1950, going 1-8 as a starter. The Phillies pulled him from the rotation, and he wrapped up the year at 3-9 with a 4.09 ERA.

He only threw 125⅓ innings, which was about half of what he managed in 1949.

Meanwhile, the Phillies snagged the National League pennant with a strong 91-63 record. People started calling them the “Whiz Kids” because they were so young, averaging just 26.4 years old.

Injuries to key pitchers late in the season opened the door for Heintzelman again. When Curt Simmons left for military service and Bubba Church got hurt, manager Eddie Sawyer turned to the veteran lefty.

In Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees, Heintzelman put together one of his best outings. He held the Yankees to a single earned run through 7⅔ innings, and left the game with a 2-1 lead in the eighth, though he didn’t get the decision.

The Whiz Kids ended up dropping the World Series in four games. Still, Heintzelman’s postseason effort stood out as the highlight of his Phillies career.

Pitching Style and Statistical Legacy

Ken Heintzelman played 13 seasons and put up a solid, if not eye-popping, record: 77 wins, 98 losses, and a 3.93 ERA. He really made his mark with complete games and shutouts, especially during his standout 1949 season with the Phillies.

Career Pitching Statistics

Heintzelman’s career numbers tell the story of someone who pitched through a tough, offense-heavy era. His 77-98 win-loss line and 3.93 ERA over 1,501.2 innings show he was reliable, though not a star.

His best year came in 1949, when he went 17-10 with a 3.02 ERA and landed ninth in the National League MVP voting. Over his career, he struck out 564 batters but walked 630.

Heintzelman leaned more on control than power. His strikeout-to-walk ratio sat at 0.90, so command sometimes gave him trouble. He allowed 9.2 hits per nine innings, which was pretty standard for that time.

His top seasons came with Philadelphia in 1948 and 1949. He played a key role in the Phillies’ rotation during those years.

Shutouts and Innings Pitched

Heintzelman showed real grit with complete games throughout his career. He racked up 18 shutouts and finished 66 games, with his best showing in 1949 when he tossed five shutouts.

He logged 250 innings in 1949, his career high for a single season. That year, he went the distance in 15 of his 32 starts, showing the kind of stamina teams expected from starters back then.

He pitched over 150 innings in six different seasons. The ability to go deep into games made him valuable, especially in an era when bullpens weren’t nearly as specialized.

His 18 career shutouts stacked up well against other pitchers from his time. The five shutouts in 1949 tied for the National League lead.

Postseason Performances

Heintzelman never got the chance to pitch in the postseason during his 13-year run. Both the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Phillies missed the playoffs while he was on their rosters.

His closest shot came with the 1949 Phillies, but the team finished third in the National League even with his strong year. The Phillies finally reached the World Series in 1950, but by then, Heintzelman wasn’t as effective.

Missing out on the postseason meant he didn’t get the spotlight that comes with the World Series. A lot of his peers got remembered for their October heroics, but Heintzelman just never had that stage.

He spent his career during the reign of teams like the St. Louis Cardinals and Brooklyn Dodgers, who dominated the National League through the 1940s.

Impact on Fantasy Baseball and Modern Analysis

Ken Heintzelman’s stats still offer interesting tidbits for fantasy baseball folks, especially when it comes to pitcher rankings and game score projections. His numbers help set benchmarks for looking at historical performance trends, especially during certain stretches of the season.

Relevance in Fantasy Baseball Forecasters

Modern fantasy baseball forecasters don’t usually include players from Heintzelman’s era in active rankings. Still, his 1949 season with 17 wins pops up as a comparison point for today’s pitchers.

Fantasy baseball analysts sometimes point to Heintzelman’s up-and-down career. That 77-98 record is a reminder of how pitcher rankings can change a lot from season to season.

His 1950 World Series start against the Yankees gives some context for how pitchers handle big moments. Fantasy players sometimes look at these old performances when thinking about how modern pitchers might fare in playoff situations.

Heintzelman’s moves between the Pirates and Phillies show how changing teams can impact a pitcher’s stats. Team hitting ratings really made a difference for him during those years.

Game Score Projections and Schedule Observations

Heintzelman’s 1952 numbers are actually pretty useful for fantasy analysis and schedule observations. His home ERA was 4.09, but on the road, it dropped to 2.34, so ballpark mattered a lot.

Game score projections for pitchers like Heintzelman would take into account his 23 appearances that season. That’s about one appearance per week 16 and week 17 if you look at modern fantasy schedules.

His performance swung a lot during stretches like July 18-20 and July 21-27. He played his last game on August 13, 1952, closing out a 15-year career.

Modern fantasy analysts still use this kind of historical data to project workloads. Heintzelman’s career gives a decent baseline for what to expect from veteran pitchers.

Life After Retirement and Legacy

Kenneth Alphonse Heintzelman’s impact on baseball didn’t just end when he hung up his cleats. His military service in World War II and the baseball legacy he built through his family really shaped his story. Life back in Missouri after baseball reflected the same hard work and dedication he showed on the field.

Military Service and Return to Baseball

Heintzelman served in the U.S. Army from March 1943 to January 1946, right in the thick of World War II. The Army stationed him with the 65th Reconnaissance Troop of the 65th Infantry Division in Europe.

His duties included driving, handling radios, commanding cars, and working as a mortar gunner. The division saw a lot of action, making it all the way to Austria by spring 1945.

Combat Experience:

• Fought in active combat across Europe
• Remembered firing at enemy soldiers but never kept count
• Called it “too dangerous” to keep track

Even while serving, Heintzelman still found ways to play baseball. After combat ended in 1945, he joined the 65th Infantry baseball team in June.

Later, he played for the 71st Infantry Red Circlers at the 1945 ETO World Series in Nuremberg, Germany, with crowds of up to 50,000 soldiers watching.

His time in the Army changed his outlook. “My Army service did something to me. I know I have more confidence in myself now,” he said when he returned to baseball in 1946.

Post-Baseball Life and Honors

After retiring from professional baseball in 1952, Ken Heintzelman headed back to Missouri. He landed a job at McDonnell-Douglas, working as an expediter until he eventually retired from the aerospace company.

Players from his era usually had to move on to regular jobs after baseball. The money just wasn’t there in the 1940s and 1950s to retire on sports earnings alone.

Heintzelman kept things quiet after baseball. He passed away on August 14, 2000, at the age of 84.

His World War II service stayed a big part of his legacy. Missing those three seasons (1943-1945) for military duty definitely took away some of his prime years.

Career Statistics:

• 77-98 record with 3.98 ERA
• 564 career strikeouts
• 13 seasons in Major League Baseball)

Family Legacy in Baseball

Ken Heintzelman passed his baseball legacy down to his son, Tom Heintzelman. Tom decided to take a similar path and got into professional baseball too, but he chose a different position.

In the 1970s, Tom played as an infielder for the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants. He kept the Heintzelman name on major league rosters until 1978.

The father and son really came from two different baseball worlds. Ken took the field back in the 1930s and 1940s, when the sport was still segregated and most players needed off-season jobs just to get by.

Tom, on the other hand, played in the 1970s, a modern era with bigger salaries and more rights for players. The changes must’ve been pretty striking for the family.

Family Baseball Timeline:

• Ken’s career: 1937-1952
• Tom’s career: 1970s-1978
• Combined family MLB service: Over 25 years

You can see the Heintzelman name stayed woven into baseball across two generations. Ken pitched left-handed, while Tom showed off his skills as an infielder, highlighting just how varied the family’s baseball strengths really were.