Lee Stange – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Lee Stange put together a solid ten-year run in Major League Baseball during the 1960s, pitching for four different teams before finally calling it quits in 1970. At just 5-feet-9, Stange constantly faced doubts about his size, with people telling him he was too small to start, even after he won 20 games in the minors.

Albert Lee Stange pitched in 359 major league games from 1961 to 1970. He racked up 62 wins and 21 saves while playing for the Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago White Sox. His standout year came in 1967, when he led the Boston Red Sox with a 2.77 ERA during their “Impossible Dream” pennant run. The Red Sox even planned to start him in a playoff game against Detroit if the Tigers had taken their final regular season game.

Born in Chicago in 1936, Stange’s journey through pro baseball really showed the uphill battle smaller pitchers faced, along with the stubbornness it took to stick around at the top. He played through the changing landscape of baseball from the ’60s into the ’70s. After retiring, he kept influencing the game for decades as a pitching coach.

Early Life and Athletic Background

Albert Lee Stange was born on October 27, 1936, in Chicago to Albert and Dorothy Stange. He grew up in Broadview, a suburb, with two brothers and a sister.

His athletic path started at Proviso Township High School, where he played multiple sports, even though he was shorter than most. He went on to Drake University, but injuries there pretty much derailed his college baseball dreams, pushing him toward professional baseball.

Childhood and Family

Lee Stange spent his childhood in Broadview, Illinois, a small industrial town about 13 miles west of Chicago. The place had fewer than 10,000 people back then.

His dad, Albert, worked in the mailrooms at the Chicago Daily News and the Chicago Sun-Times. The family gave Lee a solid base for his athletic pursuits.

He lived at home with his parents, two brothers, and one sister. That family support helped fuel his early love for sports.

Broadview had youth athletic programs, and Stange jumped right in. He played just about everything as a kid, picking up skills in different sports.

High School Achievements

At Proviso Township High School in Maywood, Stange played three sports: baseball, football, and basketball. One of his teammates was Ray Nitschke, who later became an NFL legend—though Nitschke had control issues as a pitcher.

Nitschke was 6’1″ and 190 pounds, while Stange was stuck at 5-feet-9. “It got to the point where everyone else grew and I didn’t,” Stange once said about his height.

With coach Doc Appleton, Stange led the 1953 Proviso Pirates to a state championship. As a junior, he pitched some incredible postseason games, including a win over defending champ Morton.

He finished that year with a 7-1 record and made the Chicago Tribune’s Suburban League All-Star Team. As a senior, he beat Morton 8-1 in the state tournament, striking out 10 and giving up eight hits.

The Pirates couldn’t repeat as champs, losing to York High School. Still, pro scouts started to notice Stange’s pitching, and Washington Senators scout Ossie Bluege even talked to him about signing a contract.

College Years at Drake University

Stange turned down the pro offer at first. He chose to go to Drake University instead, but college sports didn’t go as smoothly for him as high school.

He played freshman football as a quarterback, but a knee injury in a game set him back. He hurt the same knee again during a scrimmage, and it just kept giving him trouble.

When basketball season rolled around, Stange hoped to play guard. But he twisted his leg and needed knee surgery, so he missed the entire baseball season.

“The only thing I didn’t play in college was baseball,” he later joked. It was a little ironic, considering baseball became his career.

His bad knee kept him out of military service after college. That rejection made him look at pro baseball as his main option.

Transition to Professional Baseball

With his knee limiting his options, Stange reached out to scout Ossie Bluege about that old contract offer. Bluege mailed him a $200-a-month contract with the Washington Senators.

He started his pro career in 1957 with the Fort Walton Beach Jets in the Class-D Alabama-Florida League. Stange had a rough start, finishing with a 5-6 record and a 5.40 ERA.

He got better the next year at Fort Walton Beach, winning 13 games. But in his third season, he ended up pitching out of the bullpen for Appleton in the Three-I League.

With his ERA close to 6.00 late that year, Stange almost quit professional baseball. Manager Jack McKeon talked him into sticking it out, and Stange got promoted to the Wilson Tobs in the Class-B Carolina League for 1960.

That choice turned out to be a turning point for his career.

Major League Debut and Minnesota Twins Career

Lee Stange’s professional baseball path began with the Washington Senators in 1957. He made his major league debut after the team moved and became the Minnesota Twins in 1961.

His time with the Twins, from 1961 to 1964, showed he could handle both starting and relief roles, even though people doubted him because of his height.

Signing With the Washington Senators

Stange turned down a contract from the Senators’ scout Ossie Bluege while still in high school. After a knee injury ended his college football career, Stange got in touch with Bluege about playing pro ball.

The Senators signed him for $200 a month. He kicked off his pro career with the Fort Walton Beach Jets in 1957.

The minors weren’t easy at first. Stange had a 5-6 record and a 5.40 ERA his first year, but he bounced back, winning 13 games the next season.

His breakout came in 1960 with the Wilson Tobs in the Carolina League. He posted a 20-13 record and a 3.59 ERA, earning Topps Minor League Player of the Year honors for the league.

Minnesota Twins Tenure

When the Senators moved to Minneapolis-St. Paul and became the Twins, Stange made the team out of spring training in 1961. Teams could carry 28 players then, so that helped his chances.

He debuted in the majors on April 15, 1961, at age 24. After two relief outings, he spent most of the year with Syracuse in the International League, but the Twins called him up in September. He picked up his first big league win on September 15, throwing two scoreless innings against Cleveland.

In 1962, Stange spent his first full year in the majors. He started off hot, posting a 1.35 ERA in his first six games. Manager Sam Mele gave him a start on May 5 against Detroit, and Stange won 7-2, tossing a seven-hitter.

He struggled in his next start against Kansas City, though, and went back to the bullpen. He ended up 4-3 with a 4.45 ERA for the second-place Twins.

Pitching Style and Notable Games

Even when he did well, the Twins always seemed to think Stange was too small to start. At 5’9″, he was definitely shorter than most starters at the time. “The organization always said I was too small to be a starting pitcher, even after I won 20 games,” Stange remembered.

He threw a curve, a slider, and some sharp breaking balls. Manager Del Wilber liked his mental toughness, once saying, “runners on base don’t bother him.”

Stange’s best year with Minnesota was 1963. He started that season with the Dallas-Fort Worth Rangers in the Pacific Coast League, where he went 7-1 with a 2.05 ERA. The Twins called him up on June 15, and he stayed in the majors for good, finishing with 12 wins and a 2.62 ERA.

The Minneapolis Baseball Writers named him the most improved player after the 1963 season.

Key Contributions and Achievements

Stange spent four years (1961-1964) with the Minnesota Twins. He became known as a dependable pitcher, even if he didn’t start a ton of games. His flexibility between starting and relieving made him a valuable piece.

Career Stats with the Twins:

• Seasons: 1961-1964
• Games: 133 appearances
• Role: Mostly relief, with some starts
• Best Year: 1963 (12 wins, 2.62 ERA)

The Twins traded Stange in June 1964, along with George Banks, for pitcher Jim “Mudcat” Grant. At the time, Stange’s ERA had climbed to 4.74 over his last few months with Minnesota.

That trade ended his stint with the team that brought him up. Stange’s years in Minnesota proved he could help a big league club, even if some folks never got past his size.

Trades and Cleveland Indians Period

Lee Stange landed in Cleveland thanks to a mid-1964 trade, kicking off a new phase of his big league career. He played for the Indians from 1964 to 1966, moving between starting and relief and showing he could hang in the American League.

Trade to the Cleveland Indians

In June 1964, the Minnesota Twins sent Lee Stange and George Banks to the Cleveland Indians for pitcher Jim “Mudcat” Grant. Stange had just come off his best season, going 12-5 with a 2.62 ERA.

The Twins wanted Grant to anchor their staff. Cleveland picked up Stange for his experience and ability to fill different pitching roles.

The trade happened in Stange’s fourth season with Minnesota. By then, he’d already proven he could handle whatever the team threw at him.

Highlights With the Indians

Stange spent two and a half seasons with Cleveland, from 1964 to 1966. He kept showing the same steady reliability he’d had in Minnesota.

He bounced between starting and relieving, which made him valuable for the Indians’ staff.

The American League was tough in those days, and Stange faced some stacked lineups. He just kept plugging away, trying to help Cleveland climb the standings.

His time in the minors had taught him how to adjust, and that came in handy during his Cleveland years.

Memorable Moments and Challenges

Stange’s run in Cleveland ended in June 1966, when the Indians traded him and Don McMahon to the Boston Red Sox for Dick Radatz.

He kept up his steady work as both a starter and reliever in Cleveland, always ready for whatever the team needed.

The AL competition was no joke, so Stange had to keep tweaking his approach against different hitters and in different situations.

His Cleveland years served as a bridge, connecting the early days with Minnesota to his later, more high-profile time with the Boston Red Sox.

Boston Red Sox and the 1967 World Series

Lee Stange had his most memorable years with the Boston Red Sox. He played a key role in their wild 1967 pennant-winning campaign. His steady arm helped push Boston to its first World Series appearance since 1946, though bigger names sometimes overshadowed what he brought to the team.

Joining the Boston Red Sox

Stange landed in Boston in June 1966 after a trade that left many Red Sox fans less than thrilled. The team sent Dick Radatz, once a star closer, to Cleveland for Stange and Don McMahon. A lot of people thought Boston could’ve gotten more for Radatz.

Stange’s first outing was rough—he gave up five runs in three innings against the Yankees on June 3. But he found his groove in the second half of the 1966 season.

He racked up seven complete game wins, including a memorable two-hitter against the Yankees on September 23.

The Boston Baseball Writers gave him the Unsung Hero Award at their annual banquet. His 8-9 record didn’t really capture his impact on the team.

Red Sox players started to sense something special brewing as the 1966 season wrapped up strong.

The 1967 ‘Impossible Dream’ Season

The 1967 season turned into a legend for the Red Sox, who took the American League pennant in dramatic style. Stange played a big part as both a starter and reliever during this wild run.

He led the pitching staff with a 2.77 ERA, though he finished with an 8-10 record.

On July 31, he put on a show against the Minnesota Twins. Stange pitched 6⅔ innings of perfect baseball before Harmon Killebrew finally broke it up with a single.

He finished that game with a three-hit shutout in a 4-0 win, and he called it the best game of his career.

The season came down to the wire, with several teams fighting for the top spot. Manager Dick Williams told Stange to relax in the clubhouse after the Red Sox beat Minnesota.

If Detroit had swept their doubleheader against California, Williams would’ve started Stange in the playoff game the next day.

But Detroit lost, and the Red Sox clinched the pennant, celebrating in the clubhouse. Stange later admitted he felt a bit let down—good enough for a potential playoff start, but not for a World Series game.

World Series Against St. Louis Cardinals

The Red Sox met the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1967 World Series, their first appearance in the Fall Classic in 21 years. Despite his solid regular season and playoff readiness, Stange barely saw action in the series.

He pitched two innings of relief in Game Three, allowing just one unearned run as the Cardinals won 5-2.

That limited role frustrated him, especially after leading the staff in ERA during the season.

The Cardinals took the series in seven games. Jim Lonborg, the Red Sox ace with 22 regular season wins, started three times for Boston.

The World Series became the high point of Stange’s career, even if he didn’t get to play much.

Role Under Manager Dick Williams

Dick Williams stepped in as Red Sox manager in 1967, bringing a fiery style that didn’t always click with his players. Stange respected Williams’ baseball smarts but found him tough to play for.

“I think Dick was a very good baseball man. He wasn’t much fun to play for. He didn’t have much of a personality,” Stange once said about him.

Even with the personality clash, Williams used Stange well throughout the season.

Williams mostly used Stange as a starter in 1967, giving him a chance to show his best stuff.

The manager’s call to have Stange ready for a possible playoff game showed he trusted the veteran’s abilities.

The next year, Williams moved Stange back to the bullpen. Stange led the staff with 50 appearances and 12 saves, working alongside Sparky Lyle.

Final Playing Years and Chicago White Sox

Lee Stange’s career wound down with struggles in Boston and a short run with the Chicago White Sox in 1970.

His stint with the White Sox marked the end of a decade in the majors, spanning four teams.

Chicago White Sox Tenure

The Chicago White Sox picked up Stange off waivers from Boston midway through the 1970 season. He’d been having a tough time in Boston, with his ERA well over 5.00 by the time the move happened.

After the deal, Stange told reporters, “I hope I can help Chicago. If not, this may be my last year, we’ll have to wait and see.”

His time with the White Sox didn’t get much better. In his first start, he lasted just 1 1/3 innings and gave up seven hits.

That rough outing set the tone for his short time with the team.

The White Sox didn’t give Stange many chances, and he couldn’t find the form that once made him valuable in Boston and Cleveland.

Retirement From Playing in 1970

Stange called it a career after the 1970 season. That final run with the White Sox closed out a 10-year big league journey that started with the Minnesota Twins in 1961.

He finished with a 62-61 record and a 3.56 ERA across 359 games. Most of his appearances came in relief, but he started 125 times.

He had his share of highlights, like being part of Boston’s 1967 “Impossible Dream” team. That year, he led the staff in ERA and almost started a playoff game against Detroit.

The Red Sox quickly saw his value beyond pitching. In 1971, they named him minor-league pitching instructor, kicking off a long coaching career in pro baseball.

Post-Playing Career and Coaching Legacy

After hanging up his glove in 1970, Lee Stange moved into coaching and instructional roles that lasted almost twenty years.

His pitching expertise led to successful stints with several major league teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, and Oakland Athletics.

Coaching and Pitching Instructor Roles

Stange started his post-playing career in 1971 as a minor league pitching instructor for the Red Sox. He worked with young talent in the farm system.

He knew pitching mechanics and game strategy inside out, making him valuable to up-and-coming pitchers.

His time as both a starter and reliever gave him a unique perspective on different pitching roles.

Stange transitioned from player to instructor pretty smoothly. He could relate to the struggles of minor leaguers trying to make it.

Tenure as Major League Pitching Coach

In 1972, Stange took over as major league pitching coach from Harvey Haddix with the Red Sox. That move brought him into the big league coaching ranks.

He served as Red Sox pitching coach from 1972 to 1974, working with established pitchers and helping them sharpen their skills.

After Boston, he joined the Minnesota Twins as pitching coach in 1975, reconnecting with the team where his major league career began.

The Oakland Athletics hired him as pitching coach from 1977 to 1979. In between, he served as a minor league instructor for Oakland in 1976.

Stange returned to Boston as pitching coach from 1981 to 1984, showing the organization still trusted his coaching.

Florida Tech and Minor League Contributions

Stange also made a mark in minor league baseball development. He worked as a minor league instructor for the Athletics in 1976.

He managed the Tucson Toros for the last two months of the 1976 season, gaining experience as a field manager.

His work in the minors helped shape pitchers who later made it to the majors. Stange focused on fundamentals and the mental side of pitching.

Influence on Players and Community

Stange’s coaching style emphasized preparation and understanding different pitching situations. His experience as a starter and reliever gave him credibility.

A lot of pitchers praised his ability to explain tough concepts in simple terms. He got the mental side of pitching, which can make or break a player.

He spent nearly 40 years in pro baseball, with 23 years tied to the Red Sox. Stange became known for his patient teaching and deep technical knowledge.

His mix of playing and coaching experience made him respected in baseball circles. His impact went way beyond stats—he helped build baseball fundamentals for countless players.

Personal Life, Hobbies, and Legacy

Lee Stange built a full life outside baseball, forming close family bonds and following interests that reflected his easygoing nature. When he passed away in 2018, he left behind a life dedicated to the game and those around him.

Family and Personal Interests

Stange was born in Chicago on October 27, 1936, and grew up in Broadview, Illinois. At Proviso Township High School in Maywood, he stood out in several sports.

His family life included a special baseball connection through his stepson. Stange was the stepfather of Jody Reed, a former major league infielder, creating a baseball legacy that stretched across two generations.

After retiring from playing, Stange settled in Melbourne, Florida. He made it his home during his long coaching run and retirement.

That shift from player to family man let Stange keep his baseball ties while building deeper relationships. His role as a stepfather to a future big leaguer showed his influence on the game even at home.

Bowling and Brunswick Sponsorship

There’s no solid info out there about Stange’s bowling activities or any Brunswick sponsorship during or after his playing days. Plenty of ballplayers in his era bowled in the off-season, but nothing specific about Stange has surfaced.

Athletes in the ’60s and ’70s often turned to bowling for fun or extra cash. Still, without real evidence, it’s tough to say if Stange bowled competitively or had a Brunswick deal.

Community Involvement and Tributes

Stange’s love for baseball went way past playing—he spent years as a coach and instructor. From 1985 to 1994, he worked as a roving minor league pitching instructor in the Red Sox system, helping develop young arms.

In 2005, he became the pitching coach for NCAA Division II Florida Institute of Technology, showing he still loved teaching the game to new players.

His long connection with the Red Sox—as player, coach, and instructor—built lasting relationships in the baseball world. Stange spent almost 40 years in professional baseball, with 23 of those tied to the Red Sox in one way or another.

Passing and Tribute

Lee Stange passed away on September 21, 2018, at 81, in Melbourne, Florida.

His life revolved around professional baseball for over forty years.

The baseball community remembered Stange as a reliable pitcher who played a key role for the 1967 “Impossible Dream” Red Sox team.

People still talk about those two scoreless innings he threw in Game 3 of the 1967 World Series, which really stood out in his career.

News outlets like Reuters and The Boston Globe covered his passing, highlighting what he brought both as a player and as a coach.

He left a mark on the game through the many players he mentored during his long coaching journey in the majors and minors.