Paul Foytack – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Paul Foytack spent 11 seasons in Major League Baseball as a right-handed pitcher. He mostly played for the Detroit Tigers from 1953 to 1963, then wrapped up his career with the Los Angeles Angels in 1964.

Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1930, Foytack became known as a reliable workhorse during baseball’s golden era. He racked up 827 strikeouts across 312 games in the American League.

Foytack walked away from professional baseball in 1964, finishing with a career record of 86 wins and 87 losses. His journey started when he joined the majors at age 22, with his childhood hero Hal Newhouser still on the Tigers roster. He experienced both triumph and some infamous moments, developing a reputation for giving up memorable home runs, yet he still ranked among the American League’s top ten pitchers during his best years between 1956 and 1959.

Here’s a look at Foytack’s path from a Pennsylvania high school standout to major league veteran. He delivered notable pitching performances, hit statistical milestones, and carved out a unique spot in baseball history.

From his early amateur days through his professional career, Foytack’s story shows the kind of dedication it takes to stick it out for more than a decade in pro baseball.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Paul Eugene Foytack came into the world on November 16, 1930, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was one of seven kids in a working-class family.

His high school career at Scranton Technical High School ended with him leading his team to a state championship in 1948. That run caught the eye of pro scouts and led to his signing with the Detroit Tigers in 1949.

Family and Childhood in Scranton

Paul Eugene Foytack was born on November 16, 1930, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was the fifth of seven children born to John and Elsie Foytack.

John, his father, worked as a steamfitter and supported the large family during the tough years of the Great Depression. The Foytack home was much like any other working-class household in industrial Pennsylvania.

Paul fell in love with baseball early on. He looked up to Detroit Tigers Hall of Fame pitcher Hal Newhouser as a kid.

That early admiration for Newhouser played a part in his decision to sign with the Tigers. Getting to play for the same team as his childhood idol made Detroit a dream come true for him.

Scranton Technical High School Achievements

Paul attended Scranton Technical High School and quickly stood out as a dominant pitcher. In 1948, he led his team to a state championship.

That season, Foytack struck out 80 batters in just 48 innings. His control and power on the mound were obvious.

Scouts took notice after his standout year. The combination of his strikeout numbers and leadership in the championship turned him into a top prospect.

Winning the state championship became the highlight of his amateur career. It set the stage for his jump to professional baseball.

Signing with the Detroit Tigers

After graduating in 1949, Foytack drew interest from the Detroit Tigers. His admiration for Hal Newhouser made Detroit an easy choice.

Ed Katalinas signed him as an amateur free agent for the Detroit Tigers organization. That moment kicked off his professional career at just 18.

The Tigers signed Foytack based on his high school stats and potential. His performance in the state championship game especially impressed the scouts.

Signing with Detroit felt like a childhood dream realized. Later, he even played alongside Newhouser in the majors, which made it all the more special.

Major League Baseball Journey

Paul Foytack pitched in the majors from 1953 to 1964, appearing in 312 games for two American League teams. His career included both standout moments and a few rough patches, including a record that still follows him today.

Detroit Tigers Tenure

Foytack made his MLB debut for the Detroit Tigers on April 21, 1953, at age 22. He pitched a scoreless inning in relief against the Chicago White Sox.

He appeared in six games without a decision, then headed back to the minors. The right-hander had trouble sticking with Detroit at first, bouncing between the majors and Triple-A Buffalo through 1955.

That year, the Tigers risked losing him in the draft if they sent him down again. In 1956, Foytack finally grabbed a regular spot in Detroit’s starting rotation.

He finished with a 15-13 record and 184 strikeouts, ranking third in the American League. But he also led the league with 142 walks.

Peak Performance Years (1956-1959):

• 1956: 15-13 record, 3.59 ERA
• 1957: 14 wins, 3.14 ERA (8th in AL)
• 1958: 15-13 record, 3.44 ERA
• 1959: 14-14 record, led AL with 37 starts

During these years, Foytack consistently ranked among the top ten American League pitchers in several categories. He set a Detroit record by striking out 15 batters against Washington on July 28, 1956.

Trade and Time with Los Angeles Angels

The Tigers traded Foytack to the Los Angeles Angels after the 1960 season. Shoulder issues had limited his effectiveness in his last year with Detroit.

With the Angels, Foytack became most known for an unfortunate record. On July 31, 1963, while pitching against Cleveland, he became the first pitcher in major league history to allow home runs to four consecutive batters in the sixth inning.

After the fourth homer, manager Bill Rigney came out to the mound. Foytack later remembered Rigney asking, “Well, Paul, what do you think?” and replying, “Gee, Bill, I think I am in pretty good shape. There’s nobody on base.”

Even in tough moments, Foytack kept his sense of humor. That reputation for giving up big home runs stuck with him throughout his career.

Performance in the American League

Foytack finished his MLB career with an 86-87 record and a 4.14 ERA. His best years were from 1956 to 1959, when he ranked fifth in total wins among American League pitchers.

Career Statistics:

• Games pitched: 312
• Games started: 227
• Complete games: 79
• Strikeouts: 1,075
• Walks: 896

He often ranked in the top ten for walks allowed, showing that control was always a challenge for him. Foytack also became known for surrendering some famous home runs, including blasts by Mickey Mantle and Harmon Killebrew.

Despite the struggles with control and giving up homers, Foytack was a durable pitcher. He made 37 starts in 1959, leading the American League. His ability to pitch as both a starter and reliever made him valuable.

End of MLB Career in 1964

Foytack played his final MLB season in 1964 with the Los Angeles Angels. He pitched two innings in his last game on May 7, 1964, against Minnesota.

The Angels released him on May 15, 1964, which brought his major league career to a close. He only appeared in a few games that season.

After leaving the majors, Foytack spent a season in Japan with the Chunichi Dragons in 1965. That was his last stop in professional baseball before retiring for good.

He finished his MLB career with 312 appearances and 227 starts. While his win-loss record landed right at .500, his late-1950s seasons proved he could pitch at the front of a major league rotation.

Career Highlights and Notable Events

Paul Foytack’s career had its share of memorable moments. He became the first pitcher to allow four consecutive home runs in 1963, and his 1956 season saw him set a strikeout record for the Detroit Tigers.

Four Consecutive Home Runs Allowed

On July 31, 1963, Foytack made history for a reason no pitcher wants. While pitching for the Los Angeles Angels against Cleveland, he became the first pitcher in MLB history to give up home runs to four straight batters.

This happened near the end of his career. Even then, Foytack kept his sense of humor.

When manager Bill Rigney came out after the fourth homer, Foytack reportedly said, “Gee, Bill, I think I am in pretty good shape. There’s nobody on base.” It’s a classic example of finding some lightness in a tough spot.

That moment stuck to Foytack’s legacy. He always had a knack for giving up home runs, and this just cemented it.

Record-Setting Strikeouts

Foytack’s best individual performance came on July 28, 1956, against the Washington Senators. He struck out 15 batters in a single game, setting a Detroit Tigers record that held for years.

For a right-handed pitcher, that was a big deal. Mickey Lolich broke the record in 1969, but no Tigers right-hander matched Foytack’s mark until Max Scherzer did it in 2012.

Despite those 15 strikeouts, Foytack lost the game 6-5. Sometimes, his best efforts didn’t translate to wins.

His 1956 season was strong overall, with 184 strikeouts, third in the American League. But he also led the league with 142 walks, so control remained a constant battle.

Noteworthy Games and Shutouts

Foytack threw several memorable complete games. His first major league win came on May 9, 1956, when he pitched a complete game in a 7-3 victory over the Senators.

On May 31, 1958, he tossed a complete game shutout against the Chicago White Sox. That dropped his ERA to 2.62 and showed what he could do when his control was on point.

In the final game of the 1956 season, Foytack pitched two scoreless innings in relief to help Billy Hoeft notch his 20th win and earned a save for himself.

Between 1956 and 1959, he regularly ranked among the top ten American League pitchers in wins, strikeouts, and complete games. Those years really marked the peak of his career.

Pitching Statistics and Legacy

Paul Foytack’s 11-year MLB career ended with 86 wins and 87 losses. His 4.14 ERA shows just how tough pitching could be in an era full of power hitters.

His stats tell the story of a pitcher who had great moments and plenty of struggles with control.

Wins, Losses, and WAR

Foytack put together an 86-87 record with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels from 1953 to 1964. That win-loss record sums up a career full of both success and inconsistency.

His best run came from 1956 to 1959. In those four years, he ranked fifth in total wins among American League pitchers.

In 1956, he went 15-13 with 184 strikeouts, good for third in the league. The 1957 season saw him finish 14-13 with a 3.14 ERA.

In 1958, he posted a 15-13 record, even after some early struggles that briefly moved him to the bullpen. Foytack’s last productive year came in 1959, when he led the Tigers and the American League with 37 starts, finishing 14-14 with a 4.64 ERA.

His workload that season showed just how durable he was as a starter.

Earned Run Average and ERA+

Foytack’s career ERA of 4.14 put him just above the league average for his era. In 1957, he had his best season, posting a 3.14 ERA and ranking eighth in the American League.

In 1956, he turned in a 3.59 ERA with 15 wins. That year, he struck out 184 batters, finishing third in the league, which really showed off his ability to miss bats when his control cooperated.

The 1958 season was a bit of a roller coaster. He started with a 4.59 ERA at mid-season but then finished strong, putting up a 2.34 ERA over his last 12 starts.

Foytack’s ERA bounced around a lot because he gave up so many home runs. He often landed among the league leaders in homers allowed, and in 1959 he surrendered a career-high 34.

Innings Pitched and Hits Allowed

Foytack logged a lot of innings when he stayed healthy. In 1959, he led the American League with 37 starts, showing he could be a real workhorse.

During 1956, he pitched enough innings to rank in the top ten for games started, innings pitched, and complete games. That ability to finish what he started made him a valuable part of Detroit’s rotation.

His hits-per-inning ratio changed from year to year. Between 1956 and 1959, he landed in the top ten at least twice for hits per innings pitched, which points to stretches where he was really effective.

People started to remember Foytack for the long home runs he allowed. Mickey Mantle hit one out of Briggs Stadium off him in 1956, and Harmon Killebrew launched a 485-foot homer in 1959.

Walks and Control on the Mound

Foytack struggled with control for most of his career, and walks became his biggest statistical weakness. In 1956, he led the American League with 142 walks, which set a Detroit team record at the time.

Even in his better years, his walk totals stayed high. In 1957, he cut his walks to 104 but still ranked second in the AL.

He improved in 1958, dropping his walk total to 77. That better control helped him finish strong, going 8-4 with a 2.34 ERA over his last 12 starts.

Despite having what teammates called the “quickest” fastball on Detroit’s staff, his lack of consistent control held him back. General manager John McHale described his delivery as “effortless,” but sometimes mechanical flaws tipped his pitches to hitters.

International and Minor League Career

Paul Foytack’s professional baseball journey stretched beyond his major league years. He spent significant time in both American minor leagues and international play.

He wrapped up his career with a season in Japan’s Central League and a final run in Triple-A baseball.

Season with Chunichi Dragons

After his major league days ended in 1964, Paul Foytack headed to Japan to keep playing. He spent the 1965 season pitching for the Chunichi Dragons in Japan’s Central League.

A lot of American players took this route to keep their careers going. The Dragons gave Foytack a chance to show his stuff in a totally different baseball culture.

By moving to Japan, Foytack showed just how dedicated he was to the game and how willing he was to try new things. Playing there let him bring his experience to a different style of baseball and stay competitive as a pro.

Syracuse Chiefs and Triple-A Return

Foytack’s last minor league stint came with the Syracuse Chiefs of the International League in 1964. He went 10-10 with a 4.53 ERA that season, closing out his 16-year pro career.

The Chiefs played at the Triple-A level, which is as high as the minors get. After the Los Angeles Angels released him in May 1964, he joined Syracuse and kept playing professionally.

His performance with Syracuse showed he could still compete at that level. That .500 record reflected his veteran presence, even as his major league days were behind him.

Minor League Achievements

Over his career, Foytack spent parts of six seasons in the minors. He put together a 78-67 record in 218 appearances, with a 4.07 ERA.

He started out in 1949 with the Thomasville Tigers of the Georgia-Florida League. As a 19-year-old righty, he went 14-10 with a 3.29 ERA in his first professional season.

From 1950 to 1954, Foytack worked on his game in different minor league systems. In 1954, he pitched for both the Louisville Colonels and Buffalo Bisons before finally sticking in the majors.

His minor league stats showed steady performance and growth as a pitcher. That sub-4.00 ERA proved he could get it done at that level.

Life After Baseball and Legacy

Paul Foytack left professional baseball and settled into a quieter life in Tennessee. He kept in touch with the sport by joining semi-professional teams and stayed involved in baseball communities during the 1970s. He lived peacefully until his death in 2021 at age 90.

Transition to Post-Baseball Life

After his major league career ended with the Los Angeles Angels in May 1964, Foytack played one season in Japan with the Chunichi Dragons.

That overseas experience wrapped up his time as a professional pitcher. When he returned from Japan, Foytack retired from professional baseball.

Leaving the majors for regular life was a big change. He was 34 when his MLB career ended, after spending more than a decade in pro baseball.

Community Involvement and Later Years

Foytack kept a hand in baseball by playing for semi-professional teams in Detroit during the early 1970s. He played for Detroit ITM semi-pro teams with other former big leaguers like Ray Herbert and Billy Hoeft.

The 1972 team even included future MLB umpire Rocky Roe. That gave Foytack a way to stay close to the game and mentor younger players.

Playing semi-pro ball let him keep his passion for baseball alive. Sharing the field with other former pros brought a sense of camaraderie and shared memories.

Eventually, Foytack moved to Spring Hill, Tennessee. That quiet community became his permanent home, far from the baseball spotlight.

Death and Remembrance

Paul Foytack passed away peacefully on January 23, 2021, at his home in Spring Hill, Tennessee. His family gathered around him during his final moments.

He was 90 years old when he died. Honestly, it’s kind of impressive—he lived almost six decades after stepping away from professional baseball.

Foytack’s passing closed a chapter on 1950s and 1960s baseball. He stood for a time when players didn’t always have long careers, and they rarely enjoyed the financial comfort athletes get now.

People in the baseball world remembered him as a dedicated pitcher. He faced both victories and setbacks during his 11 years in the American League.

His legacy? It’s a mix of memorable achievements and some tough times that really shaped his story in baseball.