Ray Herbert – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ray Herbert wrapped up his baseball career on September 17, 1966, pitching his last game for the Philadelphia Phillies against the Houston Astros. This right-hander from Detroit spent 14 seasons in Major League Baseball, appearing in 407 games for four different teams.

He called it quits after a journey that started way back in 1950 with his hometown Detroit Tigers.

Herbert’s career had some high points, like his 20-win season in 1962 and an All-Star Game victory. He also faced the challenges of military service during the Korean War and bounced around between teams. Born December 15, 1929, Herbert grew from a sandlot kid discovered by a Detroit scout into a steady big league pitcher, ending up with a 104-107 career record and a 4.01 ERA.

Herbert’s story stretches from his earliest days with the Tigers to his best years with the Chicago White Sox, where he really shined. His time in Kansas City and his last seasons in Philadelphia show what life was like for a journeyman pitcher in baseball’s golden era. He chose to leave the game at 36, after the 1966 season.

Early Life and Education

Ray Herbert started his journey to the majors in Detroit, Michigan. He was born into a sports-loving family on December 15, 1929.

His standout high school baseball career at Detroit Catholic Central High School showed off the talent that would eventually land him a pro contract with his hometown Tigers.

Detroit Roots and Family Background

Raymond Ernest Herbert was born to Oliver and Iola (Fredette) Herbert in Detroit on December 15, 1929. Oliver worked as a deliveryman for Silvercup Bakery, but he stayed close to baseball by playing on semipro teams around Detroit.

The Herbert family lived and breathed sports. Oliver raised his four kids—Patricia, Ray, Don, and Dick—to be active in athletics and made sure they loved the Detroit Tigers.

All this early exposure to baseball set the stage for Ray’s future.

Baseball wasn’t just a spectator sport for the Herberts. Don Herbert, Ray’s brother, later became his batterymate during Ray’s junior year at Detroit Catholic Central High School.

The family’s commitment to sports and their Tigers fandom created an environment where Ray’s baseball talent could really grow.

Detroit Catholic Central High School Achievements

Ray Herbert’s high school run at Detroit Catholic Central put him on the map as one of the top pitchers in the area. He helped lead his team to big achievements in his last two seasons.

His dominance really showed in 1947 and 1948, when he led Detroit Catholic Central to Catholic First Division Championships both years. His senior year in 1948 was especially impressive—he went 11-0.

During that time, Herbert took his control and skill to another level. He threw two no-hitters in high school, which turned the heads of major league scouts.

His brother Don caught for him during his junior year, making for a family battery that powered the team’s success.

Path to Professional Baseball

Herbert’s stellar high school play caught the eye of pro scouts, especially those with the Detroit Tigers. “Wish” Egan, a legendary Tigers scout, spotted his potential.

After his senior year in 1948, Herbert decided to go pro. The Tigers—his childhood team—offered him a $4,000 contract, thanks to Egan’s recommendation.

This was a dream come true for the young pitcher who grew up rooting for the Tigers.

At 19, Herbert signed with Detroit and started his pro journey. The team didn’t waste time—they sent him straight to the Toledo Mud Hens, their AAA club in the American Association.

This aggressive move showed the Tigers believed in his abilities and thought he could handle tough competition right out of the gate.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Ray Herbert pitched in the majors for 14 seasons from 1950 to 1966, finishing with a 104-107 record and a 4.01 ERA in 407 games. He became a reliable starter with a nasty sinking fastball and filled a variety of roles for four teams.

MLB Debut and Teams Played For

Herbert made his big league debut on August 27, 1950, with the Detroit Tigers at age 20. He pitched in eight games that rookie season, posting a 1-2 record and a 3.63 ERA.

In 1952, military service interrupted his career. He came back to Detroit and played through 1955, then the team traded him to the Kansas City Athletics.

Herbert found his groove with the Chicago White Sox between 1961 and 1964. He got traded mid-season in 1961 from Kansas City to Chicago and really thrived as a starter.

In 1962, he had his best year with the White Sox, going 20-9 with a 3.27 ERA. That season earned him an All-Star nod and 29th in MVP voting.

He wrapped up his career with the Philadelphia Phillies from 1965 to 1966. In 1965, he mostly started games, but in his final season, he moved to the bullpen.

Pitching Style and Strengths

Scouts loved Herbert’s “sinking fastball that major league franchises dream of.” That pitch became his calling card and helped him rack up ground balls.

The righty stood 5’11” and weighed 185 pounds. He threw and batted right-handed his whole career.

Herbert’s sinking fastball worked wonders during his prime with Chicago. In 1962, he allowed just 0.5 home runs per nine innings, keeping the ball in the park.

He showed his best control in 1963, walking only 1.4 batters per nine innings. That season, he put up a 3.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio, showing real command.

Durability was another plus for Herbert. He finished 68 games in his career, with 14 complete games in both 1960 and 1963.

Role as Starter and Reliever

Herbert mostly worked as a starter, making 236 starts out of 407 appearances. Still, his versatility let him fill whatever role the team needed.

Early on with Detroit, Herbert saw a lot of action in relief. He notched six saves in 1953 and split time between starting and relieving.

He moved into a full-time starter’s role in Kansas City. In 1960, he made 33 starts, threw 252.2 innings, and posted a 3.28 ERA.

With Chicago, Herbert settled in as a reliable piece of the rotation. He started 35 games in 1962 and 33 in 1963, logging more than 220 innings each year.

When he got to Philadelphia, Herbert went back to a mixed role. He started 19 games in 1965 but just two in 1966, pitching mainly in relief during his last year.

Tenure with Detroit Tigers

Ray Herbert kicked off his pro baseball career with the Detroit Tigers in 1950, launching a 14-season run in the majors. His early years in Detroit showed both promise and the challenge of military service during the Korean War.

Minor League Development and Toledo Mud Hens

Herbert’s path to the big leagues started in the Tigers’ farm system in 1949. He worked his way up through the Triple-A ranks before finally getting the call to the majors.

The young pitcher moved up quickly in the minors. He made it to the big leagues in just his second pro season.

Herbert debuted on August 27, 1950, with the Tigers. That fast rise from the minors really showed off his talent and the team’s faith in him.

Playing for his hometown team gave him extra motivation. It meant a lot to him to wear the Tigers uniform.

Early Success and Key Performances

Herbert got off to a hot start with Detroit in 1951, putting up eye-catching numbers. He went 4-0 with a fantastic 1.42 ERA in his early outings.

That strong showing made him look like a future star in the Tigers rotation. Fans and management took notice of his ability to keep runs down and rack up wins.

The innings he pitched during that time showed he could handle the major league workload at just 21.

His early success hinted at a bright future with Detroit. The mix of being a hometown guy and performing well made him a fan favorite.

Military Service Impact

Herbert’s promising start got cut short when he was called into military service during the Korean War, right after his strong 1951 season.

He spent 1952 and part of 1953 in the service. When he came back, his role with Detroit had changed a lot.

After returning in 1953, the Tigers mostly used him out of the bullpen instead of as a starter. That was a big shift and forced him to adjust his pitching style.

The military break definitely affected his development with Detroit. He stayed with the Tigers until May 11, 1955, when they sold him to the Kansas City Athletics, ending his time with his hometown club.

Kansas City Athletics Years

Herbert played for the Kansas City Athletics from 1955 to early 1961, a key stretch where he shifted from part-time reliever to steady starter. His time with the A’s showed steady improvement, even though the teams struggled.

Transition to Kansas City Athletics

The Tigers sold Herbert to the Kansas City Athletics on May 11, 1955. After several years as mostly a reliever in Detroit, this move gave him a new start.

Kansas City wasn’t exactly a powerhouse in those days, but that meant Herbert got more chances to pitch regularly.

He started out in relief for the A’s. But their need for starters pushed him into the rotation.

By 1958, Herbert had become a regular starter for Kansas City. He was one of their more reliable pitchers during some rough years for the team.

Career Growth and Notable Games

Herbert’s best stretch with the A’s came from 1958 to 1960. He kept about a .500 winning percentage, not bad considering the team’s usual spot at the bottom of the standings.

He had a standout year in 1960, throwing over 200 innings and showing his durability as a starter. He also notched several complete games, proving he could go the distance.

The Athletics’ weak offense and defense kept his win totals down, but Herbert’s steady pitching kept them in more games than you’d expect. He became known as a dependable starter who could eat innings.

Herbert’s time in Kansas City ended in early 1961, when he was traded to the Chicago White Sox in a multi-player deal. That move closed out his A’s chapter, where he’d grown into a full-time starter.

Chicago White Sox Achievements

Herbert’s best years came with the Chicago White Sox. He became a dominant pitcher there and earned recognition as one of the American League’s top arms.

His 1962 season was the high point—a 20-win campaign and an All-Star selection.

All-Star Selection and 20-Win Season

Herbert joined the White Sox in June 1961 after a trade with the Kansas City Athletics. That move really changed the course of his career.

In 1962, Herbert hit the 20-win mark, finishing at 20-9. He became the first White Sox pitcher to reach that milestone during the team’s new pitching-heavy approach.

He earned a spot on the American League All-Star team in July 1962. The league picked Herbert to replace injured pitcher Ken McBride.

During the All-Star Game at Wrigley Field, Herbert tossed three scoreless innings. He picked up the win for the American League in their 9-4 victory over the National League.

He faced some of the game’s best hitters, like Willie Mays, Stan Musial, and Frank Robinson, but gave up just three hits. That’s no small feat.

Herbert’s natural sinker and a sharper slider—thanks to pitching coach Ray Berres—really fueled his success after he landed with the White Sox.

League-Leading Shutouts and Highlights

Herbert kept rolling in 1963 and put together one of baseball’s wildest pitching streaks. He threw four straight complete game shutouts between April 18 and May 14.

That streak included 38 consecutive scoreless innings. His control and consistency during that run were just outstanding.

Those shutouts helped cement the White Sox as a pitching-first team. Herbert ended up leading the American League with seven shutouts in 1963.

That kind of dominance over nine innings doesn’t happen every day. Herbert’s ground-ball pitching style fit perfectly at Comiskey Park, especially with the White Sox’s strong infield defense.

His sinker produced ground balls, and the middle infielders turned them into outs. Even after an elbow injury slowed him down in 1964, Herbert stayed effective right up until his trade to Philadelphia before the 1965 season.

During his White Sox years, he notched 43 wins and became a key part of the team’s return to competitive baseball.

Philadelphia Phillies and 1966 Season

Ray Herbert joined the Philadelphia Phillies for what turned out to be his last season in the majors. The veteran pitcher joined a Phillies team that finished 87-75 and landed in fourth place in the National League.

Trade to Phillies and Team Role

Philadelphia brought Herbert in to add veteran depth to their pitching staff. The Phillies had been competitive under manager Gene Mauch and needed experienced arms to round out their rotation.

They played home games at Connie Mack Stadium. Herbert joined a roster with established starters like Chris Short and Jim Bunning.

With the Phillies, Herbert mostly pitched in relief and made a few spot starts. At 36, he brought valuable experience to a club trying to keep up with powerhouses like the Dodgers and Giants.

The Phillies finished 1966 with their fourth-best winning percentage in the National League. They posted winning records against the Pirates (10-8) and the Mets (11-7).

Final Season Statistics

Herbert’s 1966 season in Philadelphia marked the end of his 14-year big league run. His final appearance came on September 17, 1966, against the Houston Astros, where he pitched three innings and gave up five hits and two earned runs.

He kept his reputation as a control pitcher during his Phillies stint. Among pitchers who allowed 55 or fewer hits at Connie Mack Stadium, Herbert recorded the fewest strikeouts per nine innings (2.7).

His earned run average and other stats in 1966 showed his role as a veteran winding down his career. That low strikeout rate? It matched his career-long focus on location and movement, not velocity.

The Phillies used Herbert strategically all season. His experience mattered in certain situations, though he didn’t pitch as much as he had in earlier years.

Retirement from Professional Baseball

Herbert’s last game on September 17, 1966, capped a career with 407 major league appearances. Over 14 seasons, he played for four different teams.

He retired after the 1966 season with the Phillies. At 36, Herbert decided to hang up his cleats, having spent time with the Tigers, Athletics, and White Sox before finishing up in Philadelphia.

Herbert’s career included just a handful of saves, since the relief role was still evolving back then. His work with the Phillies in 1966 closed out a long run in professional baseball.

His retirement came as baseball strategy changed and relief pitching became more specialized. Herbert’s career ended just as the game was starting to shift in new directions.

Career Statistics and Legacy

Ray Herbert finished with a 104-107 win-loss record and a 4.01 earned run average over 14 big league seasons. He built a reputation as a reliable pitcher, hitting his stride in the early 1960s.

He racked up 864 strikeouts and pitched 1,881⅓ innings. That kind of durability made him a steady contributor for four different teams.

Major Career Accomplishments

Herbert’s best years came with the Chicago White Sox from 1961 to 1964. He posted a 48-32 record—a .600 winning percentage—over about three and a half seasons.

His 1962 campaign stood out when he became a 20-game winner for the White Sox, going 20-9. That year, the American League picked him for the All-Star Team.

Herbert made his mark at the All-Star Game on July 30, 1962, at Wrigley Field. He pitched three scoreless innings in relief and earned the win as the American League took it 9-4.

That ended up being the Junior Circuit’s last All-Star victory until 1971. In 1963, Herbert led the league in shutouts with seven games where he didn’t allow a run.

Pitching Records and Personal Bests

Herbert’s numbers show steady performance across several teams. He won 104 games and lost 107, landing just about at .500 even though he played for some struggling clubs.

His 4.01 ERA over nearly 1,900 innings shows he was consistently effective. He allowed exactly 2,000 hits, walked 571 batters, and struck out 864.

He finished 68 games and tossed 13 shutouts, proving he could go the distance. Herbert also picked up 15 saves in relief roles.

He wasn’t a bad hitter for a pitcher, batting .192 with 109 hits, 21 doubles, and seven homers. On defense, he posted a .975 fielding percentage—17 points above the league average for pitchers.

Recognition and Hall of Fame Inductions

Herbert’s main recognition came from his 1962 All-Star selection, which happened during his 20-win season with the White Sox.

In 2008, Detroit Catholic Central High School inducted him into their hall of fame. They honored his part in two high school league championships before he turned pro.

Herbert isn’t in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. His numbers were solid, but they didn’t quite reach Hall of Fame territory.

After retiring, Herbert stayed close to the game. He threw batting practice for the Detroit Tigers for more than three decades, building a lasting legacy in Detroit baseball circles.

Post-Retirement Life and Contributions

After stepping away from playing in 1966, Ray Herbert stayed deeply involved with baseball. He found a new role with the Detroit Tigers and remained active in his Michigan community.

He spent decades mentoring young players and kept strong ties to his hometown team right up until he passed away in 2022.

Mentorship and Batting Practice Role with Tigers

Herbert found real purpose with the Detroit Tigers after his playing days. He became a batting practice pitcher for the team and stuck with it for decades.

That job let him share his pitching know-how and game smarts with new generations of players. The Tigers valued him enough to bring him along for big games, including playoff and World Series runs in 1968 and 1984.

That kind of trust from the organization says a lot about what he brought to the table. Herbert’s sinking fastball, his trademark pitch, made him perfect for batting practice.

He threw consistent strikes and helped hitters get ready for games. Plenty of players picked up tips from him about facing different types of pitching.

Community Involvement and Personal Life

Herbert and his wife Patricia settled down in Stanwood, Michigan, when he retired. He kept himself busy in the local community and stayed close to baseball.

He grew up in Detroit, and honestly, he never really left behind his Motor City roots. After his baseball days ended, Herbert chose a quieter life, far from the spotlight.

He poured his energy into family and found comfort in the calm of small-town Michigan. His long marriage to Patricia brought him a sense of stability.

In his later years, Herbert struggled with Alzheimer’s disease. He passed away peacefully on December 20, 2022, in Plymouth, Michigan, just five days after his 93rd birthday.