Bill Brandt
From BR Bullpen
William George Brandt
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 8½", Weight 170 lb.
- Debut September 20, 1941
- Final Game October 3, 1943
- Born March 21, 1915 in Aurora, IN USA
- Died May 16, 1968 in Fort Wayne, IN USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Right-hander Bill Brandt spent seven seasons in professional baseball from 1938 to 1946, missing two years (1944-1945) while serving with the Unied States Navy during World War II. He was signed as an amateur free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates before the 1938 season and spent the first four years (1938-1941) with three different minor league teams.
Brandt had his best season of the four in 1941 going 17-11 for the Harrisburg Senators of the class B Interstate League, helping his team to the league championship and the play-off title. Paul won 58 times and lost 39 over this four year span, pitching in 142 games.
His first four seasons of workman-like performances undoubtedly got Bill a late season look by the Pirates and he made his major league debut on September 20, 1941. He appeared in two games, pitched seven innings and lost his only decision. Bill was back with the Pirates in 1942 after a 15-11 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the International League and went 1-1 for the Pirates, appearing in three outings.
Brandt spent the entire 1943 year with the Pirates, appearing in 29 games, winning four and losing but one with a 3.14 ERA. Unknown at the time this would be Bill's last trip to the big leagues but before departing for his Military duties he finished out with a big league record of 5-3 and a 3.57 ERA while appearing in 34 games.
Returning from the service in time for the 1946 season, Brandt now 31, pitched for three teams, the Chattanooga Lookouts, Columbus Red Birds and the Hollywood Stars. He put together a 4-6 record, appearing in 29 games and called it a career. He closed his minor league record with a 77-61 won-loss number, appearing in 206 games and 1,182 innings.
After baseball Brandt returned to Fort Wayne, IN, where he worked for the General Electric Corporation for seventeen years. He passed away at the age of fifty-three in the Lutheran Hospital on May 16, 1968.
