Billy Klaus
From BR Bullpen
William Joseph Klaus
- Bats Left, Throws Right
- Height 5' 10", Weight 165 lb.
- Debut April 16, 1952
- Final Game May 12, 1963
- Born December 9, 1928 in Fox Lake, IL USA
- Died December 3, 2006 in Sarasota, FL USA
[edit] Biographical Information
The brother of Bobby Klaus, scrappy infielder Billy Klaus had cups of coffee with the Boston Braves/Milwaukee Braves in 1952 and 1953. After being acquired by the Boston Red Sox following the 1954 season, he became the team's regular shortstop in 1955, hitting .283 with 7 homers and 60 RBI and finishing second to Herb Score in American League Rookie of the Year voting. Two years later, he hit a career-best 10 homers with the club. However, in 1958, he struggled, hitting just .159, and he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles after the season. He played five more seasons in the majors with the O's, Washington Senators, and Philadelphia Phillies. After his big league career ended, Klaus played two years in Japan for the Chunichi Dragons.
After his playing days ended, Klaus managed in the minors. Klaus managed the 1965-1967 York White Roses, 1968 Salisbury Senators, 1969 Lodi Crushers, and 1970 Salem Rebels.
In 1969, he returned to Sarasota, Florida, where he had perviously spent Spring Training, and started a painting business. Klaus died of lung cancer at age 77.
