Bob Muncrief

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Robert Cleveland Muncrief

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 2", Weight 190 lb.

Debut September 30, 1937
Final Game April 20, 1951
Born January 28, 1916 in Madill, OK USA
Died February 6, 1996 in Duncanville, TX USA

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[edit] Biographical Information

Bob Muncrief was originally signed as an amateur free agent by the St. Louis Cardinals before the 1934 season. After appearing in five games with the last-place Paris Pirates/Lufkin Lumbermen of the West Dixie League with a 7.92 ERA in 1934, the Cardinals sent him to the St. Louis Browns in an unknown transaction before the 1935 season. The young right-hander responded with a 15-8 record and a 2.49 ERA for the Palestine Pals, also of the West Dixie League. Muncrief had brief trials with the St. Louis Browns in 1937 and '39. After that, he won 22 games for the San Antonio Missions of the Texas League in 1940, along with being chosen for the league's MVP award. He was back to stay with the Browns from 1941 to 1947.

He won a career-high 13 games four times, including 1944, when he helped the Browns to their only American League Pennant in franchise history. Bob came on in relief in game two of the '44 Series with the score tied 2-2 in the seventh inning. He allowed only one base hit, a single by Stan Musial, in four innings before losing 3-2 in the eleventh inning. The Cardinals would go on to become World Champions, winning the Series in six games.

After the 1947 season, Muncrief was traded to the Cleveland Indians along with Wally Judnich for Joe Frazier, Dick Kokos, Bryan Stephens and $25,000. He appeared in 21 games and won five games as a spot starter and reliever for the World Champion Indians. The Indians won the Series in six games to capture their second championship and their first since 1920. Muncrief relieved in game five of the series, pitching two innings, allowing one hit and no runs.

On November 20, 1948 Bob was purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates from the Indians for $20,000. After going 1-5 for the Pirates he was selected off waivers by the Chicago Cubs on June 6, 1949. He would go 5-6 for the rest of the season for the Cubs. Muncrief would be drafted by the New York Yankees from the Chicago Cubs in the 1950 Rule V Draft. Muncrief would pitch his last two games in the major leagues for the Yankees in 1951 and end his major league run with an 80-82 record and a 3.80 ERA while appearing in 288 games.

Muncrief would drop back down to the high minors and spent five more seasons in pro baseball. His last trip to the mound came in 1955 with the Dallas Eagles of the Texas League, where the 39-year-old ended his minor league career with 126 wins against 115 losses and a 3.46 ERA. Muncrief started in 1934 and ended in 1955. That's 22 years over 3 decades in professional baseball.

Muncrief was an automobile salesman in Dallas after his playing career ended. He died February 6, 1996, at age 80 in Duncanville, TX.