Joe Benz

From BR Bullpen

Joseph Louis Benz (Blitzen or Butcher Boy)

Bats Right, Throws Right
Weight 196 lb.

Debut August 16, 1911
Final Game May 2, 1919
Born January 21, 1886 in New Alsace, IN USA
Died April 22, 1957 in Chicago, IL USA

[edit] Biographical Information

Pitcher Joe Benz played nine seasons in the majors with the Chicago White Sox and never once posted an earned run average of over 3.00.

After playing minor league ball in Iowa for parts of three years, Benz made his big league debut in 1911 and by the next season secured a spot in the team's starting rotation. He went 15-19 in 1914 but had several outstanding outings in May and June of that year. On May 1st, he hurled a no-hitter against the Cleveland Naps, and he held the New York Highlanders to just two hits in a June 6th game. Against Walter Johnson and the Washington Senators on June 12th, he threw eight innings without allowing a hit before finally giving one up in the ninth inning en route to a win.

Benz had his best year in 1915 White Sox, going 15-11 with a 2.11 ERA and 17 complete games, but soon began to be plagued by arm troubles. He pitched in just 19 games as the White Sox won the 1917 American League pennant and did not appear in the World Series. After just one game with the 1919 White Sox, he was released.

After baseball, Benz worked as an engineer in Chicago. In later years, he was a cemetery caretaker, also in Chicago.

[edit] Notable Achievements

15 Wins Seasons: 1 (1915)
200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 3 (1912, 1914 & 1915)
Won a World Series with the Chicago White Sox in 1917 (he did not play in the World Series)