Bob Veale: A Left-Handed Legend in Major League Baseball
Bob Veale, a towering presence on the pitcher's mound and one of Major League Baseball's most formidable left-handed pitchers, has left an indelible mark on the sport. Over thirteen memorable seasons, mostly with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Veale demonstrated exceptional skill, relentless tenacity, and a passion for the game that would see him become a beloved figure in the sport's history.
Veale, who sadly passed away at the age of 89, was celebrated not only for his impressive statistics but also for his pivotal role in the Pirates' successes during the 1960s and early 1970s. Standing tall and throwing with a prowess that often left batters bewildered, he led the majors in strikeouts in 1964—a testament to his dominance at the time. His 1965 and 1966 consecutive All-Star Game appearances further underscored his standing as one of the elite pitchers of his era.
Despite his prowess, Veale's career was characterized by its complexity. He frequently led the National League in walks issued—a nod to his raw power and aggression on the mound, which sometimes veered toward unpredictability. Nevertheless, his career ERA of 3.07 and a respectable 1.98 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 397 appearances reflect a pitcher who knew how to get the job done, time and again.
In his celebrated time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Veale played a crucial role in guiding the team to back-to-back division titles and their ultimate triumph in the 1971 World Series. During the series, Veale transitioned into a relieving role, pitching in Game 2 against the Baltimore Orioles. His contribution to the team's prestigious victory remains a cherished memory for fans and the organization alike.
The Pirates Chairman, Bob Nutting, encapsulated Veale's influence and legacy succinctly: "Bob was an integral member of the Pirates who helped our team capture back-to-back division titles as well as the 1971 World Series. He was one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers in all of Major League Baseball during his remarkable big league career that he proudly spent a majority of as a member of the Pirates." These remarks highlight not only Veale's physical contributions on the mound but also his spirit and leadership off it.
His talents transcended the pitcher's mound, contributing an estimated 24.7 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. These statistics are compelling evidence of his substantial impact on games beyond traditional pitching metrics.
Beyond his playing career, Veale's love for baseball endured. Following retirement, he continued to shape the future of the sport as a scout and coach, sharing his profound insights and experiences with aspiring players. His early days as a bat boy and batting practice pitcher for the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues set the stage for his lifelong association with baseball—a journey recognized by his induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.
Veale's legacy in baseball is further immortalized by the warm regard in which he is held by those who were fortunate enough to know him. Nutting aptly summarized this sentiment, saying, "He was a great man who will be missed." Indeed, Bob Veale's towering stature, both physical and metaphorical, looms large over the history of the sport, a testament to his enduring impact and storied career in Major League Baseball.