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Billy Pierce was a professional baseball pitcher known for his tenure in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily with the Chicago White Sox. Born on April 2, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan, Pierce began his career in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut in 1945 with the Chicago White Sox.
Pierce quickly established himself as a reliable starting pitcher.
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Billy Pierce was a professional baseball pitcher known for his tenure in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily with the Chicago White Sox. Born on April 2, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan, Pierce began his career in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut in 1945 with the Chicago White Sox.
Pierce quickly established himself as a reliable starting pitcher. Over his career, he was recognized for his exceptional control and ability to pitch effectively in high-pressure situations. He was a left-handed pitcher who utilized a fastball and a slider, which contributed to his success on the mound.
Throughout his career, Pierce played for several teams, but he is most closely associated with the White Sox, where he spent the majority of his time. He was a key member of the team during the 1950s, earning three All-Star selections in 1953, 1955, and 1956. His performance during this period was marked by consistent innings pitched and a solid earned run average (ERA), making him one of the top pitchers in the league.
In 1955, Pierce achieved one of the highlights of his career by leading the American League in strikeouts, showcasing his ability to dominate opposing hitters. He finished the season with a record of 20 wins and 10 losses, further solidifying his reputation as an elite pitcher. His contributions helped the White Sox contend in the American League during the 1950s.
Pierce's career also included stints with the San Francisco Giants and the Detroit Tigers. He was traded to the Giants in 1962, where he continued to perform at a high level, contributing to the team's success. He later returned to his hometown team, the Tigers, before retiring from professional baseball in 1964.
Over the course of his career, Pierce accumulated impressive statistics, including over 1,800 strikeouts and a win-loss record of 217-169. His ERA hovered around 3.27, reflecting his effectiveness as a pitcher. Pierce's contributions to the game were recognized post-retirement, and he remains a respected figure in baseball history.
Billy Pierce's legacy is characterized by his skill on the mound, his competitive spirit, and his role in the success of the teams he played for. His career spanned nearly two decades, during which he left an indelible mark on the sport.
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With the demise of the Spalding-Reach guides after the 1942 edition, the Commissioner’s office put out the official 1943 guide...
/ With the demise of the Spalding-Reach guides after the 1942 edition, the Commissioner’s office put out the official 1943 guide for one season before handing off the "official" guide to A.S. Barnes for the 1945 and 1946 editions. This was colloquially known as the "Barnes Baseball Guide". Since there was no official 1944 guide, the 1945 Barnes guide covers both seasons. The Sporting News took over as the official guide starting with their 1947 edition.
When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the...
/ When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the Sporting News Guide in 1943, a companion publication to the Sporting News Register, which began publication in 1940. After A.S Barnes stopped publication of their guide (successor to the long-running Spalding Baseball Guide), the Sporting News Guide became the official MLB guide.
When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the...
/ When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the Sporting News Guide in 1943, a companion publication to the Sporting News Register, which began publication in 1940. After A.S Barnes stopped publication of their guide (successor to the long-running Spalding Baseball Guide), the Sporting News Guide became the official MLB guide.
The 1942 edition was devoted entirely to major league playing records as compiled by Leonard Gettelson. ONE FOR THE BOOK,...
/ The 1942 edition was devoted entirely to major league playing records as compiled by Leonard Gettelson. ONE FOR THE BOOK, which was first published in 1949, was a continuation of the 1942 Dope Book.
There was at least one "Al Schracht Dope Book" Published by Sporting News in 1944. This edition consisted of dozens of colorful short news snippets with cartoon illustrations, followed by statistics and writeups of current Hall of Famers and past World Series'.
The Dope Book from 1948 thru 1985 was of an entirely different format. It featured a wide spectrum of articles and statistics. Several features, such as Club Rosters and All Star Game Records, were carried yearly for many years.
When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the...
/ When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the Sporting News Guide in 1943, a companion publication to the Sporting News Register, which began publication in 1940. After A.S Barnes stopped publication of their guide (successor to the long-running Spalding Baseball Guide), the Sporting News Guide became the official MLB guide.