Stobbs's early years with the Red Sox saw him as a promising young pitcher, but he was traded to the Chicago White Sox in 1952. His tenure with the White Sox was brief, and later that year, he was traded to the Washington Senators, where he would spend the majority of his career. Stobbs's performance with the Senators highlighted his career, as he became one of the team's more reliable starting pitchers during his tenure.
Throughout his career, Stobbs was known for his durability and his ability to eat innings for his team. He had a career year in 1956 when he posted a 15-15 record with a 3.52 ERA, marking one of his best seasons statistically. Despite these individual successes, Stobbs's career was also marked by the challenges of playing for teams that often struggled in the standings.
One of the most notable moments in Stobbs's career came on April 17, 1953, when he gave up what is often cited as the longest home run in MLB history to Mickey Mantle. The home run, hit at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., was estimated to travel 565 feet, a feat that contributed to Stobbs's name being remembered in baseball lore.
Over his 15-season career, Stobbs compiled a record of 107 wins and 130 losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 4.29. He pitched 2,072 innings across 488 games, starting 231 of them. Stobbs also recorded 24 shutouts and 901 strikeouts. His career was characterized by its ups and downs, reflective of the era's pitchers who often faced the challenge of pitching in a hitter-friendly environment.
Stobbs's playing career concluded after the 1961 season with the Minnesota Twins, the team the Washington Senators had become after relocating. Following his retirement from playing, Stobbs remained involved in baseball, taking on coaching roles and contributing to the sport off the field.
Chuck Stobbs passed away on July 11, 2008, leaving behind a legacy as a workhorse pitcher who experienced both the highs and lows of baseball during his lengthy career. His contributions to the game, particularly during his time with the Washington Senators, are remembered by baseball historians and fans alike.
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