Career
A fastball thrower, Kline started and filled various relief roles coming out from the bullpen as a closer, middle reliever, and set-up man. He entered the majors in 1930 with the Boston Red Sox, playing for them four years before joining the Philadelphia Athletics (1934) and Washington Senators (1934). While in Boston, he learned to pitch a sinker from roommate Wilcy Moore which helped him to win 11 games in 1932.
On October 1, 1933, Kline was the opposing pitcher at Yankee Stadium during the last pitching appearance for Babe Ruth. At the end of the season, he was sent by Boston along Rabbit Warstler and cash to the Athletics in the same transaction that brought Lefty Grove, Rube Walberg and Max Bishop to the Red Sox. He split the season with Philadelphia and Washington, collecting seven relief wins to lead the American League pitchers.
In a five-season career, Kline posted a 30-28 record with 87 strikeouts and a 5.05 earned run average in 148 appearances, including 37 starts, eight complete games, one shutout, seven saves, and 441⅔ innings of work.
Following his playing career, Kline managed the 1947 Johnson City Cardinals. He died in Westerville, Ohio, at age 77.
Read more about this topic: Bob Kline
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