Bob Veale, one of the most accomplished left-handed pitchers in Major League Baseball, left a lasting legacy following his passing at the age of 89. A towering presence on the mound, Veale's career was marked by both dominance and determination, hallmarks that accompanied him through thirteen big-league seasons, predominantly with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Strikeout Specialist and All-Star
Veale, whose pitching prowess was most evident during the 1964 season when he led the majors in strikeouts, was not merely a one-year wonder. His exceptional ability to keep batters guessing earned him consecutive National League All-Star appearances in 1965 and 1966, firmly establishing his reputation as one of baseball’s elite pitchers of the era. Despite his formidable strikeout capabilities, Veale's aggressive pitching style saw him leading the National League in walks issued over four seasons. This duality marked his as one of the sport’s more enigmatic careers.
Over the span of his career, which included 397 appearances, Veale maintained an impressive earned run average (ERA) of 3.07. This testament to his skill and resilience also includes his career 1.98 strikeout-to-walk ratio. As an integral part of the Pirates, his efforts earned him an estimated contribution of 24.7 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference, further cementing his place in the annals of baseball history.
Pirates Years and World Series Triumph
Veale's tenure with Pittsburgh saw him play a crucial role as the Pirates captured back-to-back division titles. Reflecting on his influence, Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting emphasized, "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."
Veale's contributions to the Pirates were never more evident than during the 1971 World Series. Although he found himself pitching in relief during a Game 2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, his presence and experience were vital as the Pirates went on to secure their championship victory, symbolizing the end of a long quest for the talented team and underscoring Veale’s enduring impact on the franchise.
Beyond the Mound
His post-playing days saw Veale remain intricately connected to the world of baseball. Transitioning to roles as a scout and coach, he continued to impart his vast knowledge and love for the game to future generations. His early life hints at the genesis of this passion—Veale served as a bat boy and batting practice pitcher for the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues, experiences that undoubtedly shaped his understanding of the game.
In recognition of his outstanding career and contributions to sport, Veale was honored with induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. This accolade served as a fitting tribute to a man whose life was deeply entwined with the game of baseball.
A Lasting Legacy
His passing has left the baseball community to reflect on a career characterized by excellence and a player who was truly unmatched in his time. "He was a great man who will be missed," added Nutting, echoing the sentiment felt by fans, players, and colleagues alike.
Bob Veale's legacy is not just in the statistics he accrued or the accolades he earned; it lies in the indelible mark he left on the sport and the encouragement he offered to those who would follow. As the baseball world bids farewell, his memory endures—a testament to a life well-pitched and a sport forever changed.