Bob Botz
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Robert Allen Botz (born April 28, 1935 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. The 5'11", 170 lb. right-hander was signed by the Milwaukee Braves as an amateur free agent before the 1955 season. He was acquired by the Los Angeles Angels from Milwaukee on May 3, 1962, and played for the Angels the rest of that season.
The 1962 Angels, a second-year expansion club, surprised the baseball world by remaining in pennant contention much of the year. They finished third in the American League with a record of 86-76 under manager Bill Rigney. Botz was part of an effective bullpen which played an important role in the Angels' success. Other Angel relievers who had good years were Dean Chance, Art Fowler, Tom Morgan, Dan Osinski, and Jack Spring.
Botz made his major league debut on May 8 against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium. He pitched three scoreless innings in the 10-1 Angels loss. He struck out two batters, Bill Bruton and Al Kaline. He earned his first big league save on June 20 in a road game against the Kansas City Athletics, and got his first win exactly one month later in a home game vs. the Cleveland Indians.
Season and career totals include 35 games pitched, all in relief, a 2-1 record, 13 games finished, and 2 saves. In 63 innings pitched he allowed 71 hits and only 11 walks for a WHIP of 1.302. He struck out 24 and had an earned run average of 3.43.
In April of 1963 Botz was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for relief pitcher Bob Duliba, and never again pitched in a major league game.
