William Partlemore Kirk (July 19, 1934 - October 26, 2009) was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played briefly for the Kansas City Athletics during the 1961 season. Listed at 6' 0", 165 lb., he batted and threw left-handed.
A native of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Kirk spent much of his life in Lancaster. He graduated from J. P. McCaskey in 1952. During high school, he was a gifted athlete excelling in both soccer and baseball. Upon graduation, he was offered a scholarship to West Chester University, but chose instead to accept a Minor league pitching contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.[1]
Kirk signed a major league contract with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1954. That year, he registered a 12-9 record with a 3.32 ERA for Class-D Welch Miners. Kirk stayed with the Athletics when the team moved to Kansas City in 1955, pitching for six minor league teams before being promoted to the majors late in the 1961 season. While playing for Class-A Lancaster Red Roses, he had pitched a no-hitter at Stumpf Field in July 1960.[2]
Kirk debuted with the Athletics on September 23, 1961, facing the host Cleveland Indians at Municipal Stadium. He gave up four runs on six hits and a walk, while striking out in two innings of work for a 12.00 ERA. He did not have a decision and never appeared in a major league game again.[3]
In 1964, Kirk pitched and coached for Class-A York White Roses, which was the farm team for the Washington Senators. It was his last baseball venture in a career that spanned 11 years.[4]
Following his playing career, Kirk worked as an advertising and marketing executive. After his retirement, he served as a tipstaff at the York County Court House, Pennsylvania primarily for Judge Dorney.[5]
Kirk died in Lititz, Pennsylvania at the age of 75.