Bill Caplinger

William Caplinger Jr.

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 165 lb.
• Born September 13, 1918 in Glendale, AZ USA
• Died December 3, 2018

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Pitcher Bill Caplinger pitched in the minor leagues from 1939 to 1942, in 1949 and 1952. In the St. Louis Cardinals system during his initial skein, he began his career with a 16-14 record and a 3.77 ERA in 246 innings for the Albuquerque Cardinals in 1939. On October 23, he tossed a no-hitter against the El Paso Texans. In 1940, he went 21-9 with a 3.67 ERA, striking out a Pioneer League-leading 265 strikeouts. He also paced the loop in victories. He fell off dramatically over the next two seasons, going a combined 6-12.

He served in the Army Air Force during World War II, spending time as a prisoner of war. In his 1949 return to pro ball, he was 8-12 with a 5.99 ERA in 22 games between two teams; in a single match in his only stop at Triple A, he allowed 3 runs (1 earned) in 2/3 of an inning. After another hiatus, he returned to pro ball again in 1952, going 2-6 with a 5.48 ERA in 12 games (5 starts) for the El Centro Imps.

Overall, he went 53-53 with a 4.27 ERA in 169 games.

Further Reading

• Obituary