Bill Donovan (donovbi02)

Note: This page links to the pitcher who played in 1942 and 1943. For the long time major league pitcher 'Wild' Bill Donovan. click here.

Willard Earl Donovan

• Bats Both, Throws Left
• Height 6' 2", Weight 198 lb.
• Debut April 19, 1942
• Final Game June 20, 1943
• Born July 6, 1916 in Maywood, IL USA
• Died September 25, 1997 in Maywood, IL USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Left-hander Bill Donovan spent seven seasons in professional baseball (1936-1943). Bill pitched for the Boston Braves in the 1942-1943 seasons, compiling a 4-6 record and a 3.20 ERA in 104 innings over the two year period.

Donovan spent five years pitching in the minors where he built up a 58-42 record while appearing in 139 games and pitching 867 innings. Bill's best season came in 1941 for the Evansville Bees of the Three-I League when he went 17-6 with a 2.98 ERA, appearing in 28 games and pitching 196 innings.

Donovan was called up for military duty late in 1943 and spent the duration of World War II with the United States Navy. He did not return to professional baseball. Donovan returned to his native Maywood, IL where he died on September 25, 1997 at 81 years of age.