Bill Lee (leebi02)

William Crutcher Lee
(Big Bill)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 3", Weight 195 lb.
• School Louisiana State University
• High School Plaquemine High School
• Debut April 29, 1934
• Final Game June 29, 1947
• Born October 21, 1909 in Plaquemine, LA USA
• Died June 15, 1977 in Plaquemine, LA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Big Bill Lee pitched 14 seasons in the big leagues, twice leading the league in winning percentage. He was part of pennant-winning teams in 1935 and 1938 and pitched in the World Series each year.

Bill and Mel Ott are the two major leaguers who were born in Louisiana in 1909.

Bill pitched successfully in the minors from 1930-1933, winning 20+ games each year from 1931-33. He came up to the majors in 1934 and was with the Chicago Cubs for 9 1/2 years before getting traded. He eventually closed out his career with the Cubs in 1947.

In his best year, 1938, he was second in the MVP voting behind Ernie Lombardi.

He is not to be confused with the later pitcher Spaceman Bill Lee.

Notable Achievements

• 2-time NL All-Star (1938 & 1939)
• NL ERA Leader (1938)
• NL Wins Leader (1938)
• 2-time NL Winning Percentage Leader (1935 & 1938)
• 2-time NL Shutouts Leader (1936 & 1938)
• 15 Wins Seasons: 4 (1935, 1936, 1938 & 1939)
• 20 Wins Seasons: 2 (1935 & 1938)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 9 (1934-1940, 1942 & 1944)

Related Sites

• Bill Lee at the SABR Bio Project