Bill Prough

Herschel Clinton Prough
(Clint)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 3", Weight 185 lb.

• Debut April 27, 1912
• Final Game April 27, 1912
• Born November 28, 1887 in Markle, IN USA
• Died December 29, 1936 in Richmond, IN USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Herschel Clinton "Bill" Prough played 17 seasons in the minors and came to the majors for one game with the Cincinnati Reds in 1912.

Clough was born in Markle, IN, in northern Indiana. He played three seasons for the Keokuk Indians at a young age, winning 20 games at age 21. He then had three seasons with the Birmingham Barons winning 21 games in 1911 and 23 games in 1913, while coming to the majors on April 27, 1912 to pitch three innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was a blowout win for the Pirates, who attacked each of the three Reds pitchers, winning the game 23-4. Prough pitched the best of the three Reds pitchers, giving up only two earned runs in three innings.

After his Birmingham days, Bill pitched for the Oakland Oaks for five years - 1914-1918. He won 22 games in 1917, also losing 22 games that year. He then spent six years with the Sacramento Solons - 1919-1924, winning exactly 20 games in 1920, 1921 and 1923. He finished up his pro career with one season for the Shreveport Sports. In all, he had a minor league record of 269-252.

On June 4, 1916, Bill pitched ten innings without giving up a hit to the San Francisco Seals. He continued to pitch seven more innings, giving up a few hits, before leaving after 17 innings. His team, the Oakland Oaks, won the game in the 18th inning. [1]