Bob Kelly

Robert Edward Kelly

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 180 lb.
• School Case Western Reserve University, Purdue University
• High School Shaw High School (East Cleveland)
• Debut May 4, 1951
• Final Game June 4, 1958
• Born October 4, 1927 in Cleveland, OH USA
• Died November 27, 2024 in Old Lyme, CT USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Bob Kelly pitched four seasons in the big leagues, getting more than half of his appearances with the Chicago Cubs from 1951 to 1953. After being away from the majors from 1954 to 1957, he also pitched in the majors in 1958.

He went 7-4 as a major league rookie in 1951.

He was traded from Chicago to the Cincinnati Reds in June 1953, and thus missed the debut of rookie Ernie Banks with the Cubs in September of that year.

Kelly was a minor league workhorse in both 1956 and 1957, pitching over 250 innings each year in the Southern Association. He won 24 games in 1957.

One source says he pitched in Puerto Rico baseball.

He is the last major league player to come out of Case Western Reserve University and also the winningest pitcher out of Case Western (as of 2008). He also attended Purdue University, and other than Bob Friend, Kelly is the winningest pitcher out of Purdue (as of 2008).