Bob Muncrief

Robert Cleveland Muncrief

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 190 lb.
• High School Byng High School
• Debut September 30, 1937
• Final Game April 20, 1951
• Born January 28, 1916 in Madill, OK USA
• Died February 6, 1996 in Duncanville, TX USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Bob Muncrief was originally signed as an amateur free agent by the St. Louis Cardinals before the 1934 season. After appearing in five games with the last-place Paris Pirates/Lufkin Lumbermen of the West Dixie League with a 7.92 ERA in 1934, the Cardinals sent him to the St. Louis Browns before the 1935 season. The young right-hander responded with a 15-8 record and a 2.49 ERA for the Palestine Pals, also of the West Dixie League. Muncrief had brief trials with the Browns in 1937 and 1939. After that, he won 22 games for the San Antonio Missions of the Texas League in 1940, along with being chosen for the league's MVP award. He was back to stay with the Browns from 1941 to 1947.

He won a career-high 13 games four times, including 1944, when he helped the Browns to the only American League Pennant in franchise history. Bob came on in relief in Game 2 of the 1944 World Series with the score tied 2-2 in the 7th inning. He allowed only one base hit, a single by Stan Musial, in four innings before losing 3-2 in the 11nth inning. The Cardinals would go on to become World Champions, winning the Series in six games.

After the 1947 season, Muncrief was traded to the Cleveland Indians along with Wally Judnich for Joe Frazier, Dick Kokos, Bryan Stephens and $25,000. He appeared in 21 games and won five games as a spot starter and reliever for the World Champion Indians in 1948. The Indians won the World Series in six games against the Boston Braves to capture their second championship and their first since 1920. Muncrief relieved in Game 5 of the series, pitching two innings, allowing one hit and no runs.

On November 20, 1948 Bob was purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates from the Indians for $20,000. After going 1-5 for the Pirates at the start of the 1949 season, he was selected off waivers by the Chicago Cubs on June 6th. He went 5-6 for the rest of the season for the Cubs. Muncrief was then drafted by the New York Yankees in the 1950 Rule V Draft. Muncrief pitched his last two games in the major leagues for the Yankees in 1951 and ended his major league run with an 80-82 record and a 3.80 ERA while appearing in 288 games.

Muncrief dropped back down to the high minors and spent five more seasons in pro baseball. His last trip to the mound came in 1955 with the Dallas Eagles of the Texas League, where the 39-year-old ended his minor league career with 126 wins against 115 losses and a 3.46 ERA. Muncrief started in 1934 and ended in 1955. That's 22 years over three decades in professional baseball.

Muncrief was an automobile salesman in Dallas after his playing career ended. He died February 6, 1996, at age 80 in Duncanville, TX.

Notable Achievements

• 1940 MVP Texas League San Antonio Missions
• AL All-Star (1944)
• AL Winning Percentage Leader (1945)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 3 (1941, 1943 & 1944)
• Won a World Series with the Cleveland Indians in 1948

Sources

Baseball Players of the 1950s

Related Sites

• BR Minors page