Herman Pillette

Herman Polycarp Pillette
(Old Folks)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 190 lb.

• Debut July 30, 1917
• Final Game September 28, 1924
• Born December 26, 1895 in St. Paul, OR USA
• Died April 30, 1960 in Sacramento, CA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Herman Pillette holds the Pacific Coast League record for games pitched (704) in a career; he also spent a record 23 years in the PCL. He was 264-264 in the minors. Overall he was a pro for 29 years. He is a member of the Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame.

After winning 33 games for Detroit over two full seasons, at age 28 he was curiously dispatched back to the minors for good just a year later. As a major leaguer, his best year was with the Detroit Tigers in 1922, for whom he won 19 games, best on the staff. His manager was Ty Cobb for all three years that he was with the Tigers.

He is the father of Duane Pillette. They are the only father-son duo to each lead a major league in losses for a season. A brother, Ted Pillette, also pitched in the minors.

Notable Achievements

• 15 Wins Seasons: 1 (1922)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons; 2 (1922 & 1923)

Related Sites

• Herman Pillette at the SABR Bio Project