Jack Kramer

John Henry Kramer

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 190 lb.
• High School S.J. Peters High School
• Debut April 25, 1939
• Final Game August 22, 1951
• Born January 5, 1918 in New Orleans, LA USA
• Died May 18, 1995 in Metairie, LA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Jack Kramer pitched 16 seasons 1936 to 1959, twelve in the Major Leagues and six in the minors, losing one year working in the shipyards during World War II. He joined the U.S. Navy Seabees in January of 1943 and was discharged May 14th of that year, rejoining the Browns on June 22, 1943 (BR).

He pitched for the St. Louis Browns, Boston Red Sox, New York Giants and New York Yankees from 1939 to 1951. Flunking in four shots with the Browns due to poor control, Kramer got a fifth chance, thanks to the World War II player shortage. He went 17-13, 2.49 for the 1944 pennant winners, adding a complete game victory in Game 3 of the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a three-time All-Star for the Browns, from 1945 to 1947.

Traded to the Red Sox after 1947, he enjoyed an 18-5 season in 1948, with an American League-best .783 winning percentage. Although he pitched with both pennant-winners in 1951, the Yankees and Giants, he didn't last to the World Series with either. He pitched a 5-0 no-hit victory over Louisville of the American Association, on September 11, 1943. He pitched a 9-0 one-hit victory over the Chicago White Sox on September 16, 1944. He died at age 77 and is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in New Orleans, LA.

Notable Achievements

• 3-time AL All-Star (1945-1947)
• AL Winning Percentage Leader (1948)
• 15 Wins Seasons: 2 (1944 & 1948)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 3 (1939, 1944 & 1948)

Related Sites

• Jack Kramer at the SABR Bio Project