Jim Kleckley

James Wade Kleckley, Sr.

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 4", Weight 204 lbs.
• School Presbyterian College

• Born September 8, 1926, New Brookland, SC, USA (this town later became known as West Columbia)
• Died October 19, 2010, Lexington, SC, USA

BR minors page

Biographical Information

South Carolinian pitcher Jim Kleckley (also known as "Rube" or "J.W.") was with the Pittsburgh Pirates in September 1948 without appearing in a game.

Kleckley started playing pro ball in 1944 at the age of 17. After serving for 18 months in the Navy, his baseball career resumed in 1947, which was his best season. He was 20-6 with a 3.28 ERA for the Spartanburg Peaches, a Class B farm club of the Cleveland Indians in his home state.

Kleckley then became part of the Pirates organization; his contract was acquired for $7,500 as part of an ongoing "shopping spree" for talent under the ownership of John Galbreath. J.W. went to spring training with the big club in 1948. He was not cut until early April, and after he got another summer of seasoning (mostly at Double-A New Orleans), he was called up. However, he did not get to taste his cup of coffee.

Kleckley, whose best friend in baseball was Len Yochim, continued to play in the minors through 1954. He pitched most of the 1951 season and all of 1952 in Columbia, South Carolina, right near where he had grown up.

Kleckley's son, Wade Kleckley, became a pitcher too. Wade had a three-year career in the minors (1969-71).

Related Sites

• Jim Kleckley's obituary