Phil Paine

Phillips Steere Paine
(Flip)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 181 lb.
• High School Burrillville High School
• Debut July 14, 1951
• Final Game September 19, 1958
• Born June 8, 1930 in Chepachet, RI USA
• Died February 19, 1978 in Lebanon, PA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Phil Paine is notable for having a career major league pitching record of 10-1, and for being the first former major leaguer to play professionally in Japan.

He was drafted into the United States military after having made his big league debut with the Boston Braves. He was sent to Japan and stationed at a base in Fukuoka, Fukuoka and was subsequently signed by Nishitetsu Lions to a part-time contract. He debuted on August 23, 1953 at Heiwadai Baseball Stadium versus the Tokyu Flyers in a two-hit, 1-0 loss. Thus he became the first former major leaguer to play in the NPB. He appeared in 9 games for the Lions in 1953, going 4-3 with a 1.77 ERA and 5 complete games, including one shutout. After the season, he returned to the Braves, now in Milwaukee.

Further Reading

• Chip Greene: "Phil Paine", in Gregory H. Wolf, ed.: Thar's Joy in Braveland: The 1957 Milwaukee Braves, SABR, Phoenix, AZ, 2014, pp. 147-151. ISBN 978-1933599717

Related Sites

• Phil Paine at the SABR Bio Project