Phil Paine

From BR Bullpen

Phil Paine.jpg

Phillips Steere Paine
(Flip)

BR page

Biographical Information[edit]

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[edit]

  • 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[edit]