Bob Veale, a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Pirates' pitching staff during his career, left a monumental mark on Major League Baseball. As tributes pour in to honor his legacy following his passing at the age of 89, it becomes clear how his powerful left arm carved out an unforgettable niche in the sports history.
A Dominant Force on the Mound
During his thirteen-season tenure in the big leagues, Veale established himself as one of the most formidable left-handed pitchers of his era. Known for his commanding presence on the mound, he led the majors in strikeouts in 1964, a testament to his ability to overpower hitters with an intimidating arsenal.
Despite his extraordinary talent, Veale was a pitcher who walked a fine line between dominance and recklessness, leading the National League in walks issued on four separate occasions. Nevertheless, his career earned run average (ERA) of 3.07 and a 1.98 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 397 appearances illustrate a pitcher who, more often than not, found ways to outmatch his foes.
Pirate for Life
Veale's career is most closely associated with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team with which he spent the majority of his professional life. He played an instrumental role in leading the Pirates to back-to-back division titles, marking a golden period for the franchise. His contributions culminated in the Pirates' triumph at the 1971 World Series, a victory etched in the annals of baseball history.
In the World Series, Veale took to the mound in relief, pitching during a Game 2 loss against the Baltimore Orioles. Although the game did not go in the Pirates' favor, Veale's efforts throughout the season contributed significantly to the team's ultimate success.
Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting reflected on Veale's indelible impact, stating, "Bob was an integral member of the Pirates who helped our team capture back-to-back division titles as well as the 1971 World Series. He was one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers in all of Major League Baseball during his remarkable big league career that he proudly spent a majority of as a member of the Pirates." Nutting went on to add, "He was a great man who will be missed."
A Legacy Beyond the Diamond
Bob Veale's influence extended beyond his playing years. After retiring from the game, he continued to contribute to baseball as a scout and coach, sharing his wealth of knowledge with younger generations. His early foray into baseball as a bat boy and batting practice pitcher for the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues is a reminder of his lifelong commitment to the sport.
In recognition of his achievements and enduring impact, Veale was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. His peers and admirers regard this accolade as a fitting tribute to a player whose contributions far exceed statistics. Veale's career is marked by impressive milestones, including consecutive All-Star Game appearances in 1965 and 1966 and an estimated 24.7 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, underscoring his value to the teams he served.
As the baseball community mourns the loss of Bob Veale, it is essential to remember him not just for his prolific pitching prowess, but also for his character and contributions to the game. While the fastball that once confounded hitters is now silent, the legacy of passion and excellence Veale left behind will continue to resonate through the corridors of baseball history.