1. Overview
Bert Elmer Singleton (June 26, 1918 - January 5, 1996) was an American professional baseball player who spent parts of seven seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a right-handed pitcher between 1945 and 1959. His extensive professional career spanned 24 seasons from 1940 until 1963, with his time in MLB primarily spent with the Boston Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Senators, and Chicago Cubs. Singleton was also a significant figure in minor league baseball, particularly in the Pacific Coast League, for 14 seasons.
2. Early Life and Career Beginnings
Bert Elmer Singleton's foundational years and the commencement of his professional baseball journey set the stage for his lengthy career in the sport.
2.1. Birth and Background
Born on June 26, 1918, in Ogden, Utah, Bert Elmer Singleton grew up to become a prominent figure in professional baseball. He was listed with physical attributes of 6 in tall and 174 lb (174 lb).
2.2. Professional Debut and Wartime Service
Singleton began his professional baseball career in 1940. His early career was briefly interrupted when he voluntarily retired in 1944 to serve during World War II, demonstrating a commitment beyond the baseball field. He resumed his career after the war, playing continuously until 1963.
3. Major League Baseball Career
Bert Elmer Singleton's career in Major League Baseball saw him play for several teams over more than a decade, where he accumulated various pitching statistics.
3.1. MLB Teams and Statistics
Singleton played all or part of seven seasons in Major League Baseball, with his tenure extending from 1945 to 1959. He represented the Boston Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Senators, and Chicago Cubs. Across his MLB career, he worked in 145 games pitched, making 19 starts as a starting pitcher. He compiled a record of 11 wins and 17 losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 4.83. During his 327⅔ innings pitched, he allowed 322 hits and 146 bases on balls, while recording 160 strikeouts. Singleton also registered two complete games.
3.2. Notable Trade and Impact
A significant event in Singleton's MLB career was a trade that occurred on September 30, 1946. He was involved in a six-player deal that sent him from the Braves to the Pittsburgh Pirates. This trade notably brought third baseman Bob Elliott to Boston. Elliott went on to achieve considerable success with the Braves, being chosen as the winner of the National League's 1947 Most Valuable Player Award and playing a crucial role in leading the Braves to the 1948 NL pennant.
4. Minor League Career
Beyond his time in MLB, Bert Elmer Singleton maintained an extensive and notable career in minor league baseball.
His minor league career included 14 seasons playing in the top-level Pacific Coast League (PCL), a highly competitive league. Overall, Singleton appeared in 526 minor-league games. Across his minor league tenure, he achieved a career record of 184 wins against 186 losses, highlighting his consistent presence and performance in the lower leagues.
5. Death
Bert Elmer Singleton passed away on January 5, 1996, at the age of 77.
6. Legacy
Bert Elmer Singleton's legacy in baseball is characterized by his remarkable longevity and dedication to the sport. His professional career spanned 24 seasons, an impressive feat that saw him play both in the major leagues and extensively in the minor leagues, particularly in the highly regarded Pacific Coast League. Singleton's commitment to the game, including his voluntary service during World War II, underscores his enduring place in the history of American baseball.