Remembering Bob Veale: A Legendary Left-Hander
The baseball world mourns the loss of Bob Veale, a formidable figure in Major League Baseball who passed away at the age of 89. Known for his imposing presence on the mound, Veale's contributions to the sport—particularly his role with the Pittsburgh Pirates—remain indelibly engraved in the annals of baseball history.
Veale's impact was most profoundly felt during his thirteen big-league seasons. Born and groomed for greatness, he quickly cemented himself as one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers of his era. His prowess was unmistakable, particularly in 1964 when he led all of Major League Baseball in strikeouts. Despite Veale's propensity to sometimes let batters walk—leading the National League in walks issued on four occasions—his strikeout capabilities and an admirable career ERA of 3.07 demonstrated a pitcher of exceptional ability.
Beyond numbers and statistics, Bob Veale was an integral member of the Pirates, a sentiment echoed by Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting. "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," Nutting fondly recalled. "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."
Veale's performance during his tenure with the Pirates is commemorated not just in his delivery on the mound, but also in the successes he helped the team achieve. Consecutive appearances in the All-Star Games of 1965 and 1966 were testaments to his skill and commitment. His contribution to securing the Pirates' 1971 World Series victory is particularly noteworthy. In the series, Veale made a memorable appearance pitching in relief during a Game 2 loss against the Baltimore Orioles, underscoring his resilience and team spirit.
A calculated strikeout-to-walk ratio of 1.98 over 397 appearances accentuates Veale's strategic approach to the game. With an estimated 24.7 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, his impact extended beyond the confines of personal achievements, boosting his team's performance significantly.
Bob Veale's legacy transcends his playing years; after stepping off the mound, he continued to foster the sport diligently. He worked as a scout and coach, dedicating himself to the game he loved and contributing his wealth of experience to nurturing new talents. His baseball journey began humbly, serving as a bat boy and batting practice pitcher for the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues, an experience that indubitably shaped his profound understanding of baseball.
The sports community, and indeed many fans, will remember Veale not only for his remarkable sportsmanship but also for his indelible character and the charisma he brought to the game. "He was a great man who will be missed," Nutting added, poignantly capturing the sense of loss felt across the baseball fraternity.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions and achievements, Veale was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2006, an accolade befitting a professional of his stature. Through this and many other honors, Bob Veale's legacy continues to inspire, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have on a sport and its community.
As baseball reflects on Veale's storied career, lives influenced by his excellence will carry his legacy forward, a testament to a life and career characterized by outstanding achievement and unwavering dedication. The memories created by Bob Veale, on and off the field, will echo in the ballparks and hearts of those who had the privilege to witness or study his career.