Bob Veale: A Dominant Force on the Mound and Cherished Pirate
In the realm of Major League Baseball, few pitchers have left as formidable an impression as Bob Veale. Known for his overpowering fastball, this left-handed pitcher carved out a legacy that remains etched in the annals of the game. Bob Veale spent the majority of his thirteen-season career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where his formidable presence on the mound was a key factor in the team’s success during the 1960s and early 1970s.
Veale's journey to baseball stardom began in the Negro Leagues, where he served as a bat boy and batting practice pitcher for the Birmingham Black Barons. This experience laid the foundation for what was to become a remarkable career in the majors. Over his storied career, Veale's prowess was not just seen in his impressive stats, such as his 3.07 career ERA or the fact that he led the majors in strikeouts in 1964. It was also seen in his ability to intimidate batters with his high strikeout ratio, with 1.98 strikeouts for every walk over 397 appearances.
Veale's skill set made him an integral asset to the Pirates, helping them secure back-to-back division titles and playing a pivotal role in their 1971 World Series victory. Despite pitching in relief during a Game 2 loss against the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series, Veale's contributions during the season were invaluable to the Pirates' triumph. "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," said Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting.
Veale's ability to navigate the challenges on the field extended beyond his pitching prowess. While leading the National League in walks issued on four occasions might have been a blemish on a lesser pitcher’s resume, Veale’s resilience and ability to adjust his strategies speak to his tenacity. These characteristics made him a mainstay in the Pirates' pitching lineup for years, earning him consecutive All-Star Game appearances in 1965 and 1966.
After his playing days, Veale continued to impact the game he loved by working as a scout and a coach, nurturing young talent and sharing his vast knowledge of the sport. His contribution to baseball was multidimensional, a testament to his understanding and passion for the game. Veale also achieved a notable milestone when he was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2006, an honor that celebrated both his roots and his exceptional career.
His accomplishments on the field were paired with a profound respect from peers and fans alike, culminating in the estimation that he contributed 24.7 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. His blend of intensity and skill often left audiences—and batters—in awe.
Tragically, the baseball community now mourns the loss of this great man, as Bob Veale passed away at the age of 89. His legacy, however, remains alive in the heart of baseball, a legacy that Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting poignantly expressed: "He was a great man who will be missed."
In celebrating Bob Veale's life and contributions, the essence of being a Pirate and a consummate professional stands vividly clear. His journey through baseball was not just about statistics and achievements; it was about the passion, dedication, and influence he imparted on the sport and its community. Today, Bob Veale is remembered not only as a dominant force on the mound but as an individual whose life transcended baseball, leaving an indelible mark on those who admired his journey from Birmingham to the pinnacle of Major League Baseball.