Ellis Kinder
Ellis Raymond Kinder (
July 26,
1914 -
October 16,
1968), also nicknamed
"Old Folks", was a
Major League Baseball right-handed
pitcher who played for the
St. Louis Browns (1946-1947),
Boston Red Sox (1948-55),
St. Louis Cardinals (1956) and
Chicago White Sox (1956-57). He was born in
Atkins, Arkansas.
Despite making his MLB debut as a 31 year old rookie, Kinder had a reputable career. He is one of few pitchers in baseball history who
won or
saved a combined total of at least 200 games, and who were primarily
starters for at least a third of their career.
Kinder was the best starting pitcher in the
American League in
1949, going 23-6 and leading the league in
shutouts (6) and a .793 of
winning percentage, with a 130 adjusted
ERA. In fact, Kinder's ERA+ for his four years as a starter were 87, 117, 130 and 115. And then, in
1951, the Red Sox, desperate for a
relief pitcher, moved him to the pen where he shined as the best reliever in the AL until
1955.
In his 12-year career, Kinder compiled a 102-71 record with 749
strikeouts, a 3.43 ERA, 56
complete games, 10 shutouts, 102 saves, and 1479
innings pitched in 484 games.
Ellis Kinder died in
Jackson, Tennessee, at the age of 54.
Highlights* Twice Top 10
MVP (1949, 1951)
* Twice led league in winning percentage (1949, 1951)
* Led league in shutouts (1949)
* Twice led league in games pitched (63, 1951; 69, 1953)
* Twice led league in saves (1951, 1953)
* Pitched a 10 scoreless relief win-game (1951)
* 4-time led league as the oldest player (1955-57)
