ROBERT HAROLD KLINGER
Oaks Pitcher
6', 0"; 180 lbs.
Bats right; throws right
ROBERT HAROLD KLINGER
Oaks Pitcher
6', 0"; 180 lbs.
Bats right; throws right
Steady Bob Klinger, 37, was born June 4, 1908 in Allenton, Missouri. He made his PCL debut with the Sacramento Solons in 1937, pitching 37 games, with an ERA of 3.77. It was good enough to send him to the majors the following season. He played the 1938 through 1943 seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1939, he was their leading winner. From 1944 to 1946 he served in the Navy.
When he returned to baseball after the War, Klinger signed with the Red Sox in 1946, and led the American League with nine saves. He is credited with saving the pennant for the Red Sox in 1946, and was the pitcher when Enos Slaughter made his fabled mad dash home to win Game 
Seven of the 1946 World Series. Bob was hailed as one of the best pitchers in the American League.
He came to Oakland in 1947, contributing to the Oaks pitching staff in 16 games at the start of the 1948 season, with an ERA of 4.18.
He lives in Pacific, Mo.
Copyright William B. Shubb, 2000.