Ray Herbert proudly served in US Military 1951-1952 after having a 4-0 record for Detroit in early 1951 Ray Herbert broke into the majors as a 20-year old, fastballer with the Detroit Tigers in 1950 and was mainly used as a long reliever and spot starter until he was drafted by the expansion Kansas City A's in 1955. In 1958, he started 16 games, completed 5, in 42 appearances, allowed just 161 hits in 175 innings and posted a 8-8 mark, with a 3.50 ERA for the seventh place Athletics. Although, Herbert ranked with the best with his fine control he had the misfortune of pitching for the generally last or next to the last place, Kansas City. In 1960 with KC he struck out 122 batters, walked only 72 in 252.7 innings - finishing with a 15-15 record an a nice 3.28 ERA. Ray Herbert's big break came when he was traded to the first division Chicago White Sox in mid-year 1961. He responded by winning 20 games (20-9, 3.27 ERA) in 1962 and pitched in the All-Star Game. In 1963 he led the AL with seven shutouts, going 13-10, 3.24 ERA. From then on though, Herbert, already 34-years old, was nagged by arm trouble. |