Tom Metcalf Explained

Tom Metcalf
Position:Relief pitcher
Bats:Right
Throws:Right
Birth Date:16 July 1940
Birth Place:Amherst, Wisconsin
Debutleague:MLB
Debutdate:August 4
Debutyear:1963
Debutteam:New York Yankees
Finalleague:MLB
Finaldate:September 20
Finalyear:1963
Finalteam:New York Yankees
Statleague:MLB
Stat1label:Win–loss record
Stat1value:1–0
Stat2label:Earned run average
Stat2value:2.77
Stat3label:Innings pitched
Stat3value:13
Teams:

Thomas John Metcalf (born July 16, 1940) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who appeared in eight games, all in relief, in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. Born in Amherst, Wisconsin, Metcalf graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids and attended Northwestern University. He threw and batted right-handed, and stood 6feet tall during his active career.

He signed with the Yankees in 1961 and was in his third year in their farm system when he was called to the majors in August 1963. He was treated roughly by the Baltimore Orioles in his August 4 debut, allowing a home run to John Orsino, five hits and three earned runs in two innings pitched,[1] but, over his last seven appearances and 11 innings pitched in the majors, he permitted only one run. Metcalf gained a measure of revenge against Baltimore on September 1. He entered the game in the sixth inning with New York trailing 3–0, and worked two innings, allowing three hits and one run. He then departed for a pinch hitterMickey Mantle—with the Orioles leading, 4–1. Mantle belted a two-run home run off Mike McCormick to bring the Yankees to within a run, and three batters later, Tom Tresh hit another two-run blast, giving New York a 5–4 lead. Hal Reniff the held the Orioles scoreless, registering a save, and preserving Metcalf's only MLB victory.[2]

The 1963 season was Metcalf's only campaign in the majors. In his eight games pitched and 13 innings, he posted a 1–0 won–lost mark with an earned run average of 2.77, allowing four runs, 12 hits and three bases on balls, with three strikeouts.[3] He retired after the 1965 minor-league season.

Metcalf currently resides in Wisconsin Rapids and is the owner of Metcalf Lumber.

Notes and References

  1. [Retrosheet]
  2. [Retrosheet]
  3. Baseball Almanac