Steve Busby, baseball player, 1972-1980

Steve Busby

Born: 9/29/1949 in Burbank, CA, USA

MLB Debut: 1972-09-08 | Final Game: 1980-08-26

Bats: R | Throws: R | Height: 6'2" | Weight: 205 lbs

Full name: Steven Lee Busby

Biography

Steve Busby, born in 1949, was a prominent pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1972 until his retirement in 1980. Known for his powerful right arm and competitive spirit, Busby made a significant impact during his career with the Kansas City Royals. Over his tenure, he compiled a record of 70-54 and achieved an earned run average (ERA) of 3.72, showcasing his ability to consistently keep runs off the board. He struck out 659 batters, demonstrating his skill in overpowering hitters during an era that valued pitching prowess. Busby's contributions to the game were recognized through two All-Star selections, highlighting his status as one of the top pitchers of his time. His career coincided with a period of significant change in baseball, including the emergence of free agency and a shift in the dynamics of pitching strategies. Although he did not record any saves, his role as a starting pitcher was vital to the Royals' success in the late 1970s. Steve Busby remains a notable figure in baseball history, remembered for his competitive edge and contributions to the Royals during a formative period for the franchise.

Career Pitching Statistics

W L G GS CG SHO SV IP H ER HR BB SO ERA Pitcher PIV
70 54 167 150 53 7 0 1060.7 1003 438 73 433 659 3.72 0

Season-by-Season Pitching

Career Batting Statistics

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS PIV
167 15 0 3 1 0 0 4 0 0 3 0.200 0.200 0.267 0.467 0.0

Season-by-Season Batting

Fielding Statistics

Career Fielding Totals by Position

Position G GS PO A E DP
P 167 150 76 198 23 8

Season-by-Season Fielding

Career Games by Position

Position Games
Pitcher 167

Awards & Honors

Year Award Notes
1974 Player of the Week Week of 1974-06-21
1973 TSN Rookie Pitcher of the Year

College History

School Name City State Years Attended
University of Southern California Los Angeles CA 1970, 1971

Award Voting History

Year Award League Finish Points Won Points Max Votes First
1974 Most Valuable Player AL 30th 3.0 336 0
1973 Rookie of the Year AL 3rd 2.0 24 2