Billy Klaus, baseball player, 1952-1963

Billy Klaus

Born: 12/9/1928 in Spring Grove, IL, USA

Died: 12/3/2006 in Sarasota, FL, USA

MLB Debut: 1952-04-16 | Final Game: 1963-05-17

Bats: L | Throws: R | Height: 5'9" | Weight: 160 lbs

Full name: William Joseph Klaus

Biography

Billy Klaus was a professional baseball player born in 1928, who played in Major League Baseball from 1952 until his retirement on May 17, 1963. A versatile position player, Klaus made a significant impact during his career, appearing in a total of 821 games. He recorded 626 hits, including 40 home runs, and drove in 250 runs, all while maintaining a batting average of .249. Known for his speed on the bases, he also successfully stole 14 bases throughout his time in the league. Klaus's career unfolded during a transformative period in baseball, characterized by the transition from the tail end of the deadball era into a time of increasing offensive output. Throughout his tenure, he played for several teams, demonstrating adaptability and resilience. His contributions on the field were marked by a strong work ethic and a competitive spirit, attributes that endeared him to fans and teammates alike. As a player who navigated the challenges of the early 1960s, Klaus remains a notable figure for his era and continues to be remembered for his contributions to the game.

Career Batting Statistics

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS PIV
821 2513 357 626 106 15 40 250 14 331 285 0.249 0.335 0.351 0.686 -1332.3

Season-by-Season Batting

Fielding Statistics

Career Fielding Totals by Position

Position G GS PO A E DP
2B 43 10 40 51 2 16
3B 272 244 253 536 38 33
OF 1 0 0 0 0 0
SS 425 340 606 1169 83 203

Season-by-Season Fielding

Career Games by Position

Position Games
Second Base 43
Third Base 272
Shortstop 425
Left Field 1

Award Voting History

Year Award League Finish Points Won Points Max Votes First
1955 Most Valuable Player AL 13th 27.0 336 0
1955 Rookie of the Year AL 2nd 5.0 24 5