Fun facts about Bob Heffner:
-Born in Allentown, PA, Bob signed with the Red Sox as a teenager in 1957.
-After three years in the low minors, he went 16-9 with a 3.23 ERA in his first full season at class A Allentown.
-A year after leading the class A Eastern League with 234 strikeouts, Heffner finally got the call to Boston in 1963. He won his major league debut, a complete-game 9-2 decision over the Tigers.
-On June 28, 1963, he tied a major league record by recording three putouts at first base in one inning. Only two other pitchers have ever managed this feat.
-Had a serviceable first year, going 4-9 with a 4.26 ERA and finishing strong; his ERA in September was 3.41.
-Saw a lot of action in 1964, appearing in 55 games (45 in relief). Reached career highs in wins (seven), saves (six), and strikeouts (112) while fashioning a 4.08 ERA.
-Hit his only career home run on May 12, 1964 against Cleveland's Mudcat Grant.
-After a brutal 1965 campaign (7.16 ERA in 49 innings), was claimed by the Indians in the Rule 5 draft.
-Barely pitched in the majors after coming to the Tribe: five earned runs in 13 innings for Cleveland in 1966 and two earnies in eight innings for the Angels two years later.
-Ended his career at age 29 in 1968. In parts of five seasons he was 11-21 with a 4.51 ERA.
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