Orval Grove | |
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Pitcher | |
Born: West Mineral, Kansas, U.S. | August 29, 1919|
Died: April 20, 1992 Carmichael, California, U.S. | (aged 72)|
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
MLB debut | |
May 28, 1940, for the Chicago White Sox | |
Last MLB appearance | |
April 27, 1949, for the Chicago White Sox | |
MLB statistics | |
Win–loss record | 63–73 |
Earned run average | 3.78 |
Strikeouts | 374 |
Teams | |
Career highlights and awards | |
Orval Leroy Grove (August 29, 1919 – April 20, 1992) was an American professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for ten seasons in the American League with the Chicago White Sox. In 207 career games, Grove pitched 1,176 innings and posted a win–loss record of 63–73, with 66 complete games, 11 shutouts, and a 3.78 earned run average (ERA).
The only freshman on the Proviso Township High School varsity baseball team, Grove's pitching ability attracted the attention of the White Sox. After signing with the team in 1937, Grove moved between the major leagues and minor leagues for a few seasons until 1943, when he found a solid place in the White Sox's pitching rotation. Grove had a career-year in 1943, finishing the season with career-bests in ERA, wins, and complete games; in 1944, he made his only All-Star appearance.
Grove spent four more full seasons with the White Sox, and after pitching one game in 1949, was sent to the Sacramento Solons of the Pacific Coast League. After playing four seasons with them, he formally retired from professional baseball. After retirement, he worked with his uncle in a trucking business in Chicago while continuing to pitch at the semi-pro level. In 1992, Grove died at the age of 72.