Win–loss record 101–118 Name Johnny Klippstein Saves 66 | Strikeouts 1,158 Earned run average 4.24 Role Baseball player | |
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Died October 10, 2003, Elgin, Illinois, United States | ||
John Calvin Klippstein (October 17, 1927 – October 10, 2003) was an American pitcher in Major League Baseball (mostly as a reliever) for a number of teams throughout his career. The most prominent portion of his career was spent early on with the Chicago Cubs (1950–1954). In 18 years, he finished with a 101–118 record and a 4.24 ERA in 711 games (161 starts). He had 1158 strikeouts in 1,967 2/3 innings pitched. Klippstein was often known for his control problems.
He won a World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1959, but played a much more significant role in the Minnesota Twins pennant run in 1965. He was the son-in-law of former pitcher Dutch Leonard. Klippstein was tied (with Mike Fornieles) for the league lead in saves in 1960 when he had 14.
Klippstein died while listening to a radio broadcast of the Cubs versus Florida Marlins game of the National League Championship Series.