Rube Walberg
Spending much of his career with the Athletics, Rube Walberg was a #3 starter behind more efficient workhorses Lefty Grove and George Earnshaw. Battling control problems, Walberg posted modest win totals for one of baseball's greatest teams, going 101-69 over a six-year stretch (1927-1932) when Connie Mack's A's averaged 99 wins per season. Mack's lack of confidence in the southpaw was underscored by the fact that Walberg was given just one start in three World Series appearances. He did however, work well out of the bullpen, especially in the 1929 Fall Classic against the Cubs.
Played For
New York Giants (1923)
Philadelphia Athletics (1923-1933)
Boston Red Sox (1934-1937)
Best Season: 1931
His ERA was a solid 3.74, and thanks in large part to the powerful A's lineup, Walberg won 20 games for the one and only time in his career. He led the AL in innings pitched. Mack did not use him as a starter in the World Series, preferring Grove and Earnshaw against the Cardinals.
Born
George Elvin Walberg was born on July 27, 1896, in Pine City, MN.
Died
October 27, 1978, Tempe, AZ
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
Primary Position: P
Primary Team: PHA
Major League Debut
April 29, 1923
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1923
Lou Gehrig
Heinie Manush
Bill Terry
Hack Wilson
Willie Kamm
Ted Lyons
Moe Berg
Charley Root
Earl Whitehill
Many, many left-handed pitchers earned the nickname "Rube" because of the comparison to Rube Waddell. Walberg was nothing like Waddell, either on the mound or off, but he was given the Rube moniker.
Related Players
Lefty Grove and George Earnshaw
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1960 |
BBWAA |
1 |
.4% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1929 World Series
1930 World Series
1931 World Series
Post-Season Notes
Up two games in the 1930 World Series, Connie Mack started Walberg in Game Three at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. Walberg battled into the fifth inning before allowing four straight baserunners. The Cards knocked Rube out of the contest, took a 2-0 lead, and won the game, 5-0. The A's won the Series in six games. It was Walberg's only World Series start... Walberg's lone WS victory came after he delivered 5 1/3 innings of two-hit, shutout relief against the Cubs in Game Five of the '29 Fall Classic. The A's scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth to rally for a dramatic 3-2 win.
Transactions
May 17, 1923: Selected off waivers by the Philadelphia Athletics from the New York Giants.
December 12, 1933: Traded by the Philadelphia Athletics with Max Bishop and Lefty Grove to the Boston Red Sox for Bob Kline, Rabbit Warstler, and $125,000 cash.
The trade to Boston, of course, was completely financial. Mack cleaned out his powerhouse team during the Great Depression to keep afloat. Walberg served as a part-time starter and reliever in Boston, closing out lopsided games.
Best Strength as a Player
Durability. Walberg never had a sore arm. He pitched his last game at the age of 41.
Largest Weakness as a Player
Control. The lefty walked (1,031) nearly as many as he struck out (1,085).
Learn More about Rube Walberg
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