Former MLB Pitcher Bob Duliba Dies at 91

Duliba played for the Cardinals, Angels, Red Sox, and Athletics over his 9-year career.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion, with sharp planes of muted earth tones overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.A cubist interpretation of a baseball pitcher's motion captures the sport's raw athleticism and energy.Wilkes-Barre Today

Bob Duliba, a Pennsylvania native who pitched for four Major League Baseball teams, has died at the age of 91. Duliba, who struck out 18 of 21 batters in a high school game that caught the attention of the St. Louis Cardinals, made his MLB debut in 1959 after serving in the U.S. Marines. He went on to play for the Cardinals, Angels, Red Sox, and Athletics, compiling a 17-12 record with a 3.47 ERA over his 9-year career.

Why it matters

Duliba's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact that a single moment can have on a person's life. His journey from a small-town high school pitcher to a Major League Baseball player is an inspiring example of the American dream.

The details

Duliba's path to the big leagues started when he struck out 18 of 21 batters in a high school game that was attended by scouts from the St. Louis Cardinals. This moment led to him signing with the Cardinals and eventually making his MLB debut in 1959 after serving in the U.S. Marines from 1956 to 1958. Over his 9-year career, Duliba played for the Cardinals, Angels, Red Sox, and Athletics, finishing with a 17-12 record and a 3.47 ERA.

  • Duliba struck out 18 of 21 batters in a high school game that was attended by Cardinals scouts.
  • Duliba made his MLB debut in 1959 after serving in the U.S. Marines from 1956 to 1958.
  • Duliba played in the MLB from 1959 to 1967.
  • Duliba passed away on April 4, 2026 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

The players

Bob Duliba

A Pennsylvania native who pitched for four Major League Baseball teams, the St. Louis Cardinals, California Angels, Boston Red Sox, and Oakland Athletics, over a 9-year career from 1959 to 1967.

Charlie Finley

The owner of the Oakland Athletics who brought Duliba up to the team for 29 days so that he could qualify for his MLB pension.

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What they’re saying

“It was the most fortunate thing to ever have happened to me.”

— Bob Duliba

“Charlie brought me up... to give me another 29 days so I could be eligible. All I did was throw batting practice. He was a good man.”

— Bob Duliba

The takeaway

Duliba's story is a heartwarming example of how a single moment can change the trajectory of a person's life. Despite facing challenges along the way, he persevered and achieved his dream of playing in the Major Leagues, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the field.