Ted Abernathy, American baseball player (d. 2004)

Ted Wade Abernathy, an American professional baseball player whose career spanned parts of 14 seasons in Major League Baseball, left a significant mark as a dominant right-handed relief pitcher. Born on March 6, 1933, in Stanley, North Carolina, Abernathy's journey from a small town to the grand stage of professional baseball showcased remarkable skill and endurance. His distinctive career, primarily spent coming out of the bullpen, saw him amass an impressive 148 saves and twice lead the National League in that crucial category.

Standing at a formidable 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) and weighing 215 pounds (98 kg), Abernathy was an imposing figure on the mound. He batted and threw right-handed, making him a challenging presence for opposing hitters.

Early Life and Foundations

Ted Abernathy's story began in Stanley, North Carolina, where he was born to Wade and Genora (McGinnis) Abernathy. His roots in the community were strong, as he attended and graduated from Stanley High School. It was during these formative years that his talent for baseball began to shine, eventually leading to a pivotal moment in 1952 when he signed with the Washington Senators, embarking on his professional baseball journey. In 1953, he also began another important chapter in his personal life, marrying Margie Clemmer.

A Distinguished MLB Career: The Relief Ace

Abernathy's Major League Baseball career was a testament to his consistency and effectiveness, particularly as a relief pitcher. Across 681 games played between 1955 and 1972, an astounding 647 of those appearances came out of the bullpen, solidifying his reputation as a true relief specialist. He became a familiar face across the league, donning the uniforms of seven different clubs:

His ability to close out games was exceptional, highlighted by his 148 career saves. The save, a statistic introduced in 1969, retrospectively recognized pitchers who protected a lead to secure a victory. Abernathy was at the forefront of this skill set, famously leading the National League in saves twice – first in 1965 and again in 1967 – showcasing his clutch performance under pressure. For a relief pitcher, leading the league in saves is a significant achievement, underscoring their critical role in a team's success.

Throughout his extensive career, Ted Abernathy compiled a solid 63–69 win-loss record, primarily due to his relief role where wins are less frequent. He struck out 765 batters over 1,147⅔ innings pitched, maintaining a respectable 3.46 earned run average (ERA). While facing many of the era's best hitters, he allowed 1,010 hits and issued 592 bases on balls, statistics that reflect his durable and enduring presence on the mound.

Legacy of a Dependable Reliever

Ted Abernathy's contributions to Major League Baseball are best understood through the lens of a dedicated and highly effective relief pitcher. In an era before the specialized "closer" role became as defined as it is today, Abernathy was a pioneering figure in the bullpen, consistently relied upon by multiple teams to maintain leads and finish games. His longevity, coupled with his consistent performance and two National League save titles, cemented his place as one of the standout relief pitchers of his time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ted Abernathy

Who was Ted Abernathy?
Ted Wade Abernathy was an American professional baseball player, primarily known as a right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1955 to 1972.
When was Ted Abernathy born and when did he pass away?
He was born on March 6, 1933, and passed away on December 16, 2004.
What was Ted Abernathy's main role in baseball?
His primary role was a relief pitcher. Out of 681 MLB appearances, 647 were as a reliever.
Which MLB teams did Ted Abernathy play for?
He played for seven different clubs: the Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, and Kansas City Royals.
What were some of Ted Abernathy's key achievements?
Abernathy amassed 148 career saves and notably led the National League in saves twice, in 1965 and 1967. He also maintained a career 3.46 ERA over 1,147⅔ innings pitched.
Where was Ted Abernathy from?
He was a native of Stanley, North Carolina.