Billy Muffett

Who was Billy Muffett?

Billy Arnold Muffett was an American professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1957 to 1962. He would play for the St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, and Boston Red Sox. In his playing days, he stood 6"1" tall, weighed 198 pounds, and threw and batted right-handed. He was born in Hammond, Indiana.

Muffett came to the major leagues with St. Louis in 1957 and fashioned his best overall season, winning three of five decisions, posting an earned run average of 2.25 and notching eight saves. Over his career, he won 16 and lost 23 with a 4.33 ERA in 125 games.

After retiring as a player, Muffett was a longtime MLB pitching coach for the Cardinals, California Angels and Detroit Tigers between 1967 and 1994. He coached on the Cardinals' 1967–68 National League pennant-winning clubs, and their 1967 World Series champion edition. He survived a bout with cancer in 1987, but continued in his role as Tiger pitching coach during his recovery.

Billy Muffett died June 15, 2008 at his home in Monroe, Louisiana.