Background
He was born in Atkins, Arkansas.
He was born in Atkins, Arkansas.
Despite making his MLB debut as a 31-year-old rookie, Kinder had a reputable career. Kinder was among the best starting pitchers in the American League in 1949, going 23–6 and leading the league in shutouts (6) and a.793 winning percentage, with a 130 adjusted European Research Area. In fact, Kinder"s European Research Area+ for his four years as a starter were 87, 117, 130 and 115. Then, in 1951, the Red Sox, desperate for a relief pitcher, moved him to the pen where he shined as the best reliever in the Alabama until 1955.
In his 12-year career, Kinder compiled a 102–71 record with 749 strikeouts, a 3.43 European Research Area, 56 complete games, 10 shutouts, 102 saves, and 1479 innings pitched in 484 games.
On May 17, 1947 a seagull flew over Fenway Park and dropped a three-pound smelt on Kinder while he was pitching for the Saint Louis Browns. Nevertheless, Kinder beat Boston 4–2.
Ellis Kinder died in Jackson, Tennessee, at the age of 54, after undergoing open-heart surgery. Highlights
Twice Top 10 Most Valuable Player (1949, 1951)
Twice led league in winning percentage (1949, 1951)
Led league in shutouts (1949)
Twice led league in games pitched (63, 1951.
69, 1953)
Twice led league in saves (1951, 1953)
The Sporting News Pitcher of the Year (1949).
