Steve Busby

Born: 9/29/1949 in Burbank, CA, USA

MLB Debut: 1972-09-08 | Final Game: 1980-08-26

Bats: R | Throws: R | Height: 6'2" | Weight: 205 lbs

Full name: Steven Lee Busby

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Biography

Steve Busby, born in 1949, was a prominent pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1972 until his retirement in 1980. Known for his powerful right arm and competitive spirit, Busby made a significant impact during his career with the Kansas City Royals. Over his tenure, he compiled a record of 70-54 and achieved an earned run average (ERA) of 3.72, showcasing his ability to consistently keep runs off the board. He struck out 659 batters, demonstrating his skill in overpowering hitters during an era that valued pitching prowess. Busby's contributions to the game were recognized through two All-Star selections, highlighting his status as one of the top pitchers of his time. His career coincided with a period of significant change in baseball, including the emergence of free agency and a shift in the dynamics of pitching strategies. Although he did not record any saves, his role as a starting pitcher was vital to the Royals' success in the late 1970s. Steve Busby remains a notable figure in baseball history, remembered for his competitive edge and contributions to the Royals during a formative period for the franchise.

Career Pitching Statistics

W	L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	ER	HR	BB	SO	ERA	Pitcher PIV
70	54	167	150	53	7	0	1060.7	1003	438	73	433	659	3.72	0

Career ERA 3.72 vs. league average 3.68 across their career seasons — near league average.

Season-by-Season Pitching

Year	Team	Lg	W	L	G	GS	CG	SHO	IP	H	ER	BB	SO	ERA	Lg ERA	Pitcher PIV
1972	KCR	AL	3	1	5	5	3	0	40.0	28	7	8	31	1.57	3.26 (+52%)	-
1973	KCR	AL	16	15	37	37	7	1	238.3	246	112	105	174	4.23	3.75 (-13%)	-
1974	KCR	AL	22	14	38	38	20	3	292.3	284	110	92	198	3.39	3.63 (+7%)	-
1975	KCR	AL	18	12	34	34	18	3	260.3	233	89	81	160	3.08	3.71 (+17%)	-
1976	KCR	AL	3	3	13	13	1	0	71.7	58	35	49	29	4.40	3.51 (-25%)	-
1978	KCR	AL	1	0	7	5	0	0	21.3	24	18	15	10	7.59	3.69 (-106%)	-
1979	KCR	AL	6	6	22	12	4	0	94.3	71	38	64	45	3.63	4.00 (+9%)	-
1980	KCR	AL	1	3	11	6	0	0	42.3	59	29	19	12	6.17	3.84 (-60%)	-

Career Batting Statistics

G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	PIV
167	15	0	3	1	0	0	4	0	0	3	0.200	0.200	0.267	0.467	0.0

Career AVG .200 vs. league average .258 across their career seasons — 22.4% below league average.

Career OBP .200 vs. league average .324 across their career seasons — 38.2% below league average.

Career SLG .267 vs. league average .376 across their career seasons — 29.0% below league average.

Career OPS 0.467 vs. league average 0.699 across their career seasons — 33.3% below league average.

Season-by-Season Batting

Year	Team	Lg	G	AB	H	2B	RBI	SO	AVG	Lg AVG	Lg OBP	Lg SLG	Lg OPS
1972	KCR	AL	5	15	3	1	4	3	0.200	—	—	—	—
1973	KCR	AL	37	0	0	0	0	0	.000	—	—	—	—
1974	KCR	AL	38	0	0	0	0	0	.000	—	—	—	—
1975	KCR	AL	34	0	0	0	0	0	.000	—	—	—	—
1976	KCR	AL	13	0	0	0	0	0	.000	—	—	—	—
1978	KCR	AL	7	0	0	0	0	0	.000	—	—	—	—
1979	KCR	AL	22	0	0	0	0	0	.000	—	—	—	—
1980	KCR	AL	11	0	0	0	0	0	.000	—	—	—	—