Major League Baseball Player. For six seasons (1949 to 1954), he was a left-handed pitcher with the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox. Born William George Werle, he attended the University of California, where he was a star player; he majored in Entomology while there, earning him the nickname "bugs" during his baseball career. Following service in the US Army during World War II, he played with the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League, before signing as a non-drafted player by Pittsburgh. Werle broke into the Major Leagues with the Pirates on April 22nd, 1949, and recorded 12 victories in 35 games pitched during his rookie year. He was among the National League leaders in game appearances for two consecutive seasons, (1950 with 48 third place, and 1951 with 59 second place, respectively). In 185 career games, he compiled a 29 win 39 loss record, with a lifetime 4.69 ERA, in 665 innings pitched. After extending his playing career an additional six years in the PCL, he served as a Minor League manager with several clubs. He returned to the Major League level for a brief stint (temporarily replacing Larry Jansen) as pitching coach with the San Francisco Giants in 1966. In addition, Werle served as a special assignment scout with the Baltimore Orioles' and Cleveland Indians' organizations. He died of complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Major League Baseball Player. For six seasons (1949 to 1954), he was a left-handed pitcher with the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox. Born William George Werle, he attended the University of California, where he was a star player; he majored in Entomology while there, earning him the nickname "bugs" during his baseball career. Following service in the US Army during World War II, he played with the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League, before signing as a non-drafted player by Pittsburgh. Werle broke into the Major Leagues with the Pirates on April 22nd, 1949, and recorded 12 victories in 35 games pitched during his rookie year. He was among the National League leaders in game appearances for two consecutive seasons, (1950 with 48 third place, and 1951 with 59 second place, respectively). In 185 career games, he compiled a 29 win 39 loss record, with a lifetime 4.69 ERA, in 665 innings pitched. After extending his playing career an additional six years in the PCL, he served as a Minor League manager with several clubs. He returned to the Major League level for a brief stint (temporarily replacing Larry Jansen) as pitching coach with the San Francisco Giants in 1966. In addition, Werle served as a special assignment scout with the Baltimore Orioles' and Cleveland Indians' organizations. He died of complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Bio by: C.S.
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