Bob Feller Rookie Debut
Bob Feller's MLB debut was a relief appearance on July 19, 1936, against the Washington Senators.
Bob Feller made his Major League debut on July 19, 1936, in a relief appearance against the Washington Senators.
- Player
- Bob Feller
- Debut Season
- 1936
- Age at Debut
- 17
- Position
- Pitcher
- Team Era
- Cleveland Indians
- Venue
- League Park
- Legacy Status
- Hall of Fame
Lore & Background
Feller's debut was a relief appearance, not a start. He entered the game against the Washington Senators and pitched one inning before being removed due to rain.
In Their Own Story
The sun beat down on League Park in mid-July 1936. A hush fell over the crowd as the seventeen-year-old stepped onto the mound, his cap pulled low against the glare. He wound up and delivered a fastball that seemed to crack through the air like thunder. The batter swung and missed, the sound of the bat whistling empty into the night. In that moment, Cleveland knew their new king had arrived.
Reader's Guide
Feller's first MLB appearance came as a reliever on July 19, 1936, against the Washington Senators. He pitched one inning and was removed due to rain.
Did You Know?
- Feller made his MLB debut as a relief pitcher on July 19, 1936, against the Washington Senators.
- His debut was cut short after one inning due to rain.
- Feller's first career start came a month later, on August 23, 1936, against the St. Louis Browns.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Bob Feller make his major league debut?
He first took the mound for Cleveland on July 4, 1936, while still a teenager. This Independence Day start at League Park immediately captured the hearts of fans across the city.
How old was Bob Feller during his rookie season?
Feller was only seventeen years old when he entered professional baseball competition against major league opponents. His youth made his performance even more remarkable for observers at the time.
Which team did Bob Feller represent in 1936?
He debuted with the Cleveland Indians, which is the franchise that later became known as the Guardians. This period marked a significant chapter in the organization's long history.
Why is Bob Feller's rookie debut considered historically significant?
His arrival signaled a new era of speed and power on the mound for the club. Feller instantly became a local icon who set a high standard for future pitchers within the franchise.
Where did Bob Feller pitch his first major league game?
The historic first outing took place at League Park, the team's home field before they moved to Municipal Stadium. It remains one of the most defining moments in the history of Cleveland baseball.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Cleveland Guardians universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record