Ray Semproch, though never a household name in Major League Baseball, carved out a unique legacy by being a vital part of not one, but two expansion teams in the pivotal year of 1961.
In November 1960, Semproch made history as one of the inaugural two players drafted by the newly-formed Washington Senators—a franchise that would eventually relocate to Texas, adopting the moniker of the Rangers a decade later. Despite his promising start, Semproch never took the mound in a regular-season game for the Senators. Just a few months later, in April 1961, the talented pitcher was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels, the other expansion team that season.
Semproch, who passed away on Oct. 27 at the venerable age of 93, concluded his four-season Major League career with the Angels in 1961.
His journey in professional baseball commenced with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1958, and over the course of his career, Semproch posted a record of 19-21 along with a 4.42 earned-run average.
A native son of Cleveland, Semproch signed on as an amateur free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1951, but before making his Major League debut, he dedicated two years to military service. He finally made his MLB debut in April 1958, delivering a notable performance that included allowing only a hit and a walk, striking out two batters, and securing a win during a three-inning relief appearance.
In a remarkable start to his career, Semproch was 11-5 with a stellar 3.08 ERA just three months into his first season, even leading the National League in wins at one point. However, the season concluded with him finishing at 13-11 and a 3.92 ERA for a Phillies team that ended up with a record of 69-85.
The following year, 1959, did not go as well for Semproch as he posted a disappointing 3-10 record with a 5.40 ERA over 30 games, which included 18 starts.
In December 1959, Semproch was traded to the Detroit Tigers in a deal that involved him and Chico Fernandez being sent in exchange for Ted Lepcio, Ken Walters, and Alex Cosmidis. While with the Tigers in 1960, Semproch made 17 appearances from the bullpen, maintaining a 4.00 ERA.
Most of 1960 was spent in Triple-A, where Semproch shined with the Spokane Indians, accumulating an impressive 11-2 record and a 3.96 ERA. The Indians, recognizing his talent, ended the season with a strong 92-61 record, marking it as one of the brightest chapters in the franchise’s history.
On Nov. 28, 1960, Semproch was chosen by the Washington Senators in the Rule V Draft. Alongside John Gabler, he proudly became one of the first two players acquired by the newly established Senators franchise, ahead of the anticipated expansion draft.
During the 1961 season, the Angels opted to part ways with Semproch, selling his contract to Toronto of the International League. However, a debilitating back injury sidelined him for a significant portion of that season, disrupting his momentum. He later tried to reclaim his place in the baseball world during spring training with the Cleveland Indians, yet was unable to secure a place on the team’s major league roster.
After hanging up his cleats, Semproch transitioned into a new chapter of his life, serving as a bar manager at his brother’s Italian restaurant in Ohio, where he dedicated many years to this post-baseball career.
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