"Detroit Tigers" Billy Hoeft Hand Signed 3X5 Index Card. This item is certified authentic by Signature Auctions and comes with their Letter of Authenticity.

ES-2657C

William Frederick Hoeft (May 17, 1932 – March 16, 2010) was a pitcher in Major League Baseball whose career spanned 15 seasons with the Detroit TigersBoston Red SoxBaltimore OriolesMilwaukee BravesChicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants. He was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Hoeft was signed by the Detroit Tigers as an amateur free agent in 1950. He made his major league debut on April 18, 1952 for the Tigers, and went on to pitch seven full seasons in Detroit. On September 7, 1953, Hoeft struck out three batters on nine pitches in the seventh inning of a 6–2 win over the Chicago White Sox. Hoeft became the fourth American League pitcher and the ninth pitcher in Major League history, as well as the first since 1928, to thrown an immaculate inning. On June 24, 1955, Hoeft surrendered the first home run in the career of Harmon Killebrew, who would eventually hit 573 home runs in his career. He was chosen to be part of the American League All-Star squad in 1955 (in his only baseball all-star selection). He was primarily used as a starting pitcher in Detroit, starting in 176 games during his time there. His best season came in 1956 when he won 20 games and pitched 18 complete games. He also showed occasional potential as a power hitter, once tying an American League record for consecutive home runs by a pitcher with two to begin a game.