Bill Hands, known for his steady presence on the mound, played Major League Baseball primarily as a pitcher. Born on May 6, 1940, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Hands began his professional baseball journey when he was signed by the San Francisco Giants as an amateur free agent in 1959. His early years in the minor leagues were marked by a gradual development of his pitching skills, which eventually led to his MLB debut with the Giants in 1965.

Hands' time with the Giants was brief, as he was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 1966. It was with the Cubs that he spent the majority of his career and achieved his greatest success. Hands quickly became a reliable starter for the Cubs, known for his durability and control on the mound. His best season came in 1969, when he posted a 20-14 record with a 2.49 ERA, helping the Cubs contend for the National League East title. That year, he pitched 300 innings, a testament to his endurance and effectiveness as a pitcher.

Throughout his tenure with the Cubs, Hands was part of a strong pitching rotation that included the likes of Ferguson Jenkins and Ken Holtzman. His ability to consistently deliver quality starts made him a valuable asset to the team. Hands was known for his sinkerball, which induced ground balls and helped him navigate through tough lineups.

In 1973, Hands was traded to the Minnesota Twins, where he continued to pitch effectively, albeit with less fanfare than during his peak years with the Cubs. He spent two seasons with the Twins, providing veteran leadership and stability to their pitching staff. In 1975, Hands was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he concluded his major league career.

Over the course of his 11-year MLB career, Bill Hands compiled a 111-110 win-loss record, with a 3.35 ERA and 1,128 strikeouts. His career was characterized by consistency and reliability, attributes that made him a respected figure among teammates and opponents alike.

After retiring from baseball, Hands returned to New Jersey, where he ran a successful car dealership.

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