Lee Stange, a right-handed pitcher, played in Major League Baseball for several teams during the 1960s. Born on October 27, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, Stange attended Drake University, where he honed his skills on the mound before entering the professional ranks. His journey in the major leagues began when he signed with the Washington Senators in 1957, although he did not make his MLB debut until a few years later.

Stange's major league debut came on April 15, 1961, with the Minnesota Twins, the team that had relocated from Washington. In his rookie season, he appeared in 21 games, primarily as a relief pitcher, and posted a respectable earned run average (ERA) of 2.62. Over the next few seasons, Stange continued to develop his craft, splitting his time between starting and relieving. His ability to adapt to different roles on the pitching staff made him a valuable asset to his team.

In 1964, Stange was traded to the Cleveland Indians, where he spent parts of three seasons. During his tenure with the Indians, he was primarily used as a starting pitcher. The 1965 season was particularly noteworthy for Stange, as he achieved a career-high 11 wins and maintained an ERA of 3.56. His performance that year demonstrated his capability to handle a starting role effectively.

Midway through the 1966 season, Stange was traded to the Boston Red Sox. It was with the Red Sox that he experienced one of the most memorable moments of his career. In 1967, Stange was part of the "Impossible Dream" team that won the American League pennant. Although he was not a part of the starting rotation, his contributions out of the bullpen were crucial during the Red Sox's pennant race. Stange appeared in 28 games that season, recording a 2.77 ERA and helping the team reach the World Series. The Red Sox ultimately fell to the St. Louis Cardinals in a hard-fought seven-game series.

Stange continued to pitch for the Red Sox until 1970. During his time in Boston, he was known for his steady presence on the mound and his ability to pitch in various situations, whether as a starter or reliever. His final season in the majors was split between the Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox, where he finished his career.

Over the course of his ten-year MLB career, Lee Stange compiled a win-loss record of 62-61, with an ERA of 3.56 and 21 saves. He appeared in 359 games, starting 125 of them. After retiring as a player, Stange remained involved in baseball, transitioning into coaching. He served as a pitching coach for several teams, including the Red Sox, where he helped guide a new generation of pitchers.

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