Born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Shantz began his pro career in 1948 in the Athletics\' farm system and played continuously through 1962, including his two full seasons in MLB. He was the second-string catcher and a teammate of his elder brother\'s during the Athletics\' last season in Philadelphia and their first year in Kansas City, hitting .256 and .258 and collecting two home runs among his 98 total hits. In 1959, he followed Bobby to the Yankees\' organization, where he played at the Triple-A level and appeared in one big-league game, on June 29 against the Athletics, as a defensive replacement. In relief of Yogi Berra, he caught the final inning of Jim Coates\' 10–0 shutout victory and did not have a plate appearance.\n', '

Billy Shantz played 1,181 minor league games over 16 total seasons, including a stint as a playing coach in 1966. He also managed in the Yankee farm system for four seasons (1963; 1967–69). He died at age 66 in Lauderhill, Florida.\n', '

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