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Brett Morgan Butler (born June 15, 1957) is an American former center fielder in Major League Baseball and coach. He played for five different teams from 1981 through 1997. A leadoff hitter for the majority of his career, Butler led the league in triples and runs scored twice each and was named a National League All-Star in 1991. He was diagnosed with cancer in May 1996, received treatment and returned to the playing field four months later. He retired in 1997 and began a baseball coaching career. He has coached or managed numerous professional teams. He was the manager of the Reno Aces minor league team from late 2008 through 2013.[1]

Key Information

Playing career

[edit]

Butler spent his teenaged years in Libertyville, Illinois, where he was a starting outfielder on the Libertyville High School baseball team that finished in the top 16 teams in the state his senior year. Upon graduating, he announced plans to play baseball in college. Butler, who had explored walking on at baseball powerhouse Arizona State, made the team at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The outfielder led the Savages to championships during all three years at Southeastern including an NAIA national runner-up finish in 1977. He was twice named to the NAIA All-America Baseball Team. Butler was the Savages' first .400 hitter with a .439 average in 1977. He set career records in home runs (31), runs (209), triples (15), hits (220), walks (162), and career batting average (.394).[2]

After attending Southeastern Oklahoma, Butler was drafted in the 23rd round of the 1979 amateur draft by the Atlanta Braves. The Braves were building a contending team with players like Dale Murphy, Bob Horner, and Glenn Hubbard after years of losing, but they lacked a leadoff hitter with speed. After playing in the minor leagues, he made his major league debut with the Braves on August 20, 1981. Butler helped lead the Braves to a 13–0 start and the National League West Division title in 1982, their first division title since 1969. He had another fine year with the Braves in 1983, but they finished second in the West to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In October 1983, Butler was sent to the Cleveland Indians (along with Brook Jacoby and Rick Behenna) to complete a deal in which the Braves had acquired Len Barker for cash, toward the end of the 1983 season. In 1984, he became the first batter Roger Clemens would face in the big leagues. He played with the Indians for four seasons, batting a career-high .311 in 1985.

Butler signed with the San Francisco Giants as a free agent after the 1987 season and established himself as one of the premier leadoff hitters in the National League. He helped the Giants to the NL pennant in 1989, as the leadoff hitter in a lineup that included Will Clark, Kevin Mitchell, and Matt Williams. Butler had just four hits in the NLCS versus Chicago but collected six runs. In his first and only World Series appearance, he batted .286 (4-for-14) with one RBI and two stolen bases as the Giants lost in a sweep to the Oakland Athletics.

Following the 1990 season, Butler signed a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a member of the Dodgers from 1991 to 1995, Butler reached the prime of his career. In 1991, Butler led the National League in runs scored and walks, earned a roster spot on the National League All-Star team, and finished seventh in MVP voting. During the 1995 season, Butler was signed as a free agent by the New York Mets. In August 1995, Butler rejoined the Dodgers in a trade for Dwight Manees and Scott Hunter. After finishing the season with the Dodgers, he again became a free agent and returned to the Dodgers.

In May 1996, Butler learned that he was suffering from squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsils, a type of cancer which only rarely involves the tonsils. Butler was not a smoker himself, but had grown up in a home where both parents smoked heavily, and thus had significant exposure to second-hand smoke for years, which his doctors speculated was the likely cause of his cancer. Following an operation to remove the tumor, and intensive treatment to combat the disease, he returned to the Dodgers' lineup in September of the same year—defying the predictions of those who had speculated he would never be able to play again.[3] Butler finished the 1996 season with the Dodgers and played with them for one more year, participating in his final game on September 28, 1997.

In 1996, he was awarded the Branch Rickey Award, which honored his outstanding community service.

Over his career, Butler produced a .290 batting average, 2,375 hits, and 558 stolen bases. Many consider him to be one of the best leadoff hitters of the 1980s and early 1990s, due to his high on-base percentage, speed and dynamic bunting. Butler currently ranks 130th on the list of career hits.[4] Butler finished in the top 25 voting for National League Most Valuable Player five times in his career (1988-1992 and 1994); in 1991, he finished seventh in NL MVP voting and was named an all-star. Butler recorded a .993 fielding percentage at center field in his major league career.[5]

Coaching career

[edit]

Butler began his coaching career in the spring of 1998 as the assistant coach of the Duluth Youth Baseball and Softball Association's Minor League Dodgers team, the team on which his son was playing. He was able to secure and provide replica game and practice uniforms for the boys and coaches. Butler helped coach the Dodgers to a second-place finish in the Minor League championship game that season.[citation needed]

Butler was a coach with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the 2005 season. He was hired to manage the Lancaster JetHawks of the Class-A advanced club for the 2006 season. He was hired to manage the Mobile BayBears, a newly acquired Double-AA team for the Arizona Diamondbacks, for the 2007 season.[citation needed]

Butler as manager for the Reno Aces in 2012

In October 2008, it was announced that Butler was hired to manage the Reno Aces of the Class-AAA club for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Butler was named as a coach for the 2011 All-Star Futures Game. In 2012, Butler led the Reno Aces to their first ever Pacific Coast League Championship and also led them to the Triple-AAA National Championship in the same year, where they defeated the Pawtucket Red Sox 10-3.[citation needed]

On October 11, 2013, Butler was named the third base/outfield coach for the Miami Marlins.[6]

Personal life

[edit]

Butler is a Christian. Butler's wife's name is Eveline, and they have four children, Blake, Abbi, Katie, and Stefanie.[7]

On April 24, 2006, Butler was hospitalized with chest pains after a Lancaster JetHawks game he managed. Butler apparently did not have a heart attack, and underwent further tests. Butler returned to his coaching duties "after a week off due to a viral infection."[8]

On July 29, 2007, Butler was hospitalized again after suffering a mild stroke.

See also

[edit]

Books

[edit]
  • Brett Butler (1997). Field of Hope: An Inspiring Autobiography of a Lifetime of Overcoming Odds. Thomas Nelson Inc. ISBN 0-7852-7144-9.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Brett Butler (baseball)

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Brett Butler is an American former who played 17 seasons in (MLB) from 1981 to 1997, renowned for his speed on the bases, leadoff prowess, and defensive skills in center field across five teams. Born Brett Morgan Butler on June 15, 1957, in , , he grew up in the area until age 12 before moving to the suburbs, where he attended . After playing at , Butler was selected by the in the 23rd round (573rd overall) of the 1979 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut on August 20, 1981, with the Braves and spent his first three seasons there before being traded to the Indians in 1984, where he established himself as a dynamic table-setter. Butler later played for the Giants (1988–1990), (1991–1994 and 1996–1997), and (1995), amassing a career of .290 with 2,375 hits, 54 home runs, 578 runs batted in, 1,359 runs scored, and 558 stolen bases over 1,983 games. Among his notable achievements, Butler earned a single selection in 1991 and led the National League in triples three times (1983, 1994, 1995) while topping the once in 1986; he also paced the NL in runs scored twice and hits once in 1990. Known as one of the era's premier bunters, he recorded 245 bunt hits and 147 sacrifice bunts, contributing to his reputation as a with a .377 . In 1996, Butler faced a major health setback when diagnosed with in his throat, causing him to miss most of the season before making an inspiring return on September 6; he played sparingly thereafter and retired after the 1997 campaign. Following his playing days, Butler transitioned into coaching and managing roles, serving with the Dodgers, Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Florida Marlins; he suffered a on July 26, 2007, but has continued involvement in instruction.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and High School

Brett Butler was born on June 15, 1957, in , , to Jerry and Betty Butler. His family relocated to , where he attended elementary school, before moving again when he was 12 or 13 to , a suburb of . Growing up in this Midwestern community, Butler was influenced by his father's encouragement to pursue athletic potential, with Jerry instilling the belief that ability carried a responsibility to use it fully. The family emphasized discipline and hard work, shaping Butler's approach to sports from an early age. At , from which he graduated in 1975, Butler emerged as a multi-sport despite his slight build of 5 feet 3 inches and 92 pounds. He competed in four varsity sports: , football, cross country, and wrestling, where he excelled most prominently, earning three All-Conference honors as a wrestler. In football, he played , demonstrating leadership and quick decision-making. His involvement in cross country further honed his endurance and speed, traits that would later define his career. These experiences built a foundation for his athletic versatility and resilience. In , Butler served as the starting for the Libertyville Wildcats during his senior year in 1975. However, his high school tenure was marked by tension with his coach over his aggressive playing style, leading him to spend much of his final two seasons on the bench. Undeterred, Butler's determination persisted; when he expressed ambitions to play professionally, his coach reportedly laughed, but this only fueled his resolve. Following graduation, Butler briefly attended before transferring to to continue his development.

College Career

Brett Butler began his collegiate baseball career at , where he walked on to the program and played for the junior varsity team as a , limited by intense competition from established varsity players including future National League Rookie of the Year . Seeking greater opportunities, Butler transferred to in 1977, securing a partial and majoring in . There, he emerged as a standout over three seasons (1977–1979), earning two selections to the NAIA All-America team and helping lead the Savages to championships each year, including an NAIA national runner-up finish in 1977. Butler's performance at Southeastern was exceptional, as he set school career records with a .394 , 31 home runs, 209 runs scored, 15 triples, 220 hits, and 162 walks. He specifically guided the team to NAIA titles in 1978 and 1979, showcasing his speed and on-base skills in key postseason play. Following his junior year, Butler was selected by the in the 23rd round (573rd overall) of the 1979 MLB Draft and signed shortly thereafter, marking his transition to professional baseball.

Professional Playing Career

Atlanta Braves Years (1981–1983)

Brett Butler signed with the as a 23rd-round pick in the 1979 MLB Draft out of . He began his professional career in the Braves' system that year, posting a .369 in 22 games for the Gulf Coast League Braves before advancing to Class A Greenwood in the Western Carolinas League, where he hit .316 with 37 stolen bases in 77 games. In 1980, Butler continued his development at Class A, batting .298 with 30 stolen bases for the Anderson Braves in the and .366 in 27 games for the in the , emphasizing speed and on-base skills throughout his lower-minors progression. Promoted to Triple-A Richmond Braves of the International League in 1981, Butler excelled as a leadoff hitter and center fielder, hitting .335 with 156 hits, 93 runs, and 44 stolen bases in 120 games, earning International League Most Valuable Player honors. His performance led to a midseason call-up to the majors on August 20, 1981, against the New York Mets at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. In his debut, Butler went 1-for-4 with a double, two runs scored, and one RBI in a 6-4 Braves victory, marking his first major league hit but no stolen base in that game. During his three seasons with the Braves from 1981 to 1983, Butler appeared in 280 games, batting .260 with 238 hits, 136 runs, and 69 stolen bases while playing primarily in the . He transitioned from a and reserve role in 1981 (.254 average in 40 games, 9 SB) and 1982 (.217 in 89 games, 21 SB, contributing to the Braves' 13-0 start and NL West title) to an everyday and in 1983, when he posted career highs with the team of .281 average, 154 hits, 84 runs, 39 stolen bases, and 13 triples—leading the National League in the latter category. Butler's base-running and defensive range in center field added value to Atlanta's alignment, though his power was limited with just five home runs over those years. On October 21, 1983, the Braves traded Butler and infielder to the Cleveland Indians to complete an earlier deal that brought pitcher to , ending Butler's tenure with the Braves after helping establish his reputation as a speedy, contact-oriented table-setter.
SeasonTeamGABHBARSB3BNotable
1981ATL4012632.2541793MLB debut
1982ATL8924052.2173521013-0 start
1983ATL151549154.281843913NL triples leader

Cleveland Indians Years (1984–1987)

Brett Butler was acquired by the Cleveland Indians from the on October 21, 1983, along with infielder and pitcher Rick Behenna, to complete a trade that sent starting pitcher to . The acquisition aimed to solidify the leadoff spot and enhance outfield speed and defense for a struggling Indians team. Butler delivered immediate results in his first full season in 1984, batting .269 while scoring 108 runs and stealing 52 bases, the latter tying a franchise record. His base-running prowess, honed during his early years with the Braves, translated seamlessly to the , allowing him to set the table effectively for the lineup. Butler's offensive breakout came in 1985, when he posted a career-high .311 , scored 106 runs, and swiped 47 bases, leading the Indians in hits, triples, stolen bases, , , and . He also paced all outfielders with a .998 fielding percentage, earning strong Gold Glove consideration despite the award going to of the California Angels. These efforts contributed to Butler receiving the Cleveland BBWAA Man of the Year Award that season. Over the next two years, he remained a steady force, hitting .278 with 92 runs and 32 stolen bases in 1986, then .295 with 91 runs and 33 stolen bases in 1987, consistently providing on-base skills and speed from the leadoff position. In 1986, he led the with 12 triples. Defensively, Butler excelled in center field throughout his Indians tenure, renowned for his exceptional range, diving catches, and precise throws that frequently prevented extra bases. His instincts and arm strength helped turn potential gaps into outs, bolstering a team defense that improved alongside the offense. Playing alongside emerging stars like , acquired in a mid-1984 trade from the Chicago Cubs, Butler was part of a core group that sparked a modest turnaround for the franchise, lifting the Indians from 67 wins in 1984 to a season-high 84 victories in 1986—the club's best mark since 1968. Following the 1987 season, Butler entered free agency on November 9 and signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco Giants on December 1, departing Cleveland after four productive seasons that established him as one of the league's top all-around leadoff hitters.

San Francisco Giants Years (1988–1990)

Brett Butler signed with the San Francisco Giants as a free agent following the 1987 season, transitioning from the American League to provide speed and on-base skills at the top of the lineup. In his first year with the team in 1988, Butler led the National League with 109 runs scored, batting .287 with 163 hits, nine triples, and 43 stolen bases while playing elite defense in center field. His ability to get on base frequently—drawing 97 walks for a .393 on-base percentage—continued the run-scoring prowess he had developed during his Cleveland Indians tenure, helping power the Giants' offense. The 1989 season saw Butler contribute steadily to a Giants team that surged to the National League pennant, batting .283 with 100 runs scored, 168 hits, and 31 stolen bases in 154 games. As the , he set the table for stars like and Kevin Mitchell, reaching base at a .349 clip and legging out four triples. In the against the , Butler appeared in all four games, going 4-for-14 (.286) with a run scored and an RBI double off Rick Honeycutt in Game 4, though the Giants were swept 4-0. Defensively, he recorded 12 outfield assists that year, showcasing his strong arm and range in center field. Butler peaked offensively in , batting a career-high .309 with 192 hits to lead the NL, alongside 108 runs, nine triples, and a league-high 51 stolen bases in 160 games. His 90 walks contributed to a .397 , solidifying his role as a table-setter who combined contact hitting, speed, and plate discipline. On defense, he maintained his reputation as one of the NL's top center fielders, logging five outfield assists while patrolling spacious . Following the season, Butler became a and signed with the on December 14, 1990.

Los Angeles Dodgers Years (1991–1994, 1995–1997)

Brett Butler signed with the as a on December 14, 1990, joining the team for the 1991 season as their primary and . In 1991, he had a standout year, leading the National League with 112 runs scored and 108 walks while batting .296 with 182 hits and 38 stolen bases over 161 games, earning his lone selection. The following year, 1992, Butler continued his strong performance, batting .309 with 86 runs, 171 hits, 11 triples, and 41 stolen bases in 157 games, drawing 95 walks for a .413 . Butler entered the 1993 season maintaining his role, appearing in 156 games, batting .298 with 80 runs scored and 10 , contributing to a Dodgers team that finished second in the with an 81-81 record. His ability to stretch hits into extra bases, including , added a dynamic element to the Dodgers' offense, echoing the speed he displayed in . In 1994, Butler's performance peaked in a strike-shortened season, as he batted .314 with a .411 over 111 games, collecting 131 hits while stealing 27 bases and leading the NL with 9 triples. These contributions helped propel the Dodgers to a 58-56 record, positioning them in contention for the inaugural National League wild card berth before the players' strike halted play on August 12. Butler's disciplined approach at the plate and leadership in the clubhouse were instrumental in maintaining team morale during a competitive campaign marked by the . Butler returned to the Dodgers on August 18, 1995, after being acquired in a trade from the in exchange for minor leaguers Dwight Maness and Scott Hunter, bolstering the outfield amid injuries. In 39 games with that year, he hit .274 with 11 stolen bases, aiding the team's surge to the NL West title with a 78-66 record. The season brought a profound interruption when Butler was diagnosed with in his right on May 8, following a routine that revealed a plum-sized tumor. He underwent on May 21 to remove the tumor and affected nodes, followed by 32 radiation treatments, missing the bulk of the year but returning on September 6 to play in nine games, where he hit .222 overall in 34 appearances. Butler staged a full comeback in 1997 at age 40, signing a free-agent contract with the Dodgers on December 4, 1996, and playing 105 games while batting .283 with 15 stolen bases. His resilience inspired the team, though the Dodgers finished 88-74 and third in the NL West; Butler retired at season's end on November 7, 1997, concluding his 17-year career.

New York Mets Year (1995)

Brett Butler signed with the as a on April 11, 1995, agreeing to a one-year contract valued at $2 million. The 37-year-old brought extensive experience to the team, serving primarily as the and for a young Mets roster that included emerging talents like and . During a season marked by inconsistency, the Mets finished second in the with a 69-75 record under manager Dallas Green. In his 90 games with the Mets, Butler delivered solid production from the top of the batting order, compiling a .311 with 114 hits, including 13 doubles and 7 , while scoring 54 runs and stealing 21 bases. His of .381 and speed on the bases helped set the table for the offense, though his power remained limited with just one and 25 RBIs. Defensively, he started all 90 games in center field, contributing reliable range and leadership to a unit that ranked mid-pack in the league. In 1995, he led the NL with 9 overall. Butler's tenure in New York proved brief, as the Mets traded him back to the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 18, 1995, in exchange for minor league outfielders Scott Hunter and Dwight Maness. The move allowed the Dodgers to bolster their outfield for a late-season push, while the Mets acquired prospects amid their rebuilding efforts.

Post-Playing Career

Coaching and Managing Roles

After retiring from his playing career in 1997, Brett Butler transitioned into coaching, leveraging his expertise in base-running and outfield play developed over 17 Major League seasons. His formal roles began in the minor leagues and progressed to Major League staff positions. In 2002, Butler served as a minor league outfield instructor for the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, focusing on player development in the outfield fundamentals. The following year, 2003, he joined the New York Mets as a minor league instructor specializing in bunting, base-running, and leadoff hitting techniques. He advanced to managing the Mets' Gulf Coast League affiliate in 2004, leading the GCL Mets to a 36-24 record and a second-place finish in the league, though they fell in the first round of the playoffs. Butler returned to the Major Leagues in 2005 as the first base coach for the Diamondbacks, where he emphasized aggressive base-running strategies. He then moved into managing roles within the Diamondbacks' system, helming the Class-A Advanced Lancaster JetHawks in 2006 to a 68-72 finish, placing seventh in the . In 2007, he managed the Double-A Mobile BayBears in the Southern League but was replaced mid-season on July 30 by Matt Williams after suffering a health setback. Later that year, Butler briefly served in a bench coach capacity for the Diamondbacks before shifting to coordination. In , he acted as the Diamondbacks' outfield and base-running coordinator. From 2009 to 2013, Butler managed the Arizona Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliate, the , in the , compiling an overall record of 366-352 over five seasons. His tenure included a third-place finish in 2009 (79-64), an 11th-place mark in 2010 (69-74), fifth place in 2011 (77-67) with a first-round playoff loss, a career-high 81-63 record and league championship in , and a 15th-place finish in 2013 (60-84). The 2012 title marked the Aces' first championship and highlighted Butler's ability to foster competitive play in a challenging environment. Butler returned to the Major Leagues in 2014 as the third base and outfield coach for the , where he continued to instruct on base-running and defensive positioning. In May 2015, following reported issues with signal communication, he was reassigned to the role of outfield, baserunning, and bunting instructor for the remainder of the season before parting ways with the organization at its conclusion.

Instructional and Speaking Engagements

In February 2025, Brett Butler served as a guest instructor for the during in , where he focused on teaching bunting techniques to players, drawing on his MLB record of 245 bunt singles accumulated over his 17-year career. Butler emphasized fundamentals such as bat control, hand positioning, and minimizing movement to execute successful bunts for base hits, helping players like refine their small-ball skills in an era where such tactics are less common. Butler's instructional expertise extends to motivational speaking, where he shares insights on resilience drawn from his playing days and personal challenges. In an April 2025 interview with The Sports Column, he discussed building in sports, recounting his journey from to the majors and the importance of perseverance in overcoming setbacks. Later that month, on May 13, 2025, Butler delivered the keynote address at the Community Prayer Breakfast in , speaking to an audience of over 1,000 attendees about integrating with career lessons from , including themes of recovery and determination. In 2024, Butler continued his role as a guest instructor at camps, including sessions with the Reds organization, where he instructed prospects on speed, bunting, and base-running strategies while incorporating life lessons from his battle with cancer. These engagements highlight his emphasis on holistic development, blending technical skills with motivational guidance on and adversity. As of November 2025, Butler remains active in freelance advisory and speaking roles across baseball and community events, without holding a full-time position with any MLB team.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Brett Butler married Eveline Balac in 1982 after meeting her during his minor league tenure with the Atlanta Braves in Richmond, Virginia, where they quickly recognized a shared commitment to their emerging faith. The couple's union provided a foundation of support as Butler navigated the frequent relocations demanded by his professional career across multiple teams. Butler and Eveline have four children: a son, Blake, and three daughters, Abbi, Stefanie, and . Throughout his 17 seasons in , Eveline played a central role in maintaining family unity, often traveling with the children to join Butler during road trips and summer stays near team bases, such as during his Dodgers years. This approach helped mitigate the disruptions from trades and seasonal moves, allowing the family to remain closely knit despite the sport's rigors. The Butlers prioritized stability for their children amid these transitions, with Eveline managing or local schooling arrangements as needed to accommodate the family's itinerant lifestyle. Blake, the youngest, often accompanied his father to ballparks, fostering early bonds with the game, while the daughters contributed to the household's resilient dynamic during Butler's playing days.

Health Challenges and Recovery

In May 1996, during a routine in , doctors discovered a plum-sized cancerous tumor in Brett Butler's right , diagnosed as . The tumor was immediately removed during the procedure, and subsequent tests confirmed the cancer had spread to a nearby . On May 21, 1996, Butler underwent additional at to excise the affected along with all nodes on the right side and back of his , which were found to be benign. Following , he began on June 17, completing 32 treatments over six weeks to target any remaining cancer cells. Cleared to resume baseball activities by late summer 1996, Butler returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on September 6, playing in five games that season and contributing to a late playoff push. In 1997, he was medically cleared to play full-time but struggled with lingering effects from treatment, appearing in 94 games with a .200 , which impacted his role on a Dodgers team that reached the . Butler retired from at the end of the 1997 season, and by 1998, he had achieved full remission from the tonsil cancer. In the mid-2000s, Butler was diagnosed with , which he successfully treated and overcame. In April 2006, while managing the Lancaster JetHawks in the , Butler was hospitalized after experiencing chest pains and cold extremities following a game; tests ruled out a cardiac event, and he was released the next day. A year later, on July 28, 2007, during his tenure as manager of the Mobile BayBears, Butler suffered a mild , attributed by doctors to long-term effects of his 1996 ; he recovered fully within weeks and resumed coaching duties. As of 2025, Butler has remained cancer-free from his 1996 diagnosis for 29 years and draws on these experiences in motivational speaking engagements.

Faith and Philanthropy

Brett Butler became a Christian as a sophomore in high school after attending a Fellowship of Christian Athletes event, where he came to understand the need to accept Jesus as his personal savior. Although raised attending a Christian church, this experience marked a turning point, leading him to dedicate his life more fully to his faith by eliminating habits like drinking and swearing, and viewing God as directing his baseball career. Throughout his professional playing days, Butler became outspoken about the role of his Christian beliefs, often crediting divine guidance for overcoming challenges such as a near-career-ending eye injury in 1986, which he described as a miracle healing. His battle with throat cancer in 1996 further strengthened Butler's faith commitment, reinforcing his reliance on amid personal trials. Post-recovery, Butler has advocated for cancer awareness by sharing his story publicly, emphasizing the dangers of after quitting the habit himself following an encounter with a young fan at a camp. As a survivor of multiple cancer bouts, he has highlighted faith's role in resilience during speaking engagements, including the 2025 Billings Community Prayer Breakfast, where he discussed accepting both triumphs and hardships through trust in while aiming to mentor others in godly living. In his talks, Butler integrates biblical principles, such as referencing the idea from Matthew 5:37 that one's yes should be yes and no should be no, to underscore personal integrity. He has authored faith-based content and delivered motivational speeches tying to perseverance, often drawing from his career adversities to inspire audiences. Additionally, Butler has contributed to community efforts through youth clinics, where he emphasizes character development and alongside skills training, as seen in events where his influenced young participants to embrace . Living in , he continues such initiatives as of 2025, focusing on holistic growth for aspiring players.

Legacy

Statistical Achievements and Records

Brett Butler's 17-season career, spanning from 1981 to 1997, showcased his prowess as a and , accumulating 2,375 hits, a .290 , 1,359 runs scored, 558 stolen bases, and 54 s across 2,213 . His career stood at .377, particularly effective in the leadoff role where he reached base consistently to set the table for his teams. These totals reflect his consistent contact skills and speed, with a figure of 3,076 emphasizing gap power over home run production.
StatisticCareer Total
Games Played2,213
At Bats8,180
Hits2,375
.290
Runs Scored1,359
Home Runs54
Runs Batted In578
Stolen Bases558
.377
Wins Above Replacement (bWAR)49.7
Butler led the National League in triples three times (1983, 1994, 1995), tallying a career total of 131, which ranked him in the top 20 all-time upon his retirement in 1997. His triple-leading seasons included 13 in 1983 with the , 14 in 1986 with the Cleveland Indians, and 9 each in 1994 and 1995 with the . He also topped the NL in singles four times from 1990 to 1993, showcasing his ability to spray line drives across the field. In runs scored, Butler paced the NL twice, with 109 in 1988 for the Giants and 112 in 1991 for the Dodgers. Butler's baserunning impact was significant, though his stolen base success rate of 68.5% (558 successes out of 815 attempts) was solid but not elite by modern standards. He finished in the top 10 in stolen bases 13 times across both leagues, including five instances in the NL during his Giants and Dodgers tenures. His speed contributed to his high run totals and extra-base opportunities, making him a dynamic table-setter. In terms of accolades, Butler was selected to the 1991 National League , where he went 1-for-3 as a reserve. Advanced metrics underscore his overall value, with a career bWAR of 49.7, ranking him among productive outfielders of his era through strong defense, baserunning, and on-base skills. His fWAR of 42.2 further highlights his consistent contributions, particularly in plate discipline with 1,129 career walks.

Written Works and Media Appearances

Brett Butler authored the autobiography Field of Hope: An Inspiring Autobiography of a Lifetime of Overcoming in 1997, co-written with and published by Thomas Nelson. The book chronicles his career, family life, battle with throat cancer diagnosed in 1996, and reliance on Christian faith for recovery, with an initial print run of 100,000 copies. It received positive reception for its honest portrayal of adversity, earning 4.5 out of 5 stars from readers on major retail sites, and has been referenced in discussions of sports figures' spiritual journeys. In addition to his book, Butler contributed a personal essay titled "In His Own Words: Brett Butler on Resiliency" to The Sports Column in April 2025. The piece reflects on career highlights and setbacks while emphasizing faith's role in overcoming challenges like cancer. Themes of Christian resilience in the article connect briefly to broader personal experiences without delving into . Butler has appeared in various media outlets highlighting his baseball expertise and survival story. Following his 1996 cancer diagnosis and treatment, he discussed complications including a 2007 mild linked to in an report, underscoring long-term health impacts on former players. In February 2025, featured him in an article titled "The Babe Ruth of bunting is helping the Reds lay down the lumber," where he shared techniques from his career-leading 245 bunt singles, advising current players during . These appearances often emphasize his inspirational recovery, influencing youth coaching resources and public perceptions of athlete perseverance.

References

  1. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Brett_Butler
  2. https://www.mlb.com/player/brett-butler-111812
  3. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/butlebr01.shtml
  4. https://baseballhall.org/discover/CardCorner/1987-Topps-Brett-Butler
  5. https://gosoutheastern.com/honors/southeastern-athletics-hall-of-fame/brett-butler/25
  6. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2020/05/21/think-major-league-baseball-will-be-different-in-2020-former-all-star-outfielder-brett-butler-says-it-already-wasnt-the-game-he-learned-in-libertyville/
  7. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1990/07/22/this-butler-did-it-and-hes-still-doing-it/
  8. https://www.dailyherald.com/20171016/submitted-content/libertyville-high-school-boys-athletics-history-1975-1989/
  9. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-04-05-sp-2051-story.html
  10. https://www.dailyherald.com/20180103/submitted-content/former-classmate-reminisces-on-butlers-baseball-career/
  11. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1996/05/09/las-butler-a-class-guy-outfielder-still-close-to-southeastern-ad/62355838007/
  12. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/2010/09/11/collected-wisdom-of-former-southeastern-baseball-standout-brett-butler/61214520007/
  13. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/1979_NAIA_District_Tournaments
  14. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=butlebr01
  15. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=butler001bre
  16. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=butlebr01&t=b&year=1981
  17. https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ATL/ATL198108200.shtml
  18. https://www.nytimes.com/1986/02/02/sports/butler-unsung-but-talented.html
  19. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/butlebr01.shtml#transactions
  20. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/playerpost.php?p=butlebr01&ps=ws
  21. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-05-08-mn-1807-story.html
  22. https://vault.si.com/vault/1996/09/16/back-in-style-brett-butler-of-the-dodgers-gladdened-hearts-with-his-stirring-return-from-throat-cancer
  23. https://www.nytimes.com/1995/04/12/sports/baseball-mets-find-the-money-to-make-butler-a-centerpiece.html
  24. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYM/1995.shtml
  25. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-08-19-sp-36816-story.html
  26. https://www.mlb.com/news/d-backs-present-butler--mcallister-with-organizational-awards/c-43362446
  27. https://www.milb.com/news/12-years-ago-today-brett-butler-was-introduced-as-aces-manager
  28. https://www.mlb.com/news/marlins-finalize-14-coaching-staff-with-two-new-faces-brett-butler-and-frank-menechino/c-62840280
  29. https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mlb/miami-marlins/article22396422.html
  30. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6155303/2025/02/24/reds-bunting-brett-butler/
  31. https://www.thesportscol.com/2025/04/in-his-own-words-brett-butler-on-resiliency/
  32. https://www.ktvq.com/news/local-news/former-major-league-player-brett-butler-speaks-at-billings-prayer-breakfast
  33. https://www.communityprayerbreakfast-billings.com/
  34. https://www.mlb.com/news/brett-butler-gives-bunting-lessons-at-reds-spring-training-camp
  35. https://www.milb.com/player/brett-butler-111812
  36. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-06-19-sp-6056-story.html
  37. https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/brett-butler-gives-motivational-speech/article_98e97970-7ebc-569b-831e-db0630ee9d7a.html
  38. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-mar-02-sp-24705-story.html
  39. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-05-08-sp-1710-story.html
  40. https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/30/sports/sports-people-baseball-good-news-for-butler-lymph-nodes-benign.html
  41. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1996/09/07/brett-butler-fulfills-promise-dodger-returns-to-lineup-after-miraculous-recovery/62343900007/
  42. https://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/07/sports/butler-back-after-battle-with-cancer.html
  43. https://oralcancerfoundation.org/people/sports-figures/
  44. https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/GIANTS-REPORT-Butler-wants-to-manage-and-2348964.php
  45. https://nsjonline.com/article/2021/10/coping-with-a-diagnosis-former-mlb-outfielder-brett-butler/
  46. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jul-30-sp-butler30-story.html
  47. https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/top-minor-league-manager-sees-gods-power/
  48. https://www.espeakers.com/marketplace/profile/4486/brett-butler
  49. https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/mlb/2014/06/21/boy-10-jolts-marlins-coach/7663561007/
  50. https://baptistcourier.com/2009/05/faith-family-come-first-for-reds-owings/
  51. https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/3B_career.shtml
  52. https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/SB_top_ten.shtml
  53. https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/WAR_career.shtml
  54. https://www.amazon.com/Field-Hope-Inspiring-Autobiography-Overcoming/dp/0785271449
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