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Don Baylor
Don Baylor
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Don Edward Baylor (June 28, 1949 – August 7, 2017), nicknamed "Groove," was an American professional baseball player, coach and manager. During his 19 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), Baylor was a power hitter known for standing very close to home plate ("crowding the plate") and was a first baseman, left fielder, and designated hitter. He played for six different American League (AL) teams, primarily the Baltimore Orioles and California Angels, but he also played for the Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, and Boston Red Sox. In 1979, Baylor was an All-Star and won the AL Most Valuable Player Award. He won three Silver Slugger Awards, the Roberto Clemente Award, and was a member of the 1987 World Series champion Minnesota Twins.

Key Information

After his playing career, Baylor managed the expansion Colorado Rockies for six years and the Chicago Cubs for three seasons. He was named NL Manager of the Year in 1995, and was inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame.

Baylor reached the World Series three times in his career, in consecutive years with three different teams. Baylor played in the World Series with the Red Sox in 1986, the Twins in 1987, and the A's in 1988, and he was on the winning side in 1987. Baylor is one of three players in history to accomplish this feat, along with Eric Hinske and Will Smith. He set the Red Sox team record for most hit by pitches in a season (35 in 1986); in his career, he was hit by pitches 267 times, fourth-most all time.[1] Baylor retired with 285 stolen bases, 2,135 hits, and 338 home runs.[2]

Early life

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Born in Austin, Texas, on June 28, 1949,[3][2] Baylor grew up in Clarksville. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School. After being one of three African Americans to integrate Texas public schools when he was in junior high school,[4] Baylor starred in baseball and football at Austin High, where he was the first African American to play athletics at that school.[5] Baylor was offered a scholarship to play college football for the Texas Longhorns of the University of Texas, which would have made him the first African American to play football at Texas.[6] He opted to pursue a baseball career, enrolling at Blinn Junior College in Brenham, Texas.[7]

Professional career

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Baltimore Orioles

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The Baltimore Orioles selected Baylor in the second round of the 1967 MLB draft. He received a $7,500 signing bonus from the team.[2] In 1970, Baylor led the Triple-A level of the minor leagues with 34 doubles, 15 triples, 127 runs, and 140 games-played while playing for the Rochester Red Wings. The following year, he again led the Triple-A level in doubles with 31.[8] Baylor was called up to the major leagues by the Orioles on September 18, 1970. He debuted at home against Cleveland, accruing two hits and three runs batted in across five plate appearances, including a walk-off RBI single in the 11th inning. Baylor only played a total of 9 games with the Orioles in the 1970 and 1971 seasons and did not see consistent involvement with the major league roster until 1972.

In his true rookie season in 1972, Baylor posted a .253 batting average, .416 slugging percentage, 11 home runs, and 38 runs batted in across 102 games. Baylor quickly became a respected hitter for the Orioles, averaging .280 at the plate, a .437 slugging percentage, 46 home runs, and 186 runs batted in between 1973 and 1975. He developed a reputation for getting hit by pitches, frequently leaning into off-target pitches and crowding the plate to get on first base without having to get a hit or work a base on balls. In 1973, Baylor led the American League in hit-by-pitches with 13 and he led the major leagues in 1975 with 13.[3]

Oakland Athletics

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In a transaction influenced by his imminent free agency after the upcoming season, the Orioles traded Baylor with Mike Torrez and Paul Mitchell to the Oakland Athletics for Reggie Jackson, Ken Holtzman and minor-league right-handed pitcher Bill Van Bommel on April 2, 1976.[9] In 1976, Baylor posted a .247 batting average and .368 slugging percentage with 15 home runs and 68 runs batted in. He once again led the major leagues in hit-by-pitches with 20.[3]

California Angels

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In 1977, Baylor signed with the California Angels as a free agent, joining his former Baltimore teammate Bobby Grich in Anaheim. In 1978, his second season with the Angels, Baylor posted a .255 batting average, .472 slugging percentage, 34 home runs, 99 runs batted in, 22 stolen bases, and a league-leading 18 hit-by-pitches. He placed seventh in AL MVP voting that season. In 1979, Baylor led the majors with 139 runs batted in and 120 runs. He was an AL All-Star, the lone selection of his career. He won the AL's MVP award, gaining 20 of 28 first-place votes[10] and led the Angels to their first-ever AL West Division title.[2] Following his MVP season, Baylor's stats regressed. In 1980, he played only 90 games due to a wrist injury.[11] In those games, he posted a modest .250 batting average and .341 slugging percentage with 5 home runs, the lowest in any of his career seasons with double-digit games played. Baylor again missed time due to an injury in the 1981 season, playing only 103 games with an again-regressed batting average of .239 but an improved slugging percentage of .427 with 17 home runs and 66 runs batted in. Upon the arrival of superstar free agent Reggie Jackson in the 1982 offseason, Baylor took him in as a roommate.

In his autobiography titled Don Baylor: It's Nothing But The Truth - A Baseball Life, Baylor told how his friendship with Jackson was tumultuous at times, particularly some instances where Jackson was highly dismissive of fans who wanted pictures or autographs.[12] Baylor returned to full health in the 1982 season, playing 157 games and looking like his old self by posting a .263 batting average with a .424 slugging percentage accompanied by 24 home runs and 93 runs batted in. After Tommy John allowed three runs through the first three innings of the 1982 American League Championship Series against the Brewers, Baylor came up to John and said, "If you hold them to three runs, I'm personally good for four runs against [Milwaukee starter Mike] Caldwell."[13] Baylor delivered on his promise, batting in 5 runs that game as California came back to win 8–3.[13] John later called Baylor the team's "catalyst".[14] Baylor spent six seasons with the Angels and played a plurality of his games with the team. In that time, he batted .262 and slugged .448 with 141 home runs and 523 runs batted in.[3]

New York Yankees

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Baylor with the New York Yankees

In 1983, Baylor signed a four-year, $3.7 million contract with the New York Yankees. Former Angels teammate Tommy John said of Baylor, "When we lost him, we lost our guts. Pitchers feared Don Baylor."[14] In his autobiography, Baylor told of Yankee alumnus Tommy John and Reggie Jackson warning Baylor not to sign with New York due to team owner George Steinbrenner's infamous strict and harsh attitude towards players. Baylor said that he found out for himself that the Yankees would treat free agent targets "like a celebrity" and then treat them like a "piece of trash" once they were on the team. In his autobiography, Baylor notes his rough experience in his first spring training with the Yankees as Steinbrenner would obsess over the exhibition games against the rivaling Mets and Red Sox or New York-televised games. This led to Steinbrenner demoting young players for poor performances in such spring training games. In one instance, Steinbrenner tried to make his team play in a televised game on a field that was made subpar by inclement weather.[12]

Baylor's first season with the Yankees was his statistical best as he batted .303 and slugged .494 with 21 home runs and 85 runs batted in. He was awarded his first career Silver Slugger award for his performance. The following season, Baylor's batting percentages dropped but he totaled higher counting stats in fewer games. Baylor had batted .262 and slugged .489 with 27 home runs and 89 runs batted in. Baylor also was less active on the basepaths in 1984, stealing only one base compared to his 17 in the previous season. In the third year of his stint with the Yankees, Baylor's percentages continued to decline, this time posting a .231 average and .430 slugging percentage. He earned his second career Silver Slugger that year. In his 3 seasons with the Yankees, Baylor batted .267, hit 71 home runs, and batted in 265 runs.[3]

Boston Red Sox

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Baylor in 1986

Following the 1985 season, Baylor was traded to the Boston Red Sox for Mike Easler in 1986.[15][16] It was the first time the Yankees and Red Sox had traded with each other in 14 years.[17] In the 1986 season, Baylor batted .238 with a .439 slugging percentage, 31 home runs, and 94 runs batted in. He was awarded the third Silver Slugger of his career and placed 13th in AL MVP voting.[3]

While a member of the Red Sox, Baylor delivered a key hit in the 1986 American League Championship Series when he hit a two-run home run with one out in the top of the ninth inning during game five against the California Angels. At the time, the Angels led the series three games to one and were one out away from their first ALCS victory.[18] The Red Sox went on to win the game and eventually the ALCS, denying the Angels their first trip to the World Series. Al Michaels, broadcasting the game for ABC, called it the greatest baseball game he had ever seen.[19] However, the Red Sox would fall in the 1986 World Series to the New York Mets in seven games. Baylor played most of the 1987 season with Boston. In 108 games with the Red Sox that year, he batted .239, slugged .404, hit 16 home runs, and batted in 57 runs.[3]

Minnesota Twins

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Late in the 1987 season, the Red Sox traded Baylor to the Minnesota Twins for a player to be named later that ended up being Enrique Rios. He played 20 regular-season games with the Twins and made the postseason roster that year. Baylor aided the Twins in the winning of their 1987 championship by accruing 5 hits, 3 runs, 1 home run, and 3 runs batted in during the World Series.[3]

Oakland Athletics (second stint)

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Baylor returned to the Oakland Athletics in 1988, his final season as a player.[2] The 39-year old Baylor batted a career-low .220 and slugged .326 with 7 home runs and 34 runs batted in through 92 games.[3] Baylor was on the playoff roster for the American League champion Athletics that season. Following the season, he retired as a player from baseball.

Coaching and managerial career

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Baylor in 2010 with the Rockies

After retiring as a player, Baylor served as a hitting coach for the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals until he was named the first manager of the expansion Colorado Rockies.[20] He led the team for six years from 1993 to 1998. The Rockies posted their first winning record (77–67) in 1995 and made the postseason as the wildcard team. As a result, Baylor won the National League Manager of the Year Award.[21]

After the 1998 season, Baylor was fired.[2] He finished his Rockies managerial career with a regular season record of 440–469 and a post–season record of 1–3.[22] He became the hitting coach for the Atlanta Braves in 1999 and was hired to manage the Chicago Cubs in 2000, a job he held through the 2002 season. He had a record of 187–220 with the Cubs.[22] From 2003 to 2004, he served as the bench coach for the New York Mets.[23] He spent the 2005 season with the Seattle Mariners as hitting coach under manager Mike Hargrove[24] and was as a fill-in analyst for MASN in 2007 for Washington Nationals broadcasts.[25]

Baylor served as hitting coach for the Colorado Rockies during the 2009 and 2010 seasons.[26] Baylor was replaced by Carney Lansford after the Rockies hit a franchise-low .226 on the road during the 2010 season.[27] Baylor was offered a special assistant position to remain with Colorado but turned it down.[28]

Baylor agreed on a two-year contract to become hitting coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.[29] He was hired by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim as their hitting coach for the 2014 season.[30] On March 31, 2014, Baylor suffered a fracture to his right femur while catching the ceremonial first pitch of the 2014 season, thrown by Vladimir Guerrero.[31] On April 1, 2014, he had surgery to have a plate and screws inserted into his leg.[32] On October 13, 2015, the Angels announced that Baylor would not return as the team hitting coach in 2016.[33]

Death

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Baylor was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2003.[34] He died on August 7, 2017, at the age of 68.[5]

Legacy

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On May 22, 2025, a park in Baylor's hometown of Austin was renamed Don Baylor Neighborhood Park.[35]

Managerial record

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Team Year Regular season Postseason
Games Won Lost Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
COL 1993 162 67 95 .414 6th in NL West
COL 1994 117 53 64 .453 3rd in NL West
COL 1995 144 77 67 .535 2nd in NL West 1 3 .250 Lost NLDS (ATL)
COL 1996 162 83 79 .512 3rd in NL West
COL 1997 162 83 79 .512 3rd in NL West
COL 1998 162 77 85 .475 4th in NL West
COL total 909 440 469 .484 1 3 .250
CHC 2000 162 65 97 .401 5th in NL Central
CHC 2001 162 88 74 .543 3rd in NL Central
CHC 2002 83 34 49 .410 (fired)
CHC total 407 187 220 .459
Total[36] 1,316 627 689 .476 1 3 .250

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Don Edward Baylor (June 28, 1949 – August 7, 2017) was an American professional baseball player and manager who spent 19 seasons as an outfielder and in (MLB) from 1970 to 1988. Born in , to a working-class family, Baylor excelled in multiple sports during his youth and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the second round of the MLB Draft, forgoing a potential football scholarship. He debuted with the Orioles in 1970 and later played for the , California Angels, New York Yankees, , and Boston Red Sox, compiling career totals of 338 home runs, 1,276 runs batted in, and a major league record 267 hit by pitches. Baylor's most prominent season came in 1979 with the Angels, when he led the in runs scored (120), RBIs (139), and home runs (36), earning the AL Award and his only selection. He appeared in two , losing with the Yankees in 1981 before winning with the Twins in 1987 as a player and coach. Transitioning to management, Baylor served as the inaugural manager of the Rockies from 1993 to 1998, posting a 440–469 record and capturing the National League Manager of the Year Award in 1995 after guiding the expansion franchise to the . Baylor battled for 14 years before his death in 2017.

Early life and amateur career

Upbringing and family influences

Don Baylor was born on June 28, 1949, in , to George and Lillian Baylor, a working-class African American couple residing in the Clarksville neighborhood. His father, George, worked as a and porter for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad, providing steady employment amid economic challenges for Black families in mid-20th-century Texas. Baylor's mother, Lillian, served as a cafeteria supervisor and cook at a local school, contributing to the household while modeling diligence and community involvement. Raised alongside siblings Doug (brother) and Connie (sister), Baylor experienced a stable yet modest upbringing where basic needs were met without excess; the family prioritized school attendance, church participation, and neat appearance, dressing the children in clean, pressed clothes despite limited resources. This environment fostered discipline and resilience, as the Baylors navigated segregation-era Austin, including Baylor's early integration of Junior High School in 1961 alongside two neighborhood peers—a milestone reflecting parental emphasis on opportunity over isolation. Family dynamics profoundly shaped Baylor's drive; his father's demanding nature challenged the children to pursue excellence in academics and athletics, instilling a competitive that propelled Baylor's early sports prowess, while his mother's levelheaded stability provided emotional grounding amid external pressures like racial barriers. These influences, rooted in parental example rather than affluence, emphasized and perseverance, qualities Baylor later credited for his professional success.

High school achievements and draft selection

Baylor attended Stephen F. Austin High School in , where he emerged as a standout multisport athlete, excelling in and football as the first Black player to achieve prominence in both programs. During his sophomore year, he became the school's inaugural Black varsity player, demonstrating exceptional skill that culminated in his appointment as team captain by graduation in 1967. His high school performance highlighted raw power and determination, though specific batting statistics from that era remain sparsely documented in public records. These accomplishments drew professional attention despite Baylor nursing a shoulder injury that could have deterred scouts. The Baltimore Orioles selected him in the second round (39th overall pick) of the 1967 MLB June Amateur Draft from High School. Scout Dee Phillips signed the 17-year-old Baylor for a $7,500 bonus, recognizing his potential as an with professional-grade tools. This draft position reflected his status as a top amateur prospect, positioning him for a minor league debut shortly thereafter.

MLB playing career

Baltimore Orioles (1970–1975)

Baylor signed with the Orioles after being selected in the second round of the 1967 MLB Draft, beginning his professional career in the minors before earning a September call-up in 1970. He made his major league debut on September 18, 1970, at Memorial Stadium against the Cleveland Indians, starting in center field and recording a two-run single in his first at-bat. In eight games that season, he batted .235 with four hits and four RBIs, primarily as an . His 1971 appearance was limited to one game, where he went hitless in two at-bats but scored a run. Baylor transitioned to a more regular role in 1972, appearing in 102 games as a left fielder and , earning a spot on the Rookie All-Star Team for his .253 , 11 home runs, and 24 stolen bases. He solidified his position in the outfield over the next three seasons, contributing to Baltimore's contention in the . In 1973, after batting .219 through mid-July, he hit .366 with seven home runs and 30 RBIs over the remainder of the season, aiding ' division title. The following year, he batted .381 in the late season as Baltimore again captured the East but fell to the in the ALCS. Baylor's 1975 campaign marked his most productive with the Orioles, including 25 home runs—a career high at that point—and 32 stolen bases, finishing 20th in AL MVP voting.
YearGamesABHHRRBIBAOBPSLG
1972102320811138.253.330.416
19731184051161151.286.357.437
19741374891331059.272.341.382
19751455241482576.282.360.489
Stats from 1972–1975 reflect his evolution into a power-hitting corner with speed, though his remained modest amid ' platoon system. On July 2, 1975, he hit home runs in each of his first three plate appearances against the Detroit Tigers at Tiger Stadium. Baylor was traded to the following the 1975 season in a deal involving multiple players.

Oakland Athletics (1976)

Baylor was traded to the from the Baltimore Orioles on April 2, 1976, along with pitchers Mike Torrez and Paul Mitchell, in exchange for , Ken Holtzman, and minor leaguer Bill VanBommell. The deal, executed just before the start of the season, reflected Oakland's strategy under owner to acquire younger talent amid financial pressures and Jackson's contract disputes. Baylor made an immediate impact, hitting a in his first at-bat as an Athletic on April 9, 1976, against the California Angels at the . Primarily serving as an , , and , Baylor appeared in 157 games for Oakland during the 1976 season, batting .247 with 85 runs scored, 147 hits, 25 doubles, 1 triple, 15 home runs, and 68 RBIs in 595 at-bats. He drew 58 walks for a .329 and stole a career-high 52 bases while being caught 12 times, showcasing his aggressive baserunning style that complemented his power-hitting approach. His performance earned him Player of the Week honors for the week ending May 22, 1976. The Athletics finished second in the American League West with an 87-74 record, but Baylor's contributions were part of a transitional year marked by Finley's cost-cutting measures and the team's declining dynasty from the early 1970s. Following the season, Baylor became a free agent and signed a six-year, $1.6 million contract with the California Angels on November 16, 1976, departing Oakland after one season.

California Angels (1977–1982)

Don Baylor signed a six-year, $1.6 million contract with the California Angels as a on November 16, 1976, joining fellow free-agent signees and to form the franchise's inaugural class of big-league free agents. In his debut season of 1977, Baylor transitioned primarily to the role while occasionally playing and first base, posting solid but unspectacular numbers amid an adjustment period to justify his salary. Baylor's performance improved markedly in subsequent years, culminating in a breakout 1979 campaign that established him as one of the American League's premier power hitters. He led the AL in runs scored (120), RBIs (139), and earned the league MVP award after receiving 20 of 28 first-place votes, while also earning his lone selection. That season propelled the Angels to their first division title and playoff appearance in franchise history, though they lost the ALCS to the Baltimore Orioles 3-1. Baylor appeared in all 162 regular-season games, batting cleanup consistently. Injuries and the 1981 players' strike limited Baylor's availability in 1980 and 1981, but he rebounded in 1982 as the Angels captured another AL West crown before falling to the Brewers in the ALCS. In Game 1 of that series, Baylor tied an AL postseason record with five RBIs, including a two-run triple, in an 8-3 Angels . The following table summarizes Baylor's regular-season batting statistics during his Angels tenure:
YearGABHBAHRRBIR
1977154561141.251257587
1978158591151.2553499103
1979162628186.29636139120
19809034085.25055139
198110337790.239176652
1982157608160.263249380
Baylor finished seventh in AL MVP voting in 1978 and 23rd in 1982, reflecting his consistent offensive contributions despite durability challenges in the later years.

New York Yankees (1983–1985)

Don Baylor signed a four-year contract worth $3,675,000 with the New York Yankees on December 1, 1982, joining the team as their primary following his free agency from the California Angels. In the 1983 season, Baylor appeared in 144 games, batting .303 with 162 hits, 21 home runs, and 85 RBIs over 534 at-bats, while posting an of .361 and of .494; his performance earned him the at designated hitter. On July 31, 1983, he hit a grand slam in the 11th to highlight a six-run rally, securing a 12-6 victory over the . Baylor's 1984 campaign saw him play 134 games, achieving a with 129 hits, a career-high 27 home runs among his Yankees years, and 89 RBIs in 493 at-bats, alongside an OBP of .341 and SLG of .489. During 1985, he participated in 142 games, batting with 110 hits, 23 home runs, and 91 RBIs across 477 at-bats, with an OBP of .330 and SLG of .430, securing another ; additionally, Baylor received the for his contributions on and off the field. On August 29, 1985, he was hit by a pitch for the 190th time in his career, establishing an record. Throughout his Yankees tenure, Baylor experienced conflicts with team owner , contributing to a challenging atmosphere despite his consistent power production.
YearGamesAt BatsHitsHome RunsRBIsOBPSLG
19831445341622185.303.361.494
19841344931292789.262.341.489
19851424771102391.231.330.430

Boston Red Sox (1986)

The Red Sox acquired Baylor from the New York Yankees on March 28, 1986, in exchange for Mike Easler, marking the first trade between the two rivals since 1971. Baylor assumed the primary role for , appearing in 160 games during the regular season. He recorded a .238 , .344 , and .439 , with 139 hits including 23 doubles, one triple, and 31 home runs, while driving in 94 runs and scoring 93. These power totals represented his strongest output since his 1979 season, though he struck out a career-high 111 times and drew 62 walks. Baylor led the with 35 hit-by-pitches, underscoring his willingness to crowd the plate despite the physical toll. For his offensive contributions, he earned the Outstanding Award. Baylor also provided veteran leadership to a Red Sox team that captured the with a 95-66 record, instilling intensity and accountability in the clubhouse amid a roster blending established stars like and with postseason hopefuls. In the against the California Angels, Baylor batted .346 across seven games, helping Boston rally from a 3-1 deficit to win the series 4-3. His pivotal moment came in Game 5 on October 12 at Anaheim Stadium, where, with one out in the top of the ninth and the Red Sox trailing 5-2, he launched a two-run off Angels pitcher , cutting the margin to 5-4 and setting up Dave Henderson's game-tying homer later in the inning en route to a 7-6 extra-innings victory that clinched the pennant. Facing the in the , Baylor started only three of the seven games as , limited by the National League's non-use of the position at . The Red Sox fell 4-3 despite leading 3-0 entering Game 7, thwarted by a late Mets comeback.

Minnesota Twins (1987)

On August 31, 1987, the acquired Don Baylor from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for a , later identified as minor leaguer Enrique Rios, as their seventh trade of the season to bolster the lineup during a surprising playoff contention in the . Primarily serving as the , Baylor appeared in 20 regular-season games for the Twins, batting .286 with 14 hits in 49 at-bats, including one double and six RBI, though he hit no home runs and posted a -0.1 amid five walks and 12 strikeouts. His acquisition addressed the team's need for a right-handed power bat and leadership presence in the final month, contributing to Minnesota's 85-77 record and first-place finish. In the postseason, Baylor's performance elevated significantly, as he batted .389 (7-for-18) across the ALCS and , providing clutch hitting for the Twins' championship run. Against the in the ALCS, which won 4-1, Baylor delivered a key go-ahead RBI single in Game 1 after a rally sparked by Kirby Puckett's double, helping secure early momentum in the series. Baylor's most memorable contribution came in the against the Cardinals, a seven-game series Minnesota won 4-3 for the franchise's first title. In at the on , with the Twins trailing 5-3 in the bottom of the fifth inning and facing elimination after losing Games 4 and 5 in , Baylor hit a two-run off Cardinals reliever Ken Dayley to tie the score at 5-5, marking his first and only homer as a Twin and igniting the home crowd. The Twins won on a walk-off RBI single by in the 10th and clinched the series 4-2 in Game 7, with Baylor's timely power proving pivotal in shifting momentum back to at home.

Oakland Athletics (1988)

Baylor signed with the prior to the 1988 season, returning to the franchise where he had briefly played in 1976. At age 39, he primarily served as a , appearing in 92 games while wearing uniform numbers 00 and 12. In 313 plate appearances, Baylor batted .220 with a .332 and .326 , recording 28 runs scored, 58 hits including 7 doubles and 7 home runs, and 34 RBI. He drew 44 walks against 34 strikeouts, contributing to an of .658. His performance reflected the physical toll of a 19-year career marked by durability but declining power, as he posted a negative wins above replacement player value of -0.3. Despite the subdued offensive output, Baylor provided veteran leadership on an Oakland team that won 104 games and captured the division title under manager . The Athletics advanced to the , where Baylor appeared in the Fall Classic for the third consecutive year across three franchises—following stints with the 1986 Boston Red Sox and 1987 —though the team fell to the in five games. His role emphasized clubhouse presence over on-field dominance, earning recognition as a respected in his final professional season. Baylor retired after 1988, concluding a career with 338 home runs and 2,092 .

Playing style, statistics, and evaluation

Aggressive approach and hit-by-pitch record

Baylor employed an aggressive batting approach, crowding the inner portion of home plate to enhance his pitch visibility and challenge pitchers directly, often refusing to evade incoming balls. This fearless stance, combined with verbal provocations toward moundsmen, contributed to his reputation as a tough, intimidating hitter who prioritized contact over self-preservation. The strategy exacted a physical toll, with Baylor hit by pitches 267 times across his 19 MLB seasons from 1970 to 1988, ranking fourth all-time behind (287), (285), and Tommy Tucker (272). He led the in hit by pitches eight times, underscoring his consistent exposure to inside pitches. Baylor demonstrated resilience by rarely displaying pain after being plunked, interpreting such incidents as affirmations of his unyielding mindset rather than setbacks. His peak in this regard came in 1986 with the Boston Red Sox, when he established the single-season record of 35 hit by pitches, surpassing previous marks and highlighting the extremes of his plate discipline. This total not only led the majors that year but also exemplified how Baylor's approach yielded an effective on-base presence, albeit at the cost of frequent bruises and broken bones over his career. Despite the hazards, he maintained the tactic through multiple teams, viewing it as integral to his power-hitting identity.

Key awards, statistics, and peak performances

Baylor earned the Award in 1979 with the California Angels, leading the league in runs scored (120), home runs (36), and RBIs (139) while posting career-best marks in hits (186) and OPS (.901). That season represented his offensive pinnacle, slashing .296/.373/.528 over 162 games and anchoring the Angels' lineup as a left fielder and . He was selected to his lone appearance that year. Additional individual honors included three Silver Slugger Awards in 1983 (with the New York Yankees), 1985 (Yankees), and 1986 (Boston Red Sox), recognizing his superior hitting among designated hitters or outfielders. In 1985, he received the for combining on-field excellence with off-field humanitarian efforts, including work with children's charities. Career totals reflect a durable who played 2,292 games across 19 seasons from to , compiling 2,135 hits, 338 home runs, 1,276 RBIs, and 285 stolen bases with a .260 and .778 . Other strong seasons included 1983 (.303 average, .856 OPS, 21 home runs despite missing time due to injury) and 1975 (.282 average, 25 home runs, .849 OPS with the Baltimore Orioles). Baylor contributed to the ' championship, batting .313 in the postseason.
YearTeamGAVGHRRBIOPS
1979LAA162.29636139.901
1983NYY144.3032185.856
1975BAL145.2822576.849

Durability, injuries, and performance criticisms

Baylor exhibited notable durability throughout his 19-year major league career, appearing in 2,292 games despite routinely crowding the plate and leading the American League in hit by pitches eight times, accumulating a record 267 such instances that often resulted in bruises and soreness but rarely sidelined him for extended periods. He led the AL in games played in 1982 (157) and 1986 (160), reflecting his ability to maintain availability amid physical demands. An early shoulder injury sustained before his professional career impaired his throwing arm, limiting him primarily to outfield and designated hitter roles and contributing to below-average defensive performance in the field. In 1980, a wrist injury restricted him to 90 games, a sharp decline from his typical workload and marking one of the few significant interruptions in his otherwise consistent playing time. These setbacks, combined with the cumulative toll of hit by pitches, occasionally affected his swing and power output, though he rarely missed time for routine ailments. Critics of Baylor's performance have focused on perceived inconsistencies and statistical shortcomings relative to contemporaries, particularly his 1979 American League Most Valuable Player award, which some modern analysts view as undeserved given teammate Fred Lynn's superior batting average (.333), on-base percentage (.423), slugging percentage (.637), and overall offensive value by advanced metrics like WAR. Baylor's award-winning season featured strong counting stats (120 runs, 129 RBI, 36 home runs), but his .285/.373/.510 line and lower WAR (5.3) trailed Lynn's (7.8), highlighting voter emphasis on traditional RBI and runs scored over rate statistics or comprehensive value. Later in his career, his batting average dipped below .250 in several seasons (e.g., .231 in 1985), with critics attributing declines to age, aggressive plate approach leading to suboptimal contact rates, and the arm limitation hindering baserunning and defense. Despite these points, contemporaries praised his toughness and leadership, with few questioning his effort or willingness to play through discomfort.

Post-playing professional roles

Coaching positions across MLB teams

Baylor began his MLB coaching career immediately following his playing days, serving as hitting coach for the Brewers from 1990 to 1991, where he focused on refining players' approaches at the plate amid the team's rebuilding efforts. He then joined the St. Louis Cardinals as hitting coach in 1992, emphasizing preparation, focus, and mechanical adjustments to help the lineup improve consistency during a season that saw the team finish second in the NL Central. After his managerial tenures with the Colorado Rockies (1993–1998) and Chicago Cubs (2000–2002), Baylor returned to coaching roles. He served as bench coach and hitting instructor for the from 2003 to 2004 under manager , contributing to lineup strategy despite the team's struggles, while managing his diagnosis. In 2005, he took on the hitting coach position with the Seattle Mariners, aiming to boost an offense that ranked mid-pack in runs scored, though the team endured a challenging 69–93 record. Baylor continued in hitting coach roles with several teams in the late and early , including stints with the , a return to the Rockies in , the Arizona Diamondbacks thereafter, and the from 2013 until health issues prompted his retirement. These positions leveraged his reputation for aggressive, disciplined hitting philosophies, though outcomes varied with team personnel and front-office decisions.

Managerial tenure with Colorado Rockies

Don Baylor was appointed as the inaugural manager of the Colorado Rockies expansion franchise prior to the . In his first year, the team finished with a 67–95 record, placing sixth in the division. The 1994 season was abbreviated by a players' strike, ending with a 53–64 mark after 117 games. Baylor's tenure peaked in 1995, when the Rockies achieved a 77–67 record, securing the National League Wild Card berth—the fastest postseason qualification for any MLB in its third season of existence. This success included a home playoff series victory, though the team lost the 3–1 to the . For guiding the young franchise to the , Baylor earned the National League Manager of the Year Award. Over six seasons, Baylor compiled a 440–469 overall record with the Rockies. He contributed to player development, notably revitalizing Andrés Galarraga's career and supporting emerging talents like . However, following a disappointing 77–85 finish in 1998 amid heightened expectations, Baylor was dismissed as manager on September 28, 1998—the first such firing for a postseason participant that year.
YearRecordFinishNotes
199367–956th, NL WestInaugural season
199453–645th, NL WestStrike-shortened
199577–67Wild Card; Lost NLDSNL Manager of the Year
1996–1998Contributed to 440–469 career total with Rockies

Personal life

Marriage, family, and off-field interests

Baylor married his first wife, Jo Cash, in 1970 and they had one son, Donald Jr., born shortly after the . The couple later divorced, after which Baylor married Rebecca "Becky" Giles on December 12, 1987; they remained together until his death nearly 30 years later. Born to George Baylor, a longtime baggage handler for the , and Lillian Baylor, a pastry cook, Baylor grew up in , with younger siblings Doug and Connie. He was survived by his second wife, son, two granddaughters from Don Jr., brother, and sister. Off the field, Baylor prioritized family traditions, including regular Sunday church attendance with his household, reflecting values instilled by his working-class upbringing. Public accounts of his personal pursuits emphasize his roles as a and over individual hobbies, with limited documentation of non-professional activities beyond familial and community commitments.

Philanthropic efforts and character recognition

Baylor was a longtime advocate for the Foundation, chairing its annual 65 Roses Memorial Classic golf tournament for 37 years and helping raise over $6 million toward research and a cure for the disease. His involvement stemmed partly from personal family experience with , motivating sustained fundraising efforts that included creating the 65 Roses Club during his time with the California Angels in 1979, which solicited $10 pledges per Angels from up to 65 donors. By 2010, the tournament and related events had generated more than $5 million, with Baylor contributing his name, time, and resources annually for over three decades. In recognition of his character and community service, Baylor received the in 1985, honoring players for outstanding sportsmanship, dedication to community involvement, and exemplary contributions both on and off the field. The award highlighted his leadership in initiatives and broader charitable commitments, reflecting a personal shaped by his upbringing—his worked in the church and his father served as a —which instilled a habit of giving back. Following his death in 2017, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation renamed its golf event the Don Baylor 65 Roses Memorial Classic to perpetuate his legacy in philanthropy.

Health struggles and death

Cancer diagnosis and treatment

Don Baylor was diagnosed with , a cancer affecting the , on March 23, 2003, while serving as bench coach for the . The condition was identified in its early stages as a low-growth form, which physicians described as treatable through . Baylor began treatment immediately, undergoing four consecutive days of oral and intravenous starting on March 31, 2003, during the Mets' early-season homestand. Despite the , he continued coaching duties without missing games in the 2003 season, reflecting his determination to maintain professional responsibilities amid therapy. By March 2004, Baylor achieved cancer-free status following the initial treatment regimen, allowing him to resume full-time coaching with the Mets. However, the disease recurred periodically over the subsequent years, necessitating ongoing management and additional therapies, though specific details of later interventions remain limited in public records. Baylor's approach emphasized resilience, drawing parallels to his baseball career's emphasis on preparation and endurance.

Death in 2017 and immediate tributes

Don Baylor died on August 7, 2017, in his hometown of , at the age of 68, after a 14-year struggle with , a form of blood cancer. His wife, Rebecca Baylor, announced the death, noting that he "passed from this earth with the same fierce dignity with which he played the game and lived his life." The baseball community responded swiftly with tributes emphasizing Baylor's toughness, leadership, and camaraderie. released a statement mourning the loss of the 1979 and seven-time , praising his contributions as a , and manager. Current and former players, including , who described Baylor as a close friend and "fierce competitor," shared personal remembrances of his intensity and loyalty on the field. Teams across , particularly the Colorado Rockies—where Baylor served as the inaugural manager—posted condolences on , highlighting his role in establishing the franchise's early identity. On August 14, 2017, the Rockies aired a tribute video at before a game against the , featuring career highlights and testimonials to his impact on the organization. A service held on August 13, 2017, at Greater Austin-area facilities drew Hall of Famers like , who lauded Baylor's competitive fire and enduring friendships forged in clubhouses and dugouts. These immediate reactions underscored Baylor's reputation as a resilient figure whose influence extended beyond statistics to mentoring younger players and embodying perseverance amid personal adversity.

Legacy

Contributions to baseball culture and player development

Don Baylor's coaching philosophy emphasized toughness, preparation, and an aggressive approach at the plate, drawing from his own career where he was hit by pitches a record 267 times while crowding the batter's box. As hitting coach for multiple teams, including the , he aided in developing into an MVP-caliber player by instilling focus and mechanics refinement. His direct, unvarying style commanded respect and motivated players through accountability rather than leniency. In player development, Baylor demonstrated impact by mentoring key hitters during his stints with the Colorado Rockies and other franchises. As the inaugural manager of the expansion Rockies from 1993 to 1998, he guided young talents like , personally convincing him to remain with the team ahead of the 1995 season, after which Bichette posted a .340 , 40 home runs, and 128 RBIs, contributing to the franchise's record-fast playoff appearance as an expansion team. He also revamped Andres Galarraga's batting stance in 1992, leading to a strong second-half performance of .296/.330/.497 slash line. With the St. Louis Cardinals in 1992, Baylor stressed preparation and mental focus alongside mechanical adjustments as hitting coach. Baylor further influenced emerging stars as the ' hitting coach from 2014 to 2015, working closely with to reduce strikeouts through targeted offseason adjustments, while providing guidance to veterans like amid lineup experiments. His tenure across 14 organizations spanned player, coach, and manager roles, fostering development through hands-on leadership that balanced toughness with mentorship, such as protecting rookies from media pressure via diversionary tactics. Baylor contributed to baseball culture by perpetuating traditions like kangaroo courts—informal team accountability sessions modeled after his mentor —which built camaraderie and enforced standards during his playing days with the Boston Red Sox and extended into coaching. As the sixth Black manager in MLB history, his 1995 National League Manager of the Year award with the Rockies highlighted his role in advancing minority leadership, though his emphasis remained on merit-based hustle and resilience over identity. Colleagues recalled him as a "gentle giant" who led by example, influencing players' mental fortitude in an era shifting toward analytics by upholding old-school grit.

Posthumous honors and recognitions

Following his death on August 7, 2017, the Colorado Rockies, for whom Baylor served as inaugural manager from 1993 to 1998, honored him by hanging his No. 25 jersey in the dugout during home games starting August 8, 2017, as a symbol of his foundational role in the franchise's history. The team also held a pregame tribute at on August 14, 2017, including a and video montage highlighting his in guiding the expansion club to the in 1995. The passed Senate Resolution 128 on August 11, 2017, formally commemorating Baylor's life, career achievements, and contributions as a native of Austin, recognizing him as a trailblazing athlete who inspired generations. Baylor was interred at the in Austin, a site reserved for distinguished Texans, where his gravestone bears his autograph and uniform number 25, serving as a lasting to his legacy. These recognitions underscored Baylor's enduring impact without additional formal awards or inductions announced posthumously, reflecting tributes centered on his toughness, mentorship, and role in baseball's competitive ethos as recounted by peers at his funeral service on August 12, 2017.

Balanced assessment of career impact

Don Baylor's 19-season MLB playing career yielded 2,135 hits, 338 home runs, and 1,276 RBIs, with a .260 batting average and 37.8 WAR, establishing him as a reliable power hitter and run producer primarily in the outfield and as a designated hitter. His peak performance came in 1979 with the California Angels, where he won the American League MVP award after leading the league in runs scored (120), RBIs (139), and posting 36 home runs, though injuries like wrist tendinitis limited his consistency in subsequent years. Baylor appeared in six World Series, contributing to the Minnesota Twins' 1987 championship, and set MLB records for hit-by-pitches with 267 career and 35 in 1986, reflecting his aggressive plate approach but also physical toll. While respected for clubhouse leadership on seven first-place teams, his overall offensive output (OPS .778) placed him among solid contributors rather than elite sluggers, with no Hall of Fame induction despite three Silver Slugger awards. As a manager, Baylor compiled a 627–689 record (.476 winning ) over nine seasons with the Rockies (1993–1998) and Chicago Cubs (2000–2002), marked by early success but sustained underperformance. With the expansion Rockies, he guided the team to the 1995 National League Wild Card—the fastest postseason berth for a new franchise—earning NL Manager of the Year honors amid a 440–631 mark (.411), crediting his emphasis on fundamentals amid Coors Field's hitting environment. However, the Rockies' record reflected defensive and pitching struggles inherent to the altitude, leading to his firing after 1998; his Cubs tenure yielded a .459 without , highlighting intolerance for underperformance but limited strategic adaptability. Baylor's career impact lies in bridging player toughness and managerial grit, fostering team culture on winning clubs, yet empirical records show modest statistical legacy: a mid-tier as player and sub-.500 wins as skipper, constrained by injuries and expansion challenges rather than transformative innovation. His influence persisted through hitting coach roles, aiding four Yankees (1996–2000) and the 2004 Red Sox, but overall, he epitomized durable professionalism over dominance.

References

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