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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
[edit]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
[edit]Baltimore Orioles
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]
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
[edit]
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
[edit]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)
[edit]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
[edit]
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
[edit]Baylor was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2003.[34] He died on August 7, 2017, at the age of 68.[5]
Legacy
[edit]On May 22, 2025, a park in Baylor's hometown of Austin was renamed Don Baylor Neighborhood Park.[35]
Managerial record
[edit]| 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
[edit]- List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career runs scored leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career stolen bases leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual runs batted in leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual runs scored leaders
- List of St. Louis Cardinals coaches
References
[edit]- ^ "Career Leaders & Records for Hit By Pitch". Baseball-Reference.com. January 1, 1970. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f "Don Baylor - Society for American Baseball Research". sabr.org. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Don Baylor Stats". Baseball Reference. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
- ^ Harding, Thomas (February 9, 2017). "Don Baylor overcame obstacles off the field". Major League Baseball. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
- ^ a b Bohls, Kirk (August 7, 2017). "Former MLB star, Austin native Don Baylor dies at 68". Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on August 7, 2017. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
- ^ Reid, Scott M. (December 23, 2005). "Millions watched the Texas-Arkansas game in 1969". The Orange County Register. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved August 21, 2007.
- ^ Roy, Reagan. "Texas native, MLB legend Don Baylor dies at 68 – Story". Easttexasmatters.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2017. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
- ^ Norman MacLean, ed. (1988). 1988 Who's Who in Baseball. New York: Who's Who in Baseball Magazine Company, Inc.
- ^ "Athletics send Jackson, Ken Holtzman to Orioles," United Press International (UPI), Saturday, April 3, 1976. Retrieved May 4, 2020
- ^ 100 Things Orioles Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die, Dan Connolly, Triumph Books, Chicago, 2015, ISBN 978-1-62937-041-5, p.126
- ^ Tosches, Rich (April 1, 1981). "One in a series of major league baseball team sizeups. Today: The California Angels". UPI. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
- ^ a b Baylor, Don (April 3, 1989). Don Baylor: It's Nothing But The Truth - A Baseball Life. Long Island, New York: Newsday LLC. ProQuest 278116357. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
- ^ a b John and Valenti, pp. 240-41
- ^ a b John and Valenti, p. 243
- ^ Neff, Craig. "HIS HONOR, DON BAYLOR". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
- ^ Michaels, Al with Jon L. Wertheim (2014) You Can't Make This Stuff Up: Miracles, Memories, and the Perfect Marriage of Sports and Television, New York: Harper Collins [1]
- ^ Anderson, R.J. (January 25, 2021). "Yankees-Red Sox trades: Brief history of deals between rivals, from Great Bambino to Adam Ottavino". CBS Sports. ViacomCBS. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
- ^ Newhan, Ross (October 13, 1986). "Ghost of Seasons Past Visit Angel's Mauch in Game 5". The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California).
- ^ Michaels, Al with Jon L. Wertheim (2014) You Can't Make This Stuff Up: Miracles, Memories, and the Perfect Marriage of Sports and Television, New York: Harper Collins [2]
- ^ Allen, Scott. "The true legacy of Don Baylor, an MVP and World Series champ, is his legendary toughness". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
- ^ "Don Baylor, former MVP and manager of year, dies at 68". Los Angeles Times. August 7, 2017. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
- ^ a b "Don Baylor". Baseball Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved September 23, 2015.
- ^ "Don Baylor, former MVP who was Yankees DH and Mets coach, dead at 68". The Star-Ledger. August 7, 2017. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
- ^ "Mariners' hitting, pitching coaches resign". ESPN. Associated Press. October 3, 2005. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
- ^ "After rough start, MASN starts to hit its stride - SportsBusiness Daily | SportsBusiness Daily Global". SportsBusiness Daily. Archived from the original on August 8, 2017. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
- ^ Renck, Troy E. (October 15, 2010). "Lansford takes over as Rockies' new hitting coach". The Denver Post.
- ^ Armstrong, Jim (March 4, 2011). "Lansford changes way Rockies' hitters think". The Denver Post. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
- ^ Renck, Troy E. (March 3, 2015). "DBacks to hire Baylor as new hitting coach". The Denver Post. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
- ^ Renck, Troy E. (October 25, 2010). "D-Backs to hire Baylor as new hitting coach". The Denver Post.
- ^ "Don Baylor leaving Arizona Diamondbacks for Los Angeles Angels". The Arizona Republic. October 16, 2013.
- ^ Perry, Dayn (March 31, 2014). "Don Baylor fractures femur while receiving first pitch, set for surgery". CBS Sports. Retrieved April 1, 2014.
- ^ The Star Ledger April 2, 2014. section 5 pg. 53
- ^ DiGiovanna, Mike (October 13, 2015). "Angels fire hitting coach Don Baylor and pitching coach Mike Butcher". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
- ^ Bloom, Barry M. (January 20, 2016). "Diamondbacks hitting coach Don Baylor leading fight against Multiple Myeloma". Major League Baseball. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
- ^ "Action taken by the City Council during the meeting of: Thursday, May 22, 2025". City of Austin. May 22, 2025. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ^ "Don Baylor". Baseball Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- John, Tommy; Valenti, Dan (1991). TJ: My Twenty-Six Years in Baseball. New York: Bantam. ISBN 0-553-07184-X.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from MLB · ESPN · Baseball Reference · Fangraphs · Baseball Reference (Minors) · Retrosheet · Baseball Almanac
- Don Baylor managerial career statistics at Baseball-Reference.com
- Retrosheet
- Don Baylor at Find a Grave
| Sporting positions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Milwaukee Brewers Hitting Coach 1990–1991 |
Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | St. Louis Cardinals Hitting Coach 1992 |
Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Atlanta Braves Hitting Coach 1999 |
Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Seattle Mariners Hitting Coach 2005 |
Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Colorado Rockies Hitting Coach 2009–2010 |
Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Arizona Diamondbacks Hitting Coach 2011–2013 |
Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Hitting Coach 2014–2015 |
Succeeded by |
Don Baylor
View on GrokipediaEarly life and amateur career
Upbringing and family influences
Don Baylor was born on June 28, 1949, in Austin, Texas, to George and Lillian Baylor, a working-class African American couple residing in the Clarksville neighborhood.[7][8] His father, George, worked as a baggage handler and porter for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad, providing steady employment amid economic challenges for Black families in mid-20th-century Texas.[9][10] 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.[9][10] 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.[9] This environment fostered discipline and resilience, as the Baylors navigated segregation-era Austin, including Baylor's early integration of O. Henry Junior High School in 1961 alongside two neighborhood peers—a milestone reflecting parental emphasis on opportunity over isolation.[11] 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 ethos that propelled Baylor's early sports prowess, while his mother's levelheaded stability provided emotional grounding amid external pressures like racial barriers.[12] These influences, rooted in parental example rather than affluence, emphasized self-reliance and perseverance, qualities Baylor later credited for his professional success.[9]High school achievements and draft selection
Baylor attended Stephen F. Austin High School in Austin, Texas, where he emerged as a standout multisport athlete, excelling in baseball and football as the first Black player to achieve prominence in both programs.[13] During his sophomore year, he became the school's inaugural Black varsity baseball player, demonstrating exceptional skill that culminated in his appointment as team captain by graduation in 1967.[14] His high school performance highlighted raw power and determination, though specific batting statistics from that era remain sparsely documented in public records.[10] 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 Stephen F. Austin High School.[3] Scout Dee Phillips signed the 17-year-old Baylor for a $7,500 bonus, recognizing his potential as an outfielder with professional-grade tools.[2] This draft position reflected his status as a top amateur prospect, positioning him for a minor league debut shortly thereafter.[13]MLB playing career
Baltimore Orioles (1970–1975)
Baylor signed with the Baltimore 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.[3] 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.[2] In eight games that season, he batted .235 with four hits and four RBIs, primarily as an outfielder.[3] His 1971 appearance was limited to one game, where he went hitless in two at-bats but scored a run.[3] Baylor transitioned to a more regular role in 1972, appearing in 102 games as a left fielder and designated hitter, earning a spot on the Topps Rookie All-Star Team for his .253 batting average, 11 home runs, and 24 stolen bases.[2] He solidified his position in the outfield over the next three seasons, contributing to Baltimore's contention in the American League East. 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 the Orioles' division title.[2] The following year, he batted .381 in the late season as Baltimore again captured the East but fell to the Oakland Athletics in the ALCS.[2] 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.[3][2]| Year | Games | AB | H | HR | RBI | BA | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 102 | 320 | 81 | 11 | 38 | .253 | .330 | .416 |
| 1973 | 118 | 405 | 116 | 11 | 51 | .286 | .357 | .437 |
| 1974 | 137 | 489 | 133 | 10 | 59 | .272 | .341 | .382 |
| 1975 | 145 | 524 | 148 | 25 | 76 | .282 | .360 | .489 |
Oakland Athletics (1976)
Baylor was traded to the Oakland Athletics from the Baltimore Orioles on April 2, 1976, along with pitchers Mike Torrez and Paul Mitchell, in exchange for outfielder Reggie Jackson, pitcher Ken Holtzman, and minor leaguer Bill VanBommell.[15] The deal, executed just before the start of the season, reflected Oakland's strategy under owner Charlie Finley to acquire younger talent amid financial pressures and Jackson's contract disputes.[2] Baylor made an immediate impact, hitting a home run in his first at-bat as an Athletic on April 9, 1976, against the California Angels at the Oakland Coliseum.[16] Primarily serving as an outfielder, first baseman, and designated hitter, 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.[3] He drew 58 walks for a .329 on-base percentage and stole a career-high 52 bases while being caught 12 times, showcasing his aggressive baserunning style that complemented his power-hitting approach.[3][16] His performance earned him American League Player of the Week honors for the week ending May 22, 1976.[1] 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.[17] 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.[18]California Angels (1977–1982)
Don Baylor signed a six-year, $1.6 million contract with the California Angels as a free agent on November 16, 1976, joining fellow free-agent signees Joe Rudi and Bobby Grich to form the franchise's inaugural class of big-league free agents.[15][19] In his debut season of 1977, Baylor transitioned primarily to the designated hitter role while occasionally playing outfield and first base, posting solid but unspectacular numbers amid an adjustment period to justify his salary.[2] 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 All-Star selection.[3][20] 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.[21] Baylor appeared in all 162 regular-season games, batting cleanup consistently.[2] 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 Milwaukee 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 victory.[22][23] The following table summarizes Baylor's regular-season batting statistics during his Angels tenure:| Year | G | AB | H | BA | HR | RBI | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | 154 | 561 | 141 | .251 | 25 | 75 | 87 |
| 1978 | 158 | 591 | 151 | .255 | 34 | 99 | 103 |
| 1979 | 162 | 628 | 186 | .296 | 36 | 139 | 120 |
| 1980 | 90 | 340 | 85 | .250 | 5 | 51 | 39 |
| 1981 | 103 | 377 | 90 | .239 | 17 | 66 | 52 |
| 1982 | 157 | 608 | 160 | .263 | 24 | 93 | 80 |
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 designated hitter following his free agency from the California Angels.[24] 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 on-base percentage of .361 and slugging percentage of .494; his performance earned him the American League Silver Slugger Award at designated hitter.[3] On July 31, 1983, he hit a grand slam in the 11th inning to highlight a six-run rally, securing a 12-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox.[25] Baylor's 1984 campaign saw him play 134 games, achieving a .262 batting average 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.[3] During 1985, he participated in 142 games, batting .231 with 110 hits, 23 home runs, and 91 RBIs across 477 at-bats, with an OBP of .330 and SLG of .430, securing another Silver Slugger Award; additionally, Baylor received the Roberto Clemente Award for his contributions on and off the field.[3][2] On August 29, 1985, he was hit by a pitch for the 190th time in his career, establishing an American League record.[26] Throughout his Yankees tenure, Baylor experienced conflicts with team owner George Steinbrenner, contributing to a challenging atmosphere despite his consistent power production.[2]| Year | Games | At Bats | Hits | Home Runs | RBIs | Batting Average | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | 144 | 534 | 162 | 21 | 85 | .303 | .361 | .494 |
| 1984 | 134 | 493 | 129 | 27 | 89 | .262 | .341 | .489 |
| 1985 | 142 | 477 | 110 | 23 | 91 | .231 | .330 | .430 |
Boston Red Sox (1986)
The Boston Red Sox acquired Baylor from the New York Yankees on March 28, 1986, in exchange for designated hitter Mike Easler, marking the first trade between the two rivals since 1971.[15] [27] Baylor assumed the primary designated hitter role for Boston, appearing in 160 games during the regular season. He recorded a .238 batting average, .344 on-base percentage, and .439 slugging percentage, with 139 hits including 23 doubles, one triple, and 31 home runs, while driving in 94 runs and scoring 93.[28] These power totals represented his strongest output since his 1979 American League Most Valuable Player season, though he struck out a career-high 111 times and drew 62 walks.[2] Baylor led the American League with 35 hit-by-pitches, underscoring his willingness to crowd the plate despite the physical toll.[3] For his offensive contributions, he earned the Outstanding Designated Hitter Award.[29] Baylor also provided veteran leadership to a Red Sox team that captured the American League East with a 95-66 record, instilling intensity and accountability in the clubhouse amid a roster blending established stars like Jim Rice and Wade Boggs with postseason hopefuls.[30] In the American League Championship Series against the California Angels, Baylor batted .346 across seven games, helping Boston rally from a 3-1 deficit to win the series 4-3.[2] 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 home run off Angels pitcher Mike Witt, 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.[31] [32] Facing the New York Mets in the World Series, Baylor started only three of the seven games as designated hitter, limited by the National League's non-use of the position at Shea Stadium.[2] The Red Sox fell 4-3 despite leading 3-0 entering Game 7, thwarted by a late Mets comeback.[2]Minnesota Twins (1987)
On August 31, 1987, the Minnesota Twins acquired Don Baylor from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for a player to be named later, 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 American League West.[15][33] Primarily serving as the designated hitter, 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 WAR amid five walks and 12 strikeouts.[34] His acquisition addressed the team's need for a veteran right-handed power bat and leadership presence in the final month, contributing to Minnesota's 85-77 record and first-place finish.[2] In the postseason, Baylor's performance elevated significantly, as he batted .389 (7-for-18) across the ALCS and World Series, providing clutch hitting for the Twins' championship run.[35] Against the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS, which Minnesota 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.[36] Baylor's most memorable contribution came in the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, a seven-game series Minnesota won 4-3 for the franchise's first title. In Game 6 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on October 24, with the Twins trailing 5-3 in the bottom of the fifth inning and facing elimination after losing Games 4 and 5 in St. Louis, Baylor hit a two-run home 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.[37] The Twins won Game 6 on a walk-off RBI single by Gene Larkin in the 10th and clinched the series 4-2 in Game 7, with Baylor's timely power proving pivotal in shifting momentum back to Minnesota at home.[2][3]Oakland Athletics (1988)
Baylor signed with the Oakland Athletics prior to the 1988 season, returning to the franchise where he had briefly played in 1976.[2] At age 39, he primarily served as a designated hitter, appearing in 92 games while wearing uniform numbers 00 and 12.[3] [38] In 313 plate appearances, Baylor batted .220 with a .332 on-base percentage and .326 slugging percentage, recording 28 runs scored, 58 hits including 7 doubles and 7 home runs, and 34 RBI.[3] He drew 44 walks against 34 strikeouts, contributing to an OPS of .658.[3] 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.[3] Despite the subdued offensive output, Baylor provided veteran leadership on an Oakland team that won 104 games and captured the American League West division title under manager Tony La Russa.[39] The Athletics advanced to the World Series, 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 Minnesota Twins—though the team fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.[40] His role emphasized clubhouse presence over on-field dominance, earning recognition as a respected team leader in his final professional season.[41] Baylor retired after 1988, concluding a career with 338 home runs and 2,092 games played.[1]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.[2][42] This fearless stance, combined with verbal provocations toward moundsmen, contributed to his reputation as a tough, intimidating hitter who prioritized contact over self-preservation.[2] 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 Hughie Jennings (287), Craig Biggio (285), and Tommy Tucker (272).[3][43] He led the American League in hit by pitches eight times, underscoring his consistent exposure to inside pitches.[2] Baylor demonstrated resilience by rarely displaying pain after being plunked, interpreting such incidents as affirmations of his unyielding mindset rather than setbacks.[2] His peak in this regard came in 1986 with the Boston Red Sox, when he established the American League single-season record of 35 hit by pitches, surpassing previous marks and highlighting the extremes of his plate discipline.[44][2] 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.[45] Despite the hazards, he maintained the tactic through multiple teams, viewing it as integral to his power-hitting identity.[2]Key awards, statistics, and peak performances
Baylor earned the American League Most Valuable Player 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).[3] That season represented his offensive pinnacle, slashing .296/.373/.528 over 162 games and anchoring the Angels' lineup as a left fielder and designated hitter.[3] He was selected to his lone All-Star Game appearance that year.[3] 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 American League designated hitters or outfielders.[3] In 1985, he received the Roberto Clemente Award for combining on-field excellence with off-field humanitarian efforts, including work with children's charities.[2] Career totals reflect a durable power hitter who played 2,292 games across 19 seasons from 1970 to 1988, compiling 2,135 hits, 338 home runs, 1,276 RBIs, and 285 stolen bases with a .260 batting average and .778 OPS.[3] 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).[3] Baylor contributed to the Minnesota Twins' 1987 World Series championship, batting .313 in the postseason.[1]| Year | Team | G | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | LAA | 162 | .296 | 36 | 139 | .901 |
| 1983 | NYY | 144 | .303 | 21 | 85 | .856 |
| 1975 | BAL | 145 | .282 | 25 | 76 | .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.[1][2] He led the AL in games played in 1982 (157) and 1986 (160), reflecting his ability to maintain availability amid physical demands.[1] 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.[2] 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.[3] 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.[46] 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.[47] 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.[3] Despite these points, contemporaries praised his toughness and leadership, with few questioning his effort or willingness to play through discomfort.[48]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 Milwaukee Brewers from 1990 to 1991, where he focused on refining players' approaches at the plate amid the team's rebuilding efforts.[49][13] 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.[49][50] 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 New York Mets from 2003 to 2004 under manager Art Howe, contributing to lineup strategy despite the team's struggles, while managing his multiple myeloma diagnosis.[2][49] 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.[49][6] Baylor continued in hitting coach roles with several teams in the late 2000s and early 2010s, including stints with the Atlanta Braves, a return to the Rockies in 2009, the Arizona Diamondbacks thereafter, and the Los Angeles Angels from 2013 until health issues prompted his retirement.[51][2] These positions leveraged his reputation for aggressive, disciplined hitting philosophies, though outcomes varied with team personnel and front-office decisions.[13][6]Managerial tenure with Colorado Rockies
Don Baylor was appointed as the inaugural manager of the Colorado Rockies expansion franchise prior to the 1993 Major League Baseball season.[49] In his first year, the team finished with a 67–95 record, placing sixth in the National League West division.[52] The 1994 season was abbreviated by a players' strike, ending with a 53–64 mark after 117 games.[52] 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 expansion team in its third season of existence.[53][54] This success included a home playoff series victory, though the team lost the National League Division Series 3–1 to the Atlanta Braves.[55] For guiding the young franchise to the playoffs, Baylor earned the National League Manager of the Year Award.[56] Over six seasons, Baylor compiled a 440–469 overall record with the Rockies.[57] He contributed to player development, notably revitalizing Andrés Galarraga's career and supporting emerging talents like Dante Bichette.[5] 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.[58][59]| Year | Record | Finish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 67–95 | 6th, NL West | Inaugural season[52] |
| 1994 | 53–64 | 5th, NL West | Strike-shortened[52] |
| 1995 | 77–67 | Wild Card; Lost NLDS | NL Manager of the Year[53][56] |
| 1996–1998 | — | — | Contributed to 440–469 career total with Rockies[57] |
