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Donald Wayne Money (born June 7, 1947) is an American former professional baseball infielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Kintetsu Buffaloes. He currently serves as the Brewers' special instructor of player development.

Key Information

Money spent most of his big league career as a third baseman and was a four-time All-Star. Known as one of the best defensive third basemen of the era, he batted and threw right-handed. He played for MLB's Phillies from (1968–1972) and Brewers (1973–1983). Money played for NPB's Buffaloes in Japan for one month at the end of his career.

Playing career

[edit]

Money was originally signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an amateur free agent in 1965 out of La Plata High School in southern Maryland.[1] While still in the minors, the Pirates traded him in 1967 to the Philadelphia Phillies (with Harold Clem, Woodie Fryman and Bill Laxton) for Jim Bunning. Called up by the Phillies in 1968, he began his major league career as a shortstop, but was moved to third base when Larry Bowa was called up by the Phillies. With the Phillies looking to make room for Mike Schmidt, Money was part of a seven-player deal that sent him, John Vukovich and Bill Champion to the Brewers for Jim Lonborg, Ken Brett, Ken Sanders and Earl Stephenson on October 31, 1972.[2]

Money's most productive seasons were those in 1974, 1977, and 1978 while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers. In 1974, he set career-highs in hits (178), doubles (32), and at bats (629). He also had 19 stolen bases and made his first All-Star team. In 1977, he had career-highs in home runs (25), Runs batted in (83), slugging percentage (.470), and total bases (268). He also had 86 runs scored and made his third All-Star Game. In 1978, he had career-highs in batting average (.293), on-base percentage (.361), and sacrifice hits (14). He also had 7 hit by pitches, and made his fourth and final All-Star team, becoming the first All-Star starter in Brewers franchise history.[3]

Late in his career, Money finally made the post-season with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1981. Because of a prolonged strike, Major League Baseball chose to have a split-season format. In the American League Eastern Division, the first-half champion New York Yankees played Milwaukee, the second half champion. Money, having his worst major league season to date, only had three plate appearances as the Brewers lost the series to New York, 3 games to 2. He saw more action the following postseason as the Brewers defeated the California Angels in the American League Championship Series. In his only World Series of his career, Money and the Brewers lost in seven games to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982. He had a .185 batting average in the 1982 post-season, and a .231 average in the World Series, picking up 2 playoff RBI all-time.[4]

Money, circa 1972

In a 16-season career, Money hit .261 with 176 home runs and 729 RBIs in 1,720 games. He had a lifetime on-base percentage of .328 and a .406 slugging percentage. He also had 80 career stolen bases with 798 runs. He had 1,623 hits in 6,215 at bats.

In 1971, he hit the first ever home run at Veterans Stadium on April 10.[5]

On July 7, 1974, he set the major league record for errorless games at third base, with 78. He would go on to complete an 86-game streak with no errors in 257 chances.[6]

On April 10, 1976, Money hit a grand slam off Dave Pagan of the New York Yankees, only to see it taken back because the first base umpire had called time before the pitch was delivered. According to most accounts, the time out was only granted after the home run, when Yankees manager Billy Martin appealed to the umpire that he had discreetly asked for time out.[7]

After retiring from MLB, he contracted with the Kintetsu Buffaloes in the Japanese Professional League. Money had watched many games of the Yomiuri Giants and noted the large crowds and their beautiful stadium. Kintetsu had a dilapidated stadium, however, and rarely drew much of a crowd. The team put Money up in a cockroach-ridden apartment rather than a house in a tree-lined setting as he felt he had been promised.[citation needed] After one month, Money packed up his family and moved back to his farm in Vineland, New Jersey.[8] As a result of Money's defection — as well as those of two other American players at the time, Jim Tracy and Richard Duran — the NPB commissioner at the time called the American players "spoiled," and proposed banning non-Japanese players from the NPB, a threat that was never carried out.[9]

Coaching career

[edit]

Money began his minor league coaching career as manager of the Class A Oneonta Tigers from 1987 to 1988. He became manager of the Class A Beloit Snappers in 1998. After seven years at Beloit, he moved up to the Brewers' Double-A affiliate, the Huntsville Stars in 2005.[10] In 2007, Money was named the Southern League's Manager of the Year as voted upon by the league's field managers, radio broadcasters, and print media. On May 14, 2008, he became the winningest manager in Stars' history;[11] he finished the season with 275 victories.[12] Money managed the Nashville Sounds, Milwaukee's Triple-A club, from 2009 to 2011. Following the 2011 season, he became Milwaukee's special instructor of player development.[13]

Brewers Walk of Fame

[edit]

In 2005, Money was inducted into the Milwaukee Brewers Walk of Fame at American Family Field. He was inducted along with one of his former Brewers managers, Harvey Kuenn. Money said that his induction was "the greatest honor of all" of his baseball career.[14]

Personal life

[edit]

Money's grandson, Buddy Kennedy, has also played in MLB.[15]

References

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

Don Money

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Don Money (born Donald Wayne Money; June 7, 1947) is a former American professional baseball infielder best known for his defensive prowess at third base and his tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1968 to 1983. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, after graduating from La Plata High School in Maryland, Money signed with the Phillies as an amateur free agent in 1965 and made his MLB debut on April 10, 1968. Over his 16-season MLB career, he appeared in 1,720 games, primarily at third base but also at second base and shortstop, compiling a .261 batting average with 176 home runs, 729 runs batted in, and 80 stolen bases while earning a reputation as one of the league's top defensive third basemen, often compared to Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson—earning him the nickname "Brooks." Money's career highlights include four selections (1974, 1976, 1977, and 1978), with his most productive offensive season coming in 1977 when he hit a career-high 25 home runs and drove in 83 runs for the Brewers. After being traded to in November 1972, he became a of the Brewers' lineup during their rise as contenders in the late and early , contributing to their 1982 pennant win. Following his MLB retirement in 1983, Money briefly played for the Kintetsu Buffaloes in Japan's league in 1984 before transitioning to coaching roles in , including with the Tigers (1987–1988) and Brewers affiliates (1998–2015).

Early Life and Amateur Career

Birth and Family Background

Donald Wayne Money was born on June 7, 1947, in Washington, D.C. His parents were Robert Jarrett Money, a carpenter and railroad worker, and Frances Estelle (Greenfield) Money. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where Money spent his early childhood; subsequent moves between New Jersey and the Washington, D.C., area were driven by his father's employment demands. Money grew up in a family with a strong affinity for , as his three brothers—two older (Robert Jr. and Kenneth) and one younger (Joseph)—were accomplished players in their own right. His older brother Robert Jr., in particular, excelled as a in high school and even earned a tryout with the Phillies, fostering an environment where sports discussions and backyard games were commonplace. This familial encouragement, combined with the supportive suburban setting of Cherry Hill, played a pivotal role in nurturing Money's passion for the game from a young age. Money's initial exposure to organized came at age 7, when he joined Little League in , marking the start of an unbroken progression through youth leagues that included Pony League and without missing a single season. These early experiences in local teams honed his skills and instilled a lifelong dedication to the sport, setting the foundation for his transition to high school .

High School and Professional Signing

Money attended and graduated from La Plata High School in , in 1965. At La Plata, he starred on the team as a , setting school records with a .512 , along with marks for hits, doubles, and home runs in a single season, performances that attracted the interest of major league scouts. Money's family had relocated from Washington, D.C., to , when he was just a few weeks old, providing early exposure to the Northeast's competitive youth scene before moving back to the D.C. area around age 10. On June 20, 1965, shortly after turning 18 and graduating high school, Money signed as an amateur free agent with the , launching his path through the . The Pirates assigned him initially to their affiliate in Salem of the to begin his professional development.

Playing Career

Philadelphia Phillies (1968–1972)

Don Money was acquired by the Phillies in a significant trade from the ' system on December 15, 1967, as part of a deal that sent to in exchange for Money, along with pitchers , Bill Laxton, and Harold Clem. This transaction positioned the 20-year-old for his major league debut the following spring, marking the culmination of his early professional promise after signing with the Pirates out of high school. Money made his MLB debut on April 10, 1968, starting at for the Phillies on Opening Day against the at Stadium, where he recorded one hit in three at-bats and drove in two runs during a 4-3 victory. In his rookie season of 1968, Money appeared in just four games, batting .231 with no home runs and two RBI, reflecting the challenges of adjusting to major league pitching as a young infielder transitioning from the minors. His role expanded in 1969, when he became a regular, playing 127 games primarily at shortstop and third base while posting a .229 batting average with six home runs and 42 RBI; his first major league home run came on April 8, 1969, against Chicago Cubs pitcher Fergie Jenkins. Money's early career with the Phillies was marked by positional versatility, as he split time across the infield at third base (his primary position), shortstop, and second base, demonstrating adaptability amid the team's rebuilding efforts. Over his five seasons in Philadelphia from 1968 to 1972, he appeared in 524 games, compiling a .241 batting average, 42 home runs, and 200 RBI. A notable highlight came on April 10, 1971, during the inaugural game at the newly opened , where Money hit the first in the ballpark's history—a solo shot in the sixth inning off Montreal Expos pitcher —contributing to a 4-1 Phillies win before a crowd of 55,352. Defensively, Money excelled as an , achieving a .975 fielding percentage across his Phillies tenure, with particular strength at third base where he posted a .968 mark, helping him navigate the rigors of MLB competition during a period of inconsistent offensive output. In 1972, he set a personal best with 15 home runs and extended an errorless streak of 163 chances over 48 games at third base, underscoring his growing reliability before the emergence of prospect limited his opportunities.

Milwaukee Brewers (1973–1983)

Following the 1972 season, Don Money was traded from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Milwaukee Brewers on , 1972, along with pitcher Bill Champion and infielder , in exchange for pitchers Earl Stephenson, , Ken Sanders, and . In his first year with Milwaukee in 1973, Money made an immediate impact as the team's primary , batting .284 with 158 hits, 11 home runs, and 22 stolen bases over 145 games, while leading third basemen with a .971 fielding percentage; his contributions helped the Brewers improve from 65 wins in 1972 to 74 victories. Money reached several career highs in 1974, recording 178 hits, 32 doubles, 19 stolen bases, and a .283 in 159 games, earning him the Brewers' MVP award that season. Over his full tenure with from 1973 to 1983, he appeared in 1,196 games, batting .268 with 1,168 hits, 134 home runs, and 529 RBI, establishing himself as a versatile capable of playing third base, , and the outfield. Money's defensive excellence at third base earned him the nickname "Brooks," a homage to Baltimore Orioles legend Brooks Robinson, particularly after Money's standout 1974 campaign in which he set a major-league record for third basemen with 86 consecutive errorless games and just five errors total for the season. He was selected for four All-Star Games during his Brewers years (1974, 1976, 1977, and 1978), starting at third base in the 1978 contest at San Diego's Jack Murphy Stadium. In 1982, Money contributed to the Brewers' pennant-winning season, batting .284 with 16 home runs and 55 RBI in 96 games despite injuries; defeated the Angels in the ALCS before losing the to the Cardinals in seven games, with Money going 3-for-13 in the Fall Classic. His final major-league appearance came on September 17, 1983, after which he played sparingly in 43 games that year, batting .149 primarily as a , before being released by the Brewers on January 17, 1984.

Japanese Professional League (1984)

Following his release by the Brewers on January 17, 1984, Don Money signed a with the of Nippon Professional Baseball's , seeking to extend his playing career abroad. The agreement came after discussions with his wife, and the family relocated to to support the move. Money debuted on March 31, 1984, primarily serving as a and , and appeared in 29 games before departing on May 6. In that span, he batted .260 with 8 home runs, leading the league in homers at the time despite the limited action. His tenure ended abruptly after roughly one month due to a combination of cultural and logistical challenges, including misrepresentations about travel conditions and substandard housing, ineffective communication via a poor interpreter with manager Isao Okawa, and tensions arising from the team's criticism of his daughter's behavior as a factor in his performance. These issues, compounded by his family's overall unhappiness in , prompted Money to quit midseason during a daytime game while the Buffaloes held first place, effectively concluding his professional playing career and facilitating his return to the .

Post-Playing Career

Minor League Coaching and Managing

Following his retirement from playing in 1984, Don Money entered professional baseball coaching in 1987 as coach with the Class A Oneonta Tigers in the New York-Penn League, a role he held through 1988. Money's minor league managing career spanned from 1998 to 2011, primarily within the Milwaukee Brewers' organization, where he led teams at Class A, Double-A, and Triple-A levels, compiling an overall record of 963 wins and 989 losses across 1,952 games for a .494 winning percentage. His tenure emphasized player development, particularly in refining infield defense and hitting fundamentals, leveraging his own experience as a versatile infielder with a career .975 fielding percentage. He guided numerous prospects through the system, including early contributions to players like Bill Hall, who debuted in the majors in 2002 after advancing under Money's oversight in the Brewers' affiliates. From 1998 to 2004, Money managed the Class A Beloit Snappers in the , posting a 465-501 record over seven seasons and leading the team to the league finals twice—as runners-up in 2000 and 2003—while fostering competitive play that promoted several young talents to higher levels. He then advanced to Double-A with the of the Southern League from 2005 to 2008, achieving a 275-279 mark and reaching the league championship series in both 2006 and 2007; during this period, he set the franchise record for most managerial victories with 275 wins and earned the 2007 Southern League Manager of the Year award for guiding the team to a 75-62 third-place finish amid strong player progression. Money concluded his managing stint at Triple-A with the of the from 2009 to 2011, where he recorded 223-209 over three years, including winning seasons in his first two campaigns (75-69 in 2009 and 77-67 in 2010) that contributed to sustained affiliate competitiveness and multiple player call-ups to the majors. In 2012, he served as hitting coach for the rookie-level Helena Brewers.

Milwaukee Brewers Staff Roles

Following his managing and coaching tenure, Don Money transitioned to the Milwaukee Brewers organization in a front-office capacity after the 2012 season, taking on the role of special instructor in player development from 2013 to 2015. In this position, he traveled across the Brewers' farm system, spending 10 to 12 days at a time with each affiliate to provide targeted guidance to emerging talent. Money's work emphasized infield training for prospects, where he focused on refining footwork, arm positioning, and overall defensive fundamentals, drawing directly from his own experience as a versatile during his playing days with the Brewers. He also contributed to hitting instruction, collaborating with affiliate managers and coaches to identify players requiring additional development in plate and approach, while mentoring on mental preparation and mindset to accelerate their progression toward the major leagues. For instance, in 2015, he spent 12 days with the Class A , working closely with infielders and hitters to address specific skill gaps. Money bolstered the Brewers' farm system by fostering a culture of disciplined growth among prospects until 2015, with his expertise helping to bridge the gap between affiliates and the major league roster. This advisory role built on his extensive experience, allowing him to impart practical lessons from a career that included four selections and consistent defensive excellence.

Honors and Recognition

All-Star Selections and Awards

Don Money earned four selections to the during his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers, appearing in , , , and . In the 1978 game, held at , Money started at second base as the fan-elected representative for the , marking the first time a Brewers player had started in the Midsummer Classic. He recorded one hit in four All-Star at-bats across his appearances, contributing to the 's efforts in those contests. Money's defensive prowess at third base was a cornerstone of his accolades, highlighted by setting a major-league record with 86 consecutive errorless games during the 1974 season, spanning from September 28, 1973, to July 16, 1974. This streak underscored his reliability in the field, where he also established American League records for consecutive errorless chances at third base in a season (261) and career (88 games). Over his career, Money maintained a .968 fielding percentage at third base, ranking among the top performers at the position during his era, with only five errors committed in 1974 alone. In addition to his All-Star nods, Money received recognition in Most Valuable Player voting twice, finishing 29th in the American League in both 1974 (with 1% of the vote) and 1978. These honors reflected his consistent contributions as a versatile for the Brewers, including team-specific acknowledgments for his defensive excellence, such as leading the league in fielding percentage at third base in 1972 and 1973.

Brewers Walk of Fame

Don Money was inducted into the Milwaukee Brewers Walk of Fame in 2005, alongside former manager , in recognition of his 11 seasons with the team from 1973 to 1983, his four selections, and his contributions during the run. The Walk of Fame, established in 2001 as the franchise's equivalent of a team hall of fame, honors players and personnel for their lasting impact on the Brewers organization. The induction ceremony took place at Miller Park (now ), where Money received a granite-shaped home plate plaque installed on the plaza outside the stadium, positioned near statues of other Brewers legends such as , , , and . During the event, Money described the honor as the “greatest honor of all,” emphasizing its special meaning because he was entering alongside Kuenn, a close friend and former manager. No additional quotes from team officials were publicly highlighted in contemporary reports, but the induction underscored Money's value as a versatile who played multiple positions with a career .975 fielding percentage during his Brewers tenure. Money's enshrinement cemented his long-term legacy as a Brewers , celebrated for his defensive reliability and positional flexibility across the infield, which allowed him to contribute steadily over a decade with the franchise. His appearances were a key factor in establishing eligibility for this post-career accolade. As of 2025, the Walk of Fame includes 23 inductees, with Money's plaque remaining a prominent feature at , symbolizing his enduring role in Brewers history.

Personal Life

Immediate Family

Don Money married his wife, Sharon, in 1969; the two had known each other since childhood in . Together, they raised two children: son Don Jr., born in 1970, and daughter Shannon, born in 1971. During Money's playing career with the Milwaukee Brewers, his family provided support, including Don Jr. serving as a batboy for the team during the first two games of the in . The family accompanied Money to in 1984 for his brief stint in the Japanese Professional League, though they found the experience challenging and returned home mid-season. After retiring from , Money prioritized family life, stating that he stepped away from the game to spend more time with Sharon and their children. The family settled in , Money's hometown, where Don and Sharon continue to reside. In Vineland, Money has engaged in local matters, such as voicing concerns about traffic safety and the well-being of school children during a 2022 city zoning board meeting regarding a proposed development. Outside of baseball, Money enjoys hobbies such as golf and pool, activities that allow him to relax with family and friends. His upbringing in a close-knit New Jersey family instilled values of loyalty and togetherness that have shaped his approach to immediate family life.

Extended Family and Legacy Connections

Don Money's legacy in baseball extends through his grandson, Clifton "Buddy" Kennedy, who made his Major League Baseball debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 17, 2022, after being drafted in the fifth round out of Millville High School in 2017. Kennedy, an infielder, appeared in 30 games for the Diamondbacks that season before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in June 2024, where he contributed in limited action, including a key pinch-hit walk in September. His 2025 season proved tumultuous, marked by multiple designations for assignment from the Phillies, stints with the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers, in addition to time with the Phillies, and culminating in a World Series championship ring from the Dodgers despite minimal playing time across 13 total MLB games that year. Following the season, Kennedy elected free agency on November 6, 2025. The Kennedy-Money family embodies a multi-generational tradition, with Buddy growing up immersed in stories of his grandfather's career, including Money's nickname "Brooks," earned for his exceptional third-base defense reminiscent of during his time with the Phillies (1968–1972) and Brewers (1973–1983). Buddy has cited Money as his primary influence in the sport, aware of the Phillies' early chapters in his grandfather's path and the Brewers' era of success that defined much of Money's 16-year MLB tenure. This shared history gained poignant resonance when Buddy joined the Phillies, prompting an immediate call to Money upon his 2024 promotion, linking their pinstriped legacies across decades. Money and Kennedy share a close, supportive relationship, highlighted by joint moments such as Money's in-person attendance at to watch Buddy's Phillies debut in September 2024 and a lighthearted 2022 TV interview where Money playfully trolled his grandson moments after Buddy's first MLB hit interrupted the broadcast. Money frequently offers practical advice, such as adjustments to Kennedy's batting stance during slumps, drawing from his own experience as a .261 career hitter with 176 home runs. They maintain a close relationship through regular communication, providing Money—now 78 and retired in southern —with ongoing purpose and joy amid his post-playing years, as he cheers Kennedy's perseverance through roster challenges. This mentorship has allowed Money to impart lessons from his Brewers coaching roles, fostering Kennedy's resilience in .

References

  1. https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/don-money/
  2. https://www.mlb.com/player/don-money-119248
  3. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/moneydo01.shtml
  4. https://brewerfanatic.com/news-rumors/milwaukee-brewers-history/don-money-an-outstanding-defender-at-third-in-the-age-of-brooks-robinson-r2715/
  5. https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-9938732
  6. https://njsports.com/don-money/
  7. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=moneydo01
  8. https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/1967-transactions.shtml
  9. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Don_Money
  10. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/home_run.php?p=moneydo01
  11. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=moneydo01&year=Career&t=b
  12. https://www.mlb.com/news/phillies-alumni-veterans-stadium-homers
  13. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=moneydo01
  14. https://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/24/sports/sports-people-big-pact-for-allen.html
  15. https://www.thenorthwestern.com/story/sports/2015/07/09/former-brewer-great-don-money-still-helping-prospects/29940459/
  16. https://brewerfanatic.com/news-rumors/milwaukee-brewers/crew-throwback-don-money-r529/
  17. https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-8077502
  18. https://brewersbeat.mlblogs.com/money-rest-of-triple-a-staff-to-return-201644b3ffff
  19. https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/professional/mlb/article_6531033e-6c3a-11ee-9e4a-6729858bf015.html
  20. https://www.mlb.com/news/best-brewers-players-by-uniform-number
  21. https://www.baseball-reference.com/allstar/bat-register.shtml
  22. https://www.mlb.com/brewers/ballpark/attractions/walk-of-fame
  23. https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/mlb/brewers/2022/08/06/milwaukee-brewers-braves-baseball-stars-part-walk-of-fame/10255889002/
  24. https://www.chattanoogan.com/2006/9/6/92228/Meet-Huntsville-Stars-Manager-Don-Money.aspx
  25. https://www.njsportsheroes.com/donmoneybb.html
  26. http://councils.vinelandcity.org/ArchiveZoningBoard/Minutes/2022/22-1-19.pdf
  27. https://www.mlb.com/player/buddy-kennedy-671083
  28. https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/buddy-kennedy-don-money-grandson-phillies-millville-20240910.html
  29. https://www.thegoodphight.com/phillies-analysis/75042/2025-player-review-buddy-kennedy
  30. https://philliesnation.com/2025/10/philadelphia-phillies-toronto-blue-jays-los-angeles-dodgers-buddy-kennedy/
  31. https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/PBR/Get-to-Know-2017-3B-Buddy-Kennedy-Millville-HS-NJ-4019563728
  32. https://www.nj.com/phillies/2024/08/another-phillie-in-the-family-millville-grad-joins-grandfather-as-players-in-pinstripes.html
  33. https://www.facebook.com/philliesfanclub/posts/great-to-see-don-money-at-the-bankformer-phils-ss-and-3b-don-money-was-in-the-ho/1052272116900877/
  34. https://www.marca.com/en/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks/2022/06/18/62ad5c2e22601d3d5b8b457a.html
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