Todd Haneynull – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Todd Haney’s path through Major League Baseball is one of those stories that quietly highlights the grit and determination it takes to stick around the big leagues. Born and raised in Texas, Haney broke into MLB with the Montreal Expos in 1992 at 27, then bounced to the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets before finally calling it a career. Todd Haney retired from professional baseball in 1998, wrapping up a journey that touched parts of six big-league seasons.

But there’s more to Haney than just stats and box scores. Persistence really defined his story. The Seattle Mariners picked him in the 38th round back in 1987 after his college days at Texas—a long shot by any measure. He didn’t make it to the majors right away, but his steady defensive skills and relentless work ethic eventually opened the door. Haney never became a household name, but honestly, he’s a great example of a professional athlete who squeezed every drop out of his abilities with smarts and hustle.

Early Life and Background

Todd Michael Haney’s baseball story started in Texas, where growing up with a supportive family and a love for the game set him on his way. Those early years in the Lone Star State laid the groundwork for everything that came later.

Family and Upbringing

Born July 30, 1965, in Galveston, Texas, Todd Haney grew up in a middle-class family that really valued hard work. Living on the Gulf Coast meant he could play ball almost any time of year, and that made a difference.

His dad, a big fan of the game himself, introduced Todd to baseball when he was just five. That early start mattered a lot.

The Haneys stuck close to Galveston County, where the local baseball scene was a big deal. Their encouragement helped Todd chase his dreams.

And, of course, the Texas weather didn’t hurt—plenty of days to practice, which gave him a leg up over kids from colder places.

Youth Baseball Experience

Todd made a name for himself pretty quickly in Little League. Coaches noticed his sharp hand-eye coordination and willingness to put in extra work, sometimes staying late to field grounders or take more swings.

By 12, he’d become one of the best young infielders around Galveston. His quick hands and knack for being in the right spot set him apart.

He played for several travel teams, logging miles all over Texas and facing strong competition.

In high school, Todd stood out as a middle infielder. College recruiters took notice, especially because he could hit and play solid defense.

Education and Early Influences

Haney managed to keep his grades up while starring on the field in high school. That balance between books and baseball would pay off later.

He chose the University of Texas, where he earned All-Southwest Conference First Team honors in both 1986 and 1987. Not bad, considering how competitive that league was.

Several coaches left their mark on him. His high school coach drilled the mental side of the game into him, while his college coaches helped polish his skills.

The fierce competition at Texas, playing against future pros, gave Haney the kind of edge and exposure that professional scouts notice.

Path to Professional Baseball

Todd Haney’s road to the majors followed the familiar grind: amateur ball, college, then a shot in the MLB draft. Growing up in Texas, where baseball is almost a way of life, really shaped his approach.

Amateur and College Career

Haney sharpened his game in Texas, a state that practically breathes baseball. While there’s not a ton of info out there about his high school stats, he did enough to land a spot on the University of Texas team.

At Texas, he played two seasons (1986-1987) and developed as an infielder. The Longhorns have a long track record of sending guys to the majors, so Haney got quality coaching and faced top competition.

Those college years helped him refine his defense and approach at the plate, bridging the gap between amateur ball and the pro ranks.

MLB Draft and Signing

Seattle picked Haney in the 38th round of the 1987 MLB draft, number 957 overall. That’s deep in the draft, but he signed with the Mariners organization and started his climb through the minor leagues. That 1987 draft marked the end of his amateur days and the start of his professional baseball journey.

As a late-round pick, Haney had to fight for every promotion, proving himself at each stop. That climb took years, and he had to show a lot of patience to finally break into the big leagues.

Major League Baseball Career

Todd Haney’s time in the majors stretched across five seasons and three teams. He mostly played second base but filled in at other infield spots when needed, making stops in Chicago, Montreal, and New York.

Debut With the Chicago Cubs

People sometimes get this wrong—Haney actually debuted in the majors with the Montreal Expos on September 9, 1992, not the Cubs. He’d been drafted by Seattle in 1987 and worked his way through the minors before finally getting that call.

His stint with the Cubs came later. Chicago was in a bit of a rebuilding phase, mixing young prospects with veterans, and Haney joined that infield mix. At 5’9″ and 165 pounds, he wasn’t the typical ‘90s infielder built for power.

The Cubs roster at the time included up-and-comers like Brooks Kieschnick alongside older players, so Haney landed on a team in transition.

Tenure in the MLB

Haney bounced between the Expos, Cubs, and Mets, carving out a role as a utility infielder. He hit and threw right-handed, and, let’s be honest, didn’t get a ton of playing time during his five partial seasons.

He overlapped with the early days of Sammy Sosa’s Cubs career, but Haney’s job was totally different. While Sosa chased home run records, Haney offered managers a steady glove and flexibility.

He shared the field with guys like Todd Zeile and Mike Morgan. Haney’s career was about hanging in there, not putting up huge numbers—a real journeyman’s journey.

Playing at Wrigley Field

Haney called Wrigley Field home during his Cubs years. The ivy, the day games, the whole vibe—Wrigley’s a special place, and Haney got to be part of that history.

He played there before the big renovations, walking the same dirt as legends like Ernie Banks. That’s got to be a thrill, right?

Wrigley’s quirky dimensions and unpredictable wind could totally change a game. For a contact hitter like Haney, it meant focusing on defense and situational hitting rather than trying to launch balls out of the park.

Role and Playing Style

Todd Haney found his niche as a utility infielder, a guy managers could trust for solid defense and smart play. His baseball IQ and flexibility kept him in the mix, even with limited at-bats.

Primary Positions

Haney mostly played second base. He was a reliable backup, stepping in when the regulars were out.

He could also handle shortstop and third base, which made him valuable as a utility guy who covered the infield as needed.

That flexibility let managers use him in late innings for defense or as a spot starter without worrying about a drop-off.

Skills and Strengths

Haney’s strengths didn’t jump off the stat sheet, but he brought a lot to the table:

• Contact hitting – He put the ball in play, not swinging for the fences.
• Situational awareness – He knew how to move runners or hit behind them.
• Defensive reliability – He made the routine plays, and managers love that.
• Versatility – He could play several positions without missing a beat.

Haney treated the game like a pro. He prepared hard, stayed sharp even when riding the bench, and was always ready when his number came up.

Defensive and Offensive Contributions

On defense, Haney played a clean, steady infield. He positioned himself well and made the plays you’d expect, even if he didn’t have the range of the league’s best.

At the plate, Haney focused on contact and rarely struck out. During his Mets stint and through his last season in 1998, he stuck to his approach.

His numbers were modest:

• Career batting average around .250
• Not much power
• Some gap hits here and there
• Smart situational hitting

He wasn’t a lineup fixture or a sparkplug, but he knew his job and did it when called upon.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Todd Haney made his mark as a utility infielder, playing for three MLB teams. He never cracked the starting lineup for long stretches, but he chipped in with steady defense and the occasional clutch hit.

Notable Games and Moments

Haney’s MLB debut on September 9, 1992, with the Montreal Expos, capped off years of grinding through the minors after being a 38th-round pick in 1987.

One of his standout stretches came with the Cubs, where he built a reputation as a go-to defensive replacement and a guy who could give you a good at-bat when it counted. Sure, he didn’t rack up famous walk-off hits, but his managers knew they could count on him.

Haney bounced back and forth between the majors and minors, finally wrapping up his MLB career with the New York Mets in 1998. For a late-round pick, just sticking in the big leagues for several seasons is a testament to his work ethic and baseball smarts.

Statistics and Records

From 1992 to 1998, Haney played in the majors for three teams: the Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs, and New York Mets. He mostly handled second base, though sometimes he filled in at other infield spots when needed.

Here’s a quick look at Haney’s career stats:

Category	Total
Games Played	148
Batting Average	Career .244
Teams	3 (Expos, Cubs, Mets)

Before he reached the big leagues, Haney played college ball at the University of Texas. That set the stage for his professional run. Interestingly, his minor league numbers often looked better than what he managed in the majors, which just goes to show how tough the leap can be.

Haney’s path really highlights how much grit it takes for late-round draft picks to push through the minors and finally get a shot in the MLB.

Recognition and Awards

Todd Haney didn’t rack up major MLB awards, but simply making it to the majors as a 38th-round draft pick is pretty remarkable. Not many guys drafted that late ever get to play in the big leagues—even for a handful of games.

At Texas, Haney probably enjoyed some team success, but there aren’t many specific collegiate awards listed in public records. Still, getting drafted in 1987—even way down the list—meant scouts saw something in him.

After his playing days, Haney stuck close to baseball in different roles. People respected him for his work ethic and for squeezing every bit out of his ability. That’s a legacy any utility player would be proud of.

Retirement in 1998

Haney wrapped up his MLB career in 1998 after his last season with the New York Mets. That year marked the end of a journeyman run that spanned parts of five seasons and three teams.

Reasons for Retiring

By the time he turned 33, Haney faced the same challenges that catch up with a lot of utility infielders. Regular playing time had just about dried up. The grind of pro baseball probably wore him down, too.

Injuries might’ve been a factor—hard to say for sure, but it wouldn’t be surprising. The 1990s were a tough era for ballplayers, and Haney had to weigh his future against the reality of getting older in a young man’s sport.

The Mets had younger guys coming up, so Haney saw his role shrink even more. Teams want to develop prospects, and that often means veterans like Haney get squeezed out.

Final MLB Season

Haney played his last big league game on September 26, 1998, with the Mets. That year, he mostly served as a backup infielder and pinch hitter.

In 1998, he didn’t get into many games—he was basically a bench guy:

1998 Season Stats:

• Team: New York Mets
• Games: Just a handful
• Position: Mostly second base
• Role: Utility infielder/pinch hitter

Even with limited chances, Haney brought a steady, professional vibe to a Mets team that was building for the future. Teammates and coaches respected his approach and the flexibility he brought to the clubhouse. He just had a knack for fitting in wherever he was needed. Respected clubhouse presence? Absolutely.

Legacy in Baseball

Haney never became a household name, but he put together a solid MLB career without ever being a regular starter. He bounced between teams and roles, showing off a good baseball mind and plenty of versatility.

Utility guys like Haney rarely get headlines, but teams rely on them for depth and experience.

After he stopped playing, Haney didn’t leave the game behind. He moved into coaching, sharing his knowledge with up-and-coming players. He even spent time with the Texas State University baseball program.

Haney’s story is familiar for a lot of players—making the most of every MLB opportunity, even if stardom isn’t in the cards. Pushing through the minors and getting to the show more than once? That takes real commitment.

Life After Baseball

When Haney retired in 1998, he stepped away from the game but didn’t stray far. He leaned on his baseball background and leadership skills to carve out a new path in coaching and business.

Post-Retirement Activities

Haney stayed close to the game after hanging up his cleats. He got into coaching, sharing what he’d learned in the majors with younger players. Eventually, he became a baseball coach at Texas State, helping college athletes develop their skills.

He later took over as head coach for the Victoria HarbourCats. There, Haney drew on his winter ball experience from stints in Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Mexico.

He’s also run baseball clinics and taken part in development programs. Having played for the Expos, Cubs, and Mets, Haney brings a unique perspective when he talks to young players about what it takes.

Personal Life and Family

Haney has kept his personal life pretty private since retiring. Born July 30, 1965, he focused on family after years of bouncing around with different teams. Leaving behind the grind of pro baseball gave him more time at home, which had to be a welcome change.

He returned to Texas, his home state, after retirement and settled down with his family. Coming back to where it all started must’ve felt right after so much time on the road. He’d even played with the Astros and Mariners in 1997 before calling it a career.

Finishing his college education also came in handy as he moved into coaching and other professional roles.

Community Involvement

Haney has given back to baseball communities across North America through coaching and mentoring. His work at Texas State shows his commitment to helping young players grow.

He’s been involved in community baseball programs and youth development, too. Those efforts help bring up the next wave of ballplayers and teach them about teamwork and sticking with it.

Playing winter ball in different countries gave Haney a broader perspective, which he brings to his community work. He’s able to connect with a pretty wide range of players and fans because of that.

He’s also pitched in with local charities, though he doesn’t make a big deal about it. The leadership he showed on the field seems to carry over into these off-the-field efforts.

Todd Haney’s Impact and Influence

Haney’s influence didn’t stop when he left the field. He made an impact through his relationships with teammates and his continued work in baseball, especially in player development and community outreach.

Mentoring Young Players

After his retirement in 1999, Haney took on roles that let him pass along his MLB experience to young players. Playing for three different major league teams—the Expos, Cubs, and Mets—gave him a lot of different perspectives on how to develop talent.

Haney focuses on fundamentals and mental toughness. He draws on his journey from college standout at the University of Texas to big leaguer, and he knows how to relate to athletes at every stage.

He emphasizes:

• Technical skill-building
• Game strategy
• Professional work habits
• Mental resilience

Young players seem to appreciate his honest advice about the tough road to the majors and how to stick around once you get there.

Connections With Teammates and Coaches

Haney built strong bonds during his career, especially with the Cubs. He’s even said that Wrigley Field was his favorite ballpark, which probably says a lot about his memories there.

Playing second base as a utility infielder, Haney had to be adaptable and work well with everyone. That naturally led to close connections with infield teammates.

His experiences with different managers and coaches shaped his own approach when he moved into coaching. Learning from a variety of MLB staffs definitely gave him a deeper understanding of the game.

Former teammates often describe Haney as a steady, reliable presence in the clubhouse—someone who got the technical side of baseball but also understood the value of team chemistry.

Contribution to the Baseball Community

After his playing days, Haney jumped right into baseball education and community work. He’s taken on coaching roles that let him help shape young players—not just with drills or stats, but with a bigger-picture mindset.

Haney knows a ton about player evaluation and development systems. He spent time in multiple organizations’ minor league systems, picking up a lot about what actually works when it comes to growing talent.

Here’s what he’s been up to:

• Coaching at both college and pro levels
• Running baseball camps and clinics
• Getting involved in community outreach
• Advising on player development

Haney shows how former players can find a second career that matters—using their experience on the field to teach, mentor, and stay close to the game while helping the next wave of talent come up.