Damon Berryhill – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Damon Berryhill, a versatile catcher who played for teams like the Cubs, Braves, and Giants, brought reliability behind the plate throughout his 11 years in the majors. Berryhill retired from professional baseball in 1997 after his final season with the San Francisco Giants, closing out a journey that started with his big league debut in 1987. He delivered a memorable highlight in the 1992 World Series, blasting a crucial home run for Atlanta in Game 1 against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Born in South Laguna, California in 1963, Berryhill stood 6 feet tall and weighed in at 205 pounds. He used his switch-hitting abilities throughout his career. His stats never really jumped off the page, but he earned respect as a solid defensive catcher who managed pitching staffs well. After walking away from playing, Berryhill moved into coaching and managing in the minors, keeping his baseball story going beyond his days on the field.

Early Life And Amateur Career

Damon Scott Berryhill, born December 3, 1963, honed his baseball skills through steady practice and competitive games in California. Those early years really set the stage for his professional baseball path.

High School Achievements

At Laguna Beach High School, Berryhill quickly stood out as a standout athlete. He excelled as a catcher, showing off a strong arm and sharp defensive skills that kept runners honest.

His hitting abilities caught the eye of scouts all over the region. Berryhill hit well above .300 in high school, showing both power and consistency.

He didn’t just stick to baseball—he was a well-rounded athlete, dabbling in other sports that helped build his athleticism and drive. He also led his high school team as captain during his senior year, which says a lot about his leadership.

College Baseball Journey

After high school, Berryhill chose Orange Coast College to keep developing both academically and athletically. At this California junior college, he sharpened his catching and hitting under some experienced coaches.

His strong play at Orange Coast College got him noticed by major league scouts. Berryhill’s college stats showed he was improving on both sides of the ball, with solid numbers in batting and fielding.

When the Chicago Cubs picked Berryhill in the first round of the 1984 amateur draft, it was clear they saw real potential. Scout Spider Jorgensen, who signed him, liked his mix of defense and hitting—skills that seemed tailor-made for the majors.

Major League Debut And Rookie Years

Damon Berryhill’s pro career took off fast after the Chicago Cubs made him their first-round pick in 1984. He went from promising prospect to big league catcher, racking up some notable moments in his debut and rookie seasons.

Draft And Signing With The Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs grabbed Damon Berryhill with the 4th overall pick in the 1984 MLB draft. Scouts saw a lot to like in the young catcher out of Orange Coast Community College. Berryhill spent a few years working his way up through the Cubs’ minor league system before finally getting his shot.

He moved through the farm system at a steady pace as the Cubs worked to mold him into their catcher of the future. During this time, Berryhill sharpened his skills behind the plate and as a switch-hitter—something that proved valuable throughout his MLB run.

By 1987, Berryhill had shown enough to earn a promotion to the majors.

Major League Debut Highlights

Damon Berryhill made his big league debut on September 5, 1987, with the Chicago Cubs. At just 23, he got a chance to show what he could do during the September call-ups—a time when teams often try out prospects.

His first season gave a glimpse of his potential, with Berryhill flashing solid defensive skills. He didn’t play a ton at first, but those initial games gave him valuable big league experience that would help him later.

In 1988, Berryhill took on a bigger role with the Cubs, proving himself as a reliable catcher with solid game-calling. That season set him up for a steady 10-year career before his retirement in 1997.

Chicago Cubs Tenure

Damon Berryhill kicked off his pro baseball journey with the Chicago Cubs, who picked him 4th overall in the 1984 draft. His time with the Cubs established him as a dependable catcher with the occasional spark at the plate.

Breakout Seasons

Berryhill debuted with the Cubs on September 2, 1987. He started out as a backup catcher but gradually earned more playing time. His first full season came in 1988, when he played 96 games and showed off his defensive skills.

In 1989, Berryhill put together his best season with the Cubs, hitting .257 with 49 RBIs and adding some timely home runs. He handled the pitching staff well, which made him valuable to the team.

A shoulder injury in September 1989 cut into his playing time and effectiveness, which was a tough blow as the Cubs were making a postseason push.

Postseason Appearances

The Cubs won the National League East in 1989, and Berryhill got his first taste of the playoffs. Even with his late-season injury, he appeared in the NLCS against the San Francisco Giants.

In Game 3, Berryhill came through with a big hit, though the Cubs ended up losing the series in five games. His playoff experience, brief as it was, showed he could handle the pressure.

The shoulder injury, unfortunately, meant he wasn’t at full strength for the playoffs, which limited what he could do in that crucial series.

Key Teammates And Coaches

During his Cubs years, Berryhill worked with some notable teammates. He caught for pitchers like Greg Maddux and Rick Sutcliffe, helping them develop their approach on the mound. His defense behind the plate definitely contributed to the Cubs’ success in the late ‘80s.

Manager Don Zimmer liked Berryhill’s game-calling and defensive chops, often praising his baseball smarts and work ethic.

Berryhill also played with Ryne Sandberg, Andre Dawson, and Ivan DeJesus at various points. These veterans helped shape how Berryhill approached the game.

The Cubs’ coaching staff, especially the pitching coaches, worked closely with him to boost his ability to manage a pitching staff—a skill he’d use throughout his career.

Atlanta Braves Career And World Series Impact

Damon Berryhill’s stint with the Atlanta Braves was probably the most memorable part of his career, especially with his surprise heroics in the 1992 World Series. His clutch hitting and steady presence behind the plate helped the Braves during their rise to National League dominance in the early ‘90s.

Trade To The Braves

Berryhill landed with the Braves after a trade from the Cubs. Injuries had slowed him in Chicago, so Atlanta offered a fresh start.

The Braves picked him up as they were building a powerhouse for the ‘90s. Berryhill found himself in a platoon at catcher, sharing time with Greg Olson.

In 1992, he played 101 games for Atlanta, becoming a steady backstop for a pitching staff loaded with stars like John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, and Steve Avery. His regular season stats were modest, but he soon showed his value went way beyond numbers.

National League Pennant Chase

The 1992 Braves were locked in a tight pennant race, aiming to get back to the World Series after a tough loss to Minnesota in ‘91. Berryhill chipped in with career highs in power, hitting 10 homers and driving in 43 runs.

He guided the Braves’ top-notch pitching rotation, which played a huge role in winning the division. His game-calling and defense, along with some timely hitting, helped push the team forward.

In the NLCS against the Pirates, Atlanta pulled out a dramatic seven-game win, punching their ticket to a second straight World Series—and setting up Berryhill’s most unforgettable moment.

1992 World Series Highlights

The Braves faced the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1992 World Series. Game 1 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium became Berryhill’s big moment.

He stepped in against Jack Morris in the sixth inning with Atlanta down 1-0. Morris had been dealing, holding the Braves to just two hits and no runs.

Berryhill came up with runners on and smashed a three-run homer over the right-field fence. That shot flipped the game, giving Atlanta a 3-1 lead they held onto for the win.

The Braves didn’t win the series, dropping it in six games, but Berryhill’s home run still stands as one of the more celebrated moments in Atlanta postseason history.

Memorable Home Runs

Berryhill’s Game 1 homer in the ‘92 Series is his signature hit, but he had other clutch moments with the Braves. His power numbers definitely ticked up after joining Atlanta.

That World Series homer wasn’t just any blast—it came off a future Hall of Famer who’d been nearly untouchable that night. Considering Berryhill was only hitting .228 that season, nobody really expected him to deliver such a big blow.

He came back to the Braves for 1993 before moving on to the Red Sox in ‘94, but his World Series homer is still a highlight Braves fans remember.

Later MLB Teams And Transitions

After his Cubs days, Damon Berryhill bounced around a few major league teams in the ‘90s, bringing his veteran catching skills wherever he went. He moved from coast to coast, adapting to new teammates and environments before eventually deciding to retire.

Boston Red Sox Stint

Berryhill headed to the Boston Red Sox for the 1994 season after wrapping up his time with the Atlanta Braves. That year, Pedro Martinez started making a name for himself, but Berryhill and Martinez only shared the clubhouse for a short while. In Boston, Berryhill mostly filled in as a backup catcher.

The 1994 season really threw everyone for a loop because of the players’ strike, which wiped out the World Series. Berryhill’s numbers with the Red Sox matched his role—he was there more for his steadying presence behind the plate than for any big offensive outbursts.

Even with limited at-bats, Berryhill made an impact on the pitching staff. The Red Sox leaned on his ability to call games and his defensive reliability, even if his bat didn’t heat up much during this stretch.

Time With The San Francisco Giants

After a year with the Cincinnati Reds in 1995, Berryhill landed with the San Francisco Giants for the 1997 season. That stop ended up being one of his last in the majors.

In San Francisco, Berryhill worked alongside a pitching staff with some big names. He wasn’t an everyday starter anymore, but his experience made a difference for the Giants’ younger catchers and pitchers.

Berryhill finished his major league career with the Giants in 1997. He played his last MLB game that year and then moved on from his playing days.

Chicago White Sox And Houston Astros

Berryhill’s main stops included the Cubs, Braves, Red Sox, Reds, and Giants, but he also had brief connections with other teams like the Chicago White Sox system. He never actually played a big league game for the White Sox, but they were part of his winding baseball path.

He also had a short stint related to the Houston Astros, though he didn’t see any major league action with them either.

This part of Berryhill’s career really shows how unpredictable baseball can be—players often bounce around as teams shuffle their rosters.

Final Seasons In Major League Baseball

Berryhill wrapped up his MLB career with the San Francisco Giants in 1997. After that, he became a free agent on October 27, 1997, and signed with the Oakland Athletics a month later, but he never made it back to the majors.

Born December 3, 1963, in South Laguna, California, Berryhill had made a full lap around the big leagues by the time he hung up his catcher’s gear. His best years came earlier, especially with the Cubs and Braves.

Like a lot of catchers, Berryhill started feeling the wear and tear by his mid-30s. Catching is a brutal job, and eventually, he just couldn’t keep going at the big league level.

Notable Games And Career Highlights

Over ten seasons in the majors, Damon Berryhill carved out a handful of memorable moments that fans still talk about. He had a knack for coming through in high-pressure spots and worked well with top pitchers, making him a solid asset everywhere he went.

Defining Postseason Performances

Berryhill’s biggest moment came in the 1992 World Series with the Atlanta Braves. In Game 1 against the Toronto Blue Jays, he crushed a dramatic three-run homer off the game’s winningest pitcher of the 1980s. That shot off Toronto’s ace Jimmy Key put Atlanta up 3-1, and the Braves never looked back in that game.

Facing a tough Blue Jays lineup, Berryhill showed he could deliver when it counted. Even though Atlanta dropped the series, his Game 1 blast still stands out as a highlight of that World Series.

Earlier, with the Cubs, Berryhill helped Chicago win a division title in 1989. Unfortunately, injuries kept him from making a bigger impact in the postseason that year.

Key Matchups Against All-Star Pitchers

Across his years with the Cubs, Braves, Red Sox, Reds, and Giants, Berryhill earned a reputation for handling top-tier pitchers. He caught plenty of complete games for Chicago in the late ’80s, guiding pitchers through tough lineups.

He was especially sharp at calling games against big bats like Barry Bonds, using his smarts to find holes in their swings. His game-planning helped boost his pitchers’ strikeout numbers, especially when they faced sluggers who couldn’t handle breaking stuff.

Berryhill also helped Greg Maddux through some dominant outings in Chicago. He had a good sense for when a pitcher had his best stuff, and he knew how to use it.

Signature Home Runs And RBIs

Berryhill wasn’t known as a power hitter, but he came through with some clutch hits over the years. Besides his World Series homer, he picked up several game-winners with both the Cubs and Braves.

In 1989 with the Cubs, he put together his best stretch, driving in 49 runs in just 84 games. He always seemed to get the job done when it mattered, even if his career average sat at .257.

During his time with the Giants in the late ’90s, Berryhill worked well with shortstop Mark Grudzielanek, often coming up with big hits behind him in the order. His last MLB season in 1997 included a memorable game-winning double against his old team, the Reds.

Retirement From Baseball

Damon Berryhill called it a career as a major league catcher in 1997 after battling injuries and seeing his playing time dwindle. His retirement wrapped up a solid run that included a World Series highlight, even though he never made it to Cooperstown.

Announcement And Reasons For Retirement

Berryhill’s final MLB season came in 1997, closing out a career that spanned parts of ten seasons with four different teams. By age 33, he was feeling the decline that hits most catchers sooner or later.

He stepped away from the game for a few reasons:

• Fewer chances to play
• The physical grind of catching for a decade
• Injuries, especially to his shoulder
• The usual career arc for catchers, whose bodies just don’t hold up forever

Berryhill didn’t have a big farewell tour or press conference. He just sort of faded out, which fit his style as a steady contributor rather than a headline-grabber.

Transition To Post-Playing Life

After putting away his catcher’s mitt, Berryhill stuck close to baseball. He jumped into coaching and player development, using his experience and know-how to help younger players.

He took on roles like:

• Minor league manager gigs
• Managing the AAA Gwinnett Stripers in the Braves system
• Working in player development

Berryhill always had a reputation for baseball smarts and for connecting with pitchers. That background made him a natural fit for coaching.

He never got a plaque in Cooperstown, but he did earn a spot in the Millennium Hall of Fame, which recognized his impact on the game.

Coaching And Post-Playing Career

After retiring in 1997, Damon Berryhill jumped right into coaching, using his years behind the plate to help shape up-and-coming players.

Minor League And Major League Coaching Roles

Berryhill started coaching in the early 2000s with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He worked his way up, showing the same focus in the dugout that he brought as a player.

His biggest coaching job came with the Atlanta Braves organization, where he managed their Triple-A team, the Gwinnett Stripers (formerly Gwinnett Braves). He took over in 2013 and led the club for several seasons.

In 2014, the International League named him Manager of the Year, a nod to his knack for developing talent and leading a winning team at the Triple-A level.

Players and coaches respected Berryhill for his calm approach and sharp baseball mind.

Impact As A Mentor And Instructor

Berryhill’s biggest strength as a coach has been working with catchers and pitchers. With a decade of big league catching under his belt, he offered real insight on how to handle a staff.

“Working with pitchers was always something I enjoyed as a player,” Berryhill said once. “Being able to share that knowledge as a coach has been rewarding.”

As a pitching coach and instructor, he helped plenty of prospects fine-tune their skills and approach. He focused on fundamentals but also adjusted to each player’s style.

A number of former Braves prospects have credited Berryhill with helping them break through and move up in professional baseball.

Berryhill’s influence now stretches beyond what he did as a player—his coaching continues to help shape young talent in the sport.

Legacy And Recognition

Damon Berryhill may not have been a superstar, but he left his mark on baseball. He came through in big moments and worked well with pitching staffs, earning respect that stuck with him long after he stopped playing.

Impact On Teams And Fanbase

Berryhill’s most famous moment came in the 1992 World Series when he hit a game-winning home run in Game 1 against the Oakland Athletics. That swing made him a part of Braves history and a favorite with the fans.

Across four teams, Berryhill built a reputation as a dependable catcher who could step up in tight spots. Teams like Chicago and Atlanta especially valued his ability to handle their pitchers.

After his playing days, Berryhill kept making an impact as a manager. His time with the Gwinnett Stripers (AAA) showed just how committed he was to helping young players grow.

Uniform Numbers And Hall Of Fame Consideration

Berryhill wore a few different numbers in his career, like #9 with the Cubs and #43 with the Braves. None of those numbers got retired, but fans still remember his contributions.

He never really got serious Hall of Fame buzz, but he stands out as one of the reliable catchers from the 1990s era. His stats show a steady pro who did his job, not a headline-grabber.

His work as a manager has brought him more recognition, shining a light on his baseball IQ and leadership. Those qualities have kept his name in the game.

Connections With Baseball Greats

Berryhill got to catch for stars like Greg Maddux while with the Cubs. That link to future Hall of Famers only added to his baseball résumé.

He played for manager Dusty Baker in Chicago, building a relationship with one of the game’s most respected figures. Baker’s influence probably helped Berryhill find success in coaching later on.

Berryhill also shared the field with players like Larry Walker and crossed paths with several future Hall of Famers. Those connections shaped his approach to the game.

His time in Atlanta put him right in the middle of one of baseball’s greatest pitching staffs, which only added to his knowledge and experience.

Personal Life And Off-Field Pursuits

Off the field, Damon Berryhill has stayed close to his family and found ways to give back, especially after returning to his roots in Southern California.

Family And Early Influences

Damon Berryhill was born on December 3, 1963, and honestly, his early life shaped a lot of his baseball journey. His family really backed him up as he grew as a player. After his professional playing days, Berryhill and his wife Anne made their home in Laguna Niguel, California, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Berryhill has always had a strong connection to Southern California. He went to Laguna Beach High School, and later on, he actually returned there as an assistant baseball coach. Going back to coach at his old school? That says a lot about how much he values family and his community.

Unlike guys like Ron Coomer or Dick Schofield, Berryhill kept his family life mostly out of the spotlight while he played. He just focused on the game and didn’t really chase publicity. Maybe that’s why you don’t hear as much about his personal life, but honestly, it’s kind of refreshing.

Community Engagement And Philanthropy

After he retired from professional baseball, Berryhill jumped at chances to give back to the baseball world. When he decided to coach at Laguna Beach High School, it really showed how much he cared about helping young players grow and passing on what he’d learned over the years.

He didn’t stop at high school, though. Berryhill went on to build a long post-playing career as a coach and manager in the minor leagues. Most people probably know him best as the manager of the AAA Gwinnett Stripers in the Atlanta Braves organization.

Coaching and managing gave Berryhill the chance to mentor a ton of up-and-coming players—some of whom faced the same tough breaks he did. He dealt with injuries himself, like that rough torn rotator cuff in 1989, so he could really relate to players fighting to come back after setbacks.