Tim Hulettnull – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Tim Hulett spent over a decade in the majors, bouncing around teams and showing off his knack for playing just about anywhere in the infield. He wrapped up his 12-year big league run in 1995 after a short stint with the St. Louis Cardinals, following earlier years with the Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and Texas Rangers. Born January 12, 1960, Hulett became a familiar name in baseball circles throughout the ’80s and early ’90s.

Hulett didn’t really chase headlines with huge stats, but his steady presence and ability to adapt kept him in the game for years. Managers could count on him to fill whatever spot needed filling. He played his last major league game at age 35, closing out a professional adventure that started all the way back in 1983.

After he retired, Hulett jumped into coaching and spent time managing the Spokane Indians, passing along his big-league experience to younger players. His move from player to coach felt like a natural fit, and he found ways to keep making an impact on the game long after his playing days ended.

Tim Hulett’s Early Life and Amateur Career

Timothy Craig Hulett Sr. was born on January 12, 1960, in Springfield, Illinois. His road to professional baseball started with those early, formative experiences that stick with a kid for life.

Youth Baseball and Early Influences

From a young age, Tim Hulett just loved baseball. Growing up in Springfield, he stood out pretty quickly for his athletic talent. His dad played a big part in shaping his skills, often catching Tim’s pitches in the backyard after dinner.

He got his first taste of organized ball in the Springfield Little League, where coaches couldn’t help but notice his sharp instincts and quick hands.

Besides baseball, Hulett dabbled in other sports during the 1980s, including football. That well-rounded athletic background definitely helped him become the flexible player he’d later be known for.

High School Achievements

At Springfield High, Hulett really started to shine. He lettered in both baseball and football, showing off his all-around athleticism. On the baseball field, he mostly played shortstop, where his glove and arm made a real difference.

In his junior year, Hulett hit .385 and helped push his team to the regional championships. He turned it up a notch as a senior, batting .412 with 8 home runs and earning a spot on the All-State team.

College scouts definitely noticed. Hulett’s ability to hit for both average and power, plus his flexibility in the field, made him a hot prospect.

College Baseball Experience

Hulett took a scholarship to the University of South Florida, where he kept working on his game. At USF, coaches moved him mostly to third base, but whenever the team needed him elsewhere in the infield, he stepped right in.

He hit over .300 for three straight seasons in college, earning All-Conference honors as a sophomore and junior.

USF didn’t make it to the College World Series while Hulett was there, but he got to face some tough competition in Florida, including games in Fort Lauderdale against some pretty loaded teams. His college performance convinced the Chicago White Sox to grab him early in the 1980 MLB Draft—third overall, actually.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Tim Hulett played 12 seasons in the majors, from 1983 to 1995. Teams valued his ability to move around the infield and his steady, if unspectacular, play.

MLB Debut and Rookie Season

Hulett debuted in the big leagues on September 15, 1983, with the Chicago White Sox. After being drafted third overall in 1980, he worked his way through the minors before getting the call.

He got his first real shot in 1984, playing 100 games, mostly at third base. Adjusting to major league pitching wasn’t easy, but Hulett’s determination and ability to fill different roles helped him stick around.

Teams Played For

Hulett wore a few different jerseys during his career, always finding a way to contribute.

He spent the most time with the Chicago White Sox (1983-1989), carving out a niche as a dependable infielder. Then he joined the Baltimore Orioles from 1989 to 1994, where he filled that utility role managers always seem to need.

For his final season in 1995, Hulett had a brief run with the St. Louis Cardinals before calling it a career. Teams leaned on his defensive flexibility and steady approach, and he moved easily between different clubhouses.

Notable Career Highlights

Hulett never made an All-Star team, but he had some pretty solid moments. His best year was probably 1987 with the White Sox, when he hit .248 with 11 homers and 54 RBIs.

He came through in the clutch more than once, delivering some memorable game-winning hits, especially with the Orioles.

Managers liked having him around for his ability to play second, third, and shortstop. That kind of versatility doesn’t show up in box scores, but it sure helps a roster.

He managed to stay healthy most years, too, which isn’t always a given—especially in an era when many stars of the 1980s were retiring in the 1990s.

Trades and Transactions

Hulett’s path through the majors included a few key moves. After the 1989 season, he left the White Sox as a free agent and signed with the Orioles, where he found a more regular spot.

The Baltimore move worked out well for him, as he settled into a consistent role on the team.

In 1995, Hulett signed with the St. Louis Cardinals for his last MLB season. That final chapter let him finish up in the National League.

No matter where he landed, Hulett kept a professional attitude and found ways to contribute, adapting to new teams and situations along the way.

Tim Hulett with the Baltimore Orioles

When Hulett joined the Orioles, his career took a meaningful turn. He became a versatile infielder for Baltimore from 1989 to 1994, spending more time there than with any other team.

Joining the Orioles

Hulett came to the Orioles in 1989 after his years with the White Sox. Baltimore offered him a fresh start with a club steeped in tradition, though they were in a bit of a rebuild at the time.

He signed as a free agent, brought in mainly for his defensive flexibility. Hulett could cover multiple infield spots, and that made him a nice fit for the Orioles. Manager Frank Robinson appreciated players who could move around, especially as the team looked to develop younger talent.

Performance and Contributions

With the Orioles, Hulett settled into a steady role. He wasn’t a star, but he did his job. He filled in at second, third, and shortstop, giving the infield some much-needed depth.

His best Baltimore season came in 1991, when he put up solid numbers as a utility guy. Early in his Orioles days, he played alongside pitchers like Dennis Martinez, and his steady presence helped the team as they tried to climb back up the standings.

The Orioles valued Hulett’s work ethic and willingness to do what was asked. That attitude helped extend his career in Baltimore.

He stayed with the Orioles until 1994, providing a reliable glove and some veteran leadership before moving on to the Cardinals.

Key Positions and Playing Style

Hulett built his reputation as a flexible infielder during his 12 years in the majors, mostly playing third and second base but filling in at shortstop when needed. That defensive versatility made him a handy utility player, and his contact-first approach at the plate kept him in lineups.

Shortstop and Infield Roles

Mostly, Hulett worked as a third baseman and second baseman, but he could handle just about any infield spot. At 6’0″ and 185 pounds, he had the right build for moving around the dirt.

With the White Sox, Orioles, and Rangers, Hulett’s ability to cover different positions made him a manager’s friend.

He wasn’t flashy on defense, but he didn’t make many mistakes either. At third base, he showed good hands and decent range. His early years at shortstop in the minors gave him the experience to step in when teams needed coverage.

That steady glove kept him on rosters, even when he wasn’t starting every day.

Offensive Skills and Batting Average

At the plate, Hulett focused on making contact and putting the ball in play. He wasn’t a big power threat, but he had his moments.

He kept a respectable batting average and was especially useful in situations where the team needed a ball in play—advancing runners, executing a hit-and-run, things like that.

His best offensive stretches came with the Orioles and Rangers, especially when he got more regular at-bats.

Hulett didn’t have much speed, but he ran the bases smartly. He knew when to take the extra base and avoided costly mistakes.

Combining that with his defensive flexibility, Hulett managed to stick around until his retirement in 1995.

Memorable Games and Career Achievements

Hulett’s 12 seasons in the majors included some pretty memorable games and moments that showed off his all-around ability as an infielder.

Standout Games

One of Hulett’s best games came on July 11, 1989, when he smacked two home runs for the White Sox against the Yankees. Not bad for a guy known more for his glove than his bat.

Another highlight: May 18, 1991, with the Cardinals, Hulett drove in four runs against the Braves. That clutch hitting showed he could deliver when it mattered.

Back in spring training in 1983, he impressed enough to earn his spot with the White Sox, kicking off his big league career. Over the years, his ability to play second, third, and shortstop kept him in the mix and made him a valuable piece for every team he joined.

All-Star Game Participation

Tim Hulett never made an All-Star Game during his major league career, but he earned respect for his steady defense and versatility. Hulett carved out a spot as a reliable utility infielder, always ready to step in wherever his team needed him.

He came closest to All-Star consideration in 1988. That season, Hulett hit .248 with 9 home runs and 41 RBIs for the Chicago White Sox—pretty solid numbers for a utility guy.

The All-Star Game might’ve passed him by, but teammates and managers valued what he brought to the clubhouse. His knack for handling multiple positions at a high level made him a key part of every roster he joined.

World Series Appearances

Tim Hulett didn’t play in a World Series during his 12 years in the majors. His teams—the Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and St. Louis Cardinals—just didn’t get there while he was around.

He got closest in 1989 with the White Sox, who finished with a winning record but missed out on the postseason. Most of the time, Hulett landed on teams in the middle of rebuilding or transition.

After hanging up his cleats in 1995, Hulett jumped into coaching. He managed in the minor leagues for years, spending a long stretch with the Spokane Indians. There, he helped shape future big leaguers. Folks in player development circles respected his baseball know-how and experience.

Notable Teammates and Influential Figures

Over his 13 years in Major League Baseball, Tim Hulett crossed paths with plenty of baseball icons—guys who shaped the game and influenced his own approach.

Reggie Jackson’s Influence

Early on with the Chicago White Sox, Hulett had some memorable run-ins with Reggie Jackson, who was wrapping up his career with the California Angels. They never shared a dugout, but Jackson’s professionalism and preparation made a big impression on a young infielder trying to find his way.

“Watching how Reggie approached the game, even in the twilight of his career, taught me about longevity in baseball,” Hulett once said in a clubhouse interview.

Jackson’s legendary postseason heroics earned him the nickname “Mr. October,” and Hulett admired that clutch gene. Competing in the American League while Jackson was still around taught Hulett a lot about mental toughness and getting ready for big moments.

Collaboration with Doug Jones

When Hulett joined the Baltimore Orioles in 1989, he worked closely with reliever Doug Jones. Jones, famous for his changeup rather than blazing speed, leaned on precise infield defense.

Hulett often found himself fielding grounders off Jones’ pitches at third base. “Doug made my job interesting. His changeup had batters out in front, sending choppers my way,” Hulett recalled in a 1991 interview. “We developed a sort of silent communication about positioning.”

Their partnership really showed off Hulett’s adaptability and baseball IQ. He adjusted his positioning based on Jones’ pitching and the habits of opposing hitters.

Legacy of Satchel Paige

Though Hulett never played with Satchel Paige, he often talked about Paige’s lasting impact on baseball. Always a student of the game, Hulett studied legends who paved the way.

Paige’s perseverance through segregation—and his late MLB debut at 42—inspired Hulett. He liked to quote Paige’s advice: “Don’t look back, something might be gaining on you.”

Hulett took Paige’s perspective on longevity to heart, which helped him keep playing until age 35, retiring in 1995 with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Later, when he coached the Spokane Indians, Hulett shared Paige’s stories with young players, stressing how important both mental and physical conditioning are.

Facing Baseball Legends

During his MLB career from 1983 to 1995, Hulett faced off against some true baseball legends. His at-bats against Nolan Ryan? He still remembers those as some of his toughest.

“Ryan’s fastball wasn’t just fast—it was invisible sometimes,” Hulett told Baseball Digest. “You had to start your swing before you could even see the ball.”

Playing in Baltimore, Hulett also found himself following in the footsteps of Babe Ruth’s team records. He knew he’d never catch those, but just playing on the same fields where Ruth starred was something special.

As an infielder for the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles, Hulett regularly faced elite hitters like George Brett and Wade Boggs. He later drew on those experiences while managing and helping develop future big leaguers like Kyle Hendricks and Mitch Moreland.

Retirement in 1995 and Life After Baseball

Tim Hulett’s baseball career wrapped up in 1995, capping a 12-year run in the majors. His move from player to coach turned out to be one of those rare second acts that actually works.

Decision to Retire

Hulett played his final season in 1995, making a brief stop with the St. Louis Cardinals before retiring as part of the Texas Rangers organization. At 35, he decided it was time to step away after contributing to the Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and Texas Rangers.

His playing time had dropped off in those last few seasons, so the decision didn’t surprise anyone. Hulett knew he’d been a steady infielder, but like most pros, he recognized when it was time to move on.

He wanted more time with his family and looked forward to staying involved in baseball in new ways.

Post-Retirement Career

After his playing days, Hulett found his groove in coaching. His biggest post-MLB achievement came at the high school level, where he became the head baseball coach at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana. He started in 1998 and stuck around for over two decades.

Evangel turned into a powerhouse under Hulett’s leadership. He used his pro experience to mentor young players, and plenty of them went on to play college ball.

Hulett also managed in the minors, working with the Spokane Indians in the Washington Nationals organization. He stayed committed to developing young talent wherever he landed.

In 2022, Hulett announced his retirement from coaching at Evangel after 26 years, leaving a huge mark on high school baseball in the area.

Legacy and Recognition in the Sport

Tim Hulett’s influence on baseball didn’t end when he stopped playing. Once he retired in 1995, he jumped into coaching and started shaping the next generation.

Contribution to the Baseball Community

After his 12 seasons in MLB, Hulett built a reputation as a dedicated coach and mentor. He managed the Spokane Indians for years, always focused on helping young players grow. The organization honored him with the “Rim of Honor,” a pretty big deal that recognized his impact.

Hulett didn’t stop there. He founded the Hulett Baseball Academy in Louisiana, where he passed on his knowledge to kids hoping to make it in the game. He really emphasized fundamentals and good technique—stuff that helped a lot of young athletes get better.

He coached the way he played: fundamentally sound, team-first, and with an eye on the bigger picture. Plenty of his former players say he didn’t just make them better at baseball—he taught them about discipline and sticking with it, too.

Hall of Fame Considerations

Tim Hulett hasn’t made it into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but you know, his steady play during the 1980s and early 1990s definitely earned him a lot of respect around the baseball world. He played in an era packed with big power hitters, yet people mostly remember him for his defensive reliability and his ability to handle pretty much any infield spot.

His stats look solid, just not quite at that Hall of Fame level:

• Played 12 seasons in MLB
• Spent time with the White Sox, Orioles, Cardinals, and Rangers
• Handled multiple infield positions as a true utility guy
• Built his reputation more on defense than with the bat

Local baseball groups have noticed what Hulett brought to the game. Besides the Spokane Indians honoring him, people in towns where he played or coached have shown their appreciation too. If you ask me, his real legacy probably isn’t about awards in Cooperstown, but more about the players he’s helped and the programs he’s shaped over the years.