Larry Sheetsnull – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Larry Sheets put together a respectable Major League Baseball career, mostly as an outfielder and designated hitter for the Baltimore Orioles. He became a fan favorite in Baltimore thanks to his power-hitting, especially during those mid-to-late 1980s seasons when he really seemed to come into his own. After eight years in the majors, Sheets wrapped up his professional baseball career with the Seattle Mariners in 1993 at just 33 years old.

Born December 6, 1959, the lefty slugger played for three teams in the big leagues. Most folks remember him as an Oriole, but he also had stints with the Detroit Tigers and finished things out in Seattle. His journey through professional baseball was a roller coaster, full of highs and lows that you’d expect from a role player grinding it out in the majors.

Larry Sheets’ Early Life and Path to Professional Baseball

Larry Kent Sheets started his baseball journey in Staunton, Virginia, his hometown. As a young player, he showed the kind of raw talent that eventually led to a solid MLB career, with the Baltimore Orioles standing out as his main stop along the way.

Youth and Amateur Baseball

Sheets was born on December 6, 1959 in Staunton. Even as a kid, he stood out. He shot up to 6’3″ and filled out to 217 pounds, which is pretty much the build scouts drool over in a power hitter.

In high school, Sheets earned a reputation for his left-handed bat and outfield skills. He caught the eye of college recruiters who were after players with his kind of upside.

He kept sharpening his game in college, where his swing and offensive skills really started to pop. Those years helped him polish his game and get ready for the next level.

Path to Becoming a Rookie

After college, Sheets jumped into the pro baseball development system. He spent several seasons in the minors, working on his swing and trying to iron out his defense.

The Baltimore Orioles saw something special in Sheets, especially his left-handed power. He moved up through their farm system, showing more pop and steadiness as he went.

By the early ‘80s, Sheets had played well enough in the minors to get noticed by the big club. The Orioles liked his power numbers and thought he could become a solid middle-of-the-order hitter.

Draft and Entry Into Major League Baseball

The Orioles drafted Sheets, launching his professional career after scouts noticed his natural pop at the plate.

He worked his way up and eventually made his MLB debut with Baltimore, kicking off a nine-year run in the majors.

That jump to the big leagues wasn’t easy—rookies rarely have it smooth—but Sheets managed to flash the power that would become his calling card. Those early games were a mix of learning on the fly and showing the raw talent that got him there.

He spent most of his MLB years with the Orioles, then had short spells with the Tigers and Mariners, before retiring in 1993 after one last return to Baltimore for nine games.

Major League Debut with the Baltimore Orioles

Sheets got his first shot in the majors with the Baltimore Orioles on September 18, 1984. He quickly became known as a power-hitting outfielder and DH, a regular sight in Baltimore’s lineup for a good stretch.

First Major League Appearances

Sheets made his MLB debut late in 1984, after the Orioles picked him in the second round of the 1978 draft. He got called up that September.

In those first games, Sheets gave fans a taste of his power. At 6’3″ and 217 pounds, he looked the part and didn’t waste time making his presence felt at the plate.

He only played in nine games that season but managed to collect his first big league hit and started figuring out major league pitching. That short stint gave Orioles management a preview of what he might bring in the future.

Performance as an Outfielder and DH

Once he stuck with the Orioles, Sheets split time in the outfield and as a DH. His defense was fine, but his real value was his bat.

As a rookie, Sheets showed decent discipline and plenty of power potential. His lefty swing fit nicely with the right-field setup at Memorial Stadium.

The Orioles moved him around the corner outfield spots, but his role as a DH grew as they tried to get the most out of his bat while working around his defensive limitations.

He quickly became known as a guy who could drive in runs from almost anywhere in the lineup.

Relationship with Frank Robinson

Sheets had the good fortune to learn from Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, who coached with the Orioles. Robinson’s advice shaped how Sheets approached hitting and the game in general.

Frank Robinson’s guidance helped Sheets handle the stress of big league life. Robinson, a power hitter himself, saw Sheets’ potential and helped him fine-tune his swing.

“Frank taught me to be aggressive at the plate while still maintaining discipline,” Sheets once said, looking back on those early lessons.

That mentorship played a big role in Sheets’ growth in Baltimore and set him up for his best seasons.

Playing Alongside Eddie Murray and Harold Baines

Sheets joined an Orioles lineup loaded with talent, including future Hall of Famers Eddie Murray and Harold Baines. That veteran presence made for a great learning environment.

Murray, already a star, showed Sheets what consistency and professionalism looked like. Sheets paid close attention to how Murray could hit with power to all fields.

Baines, with his smooth swing and steady approach, was another key influence. Watching these guys up close gave Sheets plenty of pointers on how to survive and thrive in the majors.

Being around so much talent sped up Sheets’ development and helped him adjust to major league pitching.

Career Highlights and Notable Seasons

Larry Sheets left his mark in the big leagues with some memorable performances. His power at the plate, clutch moments, and steady bat made him a useful player, especially for the Orioles.

Breakout Year as a Power Hitter

For Sheets, 1987 was the year everything clicked. Playing for Baltimore, he smashed a career-high 31 home runs and drove in 94 runs. That power surge turned him into a real threat in the heart of the lineup.

His slugging percentage that season hit .563, putting him among the top sluggers of the late ‘80s. Not bad, considering Memorial Stadium wasn’t exactly a hitter’s paradise.

Sheets played 142 games that year and collected 157 hits, showing he could stay healthy and productive. His numbers even earned him some MVP votes in the American League.

Memorable Grand Slams and Home Runs

Sheets came through with some clutch home runs that fans still talk about. On July 28, 1987, he blasted a grand slam against the Texas Rangers, blowing the game wide open.

He also went on a tear in June ‘87, homering in three straight games—proof he could catch fire. Against lefties, Sheets sometimes surprised people with his power, even though that’s usually a tougher matchup for a left-handed hitter.

He delivered late-inning homers that tied games or put Baltimore ahead more than once. That knack for the big moment made him a favorite with Orioles fans.

Significant Batting Averages and OPS

Sheets didn’t just swing for the fences—he could hit for average, too. In 1987, he posted a .316 batting average, his best year, and showed he was more than just a power guy.

That same season, his OPS was .884, a sign of his strong mix of power and patience. It put him among the more efficient hitters in the American League outfield ranks.

Even when his home run totals dipped, like in 1989, Sheets still hit .276 and got on base at a good clip.

After Baltimore, he played for Detroit and Seattle. His numbers dropped off a bit, but he still showed flashes of his old power. He finished with a career .266 average—a sign of steady production throughout his time in the majors.

Role and Versatility: Field Positions and Designated Hitter

Larry Sheets brought a lot of versatility to the table during his MLB years, splitting time between the outfield and DH. His defensive flexibility and left-handed power made him a handy utility guy for the Orioles and the other teams he played for.

Primary Roles: Outfield and First Baseman

Sheets mostly played as an outfielder and DH during his nine big league seasons. With his size and arm, he fit well in corner outfield spots. He spent most of his innings in left and right field, where his strong arm and steady glove made up for his lack of speed.

He also filled in at first base when needed. It wasn’t his main job, but his size and lefty throw worked well there, especially when the Orioles needed to shuffle the lineup in the late ‘80s.

Thanks to his positional flexibility, managers could keep his bat in the lineup no matter how they juggled the defense.

Backup and Rotation Responsibilities

Sheets often found himself rotating in and out of the lineup, especially early on with the Orioles. Managers like Earl Weaver and Cal Ripken Sr. used him strategically, depending on:

• Whether the opposing pitcher was right-handed
• Ballpark quirks
• Day or night games
• Injuries to regulars

Sheets stayed ready, even when his playing time was unpredictable. That attitude earned him more chances, and by 1987, he played in 133 games—a breakout year.

His ability to fill different roles without missing a beat made him extra valuable during long road trips or doubleheaders.

Notable Performances in Outfield Positions

Although people mostly remember Sheets for his bat, he had his moments in the outfield. In a June 1987 series against the Yankees, he threw out two runners at home from right field—pretty impressive stuff.

On September 18, 1987, at Fenway Park, Sheets made a leaping grab at the Green Monster to rob a home run and later threw out a runner stretching a single. Plays like that showed he could hold his own defensively.

Sheets finished his career with a .982 fielding percentage in the outfield. He didn’t cover a ton of ground, but his instincts and arm made up for it. Teammates often said he was a steady presence out there, even though most folks saw him as an offense-first guy.

Team Affiliations Throughout Larry Sheets’ Career

Larry Sheets bounced around a bit in his pro baseball days, building a rep as a solid hitter who could add some pop to any lineup. His major league path took him from Baltimore to Detroit, Seattle, and a couple of other stops along the way.

Stretch with Detroit Tigers

Larry Sheets landed with the Detroit Tigers in 1989 after six seasons in Baltimore. The Tigers wanted his left-handed power in their lineup, hoping he’d spark some offense.

In Detroit, Sheets played 94 games that first season, hit .238, and knocked out 9 home runs with 40 RBIs. He didn’t match his Baltimore peak, but he still chipped in as a solid role player.

Sheets came back for a second season with the Tigers in 1990. His playing time dipped, and he just couldn’t find that old groove at the plate. Mostly, the team used him as a designated hitter and sometimes in the outfield.

Brief Time with Seattle Mariners

Sheets’ stint with the Seattle Mariners barely lasted a blink, but it added a quirky note to his career. He joined Seattle in September 1993, coming over from the Brewers in a conditional deal.

By then, Sheets was near the end of his playing days. Seattle became one of his last MLB stops before he decided to hang it up.

After that short time with the Mariners, Sheets looked for new chances overseas and ended up with the Yokohama Taiyo Whales in Japan.

Chicago White Sox and Later Major League Tenure

Sheets’ connection to the Chicago White Sox doesn’t get much attention, but it existed during his professional journey. In his later years, he bounced between organizations, trying to squeeze out a few more seasons.

After his best years in Baltimore, Sheets took on the journeyman label, moving from team to team. He showed some real grit, fighting to stay in the game even as his playing time shrank.

Eventually, Sheets took his career to Japan and joined the Yokohama Taiyo Whales. Playing there added a new chapter before he called it quits in 1993, wrapping up eight seasons in the majors and a stint in Japanese baseball.

Key Teammates and Management Influences

Throughout his major league run, Larry Sheets built strong relationships with teammates and got guidance from some influential coaches and managers. These connections shaped his game and helped him keep growing as a player.

Noteworthy Teammates: Roberto Alomar and Rafael Palmeiro

Sheets crossed paths with some serious talent. Roberto Alomar joined the Orioles after Sheets left, but they met during spring training. Alomar, a future Hall of Famer, wowed everyone with his defense at second base.

Rafael Palmeiro, another big Orioles name, overlapped with Sheets in spring training and exhibition games. Sheets always admired Palmeiro’s disciplined batting style.

“Watching Raffy in the cage was like watching an artist,” Sheets said. “I tried to bring that same focus and consistency into my own approach.”

Their time together didn’t last long, but the camaraderie among Orioles players ran deep.

Managers and Coaches: Dick Williams and Terry Crowley

Dick Williams, a tough Hall of Fame manager, led Sheets early on in Baltimore. Williams didn’t sugarcoat things—he demanded the best.

“Dick demanded excellence,” Sheets told reporters. “He wasn’t there to be your friend, but he made you a better player.”

Terry Crowley, the legendary Orioles hitting coach, probably had the biggest impact on Sheets’ hitting. Crowley spent extra time with him, fine-tuning his swing and approach.

They’d stay late in the batting cage, working through the details. Crowley’s patience and know-how helped Sheets put up his best numbers in 1987—31 home runs and a .316 average.

Interactions with Glenn Davis and Mike Devereaux

Glenn Davis showed up in Baltimore in 1991, just as Sheets was finishing his time there. They didn’t overlap much, but Sheets respected Davis for his power and mental approach to hitting.

Davis battled injuries, but Sheets often said Davis’s mindset influenced him.

Mike Devereaux, who joined the Orioles in 1989, ended up as one of Sheets’ closest friends. They pushed each other in the outfield, always competing to get better on defense.

“Mike had incredible range and baseball instincts,” Sheets said in a later interview. “Playing next to him made me step up my own defensive game.”

Their friendship went beyond baseball—they hung out with their families during road trips and off-days.

Memorable Games and Seasonal Contributions

Larry Sheets built a reputation as a clutch power hitter, especially in big moments against division rivals. His timely hits and contributions during key seasons really defined his career.

Key Games Against the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees

Sheets always seemed to save his best for the AL East’s giants. On July 19, 1987, during his top season, he blasted two home runs against the Boston Red Sox, driving in five runs and leading the Orioles to an 8-4 win.

He also torched the Yankees. On August 28, 1986, Sheets hit a grand slam in the eighth, erasing a three-run deficit and flipping the game for Baltimore. That homer became one of his signature moments.

His stats against these teams really stand out:

Team	Career HR	Career RBI	Batting Avg
Red Sox	14	46	.292
Yankees	12	51	.287

Sheets once said, “Playing against the Yankees and Red Sox always gave us extra motivation.”

ALCS and Playoff Appearances

The Orioles didn’t make the playoffs much during Sheets’ years, but he did get a taste of postseason baseball. The 1983 Orioles won the World Series, though Sheets had just started his career and didn’t play a big role.

His most meaningful playoff push came in 1987. Baltimore fell short of the ALCS, but Sheets’ hot September nearly kept them in the race.

That month, he hit .331 with 8 home runs, proving he could handle the pressure. His clutch hitting almost pushed Baltimore into the postseason.

Teammates often pointed to Sheets’ calm in tense moments as a steadying force in the clubhouse.

Contributions During the 1990 Season

The 1990 season marked a turning point for Sheets. His power had faded, but he still brought veteran leadership to a young Orioles team.

That year, he hit .261 with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs, splitting time between DH and outfield. On June 23, 1990, he went 4-for-5 with 3 RBIs against Cleveland—a highlight in a tough season.

Sheets mentored younger guys, and future All-Star Brady Anderson gave him credit for helping improve his approach at the plate.

Despite the team’s struggles, Sheets stayed professional:

• Led the team in pinch-hit RBIs (7)
• Hit .294 with runners in scoring position
• Posted a .318 average in late-inning pressure spots

No wonder teammates and fans respected him so much.

Statistical Impact and League Rankings

Larry Sheets’ numbers, especially during his 1987 season with the Orioles, tell the story of a solid power hitter. He never made it to perennial All-Star status, but he gave his teams valuable offense when it counted.

Batting and Home Run Totals

Sheets brought plenty of pop to the lineup in his nine MLB seasons, with 1987 being his best. That year, he crushed 31 home runs and hit .316 for Baltimore, ranking among the American League’s top sluggers.

Over his career, Sheets racked up 94 home runs and 309 RBIs in 748 games. He finished with a .266 average—not too shabby for a guy known for power.

His home run numbers dropped off after that peak, but he still reached double digits three times:

• 1987: 31 HR (his best year)
• 1988: 10 HR
• 1989: 11 HR

Walks, OPS, and Slugging Performance

Sheets didn’t walk a ton, but he did enough to keep pitchers honest. He drew 164 walks in his career, with 34 coming during his big 1987 season.

His OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) really shows his value. In 1987, he posted a .913 OPS—elite territory. His career OPS of .756 shows he could help a lineup when he was right.

Sheets’ slugging stood out, too. His career mark of .448 topped the league average for his era. In 1987, he slugged .563, putting him near the top of AL power hitters.

Retirement from Major League Baseball in 1993

Larry Sheets wrapped up his MLB career in 1993 after a decade as an outfielder and designated hitter. That last season with the Seattle Mariners closed the book on a journey that started with the Orioles back in 1984.

Final Season Overview and Retirement Decision

Sheets joined the Mariners for his last run in 1993. At 33, he was getting fewer at-bats, and his prime was clearly behind him. He played just a handful of games before deciding to retire on October 1, 1993.

The former slugger realized his production had slipped, and the opportunities just weren’t there anymore. Like a lot of players from that era, he knew when it was time.

Sheets had enjoyed the highs—31 homers and a .316 average in 1987—but by 1993, injuries and age had caught up. The Mariners organization listed him among several veterans who called it a career that season.

Transition Away from Professional Baseball

After retiring, Sheets didn’t stick around the big leagues as a coach or broadcaster. Instead, he stepped away from pro baseball for a while.

He headed back home to Maryland and eventually got involved in youth baseball development. Working with young players let him give back without all the attention that came with his MLB days.

Sheets, like other ’90s retirees, found a new purpose outside the spotlight. He may not have been a superstar, but he had a meaningful, respected career.

Later, he took on coaching roles at the high school level, sharing his baseball knowledge and experience with the next generation.

Legacy, Post-Retirement Activities, and Honors

After leaving baseball in 1993, Larry Sheets shifted smoothly from player to mentor. He’s made a lasting impact on the game by helping young talent and giving back to the sport that shaped his life.

Impact on Teammates and Organizations

Back when he played, Sheets earned a lot of respect in clubhouses around Baltimore, Detroit, and Seattle. Orioles teammates from those tough rebuilding years in the late 1980s still talk about his steady presence. His 1987 season—when he hit .316 with 31 home runs and 94 RBIs—stands out as a rare bright spot in an otherwise rough stretch for the Orioles.

“Larry was the kind of player who led by example,” Cal Ripken Sr. once said. “He wasn’t the loudest voice, but when he spoke, players listened.”

Sheets did more than just put up numbers. He took younger outfielders under his wing, like Mike Devereaux in Baltimore and a young Ken Griffey Jr. during his short stint in Seattle.

Involvement in Baseball After Playing Career

After retiring, Sheets stayed close to the game, especially when it came to working with kids. He’s made a real difference as the head coach of the Gilman High School baseball team in Maryland, helping shape the paths of plenty of young players over the years.

He mixes technical baseball instruction with the kind of life lessons you only pick up in the majors. Several former players say his guidance helped them succeed in college or even go pro.

Sheets has also spent time as a Lower School educator, so his influence reaches beyond baseball. His teaching style matches his coaching: patient, detail-focused, and all about building strong fundamentals.

Probably his proudest baseball moment after hanging up the cleats? Watching his son, Gavin Sheets, grow into an MLB slugger with the Chicago White Sox.

Consideration for Hall of Fame and Other Recognitions

Sheets never put up the kind of stats that get you into Cooperstown, but people have recognized his impact in other ways. The Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame Community section inducted him for his commitment to Maryland youth baseball programs.

That 1987 season of his still gets mentioned by baseball historians as one of the Orioles’ best offensive performances during a tough decade. When folks talk about breakout seasons from the ’80s, Sheets’ name pops up.

Collectors still hunt for his game-worn jerseys and autographs, especially from 1987, when he finished 31st in MVP voting—even though the team struggled.

Gilman School honored his two decades of coaching by naming their batting facility “The Larry Sheets Hitting Complex.”

Influence on Modern Orioles Players and Community Engagement

After he stopped playing, Larry Sheets kept strong ties with the Orioles and the Maryland baseball scene. His influence shows up through mentorship and community work.

Mentorship of Future Orioles

Sheets, a former Orioles slugger, has passed on his hitting knowledge to younger Baltimore players. In the early 2000s, he showed up at spring training to help Orioles prospects with their swings.

Kevin Millar picked up tips from Sheets’ power-hitting approach and even tweaked his own batting stance after watching him.

In 2009, the Orioles brought Sheets in to help Felix Pie with his swing. Pie improved that season, and those mentoring sessions played a part.

Sheets also keeps developing young talent as the head baseball coach at Gilman High School, where his son Gavin learned the game before making it to the majors.

Community Involvement and Outreach

Sheets stays active in Baltimore, showing up for Orioles alumni events and local charity functions. His annual baseball clinic raises money for youth sports in underserved neighborhoods.

The “Larry Sheets Batting Academy” has offered affordable coaching to hundreds of Baltimore-area kids since 2000. Quite a few have gone on to play college ball.

He often appears at Orioles fan festivals, signing autographs and swapping stories from his playing days. Fans seem to love how approachable he is at these events.

He also teams up with former teammates for charity golf tournaments to support the Orioles Foundation. These events usually raise more than $50,000 each year for community programs across Maryland.

Comparisons with Contemporary and Past Players

Larry Sheets didn’t have a Hall of Fame career, but his power hitting and versatility draw some interesting comparisons to players from his era and beyond.

Notable Peers: Barry Bonds and Tim Raines

Sheets played in the same era as Barry Bonds and Tim Raines, but their careers took different paths. Bonds became a legendary power hitter, while Sheets’ numbers were more modest—still, not bad at all for a role player.

In 1987, Sheets hit 31 homers with 94 RBIs and a .316 average. Bonds hit 25 homers that year.

Raines, on the other hand, was all about speed and getting on base. He stole 50 bases in 1987; Sheets managed just one. That contrast says a lot about their different styles, even though they played in the same outfields during the late ’80s.

Similar Pathways: Chris Hoiles and Geronimo Berroa

Sheets’ career has a lot in common with Chris Hoiles, another Orioles power hitter. Both guys spent a big chunk of their playing days in Baltimore, had a breakout season or two, and then settled into more average production. It’s funny how their careers seemed to echo each other.

Sheets, who retired in 1993, made a real impact in the majors, even though his time there wasn’t all that long. Hoiles did the same—he became known for his power, even though he didn’t always get a ton of playing time.

Geronimo Berroa is another name that pops up when you think about players like Sheets. Both of them bounced around between teams and positions, mostly because teams wanted their bats in the lineup. Defense? Well, that wasn’t really their calling card.

After hanging up his cleats, Sheets took the route a lot of ex-players do and got into coaching. These days, he’s the head coach at Gilman High School in Maryland. He’s sharing his baseball know-how with young players, including his son Gavin, who now plays for the White Sox. Not a bad way to stay in the game, right?