Steve Trout – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Steve Trout wrapped up his baseball career on June 5, 1989, making his last appearance for the Seattle Mariners against the Kansas City Royals. That left-handed pitcher, once so crucial to the Chicago Cubs’ historic 1984 playoff run, walked away from the game at 31 after 11 years in Major League Baseball.

Steven Russell Trout put together an 88-92 record with a 4.18 ERA over 301 games in his MLB career from 1978 to 1989, pitching for four teams. Fans called him “Rainbow.” Being the son of former MLB pitcher Dizzy Trout, he became half of one of baseball’s rare father-son pitching duos.

He started with the Chicago White Sox in 1978, then moved on to memorable years with the Cubs, a short stint with the Yankees, and finally landed in Seattle, where his playing days ended.

Steve Trout’s baseball life had its ups and downs, just like you’d expect for a pro athlete. From his early hype as a first-round draft pick to his role in one of the Cubs’ most exciting seasons, Trout’s career really shows what it’s like to chase a legacy in America’s pastime.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Steve Trout was born July 30, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan, into a baseball family that definitely influenced his future. His road to pro baseball started at Thornwood High School in South Holland, Illinois, where scouts noticed his talent, leading to his first-round selection by the Chicago White Sox in 1976.

Family Background and Connection to Dizzy Trout

Steve got his baseball chops from his dad, Dizzy Trout, a former Major League pitcher who’d already made his mark in the game. That family connection offered Steve a unique look at the demands and opportunities of a baseball career.

Growing up as the son of a former MLB pitcher gave Steve a head start with the game’s ins and outs. His dad’s big-league experience probably helped guide him during those early years.

Steve later wrote about their family’s baseball legacy in his 2002 book, Home Plate: The Journey of the Most Flamboyant Father and Son Pitching Combination in Major League History. Honestly, you don’t see many father-son pitching combos in baseball history.

High School Years at Thornwood

Trout went to Thornwood High School in South Holland, Illinois, where he worked on his pitching and caught the eyes of pro scouts. His high school performance made him a legit MLB prospect.

At Thornwood, Trout showed off the left-handed pitching that would become his calling card. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 195 pounds, he had the build scouts wanted in a pitcher.

His high school years put him on the radar for several major league teams. That development at Thornwood set him up for his first-round MLB draft selection.

Selection in the 1976 MLB Draft

The Chicago White Sox picked Steve Trout in the first round as the 8th overall pick in the 1976 MLB June Amateur Draft. Pretty high praise for a young pitcher.

Getting drafted in the first round was a big deal for Trout. The White Sox clearly believed he could turn into a valuable piece for them.

After the draft, Trout spent three years working on his game in the minors. That time let him sharpen his pitching and get ready for the big leagues before making his MLB debut on July 1, 1978.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Steve Trout put together a solid 12-season MLB run from 1978 to 1989, playing for four teams and establishing himself as a dependable lefty. His MLB journey started with the Chicago White Sox after a few years in the minors, and he found real success with the Cubs during their 1984 playoff surge.

MLB Debut and Transition from Minors

Trout made his big league debut on July 1, 1978, at just 20 years old, pitching for the White Sox against the Minnesota Twins. He’d spent three years in the minors after the White Sox drafted him in 1976.

He settled into the White Sox rotation pretty quickly. Trout spent his first five seasons with Chicago, learning the ropes of big-league pitching.

Early on, he showed enough promise to stick around for more than a decade in pro baseball.

12 Seasons in the Majors

Trout played 12 seasons in the majors, suiting up for four different teams. He spent most of his MLB years with Chicago teams—five seasons with the White Sox (1978-1982) and five with the Cubs (1983-1987).

He peaked with the Cubs, helping them reach the playoffs for the first time in 39 years during the 1984 season. That year, Trout went 13-7 with a 3.41 ERA in 31 starts.

He also had short stays with the Yankees (1987) and Mariners (1988-1989). Things didn’t work out in New York—he struggled with control and only made it through nine starts.

Trout finished his career with the Mariners, pitching his last game on June 5, 1989, at 31.

Statistical Highlights and Career Milestones

Steve Trout wrapped up his MLB career with an 88-92 win-loss record and a 4.18 ERA over 301 games. He struck out 656 batters in his 12 seasons.

His best season came in 1984 with the Cubs—13 wins, 7 losses, and a 3.41 ERA. That year, he threw a complete game victory in the Cubs’ home opener against the Mets.

Career Statistical Summary:

  • Win-Loss Record: 88-92
  • Earned Run Average: 4.18
  • Strikeouts: 656
  • Games Played: 301

Trout got playoff experience in the 1984 National League Championship Series against the Padres. He pitched 8.1 innings in Game 2 for the win, putting the Cubs just one win from their first World Series since 1945.

Chicago White Sox Years

Steve Trout’s major league career started with the Chicago White Sox in 1978 after three years in their farm system. He spent five seasons with the White Sox, carving out a role as a dependable lefty in the starting rotation.

Joining the White Sox and Early Success

The White Sox took Trout eighth overall in the 1976 MLB draft, right out of Thornwood High School. After three years in the minors, he debuted on July 1, 1978, facing the Minnesota Twins.

Trout adapted to the big leagues quickly in his rookie year. His lefty delivery and work ethic helped him earn a spot in the rotation.

He showed promise in those early Chicago years. Trout had good control and could pitch deep into games, which the White Sox pitching staff appreciated.

Role in the White Sox Rotation

From 1978 to 1982, Trout became a steady part of the White Sox starting rotation. He made regular starts and gave the team solid innings.

During his time with the White Sox, Trout kept developing as a pro pitcher. He learned to work with different catchers and tweaked his pitching approach for American League hitters.

His experience in Chicago set him up for later success. The White Sox years gave Trout the foundation he’d need when he joined the Cubs before the 1983 season.

Those five seasons with the White Sox were a key developmental period for Trout. He picked up the major league experience that would help him with other teams down the road.

Chicago Cubs Experience and Achievements

Steve Trout had his best years with the Cubs from 1983 to 1987. He played a big role in getting them to their first playoff appearance in nearly forty years and delivered some memorable performances, like complete game shutouts and a near no-hitter.

Trade to the Cubs

Before the 1983 season, the White Sox traded Trout to the Cubs. The Cubs sent Scott Fletcher, Pat Tabler, Randy Martz, and Dick Tidrow to the White Sox for Trout and Warren Brusstar.

Trout got off to a solid start in his first Cubs season, making 32 starts with a 10-14 record and a 4.65 ERA.

Looking back, the trade worked out for the Cubs. Trout became a key part of their rotation during the team’s best stretch in the 1980s.

Key Performances and Division Title in 1984

Trout’s peak with the Cubs came in 1984. He joined a rotation with Rick Sutcliffe, Dennis Eckersley, and Lee Smith.

Season Statistics:

  • Record: 13-7
  • ERA: 3.41
  • Starts: 31

The Cubs won 96 games and made the playoffs for the first time in 39 years. Trout pitched well in the National League Championship Series against the Padres.

He won Game 2, throwing 8.1 innings and putting the Cubs one win away from the World Series. Trout also pitched in relief in Game 5, though the Cubs lost that one.

Memorable Games and Shutouts

Trout had some standout games as a Cub. On April 13, 1984, he pitched the Cubs’ home opener against the Mets.

He went the distance, giving up just two hits in an 11-2 win. That game set the tone for what would be the Cubs’ best season in decades.

On May 30, 1984, Trout carried a no-hitter into the eighth against the Braves. Albert Hall broke it up, but Trout still got the 6-2 win.

His last two Cubs starts in 1987 were both complete game shutouts. When he was healthy and locked in, Trout could really dominate.

Later MLB Journeys and 1989 Retirement

Steve Trout’s last MLB years took him from Chicago to New York and finally to Seattle, where he wrapped up his career. Things didn’t go well with the Yankees in 1987, and after a trade to the Mariners, he spent his final two seasons there before retiring in 1989.

Time with the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners

The Cubs traded Trout to the Yankees in 1987 for Bob Tewksbury, Rich Scheid, and Dean Wilkins. That move just didn’t work out for anyone involved.

Even though Trout had finished strong with the Cubs, he couldn’t find the strike zone with the Yankees. He walked 37 batters and threw nine wild pitches in only 46 innings.

He averaged just four innings per start in his nine games for New York. The control issues were so bad that the Yankees paid the Mariners over a million bucks to take Trout off their hands.

Before the 1988 season, New York shipped Trout and Henry Cotto to Seattle for Lee Guetterman, Clay Parker, and Wade Taylor.

Final MLB Season and Retirement in 1989

Trout’s time in Seattle marked the end of his big league run. He didn’t pitch much in 1988 or 1989.

His last MLB appearance came on June 5, 1989, with the Mariners. Seattle released him not long after that outing.

Trout’s career finished with an 88-92 record, a 4.18 ERA, and 656 strikeouts over 11 seasons. He’d played for four different teams.

He retired at 31, closing a career that started with so much promise in Chicago. His best days were with the Cubs in the mid-1980s, especially during that 1984 playoff run.

Post-Playing Career and Legacy

Steve Trout hung up his cleats in 1989, but he didn’t just walk away from baseball. He tried out different ways to stay close to the game, and even started carving out a path as an author.

In those years after playing, Trout made a few attempts to get back into baseball. At the same time, he put real effort into baseball literature and education, hoping to give something back.

Coaching and Comeback Attempts

When Trout stepped away from the mound, he didn’t really quit the sport. He looked for chances to stay in pro baseball, figuring out how he could pass along what he’d learned.

He brought with him the perspective of a 12-season veteran. Trout had pitched for the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Seattle Mariners, so he’d seen a lot.

That journey meant he’d worked under a bunch of different coaches and systems. It set him up nicely for helping out with player development.

He finished his career with 88 wins and 92 losses, plus a 4.18 ERA. Those numbers tell the story of a long, sometimes tough, major league career.

Contributions to Baseball after Retirement

After Steve Trout hung up his cleats, he jumped right into writing and made some real contributions to baseball. He wrote several books about the sport, and honestly, you can feel his passion and knowledge coming through every page.

Probably his most notable work is a children’s book called “Loosey-Goosey Baseball.” He wanted to help young readers discover the basics and, more importantly, the fun side of baseball.

You can actually find the book on his website, stevetrout.com, if you’re curious.

Trout poured a lot of effort into baseball education and youth development with his writing projects. As a former major league pitcher, he offered a real, firsthand look at the ups and downs of the game.

Being the son of Paul “Dizzy” Trout, another major league pitcher, Steve kept his family’s baseball legacy alive in a pretty unique way. His books kind of act like a bridge, connecting pro baseball wisdom with the next wave of fans and players.

Scroll to Top