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

Tim Flannery’s name might not be on a Hall of Fame plaque, but honestly, his impact on baseball goes way beyond stats. The scrappy infielder played all 11 years of his Major League career with the San Diego Padres, and fans loved him for his hustle and determination.

On September 29, 1989, Tim Flannery retired from professional baseball on his 32nd birthday, ending a career that spanned over a decade with the San Diego Padres. The crowd at the stadium stood and cheered for so long that the umpire actually had to stop play, which felt like a perfect tribute to a guy who gave everything to the team and the city.

Flannery’s story isn’t just about his playing days. He grew up in California, played a key part in the Padres’ 1984 pennant run, and later found success as a coach and broadcaster. His journey from college standout at Chapman University to World Series champion coach with the San Francisco Giants shows how passion and dedication can leave a mark in baseball.

Tim Flannery’s Retirement in 1989

Tim Flannery announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on his 32nd birthday, September 29, 1989, after 11 seasons with the San Diego Padres. He decided to retire two games before the season ended so he could always be remembered as a Padre, even though other teams offered him contracts and money.

Reasons for Retiring Early

Flannery walked away two games before the 1989 season ended. That decision cost him about $400 in licensing fees and two days’ pay from the Padres.

He did it out of loyalty to San Diego. By quitting early, he made himself ineligible for free agency. No other MLB team could contact him until 1992, and only the Padres could sign him.

A lot of people tried to talk him out of it:

• His agent called him crazy,
• The Players Association said he was stupid,
• An Italian baseball team owner even offered him a sweet deal.

The Italian team promised a condo, a European sports car, and only three games a week with no travel. Flannery just shook his head and said there wasn’t enough money in the world to make him leave San Diego.

Road trips had become a drag. He used to love traveling, but after his kids were born in 1985, he grew tired of hotel rooms. By spring training in 1989, he just didn’t want to go on the road anymore.

Fan and Team Reactions

Flannery’s retirement announcement hit the baseball world hard. Teammates and opponents showed a lot of respect for his 11-year run with the Padres.

Dale Murphy ran the length of a hallway, still only wearing a towel, just to shake Flannery’s hand. Murphy told him it was a pleasure playing against someone who worked so hard and enjoyed the game that much.

Fans went wild:

• They gave him standing ovations during his last games,
• Showered him with gifts and attention,
• And even called into radio shows to talk about retiring his number.

Doug Rader, his old minor league manager who helped save his career in 1981, sent a telegram that read: “Congratulations for the memories. You helped me just like I helped you. P.S.: I want my glove back.”

Reporters kept calling, and agents tried to get him to change his mind. Still, Flannery stuck to his decision.

Final Games and Farewell Moments

Flannery’s final game happened on September 29, 1989, against the San Francisco Giants. Oddly enough, that was the same team he faced in his MLB debut 10 years and 26 days earlier.

Manager Jack McKeon put him in the starting lineup for his last game. The crowd gave him such a long standing ovation that the umpire had to stop play when he came up to bat.

Just after the Padres lost a 2-1, 13-inning game that knocked them out of the pennant race, Flannery confirmed he was retiring. He addressed the team, then walked into McKeon’s office to make it official.

His last stats weren’t flashy:

• 2 at-bats,
• 0 hits,
• 0 home runs,
• 0 RBIs.

For Fan Appreciation Night on September 30, Flannery showed up in street clothes with his wife, two kids, and parents. He gave a retirement speech he’d been working on for two months.

After the ceremony, he left the stadium with “a smile on his face, tears in his eyes and memories that will last a lifetime.”

Major League Playing Career Overview

Tim Flannery spent his whole 11-year MLB career with the San Diego Padres, from 1979 to 1989. He hit .255 with 9 home runs and 209 RBIs in 972 games, mostly as a utility infielder and bench player, earning a spot as a fan favorite in San Diego.

San Diego Padres Tenure

Flannery debuted on September 3, 1979, against the San Francisco Giants when he was 21. He started at second base and batted leadoff, going 1-for-3 with an RBI in a 3-0 Padres win.

He struggled at the plate early on. Flannery hit just .154 in his first season and bounced between the majors and Triple-A Hawaii through 1981.

The 1982 season was his first full year in the majors with no minor league stints. He didn’t hit his first MLB home run until 1983, his fifth season—a solo shot off Cubs pitcher Chuck Rainey.

Flannery found his groove in 1985 as the Padres’ regular second baseman. That year was his best, with a .281 average, 40 RBIs, and 50 runs scored.

He played his last game on September 29, 1989, his 32nd birthday—exactly 10 years and 26 days after his debut.

Key Career Statistics and Achievements

Flannery played all over the infield, mainly at second and third base, picking up 631 hits along the way.

He batted left-handed and showed patience, drawing 277 walks and striking out 293 times. He wasn’t much of a base stealer, swiping just 22 bags in his career.

In 2003, the Padres named him one of the top 35 players ever to wear the uniform. That honor really spoke to his impact on the team, beyond just his stats.

Memorable Moments in the MLB

Flannery’s best MLB moments came in the 1984 playoffs. In the National League Championship Series against the Cubs, he reached base every time he came to the plate.

During Game 4 of the NLCS, with the Padres down 3-2 in the series, Flannery led off the fifth inning with a single and scored the tying run in a crucial 7-5 win.

Game 5 brought another big moment when he reached on a grounder that rolled through Cubs first baseman Leon Durham’s legs, letting the tying run score.

His World Series experience was short but sweet. He got a pinch-hit single off Tigers ace Jack Morris in Game 4, his only at-bat in the Fall Classic.

Fans in San Diego adored him. Team organist Danny Topaz would play Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” when Flannery came up to bat, which gave his at-bats a unique vibe.

In his final game on September 29, 1989, the sellout crowd cheered for so long that the umpire had to stop play before his first at-bat.

Postseason and World Series Experience

Tim Flannery reached the top of the baseball world in 1984 when the Padres made their famous World Series run. His clutch hitting in key playoff moments helped push the team to its first championship appearance.

1984 Playoffs and World Series Run

Flannery played a key part in the Padres’ historic 1984 NLCS win over the Cubs. He played in all five games and reached base in each of his three plate appearances.

Game 4 was huge. The Padres were down 3-2 in the series, and Flannery led off the fifth with a single, later scoring the tying run in a must-win 7-5 game.

In the deciding Game 5, he reached base on a grounder that slipped through Cubs first baseman Leon Durham’s legs, letting the tying run score and helping the Padres complete their comeback.

The World Series against the Tigers was tough for Flannery and the Padres. He only got one at-bat in the five-game loss.

Still, he made it count, delivering a pinch-hit single off Jack Morris in Game 4. The Padres lost the series 4-1, but Flannery’s hit was a highlight.

Performance in High-Pressure Games

Flannery’s postseason numbers showed his knack for coming through under pressure. He hit .667 in four playoff games, picking up two hits and scoring twice.

He had a perfect on-base percentage in the NLCS, working counts and finding ways to get on base when it mattered.

His experience and steady presence helped the team during their playoff run. Flannery’s ability to deliver in big moments made him a reliable postseason performer.

The 1984 playoffs ended up being his only trip to October baseball as a player.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Timothy Earl Flannery was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on September 29, 1957, but his baseball story really took off in California. He went to Anaheim High School and later Chapman University, where he caught the eye of pro scouts and got picked by the San Diego Padres in the 1978 draft.

Childhood and Education

Flannery was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on September 29, 1957. His family later moved to California, where he started honing his baseball skills.

He attended Anaheim High School. There, he stood out as a baseball player and earned all-league honors.

People liked him off the field, too. He was even elected Homecoming King during his senior year, which says something about his character.

Chapman College and Collegiate Success

After high school, Flannery went to Chapman University in California. Back then, it was called Chapman College, and it gave him a chance to shine at the college level.

While at Chapman, Flannery worked on his infield skills. He batted left-handed, threw right-handed, stood 5’11”, and weighed 175 pounds. Scouts started to notice.

His college years helped get him ready for the pros. Playing at Chapman was a key step in his growth as a player and person.

Path to the Major Leagues

The Padres picked Flannery in the sixth round of the 1978 MLB draft, straight out of Chapman. That marked the start of his professional career.

At the time, people saw him as a utility infielder with solid fundamentals. The Padres liked his lefty bat and his ability to play multiple infield spots.

The 1978 draft sent him into the minors, where he spent a year working on his game before making his big league debut.

Coaching, Broadcasting, and Music After Retirement

Tim Flannery jumped right into coaching, broadcasting, and music after his playing days. He spent more than 20 years in these roles, including time as third-base coach for both the Padres and Giants, and he played music with his band, The Lunatic Fringe.

San Diego Padres Coaching Career

After he retired in 1989, Flannery took a few years off before jumping into coaching in the Padres’ minor league system. He got his start managing the Spokane Indians in 1993, finishing the season with a 35-41 record.

His big moment came in 1994 when he led the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes to a California League championship. That win got him bumped up to manage the Triple-A Las Vegas Stars in 1995, though he only stayed there for one season.

In 1996, Flannery joined the Padres’ major league staff as third-base coach under manager Bruce Bochy. He took over from Graig Nettles and held the job from 1996 to 2002. That’s when he really started to develop the animated coaching style fans would later love with the Giants.

Bochy and Flannery made a great team, even though they came from different backgrounds. Their chemistry made a real difference on the field.

San Francisco Giants Third-Base Coach Role

When Bruce Bochy took over as manager of the San Francisco Giants in 2007, he called up Flannery to join him as third-base coach. Flannery said yes, kicking off an eight-year run that really defined his coaching career.

ESPN reported in 2013 that Flannery remembered Bochy’s invitation this way: “One day at the beginning of ’07, I’m walking the dog with my wife… my phone rings. It’s Boch. He asks me, ‘You got one more ride in you?'”

World Series Success:

• 2010: First championship as Giants coach
• 2012: Second World Series title
• 2014: Third championship in five years

Flannery built a reputation for his energetic style at third base. He always wore spikes, ready to break a sweat, and sprinted down the line on close plays to get every possible second for making decisions. His wild arm-waving to send runners home made him a fan favorite.

Flannery didn’t just coach—he mentored players too. Pitcher Jake Peavy, who played for both Bochy and Flannery in San Diego and San Francisco, credited Flannery with teaching him about work ethic and even how to play guitar.

After 33 years in pro baseball, Flannery decided to retire from coaching after the 2014 World Series win. He told reporters he felt “physically and emotionally spent” and wanted to focus more on family and music.

Broadcasting and Media Involvement

Between coaching gigs, Flannery worked as a broadcaster for the San Diego Padres from 2004 to 2006. He did TV and radio commentary, handled pre-game and post-game shows, and jumped in for color commentary during some broadcasts.

After he left coaching in 2014, Flannery got back into media work. He signed on with Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area in 2015 as a part-time analyst for Giants games.

Later that year, MLB Network brought him in as a studio analyst. This role gave him a way to stay close to the game while keeping his schedule a bit more flexible.

On July 11, 2018, Flannery even tried something different—he filled in as public address announcer for a Giants-Cubs game. Renel Brooks-Moon, the usual announcer, was busy serving as MC for San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s swearing-in.

Music Career and The Lunatic Fringe

Music has always been part of Flannery’s life, even during his baseball years. He grew up in a musical family, singing in his dad’s church and performing at school talent shows.

Flannery never traveled without his guitar as a player. After he retired, he played in a Jimmy Buffett cover band called “Buff’d Out” before deciding to get serious about writing and performing his own songs.

He formed The Lunatic Fringe and kept recording music throughout his coaching career. By 2018, they’d put out 12 albums and had more on the way.

After leaving coaching in 2014, Flannery really ramped up his music career. He told reporters he wanted to “devote his energies to raising money for all manner of causes through his music.”

His songs often drew from his baseball experiences and life journey. That mix of honest songwriting and baseball fame gave him a pretty unique spot in the music world.

Flannery’s family background in music shaped his style. His brother Tom became a music teacher and choir director, and his sister Ragean toured Europe as a pianist.

Legacy, Honors, and Life Outside Baseball

Tim Flannery’s impact goes way beyond his stats as a player. San Diego fans loved him, and he helped the Giants win three World Series titles as a coach. After baseball, he stayed busy with music, broadcasting, and charity work.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Flannery married his wife Donna, and they have three kids—one son and two daughters. The family has stayed close to baseball circles through all his career changes.

He’s also a skilled bluegrass musician. Since 1997, he’s released at least a dozen albums, either solo or with The Lunatic Fringe. His music and baseball worlds often crossed paths in memorable ways.

He performed the national anthem with Bob Weir and Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead during the 2012 and 2014 playoffs. Those moments really stood out to fans who appreciated his many talents.

Flannery has put a lot of effort into charity work. He’s held benefit concerts to help Bryan Stow, a Giants fan who was badly injured in an attack. This work inspired him to start the Love Harder Project, a group that supports victims of violence.

Influence on Teams and Fans

Flannery became a fan favorite in San Diego, even though he wasn’t a star. Team organist Danny Topaz used to play Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries when Flannery came up to bat, which made for a cool connection with the crowd.

When he retired in 1989, fans showered him with gifts and attention. In his final game, a sellout crowd gave him a standing ovation so long that the umpire actually stopped play. Some fans even talked about retiring his number.

As third base coach for the San Francisco Giants from 2007 to 2014, Flannery helped lead the team to three World Series championships. Players and management really valued his coaching.

When he announced his retirement from coaching in 2014, Flannery said, “I’m going to send myself home safely.” That line just sums up his thoughtful approach to baseball—and to life.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

You won’t find exact details about Tim Flannery’s net worth anywhere public. He made money during his 11-year run with the Padres, then picked up coaching jobs and later got into broadcasting.

After he hung up his cleats, Flannery jumped into TV and radio work for the Padres from 2004 to 2006. He called the action as a color commentator for some games and also hosted pre- and post-game shows.

Once he wrapped up his coaching days with the Giants, he joined CSN Bay Area as an analyst for Giants Pregame Live and Giants Postgame Live. In 2015, he landed a gig as an MLB Network analyst, which helped him reach an even bigger audience.

His music career with The Lunatic Fringe and his solo albums bring in some extra cash too. When you mix his baseball background with his musical side, it’s clear he’s found a bunch of different ways to keep the paychecks coming in after his playing days.