Don Schulze – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Don Schulze’s name probably won’t pop up in the baseball Hall of Fame, but honestly, his journey through Major League Baseball is a pretty compelling story about sticking with it and adapting. Born Donald Arthur Schulze on September 27, 1962, in Roselle, Illinois, this right-handed pitcher managed to carve out a respectable career during the competitive 1980s.

He pitched for five different MLB teams between 1983 and 1989. Over six seasons, he put together a 15-25 record with a 5.47 earned run average.

After his MLB career ended in 1989, Schulze took his talents overseas and jumped into Japan’s professional leagues. He pitched three seasons with the Orix BlueWave from 1990 to 1992, showing he could adjust his pitching style for different cultures and levels of competition.

That international experience? It definitely helped when he later moved into coaching.

Schulze’s story doesn’t just end with his playing days. He’s spent decades as a dedicated coach in minor league baseball, helping shape young pitchers since his early amateur days at Lake Park High School.

Now, he’s developing the next generation, and his career gives a real glimpse into the challenges of pro baseball and what’s possible after a player hangs up the glove.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Don Schulze’s path to pro baseball started in suburban Chicago. He grew into a promising pitcher at Lake Park High School, eventually catching the eye of his hometown team, the Chicago Cubs, in the 1980 amateur draft.

Birthplace and Family Background

Donald Arthur Schulze was born September 27, 1962, in Roselle, Illinois. The suburban Chicago area shaped his early years as a ballplayer.

Growing up in Cubs territory, Schulze was surrounded by baseball from the start. Roselle had organized leagues and solid facilities that helped him develop as a pitcher.

Living close to Chicago, he could watch professional baseball regularly. That probably sparked his interest in making the sport a real pursuit.

His family backed him up while he was growing up in Illinois. Roselle’s community gave him a strong base for baseball.

High School Achievements at Lake Park

Schulze went to Lake Park High School in Roselle and stood out as a pitcher. He graduated in 1981, leaving behind a successful high school baseball career.

While at Lake Park, he honed the skills that would soon draw major league scouts. His mound performances made him a pretty attractive draft prospect.

The high school gave him a chance to show off for college recruiters and pro scouts. His success there set the stage for his pro career.

He accomplished enough at the high school level to get noticed by major league teams. That recognition ended up being crucial for his future.

Draft into Major League Baseball

The Chicago Cubs picked Schulze in the first round of the 1980 MLB June Amateur Draft. They chose him 11th overall, showing a lot of faith in his potential.

Getting drafted by his hometown team made the moment even more special. The Cubs’ investment in a local kid said a lot about their confidence.

That first-round selection was a big step in Schulze’s baseball journey. Scouts clearly saw him as a high-upside player.

After the draft, Schulze made his pro debut that summer with the Gulf Coast League Cubs. He finished his first season with a 2-7 record and a 4.09 ERA in 12 starts.

Major League Baseball Career

Don Schulze pitched for five teams during his six-year MLB career from 1983 to 1989. He put together a 15-25 record with a 5.47 ERA across 76 games, facing the ups and downs that come with bouncing between organizations in both the National and American Leagues.

Chicago Cubs Tenure

Schulze started his major league career with the Chicago Cubs in September 1983, just 20 years old at the time. He debuted on September 13, 1983, against the Montreal Expos.

He showed some promise but also revealed a few rough edges. In four games that season, Schulze posted a 7.07 ERA with 8 strikeouts over 14 innings.

The Cubs gave him another shot in 1984, but it was short-lived. He appeared in just one game, allowing 8 hits in 3 innings for a tough 12.00 ERA.

1983-1984 Cubs Statistics:

• Games: 5 total
• Record: 0-1
• ERA: 7.94
• Strikeouts: 10

The Cubs traded him to Cleveland during the 1984 season. Schulze’s time in Chicago added up to just 17 innings over two years—the shortest stop in his career.

Cleveland Indians Years

The Cleveland Indians picked up Schulze in 1984, giving him his most playing time. He spent parts of three seasons with Cleveland from 1984 through 1986.

In 1984, Schulze appeared in 19 games for Cleveland, posting a 3-6 record with a 4.83 ERA. That was a step up from his Chicago numbers.

The 1985 season didn’t go as smoothly. He made 19 appearances (18 starts) but struggled with a 6.01 ERA and a 4-10 record. Opponents hit .293 off him that year.

His best MLB season came in 1986 with Cleveland. Schulze went 4-4 with a 5.00 ERA in 19 games (13 starts). He improved his control, walking just 34 batters in 84.2 innings.

Cleveland Years Summary (1984-1986):

• Total Games: 57
• Record: 11-20
• ERA: 5.30
• Innings: 264.2

New York Mets Period

The New York Mets brought in Schulze for the 1987 season, right after their big World Series win. He only made five appearances with them.

Schulze struggled in New York, posting a 6.23 ERA in 21.2 innings. He started four games and came out of the bullpen once.

He gave up 24 hits and 15 earned runs during his time with the Mets. His control was still inconsistent; he walked 6 and only struck out 5.

His 1-2 record reflected the team’s decision to keep his role small. The Mets had high hopes after their championship, so Schulze’s rough performance stood out.

The team released him after the 1987 season. That brief stint in New York was definitely a tough stretch for him.

New York Yankees and San Diego Padres

Schulze’s last MLB season in 1989 saw him suit up for two teams. He split his time between the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres.

With the Yankees, Schulze made two starts and posted a 4.09 ERA in 11 innings. He went 1-1, which was actually some of his better late-career stats.

The San Diego Padres picked him up later in 1989. Schulze appeared in seven games for them, starting four, and finished with a 2-1 record, although his ERA was 5.55.

1989 Final Season Statistics:

• Combined Record: 3-2
• Combined ERA: 5.09
• Total Games: 9
• Teams: Yankees and Padres

His last MLB appearance came on September 29, 1989, against the San Francisco Giants. Schulze threw 2 innings, allowed 5 hits, and gave up 2 earned runs in his final big league outing.

Pitching Performance and Career Statistics

Don Schulze’s six-season MLB career (1983-1989) had its share of ups and downs. He finished with a 15-25 record and a 5.47 ERA over 338.2 innings. Things went downhill after he left Cleveland, where he’d put up his best numbers.

Overall MLB Stats and Highlights

Schulze notched 15 wins and 25 losses in 76 games for five teams. He pitched 338.2 innings and struck out 144 batters.

His best years came with the Cleveland Indians from 1984 to 1986. In those three seasons, he went 11-20 with a 5.30 ERA over 57 games and 264.2 innings.

He started 59 games in his career and managed to finish four of them. Schulze recorded two shutouts, both while with Cleveland in 1984 and 1985.

Career totals by team:

• Cleveland Indians: 11-20, 5.30 ERA (1984-1986)
• Chicago Cubs: 0-1, 7.94 ERA (1983-1984)
• New York Mets: 1-2, 6.23 ERA (1987)
• San Diego Padres: 2-1, 5.55 ERA (1989)
• New York Yankees: 1-1, 4.09 ERA (1989)

Key Metrics: Earned Run Average

Schulze’s 5.47 career ERA was well above league average for his era. His earned run average bounced around a lot between teams and seasons.

His best ERA came in a short run with the New York Yankees in 1989—he posted a 4.09 ERA over 11 innings. That was the only time he kept it under 5.00 after his rookie year.

His toughest stretch came with the Chicago Cubs, where he had a 7.94 ERA over two seasons. In his 1983 rookie campaign, Schulze posted a 7.07 ERA in four games.

His WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) sat at 1.556, showing he had trouble with baserunners. Over his 338.2 innings, he allowed 422 hits and 105 walks.

Strikeouts and Losses

Schulze struck out 144 batters in his MLB career, averaging 3.8 strikeouts per nine innings. His strikeout-to-walk ratio was 1.37, which points to some control issues.

He lost 25 games and won 15, giving him a .375 winning percentage. His roughest season was 1985 with Cleveland, where he went 4-10 with a 6.01 ERA.

In his three years with the Indians, Schulze struck out 109 and walked 80. His best strikeout year was 1984 with 39 Ks for Cleveland.

Control was a problem, leading to that high loss total. He gave up 40 home runs in his career, with 28 of them coming during his Cleveland years.

Notable Games and Milestones

Schulze’s last MLB game was on September 29, 1989, for San Diego against the San Francisco Giants. He pitched 2 innings, allowed 5 hits, and didn’t strike out or walk anyone.

His career high for games started came in 1985 with Cleveland. That year, he started 18 games and threw 94.1 innings, the heaviest workload of his career.

Both of his complete games happened during his 1984 season, split between Chicago and Cleveland. Those were the only complete games he ever pitched in the majors.

After leaving MLB in 1989, Schulze kept playing professionally in Japan. He pitched three seasons for the Orix BlueWave from 1990 to 1992.

International Experience in Japan

After his MLB days wrapped up in 1989, Don Schulze didn’t hang up his glove just yet. He found new opportunities in Japan’s pro baseball league, spending three seasons with the Orix organization from 1990 to 1992.

Transition to Nippon Professional Baseball

Schulze headed to Japan in 1990, joining the Orix BlueWave in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). This move came right after his last MLB season, when he pitched for both the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres.

American players often took this route to keep their careers alive. NPB offered solid pay and a chance to keep playing at a high level.

Schulze’s experience as both a starter and reliever in the majors made him appealing to Japanese teams. At 6-foot-3 with a right-handed delivery, he fit the mold for foreign pitchers who often did well in NPB.

Achievements with Orix Braves / BlueWave

During his three years with the Orix organization, Schulze played in one of Japan’s toughest pro leagues. The team went by the Orix Braves for part of his stay, then switched to the BlueWave.

Schulze got the chance to experience a different style of baseball. Japanese teams really focus on fundamentals, team play, and strategy—it’s a whole different vibe from the American game.

He adjusted to NPB’s unique playing conditions. Smaller stadiums, different balls, and a tactical approach that values contact hitting and situational play all shaped his experience.

Comparative Performance: MLB vs. NPB

Schulze’s MLB stats? He finished with a 15-25 record and a 5.47 ERA over six seasons. His strikeout-to-walk ratio was 1.37, and a WHIP of 1.556 hinted at control issues that followed him in the majors.

American pitchers who move to Japan often get a chance to refine their approach. NPB values location and pitch sequencing over just throwing hard, which can help guys like Schulze who struggled with consistency in MLB.

Those three seasons in Japan gave him valuable experience—both on and off the field. The cultural exchange and new competitive environment added a unique chapter to his baseball story.

Retirement and Coaching Career

Donald Arthur Schulze wrapped up his pro playing days in 1989 after six MLB seasons, but he didn’t leave baseball behind. He dove into coaching, working with young pitchers in the Oakland Athletics minor league system.

End of Playing Career in 1989

Schulze made his last MLB appearance on September 29, 1989, with the San Diego Padres. His big league career stretched from 1983 to 1989.

Over those years, he notched a 15-25 win-loss record with a 5.47 ERA and 144 strikeouts. He pitched for five teams: the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres.

After leaving MLB, Schulze kept playing internationally. He spent three seasons in Japan from 1990 to 1992 with the Orix BlueWave.

His time in Japan actually went better than his MLB run. Schulze put up a 12-11 record with a 3.39 ERA and 112 strikeouts in Nippon Professional Baseball.

Roles as Minor League Pitching Coach

Since 2006, Don Schulze has worked as a minor league pitching coach for the Oakland Athletics organization. His coaching journey has taken him to several teams across different league levels.

He started coaching with the Arizona League Athletics in 2006. Then he moved to the Kane County Cougars and coached there from 2007 to 2008.

After that, he worked with the Stockton Ports between 2009 and 2010. In November 2010, the Midland RockHounds added him to their coaching staff.

The Athletics sent Schulze to the Beloit Snappers for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Right now, he’s the pitching coach for the Lansing Lugnuts, a role he’s held since 2021.

Impact in the Oakland Athletics Organization

Donald Arthur Schulze has become a steady presence in the Oakland Athletics’ player development system. Nearly two decades of coaching shows the organization trusts his abilities.

His experience as an MLB and international player gives him insight that helps young pitchers. Schulze played for several major league teams and learned to adapt in Japan.

The Athletics keep assigning him to different affiliates, which says a lot about his skill in developing pitching talent. He’s worked at every level, from rookie leagues to Double-A.

With the Lansing Lugnuts, Schulze keeps mentoring young arms. He helps prospects move up through the minor league ranks.

Legacy and Influence

Don Schulze’s impact on baseball reaches far beyond his six years as a player. His work as a minor league pitching coach and his experiences in different baseball cultures have shaped many young pitchers in the Oakland Athletics system since 2006.

Reputation Among Teammates and Fans

Schulze earned respect for adapting and sticking with it throughout his career. He played for five major league teams from 1983 to 1989, showing the flexibility teams look for.

His biggest highlight probably came in Japan with the Orix BlueWave from 1990 to 1992. On May 29, 1991, Schulze became the first Pacific League pitcher to hit a home run after the designated hitter rule came in.

That moment showed he had athletic ability beyond just pitching. His 12-11 record and 3.39 ERA over 57 games in Japan proved he could hang in international baseball.

Teammates saw Schulze as reliable, able to handle both starting and relief roles. His openness to new baseball cultures, especially during his three years in Japan, won him respect from players and fans.

Contribution to Baseball Development

Schulze’s biggest legacy might be his coaching career with the Oakland Athletics. Since 2006, he’s coached at multiple levels, from rookie ball to Triple-A.

He’s worked with teams like the AZL A’s, Kane County Cougars, Stockton Ports, and Midland RockHounds. Most recently, he coached the Lansing Lugnuts from 2021 to 2024, then joined the Las Vegas Aviators as assistant pitching coach in 2025.

The Athletics keep turning to Schulze for his expertise. His long run as a coach shows how much teams value his knowledge and teaching.

He’s also helped with player development in the Arizona Fall League. Schulze coached with the Phoenix Desert Dogs in 2012 and the Mesa Solar Sox in 2018, working with prospects from across the league.

Inspiration for Future Pitchers

Schulze’s career path really gives aspiring pitchers a lot to think about. If you’re looking for lessons in persistence and adapting, his journey from a first-round draft pick to journeyman player to respected coach shows there’s more than one way to make an impact in baseball.

Young pitchers might want to pay attention to his international experience in Japan. He went over there and found success, which just goes to show that a career can keep growing in all kinds of baseball environments.

He really leans into fundamentals and mental prep in his coaching philosophy. Players who’ve worked with Schulze often mention his patient teaching style, and they respect his deep understanding of pitching mechanics.

When he moved from player to coach, he followed a path that’s honestly pretty common in baseball. Schulze has spent nearly two decades coaching, which gives former players a real example if they want to stay in the game.

He’s put a lot of effort into developing prospects in the Athletics system. Because of his work, plenty of players have moved up to higher levels of pro baseball.