Dave Owen – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Dave Owen put together a short but memorable run in Major League Baseball as an infielder, playing from 1983 to 1988 before calling it quits at 30. Born in Cleburne, Texas, Owen climbed through the minors after college and eventually reached the majors with the Chicago Cubs, then the Kansas City Royals.

Owen wrapped up his professional baseball journey in 1988 after five seasons in the big leagues. He finished with a .194 batting average, 1 home run, and 16 RBIs over 92 games. His offensive stats were pretty modest, but he showed off his versatility by covering shortstop, second base, and third base.

Coming from a small Texas town to the majors, Owen’s story really highlights the grind that pro athletes go through to make it at baseball’s top level. He started with early development, moved through college at the University of Texas at Arlington, played for two major league teams, and then moved on after his playing days ended in the late ‘80s.

Early Life and Background

Dave Owen was born April 25, 1958, in Cleburne, Texas. He learned the game alongside his brother Spike Owen, who also made it to the majors.

His journey to pro baseball started with local high school ball. He became a trailblazer at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Childhood and Family

Growing up in Cleburne, Dave and his younger brother Spike both made it to the big leagues. That’s pretty rare, and it made the Owen family stand out in baseball circles.

They honed their skills in Texas youth leagues, taking advantage of the warm weather to play year-round.

Their family backed both boys’ love for the game. That support built Dave’s work ethic and competitive edge, qualities that carried him far.

Cleburne High School Years

Dave went to Cleburne High School in his hometown. Those years really shaped his game and got him noticed by scouts.

He played all over the infield, showing off the versatility that would become his trademark.

His high school performance earned him a scholarship. That success opened the door to college ball and, eventually, the pros.

University of Texas at Arlington

Owen made a bit of history as the first major leaguer from the University of Texas at Arlington. That helped put UTA’s baseball program on the map.

At UTA, he kept working on his infield game while getting his education. He played well enough to catch the eye of pro scouts.

The Chicago Cubs picked him in the 10th round of the 1979 amateur draft right out of UTA. That draft pick gave the school some real credibility for recruiting.

College ball at UTA was a big step in his development. It got him ready for the jump to the Cubs’ system.

Professional Baseball Career

Dave Owen’s pro baseball career ran from 1983 to 1988. He played infield for the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals, working his way up through the minors before carving out a spot as a utility man in the majors.

Draft by Chicago Cubs

The Cubs drafted Owen after his time at UTA, where he played from 1977 to 1979. They saw promise in his ability to handle multiple infield spots.

Owen could switch-hit, which made him even more interesting to Chicago. He threw right-handed and could bat from both sides, giving the team some roster flexibility.

The Cubs hoped he’d grow into a useful utility infielder at the big league level.

Minor League Progression

Owen worked his way up through the Cubs’ minor league teams, sharpening his skills at each stop. He spent time with different affiliates, learning the ropes and facing tougher pitching.

Those years in the minors were important for his growth. He learned to handle different infield roles and kept working on his swing as a switch-hitter.

Facing all kinds of pitchers helped him adjust and stay valuable.

Chicago Cubs Major League Debut and Tenure

Owen debuted in the majors on September 6, 1983, with the Cubs at age 25. He stayed with Chicago through 1985, mostly as a utility infielder covering shortstop, second, and third.

His biggest moment came on June 23, 1984, when he knocked in the game-winning run in the 11th inning. That was the same game where Ryne Sandberg hit two homers off Bruce Sutter—a classic.

On December 11, 1985, the Cubs traded Owen to the San Francisco Giants for Manny Trillo. That deal ended his run with the team that gave him his first big league shot.

Kansas City Royals and Oklahoma City 89ers

Owen later landed with the Kansas City Royals. He finished his MLB career there in 1988, making his last appearance on October 2.

While with Kansas City, he probably spent some time with their Triple-A affiliate, the Omaha Royals. Players in his role often bounced between the majors and minors.

He stuck with what he did best—being a utility infielder and giving the team extra depth.

Owen wrapped up his MLB career with a .194 average, 1 homer, and 16 RBIs in 92 games. Those numbers fit his role as a defensive specialist more than a hitter.

Notable Career Highlights

Dave Owen’s time in the majors was short, but he had some big moments, especially during the Cubs’ 1984 division-winning season. He made his mark in key games and filled in wherever the team needed him.

1984 Season and Division Win

Owen played a part in the Cubs’ 1984 season when they took the National League East. That was their first division title since 1945.

He helped out during the playoff push, moving around the infield as needed.

His switch-hitting gave the Cubs a handy option off the bench. He could face pitchers from either side.

That year, the Cubs finished 96-65. Owen shared the clubhouse with future Hall of Famers like Ryne Sandberg and Andre Dawson.

Memorable Games and Contributions

The most famous moment of Owen’s career came on June 23, 1984. He drove in the winning run in the bottom of the 11th.

That game is legendary for Sandberg’s two homers off Bruce Sutter. Owen’s hit sealed the win for the Cubs.

The game aired nationally and put a spotlight on the Cubs’ exciting season. Owen stepped up at just the right time.

He also played steady defense at shortstop when called on. His right-handed arm and switch-hitting made him a useful piece.

Statistical Overview

Owen’s MLB numbers were modest from 1983 to 1988. He filled the role of utility player, not everyday starter.

He got into 92 games with the Cubs and Royals. That .194 average was about what you’d expect from a glove-first utility guy back then.

He collected 27 hits and managed to steal 3 bases. His on-base plus slugging (OPS) was .533 during his time in the majors.

Retirement and Post-Playing Career

Dave Owen’s baseball career wrapped up after the 1988 season, ending a six-year major league run. He didn’t step away from the game, though—he found new ways to stay involved.

Retirement in 1988

Owen played his final season in 1988 with the Royals. He’d moved around between the Cubs and Royals from 1983 to 1988.

Retiring at 30 was pretty common for utility players in that era. He left with a .194 career batting average.

He probably retired because playing time dried up. A lot of guys in his situation either stuck it out in the minors or switched to coaching.

Owen’s experience at different levels of pro ball gave him a good foundation for his next steps in the sport.

Coaching and Scouting Roles

After retiring, Owen stayed in baseball through coaching and other organizational roles. His time as a major league infielder gave him plenty to pass on.

He worked with the Detroit Tigers in a coaching role. His infield knowledge and understanding of the pro system made him an asset for player development.

Switching from player to coach is a path many former big leaguers take. Owen worked with players at different levels.

He helped prospects develop the skills needed for pro ball. That kept him close to the game even after his playing days.

Contributions Outside the United States

Owen also got the chance to share his baseball knowledge internationally. Plenty of former MLB players end up coaching or teaching in other countries.

His big league experience gave him credibility with international players. As baseball spread globally, guys like Owen found new opportunities to help the sport grow.

These gigs usually involve teaching fundamentals and sharing what it’s like to play pro ball. Owen’s background made him a valuable addition to developing baseball programs abroad.

His work helped bring baseball knowledge to new places. That kind of international coaching has become more common for retired pros.

Personal Life and Legacy

Dave Owen’s impact went beyond his stats, especially thanks to his family’s baseball ties and his work in the sport’s community. His brother Spike Owen had a longer, more high-profile MLB career, so the Owen family’s baseball legacy runs deep.

Family Connections in Baseball

Dave’s biggest baseball connection in the family is his brother Spike Owen. Spike played for five MLB teams from 1983 to 1995, outlasting Dave by quite a bit.

Both brothers hit the majors in 1983. Dave debuted with the Cubs on September 6, making for a cool overlap where both were active big leaguers.

Spike’s career took him to the Mariners, Red Sox, Expos, Yankees, and Angels. He stuck around for 13 seasons, while Dave played for six.

Dave married Yasmin, and they have two daughters, Haley and Courtney. The family kept baseball as a big part of their lives. Their home is a multi-generational baseball story thanks to both brothers’ careers.

Influence on Young Players and the Sport

As a utility infielder, Dave Owen showed how valuable versatility can be. He played shortstop, third, and second, giving younger players a reason to work on multiple positions.

His switch-hitting also gave teams options at the plate. Batting from both sides isn’t easy—it takes a ton of work.

Owen’s time with the Cubs included some big moments. He delivered the game-winning RBI in that wild 1984 game where Sandberg hit two homers off Sutter.

That clutch hit on national TV proved that even role players can come up huge in the spotlight.

Community Impact

Dave Owen kept working in baseball after his playing days, taking on a bunch of different roles in the sport. He brought the perspective of a major leaguer, which honestly helped a lot of younger players who were still figuring things out.

The Owen family’s connection to baseball opened doors for them to get involved in the community. Both brothers realized that being in professional baseball gave them a chance to make a positive difference.

Dave finished his career with a .194 batting average, just one home run, and 16 RBIs. Those numbers really show how tough it can be to stick around in the big leagues. Still, his persistence in reaching and holding onto a major league spot inspired plenty of people who were facing their own hurdles.

When the Cubs traded Dave to the San Francisco Giants for Manny Trillo on December 11, 1985, it highlighted the business side of baseball. Players like Dave often find their situations can change in a heartbeat.

Teams and Leagues Played For

Dave Owen spent six seasons in Major League Baseball, from 1983 to 1988. He played for two teams: the Chicago Cubs and the Kansas City Royals.

He also logged a lot of time in the minors, working his way up through those organizations’ farm systems.

Major League Teams

Owen broke into the majors with the Chicago Cubs in 1983. Most of his big league action came with Chicago, and he stuck with them through the 1985 season.

The Cubs used Owen as a utility infielder. He bounced around at shortstop, third base, and second base. That flexibility made him a handy guy to have on the bench.

His best stretch with the Cubs came in 1985. He hit .368 over 22 games that year, which was way above his career average.

In 1988, Owen landed with the Kansas City Royals for what turned out to be his final MLB season. He only played in seven games for Kansas City.

Owen’s last major league appearance happened on October 2, 1988, with the Royals. He retired from professional baseball at 30.

Minor League Affiliates

Owen spent a good chunk of time in the Cubs’ minor league system, both before and during his major league career. The Cubs picked him up in the 10th round of the 1979 MLB June Amateur Draft.

His minor league run started in 1979 and stretched into the early 1980s. Owen worked his way through different levels in the Cubs organization before finally getting the call to the majors in 1983.

Playing in the minors gave Owen the chance to sharpen his defense at a bunch of infield spots. That kind of versatility really paid off once he made it to the big leagues.

International Experience

There’s no documented evidence that Dave Owen played in any international professional baseball leagues during his career. He focused his professional experience on the American baseball system, sticking with MLB and its minor league affiliates.

Owen built his baseball background in American collegiate and professional baseball. He went to the University of Texas at Arlington and played for the Mavericks from 1977 to 1979 before jumping into pro baseball.