Rob Wilfong – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Rob Wilfong played eleven seasons in Major League Baseball, building a solid career as a second baseman before stepping away from the game in 1987.

The California native suited up for three teams during his pro career, but most folks remember him for his time with the Minnesota Twins and California Angels.

His path in baseball started as a high school draft pick and led him to become a reliable infielder who earned respect from managers and teammates.

Wilfong retired from professional baseball on May 8, 1987. He played just two games for the San Francisco Giants before heading back to his Southern California home to figure out his next move.

That decision ended nearly a decade of big league service for the left-handed batter.

People knew Wilfong as a fundamentally sound player who could bunt and offered steady defense up the middle.

His stats, memorable showings against certain teams, and later work as a scout all show a baseball lifer who found ways to contribute on and off the field.

Wilfong’s story is the kind that represents so many players—guys who carved out their place in the game with consistency and hard work, not superstar headlines.

Early Life and Education

Robert Donald Wilfong was born September 1, 1953, in Pasadena, California.

His journey from Southern California high school baseball to pro scouting started at Northview High School in Covina, where he sharpened the skills that would launch his MLB career.

Family Background and Birthplace

Robert Donald Wilfong arrived in Pasadena, California, on September 1, 1953.

He grew up in one of Southern California’s better-known cities, back when baseball really was the national pastime.

Pasadena gave Wilfong a great environment to develop as a ballplayer.

The city’s warm weather and strong youth programs let kids play and practice all year.

Growing up near Los Angeles, Wilfong lived in the heart of a big baseball culture.

The area’s rich history in the sport probably helped spark his early passion for the game.

The Wilfong family called a sports-heavy region home.

Southern California’s competitive scene shaped his development as an athlete.

High School Baseball at Northview High School

Wilfong went to Northview High School in Covina, California, and made a name for himself as a baseball prospect.

The school’s baseball program gave him the foundation he’d need for a pro career.

At Northview, Wilfong played second base and improved his skills.

His high school performances caught the eyes of pro scouts.

The Minnesota Twins picked Wilfong in the 13th round of the 1971 MLB June Amateur Draft while he was still a student at Northview.

That draft pick came before he even left high school.

His high school years were a big deal in his development.

California’s high school baseball scene turned out to be the perfect training ground for the next level.

Influences and Path to Professional Baseball

Wilfong started shaping his path to pro baseball during his years at Northview.

The Minnesota Twins saw enough in him to spend a draft pick.

That 1971 draft moment was a turning point.

At 18, Wilfong had to decide—jump into pro baseball right out of high school or not.

His time in Southern California’s competitive baseball scene influenced his style.

The focus on fundamentals and skill work in the region paid off for him.

The Twins brought Wilfong into their system in 1973.

That move kicked off an 11-season MLB career stretching from 1977 to 1987.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Rob Wilfong played second base for 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, from 1977 to 1987.

He played for three teams, but his best years came with the Minnesota Twins and California Angels, where he helped win division titles.

Debut and Early Years with Minnesota Twins

Rob Wilfong stepped onto a big league field for the first time on April 10, 1977, with the Minnesota Twins at age 23.

He had started his pro career in 1973 in the Twins organization after graduating from Northview High School.

Wilfong quickly became a steady second baseman for the Twins.

He spent six seasons in Minnesota, from 1977 to 1982, and locked down the starting job at second base.

His best season came in 1979, when he led the American League with 25 sacrifice hits.

That stat really showed off his skills as a fundamentally sound player who could handle situational hitting.

Wilfong batted left-handed, threw right-handed, and stood 6’1”, 180 pounds.

He had good size for a middle infielder.

Trade to the California Angels

The Twins traded Wilfong to the California Angels in 1982.

That deal reunited him with Gene Mauch, his first big league manager.

The trade worked out well for Wilfong and the Angels.

He helped the team win the American League West Division in 1982 and 1986.

Wilfong’s most memorable postseason moment came in the 1986 ALCS Game 7.

He started at second base but left the game with an injury.

Rick Burleson replaced him, and the Angels lost the game and the series to the Boston Red Sox.

Wilfong spent five seasons with the Angels, from 1982 to 1986.

That stretch marked the most team success of his career, as he played a part in two division champs.

Final Season and Retirement in 1987

Wilfong’s last MLB season was 1987, with the San Francisco Giants.

He played just two games for the Giants, and that was it for his playing days.

His final game happened on May 8, 1987, against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In that last appearance, he had 3 at-bats, no hits, but managed a stolen base.

After hanging up his spikes, Wilfong moved into scouting.

He started as an area scout in Southern California for the Detroit Tigers in 1990, then later returned to scout for the Angels.

Wilfong’s career numbers: a .248 batting average, 39 home runs, and 261 RBIs over 959 games in 11 seasons.

Statistical Performance and Achievements

Rob Wilfong’s 11-year MLB run gave him a .248 batting average, 668 hits, and 39 home runs in 959 games.

His best statistical season came in 1979—he hit .313 and posted 3.1 Wins Above Replacement for the Twins.

Career Batting Average and Slugging Statistics

Wilfong finished with a .248 career batting average over his 11 seasons.

His on-base percentage was .303, and he slugged .345, making his OPS .648.

He put up his best offensive numbers in 1979 with Minnesota.

That year, he batted .313 with a .352 OBP and .458 slugging.

It was a big jump from his earlier stats and set new career highs in several categories.

Career Offensive Statistics:

• Batting Average: .248
• On-Base Percentage: .303
• Slugging Percentage: .345
• OPS: .648

Wilfong’s batting numbers looked better in Minnesota, where he hit .262 over six seasons.

With the Angels, his average dropped to .229 across five years.

Home Runs, Hits, and Notable Games

Wilfong racked up 668 hits in his MLB career, including 97 doubles, 23 triples, and 39 home runs.

He drove in 261 runs, scored 318 times, and stole 54 bases.

His best year for offense was 1979.

He had 131 hits, 22 doubles, 6 triples, and 9 home runs that season—his highest totals in almost every category.

Career Hitting Totals:

• Hits: 668
• Doubles: 97
• Triples: 23
• Home Runs: 39
• RBIs: 261
• Runs Scored: 318

Wilfong never really hit for power.

His top home run total in a season was 9, which he reached in 1979.

He didn’t crack double digits in homers, showing he was more of a contact hitter.

Wins Above Replacement and Advanced Metrics

Wilfong’s career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) added up to 7.5 over his 11 seasons.

His top WAR season was 1979, when he put up a 3.1—almost half his career total in just one year.

His advanced stats showed steady value as a utility guy.

Baseball-Reference says his 162-game average included 113 hits, 16 doubles, and 44 RBIs.

His OPS+ of 77 put him below league average offensively.

Advanced Metrics Highlights:

• Career WAR: 7.5
• Best Single Season WAR: 3.1 (1979)
• Career OPS+: 77
• 162-Game Average: 113 hits, 7 home runs, 44 RBIs

That 1979 season really stands out.

His 3.1 WAR ranked well among AL second basemen and showed his peak value as both an offensive and defensive player.

Highlights and Noteworthy Records

Wilfong’s 1979 season was his best.

He hit .313 that year, a jump of 67 points from 1978.

He also set career highs in runs scored (71), hits (131), and total bases (192).

During his time in Minnesota from 1977 to 1982, Wilfong played 554 games and hit .262.

His defensive versatility let him play both second base and shortstop, though he mostly stuck at second.

Notable Season Statistics (1979):

• .313 batting average (career high)
• 131 hits (career high)
• 71 runs scored (career high)
• 3.1 WAR (career high)

Wilfong wrapped up his MLB career with the San Francisco Giants in 1987.

He played just 2 games, got 1 hit in 8 at-bats, and even hit a home run.

That short stint closed the book on his 11-year major league run.

Notable Moments and Impact

Rob Wilfong’s career had some meaningful moments—especially his relationships with key managers and his role on competitive teams.

His defensive play and bunting skills left a mark on teammates and built his reputation among second basemen of his time.

Contribution to Playoff Teams

Wilfong played important roles on several good teams with the Twins and Angels.

His steady glove at second base helped keep the infield solid during playoff pushes.

With the Angels, Wilfong played for clubs that were always in the mix for the AL West title.

His bunting ability came in handy in tight games when every run mattered.

The veteran second baseman’s experience became valuable in pressure situations.

His calm presence made it easier for younger players to settle in and helped keep the team together during stressful stretches.

Key Relationships with Managers and Teammates

Gene Mauch had the biggest influence on Wilfong.

He managed Wilfong with both the Twins and Angels.

Mauch appreciated Wilfong’s baseball smarts and steady approach.

Wilfong became one of Mauch’s go-to guys because he could handle the little things—bunting, positioning, and executing plays.

Teammates noticed Wilfong’s work ethic and professionalism.

He naturally stepped into a leadership role and mentored younger in

Legacy Among Second Basemen

Wilfong ended up with a .248 batting average and 7.6 WAR over 959 games. He brought more value with his glove than his bat, which, honestly, fits the mold for a lot of second basemen from that era.

His most memorable offensive moment? He hammered Detroit pitcher Dave Rozema for a .556 average (10-for-18) and even took him deep once. That odd dominance over one guy stuck out in his career.

Wilfong never made the Hall of Fame, but he really embodied the steady, fundamental type of player every good team needs. He set the bar for bunting and defensive reliability, giving utility infielders something to aim for.

Post-Retirement Life and Scouting Career

After his playing days, Rob Wilfong jumped into scouting in 1990. He worked for the Detroit Tigers first, then the Los Angeles Angels. He focused on Southern California, where he helped find and shape future big leaguers.

Transition to a Baseball Scout

Wilfong started scouting for the Detroit Tigers in 1990, just three years after he hung up his spikes. That move kept him close to the game, letting him use what he learned as a player to judge new talent.

Scouting just made sense for him. With 11 years in the big leagues, he knew what it took to stick around. He could spot the fundamentals that coaches love.

As a second baseman who stood out for bunting and defense, Wilfong had a real knack for judging those skills in others. Playing for several teams gave him a wide-angle view of how different organizations operated.

Role with Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels

With the Detroit Tigers, Wilfong built a reputation as a dependable scout. Later, he joined the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, sticking to Southern California, where he already had plenty of ties.

He signed a few names worth mentioning—Scott Moore, Alan Webb, and Joel Zumaya. Zumaya especially made waves, reaching the majors as a reliever for Detroit and getting noticed for his wild fastball.

Wilfong did most of his work in Southern California, which is always loaded with baseball talent. His local roots and network made him a real asset to the Angels. By 2012, he was based out of San Dimas, California, according to scouting reports.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Wilfong kept his Southern California ties strong while he scouted. He grew up in Pasadena and went to Northview High School in Covina, so he stayed close to the local baseball scene.

Baseball ran in the family. His brother James played outfield in the Tigers’ minor league system, so the Wilfongs had a bit of a baseball tradition.

There isn’t much public info about his specific community involvement or what he did off the field after retiring. He seemed to put most of his energy into scouting and staying in the pro baseball world.

Legacy in Baseball History and Recognition

Rob Wilfong’s legacy sticks around in the numbers and in his impact on defensive play at second base. You can find his career highlights in all the major baseball databases, and his defense gave future infielders something to study.

Mentions in Baseball-Reference and Retrosheet

Baseball-Reference keeps a detailed record of Wilfong’s 11 seasons from 1977 to 1987. He made his debut on April 10, 1977, with the Minnesota Twins at 23. His last game came on May 8, 1987, against Pittsburgh.

The database highlights his 1980 season when he set an American League record for second basemen with a .995 fielding percentage. That’s probably his top defensive feat.

Baseball-Reference tracks his time with the Minnesota Twins (1977-1982), California Angels (1982-1986), and San Francisco Giants (1987). Fans and researchers can dig into his stats for each team.

The site’s bio section points out his move to scouting after he finished playing. That rounds out the story of his career, both on the field and off.

Influence on Future Players

Wilfong set a standard for second basemen with his sharp defense. That 1980 fielding percentage record? It really showed how much steady hands matter in the middle infield.

Young players could actually watch how he moved and handled the basics. It wasn’t just about talent—it was about doing the little things right.

Manager Gene Mauch trusted Wilfong on two different teams. Clearly, coaches noticed reliable defense over flashy stats, and Wilfong earned their respect.

This kind of steady performance seemed to matter more than just putting up big numbers. It makes you wonder—do coaches always prefer consistency?

Wilfong’s bunting also changed how teams saw utility guys. He could handle situational hitting, so he became valuable in tight spots.

That versatility set a new example for role players trying to make the most of their skills. Not everyone can be a power hitter, right?

After he retired, Wilfong scouted and signed players like Joel Zumaya, Scott Moore, and Alan Webb. He used his own experience to spot prospects who played the game the right way.