Jim Kern made his mark in Major League Baseball as one of the most colorful and effective relief pitchers of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
People knew him for his towering 6’5″ frame, a blistering fastball that sometimes touched 100 mph, and an eccentric personality that led teammates to call him “The Amazing Emu.”
He turned into a three-time All-Star during a 13-year career in the majors.
Kern retired from professional baseball in 1986 after a second stint with the Cleveland Indians.
He wrapped up a career that spanned six different teams and showcased both brilliance and inconsistency.
His journey through Major League Baseball took him from the struggling Cleveland squads of the mid-1970s to his peak with the Texas Rangers.
In 1979, he finished fourth in American League Cy Young Award voting, going 13-5 with a 1.57 ERA.
Looking at Kern’s career, you see a pitcher who fought through early control problems to become one of baseball’s premier closers.
His larger-than-life personality and philosophical side made him one of the game’s most memorable characters.
From humble beginnings in Michigan to his final seasons bouncing around as a reliever, Kern’s baseball story really captures both the challenges and rewards of trying to master one of the game’s toughest roles.
Early Life and Background
James Lester Kern was born March 15, 1949, in Gladwin, Michigan.
He grew up in Midland, where his family ran a small upholstery business.
Birth and Family
James Lester Kern entered the world on March 15, 1949, in Gladwin, Michigan.
His parents settled in nearby Midland, building a modest but steady life around their upholstery shop.
Kern’s father ran the business, which provided the family’s main income.
His mother worked as a seamstress, pitching in with her own skills.
This blue-collar upbringing instilled strong values in young Jim.
The Kern family stayed close-knit, with hard work and dedication at the center of their daily life.
Both parents supported Jim’s interests, but honestly, they probably never guessed baseball would become his future.
Growing Up in Gladwin, MI
Kern spent his early years in Midland, Michigan.
His physical growth stood out—by his freshman year of high school, he was already 6’4″, though he weighed just 159 pounds.
“I was a terrible athlete,” Kern later admitted about his high school days.
That height-to-weight ratio made him look awkward in most sports.
Instead of focusing on athletics, he leaned into outdoor activities.
Preferred Activities:
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Other outdoor stuff
These hobbies reflected his Michigan roots and gave him a break from the usual pressures of organized sports.
Baseball, at that point, was just something to do for fun.
Amateur Baseball and Early Interests
Even though he claimed he wasn’t much of an athlete, Kern had one thing going for him: a cannon for an arm.
“I was always able to throw the ball through a cement block wall,” he joked. “The only problem was, I could never hit the wall.”
That raw arm strength started to show during his senior year.
In the final two games of the state high school baseball tournament, he struck out 43 batters.
Major league scouts noticed right away.
Cleveland signed Kern as a non-drafted free agent on September 4, 1967, offering a modest $1,000 signing bonus.
For Kern, baseball had always been “a way to fill time” as a kid.
It was just a casual thing until that wild high school tournament run changed everything.
MLB Debut and Cleveland Indians Years
Jim Kern debuted with the Cleveland Indians on September 6, 1974, after six years in the minors.
His time with Cleveland, from 1974 to 1978, turned him from a promising starter into one of the most dominant relief pitchers in the game.
He picked up his first All-Star nods during this stretch.
Major League Debut and 1974–1978 Overview
Kern signed with the Indians as a free agent in 1967, straight out of Midland High School.
He had a fastball that overwhelmed hitters in the minors.
His path to the majors took a detour—he missed the 1969 season while serving in the United States Marine Corps.
In 1974, pitching for AAA Oklahoma City, Kern won 17 games and struck out 220 batters in 189 innings.
Over 1973 and 1974, he went 28-14 with 402 strikeouts in 355 innings.
He finally got his call-up in September 1974 after compiling a 47-47 record as a starter in the Indians’ farm system.
Kern made his major league debut against the Baltimore Orioles on September 6, 1974.
He pitched a complete game and held Baltimore to one run, but the Indians lost 1-0 to Mike Cuellar.
Those early years showed flashes of talent, but also inconsistency.
Injuries and roster shuffling made it tough for Kern to find his rhythm.
Transition to Relief Pitching
Kern’s career really started to shift in 1975.
He posted a 1.82 ERA as a reliever that year.
The Indians tried him in the starting rotation, but he struggled with a 4.79 ERA.
When Cleveland traded Gaylord Perry to Texas, roster moves sent Kern back to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
A shoulder injury in July 1975 ended his season early.
That setback led to his permanent move to the bullpen.
By 1976, Kern returned as a full-time reliever and made just two spot starts.
He improved to a 10-7 record, 2.37 ERA, and 15 saves.
That year established him as a reliable bullpen arm.
The Indians noticed his talent in relief.
When they traded closer Dave LaRoche to the California Angels in 1977, Kern stepped into the closer role.
Significant Achievements with the Indians
Kern’s rise as Cleveland’s closer in 1977 kicked off his All-Star years.
He finished that season 10-7 with 18 saves, ranking fourth in the AL in saves.
His 2.84 ERA and dominant outings earned him his first All-Star selection, joining teammate Dennis Eckersley.
At the 1977 All-Star Game, Kern pitched a perfect inning and struck out two.
That moment showed he could hang with the best.
Kern kept it going in 1978, serving as the Indians’ only All-Star in San Diego.
His steady performance over those two seasons built his reputation as a closer.
Key Cleveland Indians Statistics (1974-1978):
- All-Star selections: 2 (1977, 1978)
- Best season ERA: 1.82 (1975, as reliever)
- Career-high saves: 18 (1977)
Cleveland traded him to the Texas Rangers with Larvell Blanks for Bobby Bonds and Len Barker on October 3, 1978.
Peak Career With Texas Rangers
Jim Kern hit his stride with the Texas Rangers.
His 1979 season put him among the game’s elite closers.
He picked up more All-Star recognition and national attention while helping shape the modern closer role.
Joining the Rangers in 1979
Kern landed in Texas at just the right time.
The Rangers picked him up when he was ready to take off.
At 6’5″, he brought an intimidating presence to the mound.
Teammates called him “Emu” for his bird-like look and quirky mannerisms.
His fastball made him a force.
He mixed raw power with a personality fans loved at Arlington Stadium.
The Rangers immediately used him as their main closer.
Manager Pat Corrales leaned on Kern to lock down the late innings.
All-Star Selections and Honors
Kern earned All-Star selections in 1977, 1978, and 1979.
His 1979 season with Texas was especially impressive.
That year, he finished fourth in the American League Cy Young Award voting.
This showed just how dominant he was among AL pitchers.
Kern won Fireman of the Year honors in 1979, sharing the award with Mike Marshall.
That award recognized the best relief pitcher in each league.
His performance put him right at the top for closers.
Few relievers could match his strikeout numbers and low ERA during this stretch.
Key Seasons and Performance Highlights
The 1979 season was Kern’s best.
He went 13-5 with a stunning 1.57 ERA and picked up 29 saves.
Season | Games | Wins | Losses | ERA | Saves | Strikeouts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1979 | 99 | 13 | 5 | 1.57 | 29 | 136 |
1980 | 71 | 3 | 11 | 3.38 | 7 | 71 |
He struck out 136 batters in 143 innings in 1979.
That strikeout rate was among the highest for closers that year.
The Rangers used him in 99 games, showing just how much they trusted him.
That kind of workload was normal for elite closers back then.
An elbow injury in 1980 really set him back.
His ERA climbed to 3.38, and his saves dropped to just 7.
Role in Bullpen Evolution
Kern and Sparky Lyle formed a wild duo called “Craziness, Inc.“.
Their partnership helped shape how the Rangers used their bullpen.
Both guys brought energy and antics, on and off the field.
Kern’s high-leverage outings became a blueprint for future closers.
Teams started to realize the value of a dominant ninth-inning guy.
His ability to pitch multiple innings made him extra valuable.
Modern closers rarely take on the kind of workload Kern did.
The Rangers’ bullpen success with Kern influenced how other teams built their relief staff.
His impact went beyond just his own stats.
Later MLB Tenure and Journeyman Years
After that fantastic 1979 season with Texas, Kern bounced around several teams, trying to recapture his earlier dominance.
He spent time with five different clubs over his last seven seasons.
He had mixed results before finally retiring in 1986.
Cincinnati Reds Experience
After his peak with the Rangers, Kern joined the Cincinnati Reds.
This move started his journeyman phase in the majors.
The Reds offered a fresh start for the veteran reliever.
He worked to adjust his pitching style to National League hitters.
In Cincinnati, Kern still relied on his signature fastball.
His experience as a closer helped shape the Reds’ bullpen.
Switching leagues meant learning new hitters and tweaking his game.
His stint with the Reds was pretty short compared to his earlier stops.
The team mostly used him in relief, counting on his closing experience.
Chicago White Sox Period
Kern kept moving, landing with the Chicago White Sox.
Returning to the American League felt a bit more familiar.
The White Sox gave him chances to contribute out of the bullpen.
His veteran presence brought some stability to their pitching staff.
Chicago valued his knowledge of AL hitters.
That made the transition smoother than his move to the NL.
With the White Sox, Kern worked to stay effective.
His fastball was still his main weapon, though it wasn’t quite as lively as before.
The White Sox chapter was another stop on his late-career journey.
He kept giving them innings whenever they called on him.
Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers
Jim Kern wrapped up his major league journey with short stints for the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers. These teams gave him a shot to keep his career alive a bit longer.
The Phillies leaned on his experience during his brief time there. In the clubhouse, he shared what he knew and helped some of the younger pitchers along.
Milwaukee gave him one last chance to pitch in the majors. The Brewers let him go on June 17, 1985, after he’d spent almost a year with them.
Both teams saw his skills slipping, but they still respected his professionalism. Kern kept showing up with the same attitude and strong work ethic, even as his performance dipped.
These final chapters really showed how tough it gets for aging players. His fastball, once so intimidating, had lost a lot of its zip, so he couldn’t make the same impact.
Final Return to Cleveland and Retirement
Kern’s story came full circle in 1986 when he signed on again with the Cleveland Indians. For him, it felt a bit like coming home.
The Indians brought him back hoping he’d steady their bullpen. Since he already knew the organization, the move felt smoother than some of his other recent changes.
But his second run in Cleveland didn’t last long or go well. The team released him on June 17, 1986, and that was the end of his major league career.
He finished with 53 wins and 57 losses and a 3.32 ERA across 416 games. Over 13 seasons, he struck out 651 batters and issued 444 walks.
Pitching Style and Career Statistics
Jim Kern made his name as a dominant reliever by throwing a blazing fastball and pitching with real intensity. His stats tell the story of a guy who hit some incredible highs but also battled the grind of a long career.
Signature Pitches and Approach
Kern’s main weapon was that fastball he’d honed in the minors. The Cleveland Indians signed him as an 18-year-old free agent, mainly because of that raw power.
He paired his heater with a sharp breaking ball. That mix made him a nightmare for hitters, especially from 1976 to 1979.
Kern loved to attack hitters and wasn’t shy about pitching inside. His “Amazing Emu” nickname captured his offbeat personality and the edge he brought to the mound.
During his four-year peak, he averaged 1.88 innings every time he pitched. Back then, relievers often handled more than just a single inning.
He piled up the strikeouts, too—651 in his career, and a personal best of 136 in 1979.
Career Stats: WAR, ERA, WHIP, and Saves
Kern’s numbers show flashes of brilliance and some rough patches across 13 seasons:
Key Career Numbers:
- ERA: 3.32 overall
- Wins-Losses: 53-57 record
- Saves: 88 total
- Games: 416 appearances
His 1979 season with Texas was the best of his career. He put up a 1.57 ERA, won 13 games, and saved 29, finishing fourth in Cy Young voting.
That year, he set a couple of Rangers records—most wins by a reliever (13) and the lowest ERA for anyone pitching over 100 innings (1.57).
FanGraphs called his 1976-1979 run the best four-year stretch for any reliever in baseball history. That’s saying something.
He racked up 42 wins and 75 saves during those years, averaging over 100 innings per season and staying consistently tough on the mound.
Strengths and Weaknesses as a Reliever
Kern stood out for his ability to handle big workloads. In 1979, he threw 143 innings in 71 games, which is just wild for a reliever.
He made three straight All-Star teams from 1977 to 1979. In those games, he struck out five batters in 4⅓ innings and gave up just two runs.
Major Strengths:
- Overpowering fastball
- High strikeout rates
- Could pitch multiple innings
- Came through in big moments
But injuries really started to drag him down. He hyperextended his elbow in 1980, and arm issues kept popping up after that.
After 1979, things got rocky. His ERA jumped to 4.83 in 1980, and he never quite got back to his old self.
Later in his career, control problems crept in. In his last outing in 1986 against Texas, he gave up eight runs in just over an inning.
Even with those setbacks, Kern’s prime years made him one of the top relievers of his era. His mix of power and durability fit perfectly as baseball started to rethink how to use closers.
Legacy, Awards, and Personal Life
Jim Kern’s career really shined during his peak with the Texas Rangers, and people recognized him as one of the game’s best relievers. Off the field, he stuck to his family roots and stayed involved in his community.
Major League Awards and All-Star Recognitions
Kern made the American League All-Star team three years in a row, from 1977 to 1979. That streak shows just how good he was as a relief pitcher during a golden age for baseball.
His 1979 season with Texas really stands out. He went 13-5, posted a 1.57 ERA, and collected 29 saves in 99 appearances. That year, he finished fourth in the Cy Young voting.
Kern won the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year award in the 1970s, joining the ranks of top closers like Rich “Goose” Gossage.
Even today, those 1979 stats look impressive. He struck out 136 hitters in 143 innings and kept his walks in check. An ERA of 1.57 is tough to beat for any reliever.
Influence on Modern Relief Pitching
James Lester Kern helped shape the modern closer’s job, especially during his time with Texas. He teamed up with Sparky Lyle to form the “Craziness, Inc.” bullpen duo in 1979 and 1980.
He could hit 100 MPH with his fastball, which made him one of the hardest throwers around. That whip-like delivery inspired plenty of power relievers who came after.
Unlike most closers today, he’d pitch multiple innings when his team needed it. On July 4, 1979, he threw four innings in a crucial game against Baltimore—stuff you don’t often see now.
His strikeout totals really show how dominant he was. Kern finished with 651 strikeouts in 793.1 innings. He played for six teams over 13 years and left his mark on how teams use their bullpens.
Life After Baseball and Personal Endeavors
After retiring, Kern settled in Arlington, Texas. He’d married his high school sweetheart, Jan Gunkler, back in 1970 while he was still working through the minors.
They raised three kids—Jason, Ryan, and Emily. For Kern, family stayed at the center of his life once baseball was over.
While playing, he studied at Michigan State University, working toward a chemical engineering degree. He also liked to read about philosophy and anthropology, which isn’t something you hear every day from a ballplayer.
Kern’s personality made him unforgettable to teammates and fans. Tall and animated, he earned the “Amazing Emu” nickname and kept things lively in every clubhouse he joined.
Net Worth and Current Activities
Jim Kern hasn’t shared the exact details of his current net worth. Still, his 13-year run in Major League Baseball gave him solid financial security, especially since player salaries started climbing back then.
He made his best money during his top years with Texas from 1979 to 1981. Back in those days, teams paid a premium for relief pitchers, especially closers who could make the All-Star team.
Now, at 76, Kern spends his time with family and gets involved in the Arlington community. A lot of former Rangers stick around and keep in touch with the organization or local baseball programs.
Collectors still look for Kern’s rookie cards and those from his best seasons. His 1979 Topps card stands out—fans who remember that incredible year still want it.
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s