Steve McCatty – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Steve McCatty might not have a name that echoes through baseball history like some of his peers, but his story honestly stands out as one of the most fascinating rise-and-fall tales in Major League Baseball. McCatty played his entire nine-year career with the Oakland Athletics from 1977 to 1985, and he really hit his stride in 1981, leading the American League with a 2.33 ERA and tying for the league lead with 14 wins. That season changed everything for him, but things took a dramatic turn afterward, sparking debates about pitcher workload and management decisions—topics people are still arguing about in baseball circles today.

The right-hander from Detroit started out as a promising young pitcher, became an ace, and then, surprisingly, ended up in early retirement. His journey gives us a glimpse into the pressures pro athletes deal with and the tricky balance between playing at your peak and career longevity.

After his playing days, McCatty found ways to stick around baseball as a coach and broadcaster. That’s something a lot of former players try, but he actually made it work.

McCatty’s story isn’t just about stats or win-loss records. He had a hand in some memorable on-field moments and played a role in shaping future pitchers. His influence stretches well beyond his own playing days, which makes him someone worth taking a closer look at.

Early Life and Education

Steven Earl McCatty was born March 20, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up there, and that’s where his passion for baseball started to take shape.

His athletic journey really got going at Troy High School in Troy, Michigan. He sharpened his pitching skills there before heading off to Macomb Community College.

Birth and Childhood in Detroit

Steven Earl McCatty came into the world on March 20, 1954, in Detroit. Growing up in the Motor City during the 50s and 60s, he found himself surrounded by a strong sports culture that would eventually shape his future.

Detroit’s deep baseball tradition made it a great place for young athletes. McCatty got plenty of chances to play, and those early days in Detroit’s youth leagues set him on the path to bigger things.

The McCatty family moved to Troy, Michigan, at some point. Troy offered better opportunities for youth sports. That move turned out to be a big deal for McCatty’s baseball career since Troy High had a pretty solid athletics program.

Troy High School Baseball Achievements

McCatty attended Troy High School, graduating in 1972. Those high school years were when he started to get serious about baseball.

The school’s baseball program gave him good coaching and competition, which helped him refine his pitching. McCatty quickly stood out as one of the best pitchers around.

His performances on the mound caught the eye of college scouts and pro teams. The coaching staff at Troy High really helped him nail down his pitching fundamentals.

Troy High’s program pushed for both athletics and academics. McCatty managed to juggle his studies and his growing love for baseball. His success there set him up for the next step in his career.

Collegiate Experience at Macomb Community College

After Troy High, McCatty kept his education and baseball career going at Macomb Community College. That gave him a chance to keep developing his skills while staying on track academically.

Macomb’s baseball program acted as a bridge between high school and the pros. Facing tougher competition there helped him get ready for the challenges ahead. He grew not just as a player, but as a person too.

The college experience really paid off for McCatty. He fine-tuned his techniques and got valuable experience against better hitters. All of that came in handy when he broke into professional baseball in the mid-70s.

Major League Baseball Career with Oakland Athletics

Steve McCatty spent all nine years of his Major League Baseball career with the Oakland Athletics, from 1977 to 1985. He started out as a rookie, became part of Oakland’s “Five Aces” in 1980, and had an incredible 1981 season that put him in the running for the Cy Young Award with a 2.33 ERA.

MLB Debut and Rookie Seasons

McCatty made his MLB debut on September 17, 1977, at age 23, facing the Milwaukee Brewers. The Detroit native threw three innings in his first appearance, gave up five hits and two earned runs, and picked up a strikeout.

His first couple of years with Oakland were all about development. In 1977, he appeared in just four games, putting up a 5.02 ERA over 14.1 innings. The next year, 1978, he pitched in nine games but didn’t start any of them.

By 1979, McCatty finally got a full season in the majors. He finished with an 11-12 record and a 4.22 ERA across 31 games, including 23 starts. He threw eight complete games and pitched 185.2 innings, proving he belonged in the A’s rotation.

1980 Highlights and Memorable Performances

In 1980, McCatty became a key member of Oakland’s famous “Five Aces” rotation. That group threw 93 out of the team’s record 94 complete games, and McCatty contributed 11 of those.

He wrapped up the season with a 14-14 record and a 3.86 ERA in 33 games, with 31 starts. He pitched 221.2 innings and struck out 114 batters, though he did allow 27 home runs. Those 11 complete games and one shutout showed he could go deep into games.

That year really marked McCatty’s arrival as a reliable starter for Oakland. His durability and steady performance helped set up the A’s for their strong run in the early 80s.

1981 Strike-Shortened Season: 2.33 ERA and Award Contention

The 1981 season—cut short by a strike—was the absolute peak of McCatty’s career. He led the league with a 2.33 ERA, went 14-7 in just 22 starts, tied for the American League lead in wins, and threw four shutouts.

That run earned him second place in Cy Young voting and 13th in the MVP race. He managed 16 complete games, which is honestly wild for a shortened season.

Oakland won the AL West that year, and McCatty was their ace. He threw 185.2 innings, posted a 1.083 WHIP, and allowed just 140 hits while striking out 91. At 6’3″, he was a power pitcher who dominated lineups.

Challenges and Decline Leading to 1985 Retirement

After 1981, things started to go downhill for McCatty. In 1982, he went 6-3 with a 3.99 ERA in 21 starts and only managed two complete games.

The next couple of seasons didn’t get any easier. In 1983, he went 6-9 with a 3.99 ERA, splitting time between starting and relief and picking up five saves. The 1984 season was rough—he finished 8-14 with a 4.76 ERA.

By 1985, injuries and declining stuff limited him to 30 games, just nine starts. He finished with a 4-4 record and a 5.57 ERA. His last big league appearance came on September 25, 1985, against the Cleveland Indians—he pitched a scoreless inning, and that was it.

Pitching Style and Mechanics

Steve McCatty built his pitching approach around power and durability. His mechanics let him handle heavy workloads, especially in the early 80s. He focused on finishing what he started, and his pitch mix made him one of the most effective starters during his amazing 1981 season.

Approach to Pitching

McCatty stood 6’3″ and weighed 195 pounds, and he pitched right-handed. He relied mostly on his fastball.

His mechanics gave him enough velocity to rack up 541 strikeouts over his career. He liked to go right after hitters with his best stuff, not really interested in finessing them.

In 1981, McCatty’s mechanics were especially sharp. He led the league with a 2.33 ERA and tied for the league lead in wins.

His delivery helped him throw four shutouts that year. Two of those came in back-to-back starts, which says a lot about his consistency.

Complete Games and Workload

McCatty pitched in an era when teams expected starters to finish games. In 1980, he threw 11 complete games, helping the A’s set a record with 94 as a staff.

His most extreme outing happened on August 10, 1980—he pitched 14 innings against the Seattle Mariners. He lost 2-1, but that’s still a marathon performance.

Rob Neyer figured McCatty averaged 131 pitches per complete game in 1981. That’s a heavy load, even for that time.

Those pitch counts probably contributed to his decline after 1981. He just couldn’t get back to that peak level again.

Influence of Coaching Strategies

Manager Billy Martin had a big influence on how McCatty pitched during his best years. Martin pushed his starters to throw more innings and pitches than most managers would dare.

Baseball historians have pointed out that Martin’s approach probably overworked McCatty and the rest of the 1981 A’s rotation. He stuck to his philosophy of leaning hard on his top arms.

McCatty never publicly blamed Martin for his post-1981 struggles. He stayed loyal to his old manager, even if the workload might’ve played a role.

At first, McCatty’s mechanics held up under Martin’s demands. But the effects started to show in later seasons, when his performance really dropped off.

Coaching and Broadcasting After MLB

After his playing days, Steve McCatty moved smoothly into other roles in baseball. He did some broadcasting with ESPN and the Oakland Athletics, then built a solid coaching career across several organizations and levels.

Transition to Minor League Baseball Coaching

When he retired in 1986, McCatty stayed close to the game through media work. He did radio and TV for the A’s and contributed to ESPN Major League Baseball coverage for a while.

Eventually, he jumped into coaching with a few minor league teams. He got to pass on his pitching knowledge to younger players, something he seemed to enjoy.

In the offseason, McCatty worked with kids of all ages, teaching pitching mechanics at Jason Thompson Baseball in Auburn Hills, Michigan. He clearly cared about developing baseball talent at every level.

Detroit Tigers Pitching Coach Tenure

For the 2002 season, McCatty became the pitching coach for the Detroit Tigers. That brought him back to the majors in a coaching role, working with big league pitchers again.

His time with the Tigers was a big step forward. He brought his experience and deep knowledge of pitching to the organization, helping both veterans and young prospects.

The job only lasted a season, but it set him up for more coaching opportunities down the road.

Role with Ottawa Lynx and AAA Affiliates

After Detroit, McCatty joined the Ottawa Lynx as a coach. The Lynx were the AAA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles during his time there. Coaching at AAA let him work with players who were just about to break into the majors.

That role with the Lynx was important for McCatty’s growth as a coach. He helped prospects take the final steps toward the big leagues, using his experience to guide them.

His work in AAA showed he could develop talent at the highest level of the minors. That experience made him even more valuable for future jobs with major league teams.

Notable Incidents and Off-Field Contributions

McCatty’s career included a pretty unforgettable protest against baseball rules, and he’s dedicated himself to helping young pitchers through community programs. His involvement with Jason Thompson Baseball has helped a ton of youth players develop their skills.

The 15-Inch Bat Protest

In a 1982 exhibition game against the San Diego Padres, McCatty walked up to the plate with a toy 15-inch bat. Umpire Jim Quick didn’t let him use the tiny bat.

Manager Billy Martin told McCatty to use the toy bat as a protest. Martin felt frustrated that the designated hitter rule wasn’t allowed in National League ballparks during exhibition games.

This odd moment put the spotlight on the ongoing designated hitter debate. American League teams like the Oakland Athletics used the rule in regular season games. National League parks didn’t, which made things tricky for AL teams visiting those parks.

McCatty followed his manager’s orders. The protest got people talking about the differences between the two leagues. It stands out as one of the stranger moments in exhibition game history.

Community Engagement and Teaching Youth

When McCatty retired in 1986, he stayed close to baseball, especially through youth development. He worked in radio and TV for the Oakland Athletics and ESPN Major League Baseball.

He coached several minor league teams after his playing days. In 2002, he served as pitching coach for the Detroit Tigers. Later, he worked with the Ottawa Lynx when it was the AAA affiliate for the Baltimore Orioles.

McCatty didn’t stop at pro baseball. He focused on teaching young players good pitching mechanics. He spent time with kids of all ages and skill levels.

He brought his big league experience to youth programs. His hands-on style helped shape a new generation of players.

Work with Jason Thompson Baseball

During the offseason, McCatty worked with Jason Thompson Baseball in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The program aimed to teach pitching mechanics to young athletes.

He worked directly with youth players, teaching them how to throw properly and build their skills. His major league background gave aspiring pitchers a real insider’s perspective.

The Auburn Hills spot let McCatty work year-round with local players. He helped athletes of all ages improve their pitching basics. He always stressed proper mechanics to avoid injuries and boost performance.

Jason Thompson Baseball became a regular part of his schedule. He balanced coaching jobs with community work. Honestly, it’s clear he enjoyed giving back to the sport that shaped his life.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Steve McCatty made a real impact on baseball, both with his standout 1981 season and his later coaching career. His influence stretched from his American League days to developing future pitchers with the Washington Nationals.

Reputation in the American League

In the early 1980s, McCatty became one of the top pitchers in the American League. His 1981 season really showed what he could do.

That year, he led the American League with 14 wins. He also threw four shutouts, including two back-to-back complete game shutouts. His 2.33 ERA put him third in the league.

The Oakland Athletics relied heavily on McCatty’s performance in 1981. His efforts helped the team win the AL West in a season shortened by a strike. Some baseball historians say McCatty threw about 131 pitches per complete game that year—pretty wild, right?

He finished second in the Cy Young Award voting that season. Only Rollie Fingers, his teammate, got more votes.

Recognition in Baseball Media

After he finished playing, McCatty moved into baseball media. He worked in radio and TV for the Oakland Athletics and also did some work for ESPN Major League Baseball.

His presence in the media helped him stay connected to the game. McCatty’s perspective as a former pitcher gave fans something extra. That work kind of bridged his playing days and his coaching career.

Media work taught him how to explain tricky pitching ideas to all kinds of people. Those skills came in handy when he started coaching.

Connection to the Washington Nationals

In 2009, McCatty became the second pitching coach in Washington Nationals history. He took over after Randy St. Claire got fired, stepping up from the team’s AAA affiliate.

Bringing McCatty in marked a big moment for the Nationals. He coached there from 2009 to 2015, helping develop their pitching staff. He guided several young pitchers through their early days in the majors.

The Nationals let McCatty and the whole coaching staff go after 2015. Still, his seven-year run gave the team some stability in developing pitchers.

Mentoring Future Pitchers

McCatty spent a lot of time teaching pitching mechanics to young players. In the offseason, he worked with kids of all ages at Jason Thompson Baseball in Auburn Hills, Michigan. His hands-on style helped countless amateur pitchers.

He always stressed proper mechanics and mental prep. McCatty drew from both his 1981 high points and his later struggles. That mix gave young players some real, practical advice.

Before the Nationals, McCatty worked as pitching coach for the Detroit Tigers in 2002. He also coached with the Ottawa Lynx when they were the Orioles’ AAA affiliate. Those jobs helped build his reputation as a solid pitching instructor.

Personal Life and Net Worth

Steve McCatty has kept his personal life pretty private since leaving baseball. Not much public info is out there about his family. His estimated net worth of $5 million comes from his baseball career and his coaching work after retirement.

Family and Residency

McCatty was born March 20, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Troy High School in Troy, Michigan, in 1972 before starting his pro baseball journey.

He’s kept details about his family out of the spotlight. We don’t really know much about his spouse or kids, and he seems to prefer it that way.

During the offseason, McCatty worked with young players at Jason Thompson Baseball in Auburn Hills, Michigan. This shows he kept ties to Michigan even after his playing days.

His Michigan roots run deep. From Troy High School to his winter coaching work in Auburn Hills, McCatty has stayed close to the Detroit area.

Life After Retirement

McCatty retired as a player in 1986 and quickly moved into broadcasting and coaching. He worked in radio and TV for the Oakland Athletics and ESPN Major League Baseball.

He started coaching with minor league teams, then joined the Detroit Tigers as pitching coach in 2002. Later, he coached for the Ottawa Lynx when they were the Orioles’ AAA affiliate.

In 2009, McCatty took over as pitching coach for the Washington Nationals, replacing Randy St. Claire. He kept that job until 2015, when the whole coaching staff got dismissed.

He also made time to teach young players. In the offseasons, McCatty worked at Jason Thompson Baseball in Auburn Hills, Michigan, helping kids of all ages with their pitching.

Estimated Net Worth

McCatty’s net worth sits at $5 million as of December 2023. Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider all point to this figure.

He earned most of his wealth through baseball. When he played for the Oakland Athletics from 1977 to 1985, that set the stage for his financial base.

After retiring, he picked up broadcasting work with the Oakland Athletics and ESPN. He also coached for several organizations, like the Detroit Tigers and Washington Nationals, which padded his income.

Playing salary, coaching gigs, and broadcasting jobs over the years all added up. I’d guess his work with youth baseball instruction brings in a bit more cash too.