Paul Hartzell – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Paul Hartzell’s baseball career is a tale of a determined pitcher who carved out a place for himself in Major League Baseball in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Born on November 2, 1953, in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, Hartzell pitched for four different American League teams: the California Angels, Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and Milwaukee Brewers.

Hartzell retired from Major League Baseball on September 24, 1984, after his last appearance with the Milwaukee Brewers. That wrapped up a career that stretched across six seasons, from 1976 to 1984.

His journey brought both promise and challenges. Arm injuries forced him to step away in July 1981, but he managed an impressive comeback three years later.

What really makes Hartzell’s story stand out? It’s his sheer determination to return to the game he loved. After retiring, he clawed his way back through every level of pro baseball in 1984, finally earning one last shot in the majors.

His career stats—27 wins, 39 losses, and a 3.90 ERA over 170 games—show the path of a pitcher who squeezed every bit of talent out of his arm, even when things got tough.

Early Life and Education

Paul Franklin Hartzell grew up in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, a small town in the east-central part of the state. His journey from Pennsylvania high school baseball to the majors started in that modest setting, then continued at Lehigh University, where he earned both academic and athletic honors.

Childhood in Pennsylvania

Hartzell spent his early years in Bloomsburg, PA, a town that really shaped his first steps in baseball. The community gave young athletes a supportive environment during the 1960s and early 1970s.

Bloomsburg didn’t have much pro sports exposure, especially compared to bigger cities. Hartzell sharpened his skills in local youth leagues and school programs. The town’s tight-knit vibe let him focus on the basics of the game.

His family cheered him on from the start. Growing up in Pennsylvania, he soaked in classic American baseball culture. Those small-town values—hard work and dedication—became a big part of his game.

High School Baseball Experience

Hartzell attended Central Columbia High School, where he started to show the pitching talent that would eventually land him in the big leagues. His high school years really set the stage for everything that followed.

At Central Columbia, he honed his pitching skills. The school’s baseball program helped him polish his technique and build up his confidence on the mound. His performances started drawing attention from college scouts.

Those high school seasons were crucial. Playing in a competitive environment got him ready for tougher levels of baseball. Coaches spotted his potential and helped him improve his mechanics.

Lehigh University Achievements

Paul Hartzell picked Lehigh University, about 90 miles from home. That choice turned out to be pretty significant for both his baseball and academic future.

At Lehigh, Hartzell juggled his studies and baseball. He earned an engineering degree while sharpening his pitching. His academic record showed he cared about more than just sports.

His college baseball highlights:

• Outstanding pitching for the Lehigh team
• Recognition as a top college prospect
• Gold medal with Team USA in the 1974 Amateur World Series

Hartzell’s years at Lehigh were special—no other major league player came from the school until Matt McBride in 2012. That made Hartzell a standout in Lehigh’s baseball history.

Balancing engineering and baseball at Lehigh set him up for future opportunities. His college days laid the groundwork for a quick rise through the minors.

MLB Career Overview

Paul Hartzell pitched for four American League teams over his six-season Major League Baseball career, from 1976 to 1984. He put together a 27-39 record with a 3.90 ERA, working as both a starter and reliever for the California Angels, Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and Milwaukee Brewers.

Draft and Signing with the California Angels

The California Angels picked Paul Hartzell in the 10th round of the 1975 amateur draft after he wrapped up a strong college career at Lehigh. At Lehigh, he set school records with 92 innings pitched, 10 complete games, and a 1.66 ERA in his senior year.

Hartzell signed with the Angels right after the draft. He spent just one season in the minors, pitching for the Quad Cities Angels in 1975.

He impressed in the minors, posting a 1.37 ERA mostly as a reliever. That strong season earned him a spot on the Angels’ MLB roster for 1976.

Major League Baseball Debut

Hartzell debuted in the majors on April 10, 1976, for the California Angels at age 22. Manager Dick Williams used him as both a starting pitcher and a late-inning reliever during his rookie year.

In that first season, Hartzell appeared in 37 games and pitched 166 innings. He started 15 games, completed seven, and notched two shutouts. He also pitched in 22 relief games, finishing 14 and picking up two saves.

His rookie year went really well. Hartzell finished with a 7-4 record and a 2.77 ERA, ranking seventh in the American League. He also landed among the league leaders in fewest home runs and walks allowed per nine innings.

Role as a Pitcher in the American League

Throughout his career, Hartzell pitched as a ground-ball guy who could handle both starting and relief work. His best years came with the California Angels from 1976 to 1978, when he kept ERAs between 2.77 and 3.57.

In 1977, he pulled off a rare feat—winning two games in one day during a doubleheader against the Texas Rangers on June 26. That year, he posted an 8-12 record with a 3.57 ERA across 41 games and 189 innings.

Career Stats:

• Win-Loss Record: 27-39
• ERA: 3.90
• Strikeouts: 237
• Games: 170

The Angels traded Hartzell to the Minnesota Twins in February 1979 in the deal for Rod Carew. Chronic arm injuries starting in 1979 made it tough for him in later seasons with the Twins, Orioles, and Brewers.

Seasons with MLB Teams

Paul Hartzell played for four American League teams over his six-season career from 1976 to 1984. His best years were with the California Angels, where he made his mark as both a starter and reliever.

California Angels Years (1976-1978)

Hartzell’s big league debut came with the California Angels on April 10, 1976. His rookie year was easily his best in the majors.

1976 Rookie Performance:

• Record: 7-4
• ERA: 2.77
• Appearances: 37 (15 starts)
• His ERA ranked seventh in the American League

The Angels had a tough pitching staff, with Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan and Frank Tanana. Dick Williams managed the team at the start, and position players included Bobby Bonds and Tommy Davis.

Hartzell stuck with the Angels through 1977 and 1978. He kept his ERA decent, but his win-loss record slipped. His role bounced between starting and relieving during his time in Anaheim.

He stood 6’5″ and weighed 200 pounds—a classic pitcher’s build. Hartzell came out of Lehigh University and was drafted by the Angels in the 10th round in 1975.

Minnesota Twins Performance

The Angels sent Hartzell to the Minnesota Twins after the 1978 season as part of the Rod Carew trade.

With the Twins in 1979, Hartzell mostly started games. The team finished just over .500 that year, while his former Angels squad won the division.

His time with Minnesota didn’t go well. He struggled, and the Twins released him before the 1980 season.

Moving from the successful Angels to the rebuilding Twins was tough. Hartzell had a hard time matching the form he’d shown as a rookie.

Baltimore Orioles Tenure

Hartzell signed with the Baltimore Orioles for the 1980 season. His stint with the Orioles was short and limited.

He pitched only a handful of games for Baltimore in 1980. Most of that season, he played for the Rochester Red Wings in the minors.

In Rochester, Hartzell put up a strong 10-4 record. That Triple-A performance showed he could still get the job done.

The Orioles let him go after 1980. Hartzell kept playing in the minors, joining the Vancouver Canadians in 1981 before stepping away from baseball for a while.

Final MLB Season and 1984 Comeback

Paul Hartzell’s baseball journey wrapped up with a surprising return to the majors after three years away. His final season with the Milwaukee Brewers brought his career full circle, starting in 1976 with the Angels.

Milwaukee Brewers and Retirement

Hartzell joined the Milwaukee Brewers in 1984 for his last shot in the majors. He pitched in just four games that regular season.

His comeback was short but meaningful. Those appearances came late in the 1984 season, marking his return after sitting out the 1982 and 1983 seasons.

He pitched his final MLB game on September 24, 1984. That capped a career of 27 wins and 39 losses over 170 big league games.

Hartzell had first retired in July 1981 while pitching for the Vancouver Canadians in the minors. After going 3-9 that year, he stepped away from pro baseball for two full seasons.

1984 Comeback Through the Minor Leagues

To get back to the big leagues, Hartzell had to prove himself in the minors again. He spent early 1984 rebuilding his skills and showing he could still compete.

His minor league results in 1984 were strong enough to earn a call-up to the Milwaukee Brewers. The team gave him a shot at the majors after his long absence.

That comeback was a big deal for a pitcher who’d been out of pro baseball for two whole seasons. At age 30, Hartzell showed real grit, working his way back through the minors.

His engineering degree from Lehigh gave him options beyond baseball. After retiring in 1984, he moved on to an executive role at Merrill Corp. in Palo Alto, California.

Career Achievements and Statistics

Paul Hartzell finished his six MLB seasons with 27 wins, 39 losses, a 3.90 ERA, and 237 strikeouts. One of his coolest moments came in 1977, when he picked up two wins in one day during a doubleheader against the Texas Rangers.

Notable Records and Highlights

Hartzell’s rookie year in 1976 with the Angels was the high point. He went 7-4 with a 2.77 ERA, ranking seventh in the American League.

He showed remarkable versatility, appearing in 37 games—starting 15, relieving in 22. He completed seven starts and threw two shutouts.

On June 26, 1977, he pulled off a rare feat by winning both games of a doubleheader against the Texas Rangers.

Hartzell also set the Angels’ record for most hits allowed in a single game, which happened on September 9, 1976, versus the Kansas City Royals.

Back in 1975 at Lehigh, he set school records with 92 innings pitched, 10 complete games, and a 1.66 ERA. Those college feats helped earn him a spot in the Roger S. Penske/Lehigh Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998.

Pitching Style and Strengths

People knew Hartzell as a ground-ball pitcher who counted on getting hitters to make weak contact, not blowing fastballs by them. He really stood out for his control, which stayed sharp for most of his career.

In 1977, he walked just 1.9 batters per nine innings, ranking third-best in the American League. That command stuck with him—by 1979, he still managed only 2.4 walks per nine, landing seventh in the league.

He kept the ball in the park better than most. Few pitchers allowed fewer home runs per nine innings, which worked perfectly with his ground-ball approach.

Managers seemed to love his versatility. They used him as a starter, but he also handled late-inning relief, and he did both jobs well.

As a right-hander, he picked up 12 career saves and finished 22 games as a starter. This dual-role capability made him a pretty valuable piece for any roster.

Summary of Career Statistics

Hartzell pitched 703.1 innings over six seasons, from 1976 through 1984. He played for four American League clubs: the California Angels, Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and Milwaukee Brewers.

He posted his best ERA as a rookie in 1976, coming in at 2.77. His highest win total came in 1977, when he notched eight victories.

He appeared in 170 games, starting 76 and coming out of the bullpen in 94. Over his career, he completed 22 games and threw two shutouts.

He struck out 237 batters and walked 181, showing solid control pretty much the whole way through. Retrosheet data backs up these stats across all the teams he played for.

Legacy, Impact, and Life After Baseball

Paul Hartzell’s baseball career ended earlier than he’d hoped because of stubborn arm problems. Still, his influence reached beyond the field, thanks in part to his engineering background and his ongoing involvement with Lehigh University.

After baseball, he leaned on his mechanical engineering degree and moved into corporate leadership roles.

Chronic Arm Injuries and Retirement

Chronic arm injuries started to plague Hartzell in the late 1970s and early 1980s. When the Twins traded for him in 1978 as part of the Rod Carew deal, arm problems really started to drag down his performance.

The team released him before the 1980 season. He had a short stint with the Orioles in 1980, but spent most of that year in the minors.

In 1981, Hartzell went 3-9 with the Vancouver Canadians. By July that year, he decided to retire because his arm just wouldn’t cooperate.

He missed all of 1982 and 1983 as he tried to recover.

Hartzell gave it one last shot in 1984 with the Milwaukee Brewers. He pitched well in the minors and earned a call-up, making four appearances in the majors.

His final game came on September 24, 1984.

Lehigh University Hall of Fame Induction

Lehigh University celebrated Hartzell’s sports legacy by inducting him into their athletic hall of fame. Before graduating with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1975, he played both basketball and baseball for the Mountain Hawks.

While still in college, Hartzell won Gold with Team USA in the 1974 Amateur World Series. His standout run at Lehigh led to the California Angels drafting him in the 10th round in 1975.

For decades, he remained the only Lehigh alumnus to make it to the majors. It wasn’t until 2012 that another Lehigh player, Matt McBride, joined him in the big leagues—almost 40 years after Hartzell’s debut.

Community Involvement and Later Activities

After he retired from baseball, Hartzell used his engineering degree and took on an executive role with Merrill Corp. in Palo Alto, California. You can really see how his education helped him move into a new career after leaving sports behind.

Hartzell still gets involved with communities and likes to share stories from his baseball days. He’s given talks about his major league career—sometimes at senior centers, where he tells behind-the-scenes stories from his playing days.

When he speaks after games, he often talks about leadership lessons he picked up during his time in professional sports. He blends his engineering background with his time as an athlete, sharing insights you probably won’t hear anywhere else.