Marv Foley – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Marv Foley’s baseball career didn’t last long, but his last at-bat turned out to be one of those wild, unforgettable moments in baseball. On September 30, 1984, Foley grounded out, ending Mike Witt’s perfect game. That wasn’t just the end of a historic pitching performance—it was also the final moment of his own major league journey. As the Texas Rangers catcher, Foley couldn’t have guessed that a routine ground ball would connect his name forever to one of baseball’s rarest feats.

Marvis Edwin Foley, born August 29, 1953, in Stanford, Kentucky, swung left-handed and caught for five big league seasons between 1978 and 1984. He split his career between the Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers, putting up a .224 batting average with 12 home runs and 51 RBIs in 203 games.

His numbers weren’t eye-popping, but there’s more to Foley than just stats.

After he finished playing, Foley jumped into coaching and management, and honestly, that’s where he really left his mark. His path from a Kentucky small town to a championship-winning manager shows just how unpredictable a baseball life can be.

From early amateur days to his weirdly unique place in baseball lore, Foley’s story stretches across the full landscape of America’s pastime.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Marvis Edwin Foley grew up in Stanford, Kentucky, and sharpened his baseball skills through high school and college before anyone outside his hometown noticed. He stood out at the University of Kentucky and even made Team USA for international play.

Birthplace and Family Background

Marv Foley came into the world in Stanford, Kentucky, a small town of about 3,500 folks in Lincoln County. Stanford sits right in the Bluegrass region, roughly 35 miles south of Lexington.

The town had a real baseball culture, and that atmosphere shaped Foley as a kid. Growing up in rural Kentucky in the 1960s, baseball was pretty much the main thing to do.

His full name, Marvis Edwin Foley, fits the traditional naming style you’d expect in Kentucky back then. Foley’s family backed his athletic ambitions from the beginning.

That small-town vibe gave Foley a tight-knit support network as he learned to catch. Local baseball programs helped him build the basics he’d use later on.

High School and College Career

Foley went to Henry Clay High School in Lexington, where he quickly became the team’s standout catcher. The baseball program there gave him a taste of tough competition.

College scouts started to notice him thanks to his defense and his left-handed bat.

After graduating, Foley stayed close to home and played for the University of Kentucky in Lexington. The Wildcats’ program gave him a chance to keep growing as a player.

Competing in the SEC meant he faced some of the country’s best, and that prepared him for pro ball.

University of Kentucky Achievements

While at Kentucky, Foley became one of the team’s top catchers. His time with the Wildcats built his reputation as a strong defensive player.

The program had a solid track record for sending guys to the pros. Foley benefited from good coaching and tough schedules.

Pro scouts started to pay attention to his stats and his glove work. Playing in the SEC, which churned out plenty of MLB talent, only helped his case.

Kentucky’s facilities and coaching staff helped Foley polish his catching skills. That development turned out to be key for his future career.

Cape Cod Baseball League and Team USA

In 1974, Foley played summer ball with the Falmouth Commodores in the Cape Cod Baseball League. That league was—and still is—considered the top summer spot for college players.

Foley did great with Falmouth, even making the league all-star team. That showed he could hang with the best college players in the country.

The Cape Cod League let Foley face serious competition and get seen by pro scouts. A lot of future big leaguers played there.

That same year, Foley made Team USA for the 1974 Amateur World Series. The team won the gold medal, which was a huge deal in his amateur career.

Playing on the international stage boosted his profile even more before the 1975 MLB Draft.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Marv Foley’s pro baseball ride lasted from 1975 to 1986, starting when the Chicago White Sox picked him in the 17th round of the 1975 draft. He spent years in the minors, moving up through different teams, and finally played five seasons in the big leagues with the White Sox and Rangers.

MLB Draft and Entry into Professional Baseball

The Chicago White Sox drafted Marv Foley in the 17th round in 1975, right after his time at Kentucky. He was 21 then, ready to start his professional journey.

Foley’s college resume included a solid run with Kentucky and a strong summer in the Cape Cod League, where he made the all-star team.

The White Sox liked his left-handed bat and right-handed arm. They saw real potential in him as a catcher.

Minor League Journey and Key Teams

Foley kicked off his minor league career in 1975 with the Class-A Appleton Foxes. After just six games, the White Sox bumped him up to Double-A Knoxville Sox. In Knoxville, he hit .293 over 51 games that first season.

His numbers dipped in 1976, with a .251 average at Knoxville. The next year, Foley bounced between Appleton, Knoxville, and the Triple-A Iowa Oaks.

Key Minor League Stats (1975-1977):

• Combined batting average: .282
• Home runs: 10
• Showed steady progress behind the plate

By 1978, Foley played a full Triple-A season with Iowa, batting .275. That performance earned him a call to the majors later that year.

Major League Baseball Debut

Foley debuted in MLB on September 11, 1978, against the Minnesota Twins. He pinch-hit for Mike Colbern in the ninth and grounded out to Mike Marshall.

He played 11 games with the White Sox that season and hit .353 in 34 at-bats—pretty solid for a first taste of the majors.

In 1979, Foley got his first real shot. He split time with Bill Nahorodny until the White Sox picked up Milt May from Detroit. Foley ended up batting .247 with 2 home runs and 10 RBI.

MLB Career Stats:

• Teams: Chicago White Sox (1978-1980, 1982), Texas Rangers (1984)
• Batting Average: .224
• Home Runs: 12
• RBI: 51
• Games: 203

Retirement from Playing in 1984

Foley’s last MLB season was 1984 with the Texas Rangers. He joined Texas after leaving the Denver Bears as a minor league free agent in 1983.

That year, he got his most playing time in the majors, sharing catching duties with Donnie Scott and Ned Yost. He hit career highs with 6 home runs and 19 RBI, though his batting average sat at .217.

His final at-bat came on September 30, 1984, in a moment that still gets talked about. Foley pinch-hit for Curtis Wilkerson and grounded out to second, ending Mike Witt’s perfect game. He’s still the only MLB player whose last at-bat was the final out of a perfect game.

The Rangers released Foley after the season. He signed briefly with the Detroit Tigers but didn’t play for them, then returned to the White Sox minors for two more years before retiring after the 1986 season at age 32.

Major League Career Highlights

Marv Foley played five MLB seasons from 1978 to 1984, mostly as a catcher with the White Sox and Rangers. His most memorable moment? September 30, 1984, making the last out in Mike Witt’s perfect game—definitely a strange way to close a career.

Chicago White Sox Years

Foley’s MLB debut happened on September 11, 1978, against the Twins. He pinch-hit for Mike Colbern and grounded out to Mike Marshall, but managed a .353 average in 34 at-bats that call-up.

The next year, 1979, was his first full season. He split catching with Bill Nahorodny until the White Sox brought in Milt May in late May. Foley was hitting .235 at the time and got sent to Triple-A Iowa, though he returned in September to finish with a .247 average.

In 1980, things didn’t start great. Foley hit just .181 through early July and got sent down again. He bounced between Iowa and Double-A Glens Falls, but came back for September and wrapped up the year with a .212 average, 4 homers, and 15 RBI.

He spent all of 1981 in Triple-A Edmonton. In 1982, Foley returned to the majors as the third catcher behind Carlton Fisk and Marc Hill. He only played 27 games and had 36 at-bats, hitting a rough .111.

Texas Rangers Season and Mike Witt’s Perfect Game

After the 1983 season, Foley signed with the Texas Rangers as a minor league free agent. The 1984 season turned out to be his biggest and last in the majors.

He shared catching duties with Donnie Scott and Ned Yost, appearing in 63 games for Texas. That year, Foley set personal bests with 6 home runs and 19 RBI, batting .217. Not exactly eye-popping, but it was his most consistent stint in the big leagues.

The real headline came in the last game of the season, September 30, 1984. California Angels pitcher Mike Witt was throwing a perfect game against Texas. In the ninth, Foley pinch-hit for Curtis Wilkerson.

He grounded out to second, sealing Witt’s perfect game. That odd twist made Foley the only player ever to make the last out of a perfect game in his final MLB at-bat.

Career Statistics and Performance

Foley’s five seasons in the majors left him with a .224 average over 203 games. He knocked 12 home runs and drove in 51 runs, mostly as a backup catcher in the American League. In total, he collected 94 hits in 419 at-bats.

His best season for home runs and RBI came in 1984 with Texas, though he never hit higher than .220 in a full season.

Career Totals:

• Games: 203
• Batting Average: .224
• Home Runs: 12
• RBI: 51
• Hits: 94

Foley’s defense behind the plate kept him in pro baseball longer than his bat might have on its own. He spent a lot of time in Triple-A, sometimes hitting over .290 in the minors.

Like a lot of backup catchers, Foley faced tough odds. His hitting numbers were limited, but his glove and ability to call a game made him valuable to the White Sox and Rangers.

Transition to Coaching and Management

After he stopped playing in 1984, Marv Foley didn’t waste time before moving into coaching and managing in the minors. He became the only manager to win championships in all three major Triple-A leagues, and later worked as a catching instructor and development supervisor for the Colorado Rockies.

Minor League Managing Achievements

Foley kicked off his managing career in 1987 with the Peninsula White Sox in the Carolina League. That first season, his team finished 66-74.

The next year, he took over the Tampa White Sox in the Florida State League. They improved to a 71-59 record and even reached the playoffs.

With the Vancouver Canadians in the Pacific Coast League, Foley kept building on his early success. He managed them from 1989 to 1991, and in 1989, despite a fifth-place regular season finish, the Canadians won the championship.

That year, the team went 73-69 and still captured the league title. Sometimes, it just comes together at the right moment.

Foley then moved to the Chicago Cubs organization and managed the Charlotte Knights in the Southern League in 1992. The Knights finished 70-73 but still squeezed into the playoffs.

In 1993, he led the Iowa Cubs in the American Association. That season, the Cubs went 85-59 under his direction and won another championship.

Triple-A Championships in All Major Leagues

Foley made baseball history by becoming the only manager to win championships in all three major Triple-A leagues. He started with the Vancouver Canadians in the Pacific Coast League in 1989.

He picked up an American Association championship with the Iowa Cubs in 1993. That’s already a rare feat.

In 1997, Foley completed the trifecta when his Rochester Red Wings won the International League championship. The Red Wings finished 83-58 with Foley at the helm.

This accomplishment stands out even more because the American Association disappeared after the 1997 season. Kind of wild, right?

Those three championships came over eight years and with three different organizations. Foley managed the Vancouver Canadians for the White Sox, the Iowa Cubs for the Cubs, and the Rochester Red Wings for the Orioles.

His ability to win in different leagues and with different organizations showed just how adaptable he was as a manager.

Coaching Roles in MLB and Minor Leagues

Foley bounced between managing and coaching roles after his playing days. In 1994, he joined the Chicago Cubs as their bullpen coach and got his first taste of major league coaching.

He worked as the Baltimore Orioles’ first base coach in 1999. That’s another notch on his coaching résumé.

While still coaching in the majors, Foley kept managing in the minors too. He led the Rochester Red Wings from 1995 to 1998, and then again in 2000.

His time with Rochester included playoff runs and that memorable 1997 championship.

In 2002, Foley managed the Newark Bears in the Atlantic League and won another championship with a 69-55 record. He didn’t slow down—he managed the Tulsa Drillers in 2003 and the Colorado Springs Sky Sox from 2004 to 2005.

Development Supervisor and Catching Coordinator

In 2006, Foley joined the Colorado Rockies as their minor league catching coordinator. He focused on developing catching prospects throughout the Rockies’ farm system.

He used his experience as a former catcher to teach defensive skills and game management. That’s a pretty specialized gig.

The Rockies expanded Foley’s responsibilities in 2013. They created development supervisor positions for each minor league affiliate, and Foley took on the Asheville Tourists.

This new role combined his catching expertise with broader player development duties.

As catching coordinator, Foley worked with catchers at every level of the Rockies’ system. He taught proper mechanics, pitch framing, and game calling.

Instead of managing just one team, he got to impact player development across the whole organization.

Roles with Major League Organizations

When his playing career ended in 1984, Marv Foley moved into coaching with three major league organizations. He served as a bullpen coach for the Chicago Cubs, worked as a first base coach for the Baltimore Orioles, and became the catching coordinator for the Colorado Rockies.

Chicago Cubs Bullpen Coach

Foley joined the Cubs as their bullpen coach in 1994. That marked his return to the majors after several years managing in the minors.

He took the job after managing the Iowa Cubs to an 85-59 record and an American Association championship in 1993. Not a bad way to earn a promotion.

As bullpen coach, Foley managed the Cubs’ relief pitchers during games. He worked closely with the pitching staff to get relievers ready.

His background as a catcher really paid off here. Catchers just seem to “get” pitchers on another level.

Foley spent one season in this role before heading to the Orioles. That year with the Cubs gave him a strong foundation for his coaching career.

Baltimore Orioles First Base Coach

The Baltimore Orioles brought Foley on as their first base coach in 1999. He’d just finished several seasons managing the Orioles’ Triple-A affiliate, the Rochester Red Wings.

During his time managing Rochester from 1995 to 1998, Foley led the Red Wings to the playoffs in his first three seasons.

In 1997, he guided Rochester to the International League championship. That win made him the only manager to claim titles in all three major Triple-A leagues.

As first base coach, Foley worked directly with baserunners and helped with strategy during games. He coached players on leads, stealing, and reading pitchers.

His catcher’s eye gave him unique insights into pitcher behavior and timing. That knowledge definitely helped his baserunners look for chances to steal.

Foley spent one season as the Orioles’ first base coach. Then he went back to minor league managing with Rochester in 2000.

Colorado Rockies Catching Coordinator

Foley joined the Colorado Rockies as their catching coordinator in 2006. This job put his years as a player and coach behind the plate to good use.

He’d already managed in the Rockies’ minor league system from 2003 to 2005. Foley led the Double-A Tulsa Drillers in 2003 and the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox from 2004 to 2005.

As catching coordinator, Foley oversees the development of every catcher in the Rockies’ minor league system. He works with prospects on fundamentals, game calling, and leadership.

He travels between different affiliates to evaluate talent and provide instruction on blocking, framing, and throwing. It’s a hands-on role.

Foley’s playing experience and coaching years really shine in this position. He understands the challenges catchers face and helps them find solutions.

He’s held this role with the Rockies for nearly two decades. That’s easily his longest stretch with any organization.

Personal Life, Legacy and Recognition

Marv Foley’s post-baseball career shows his deep commitment to developing young talent and keeping the spirit of the game alive. His unique achievement—winning championships in all three major Triple-A leagues—still stands alone in professional baseball history.

Life After Playing and Coaching

After he retired from coaching and managing, Marv Foley moved into a specialized job with the Colorado Rockies. Since 2006, he’s served as the team’s minor league catching coordinator, focusing on developing the next generation of catchers.

He travels throughout the Rockies’ farm system, working directly with prospects at different stages. This position lets him share decades of experience as a player and manager.

Foley’s career took him through cities like Tampa, Charlotte, Iowa, Rochester, Newark, Tulsa, and Colorado Springs. Each stop gave him more insight into player development and how organizations work.

The 2002 season with the Newark Bears in the Atlantic League showed how adaptable he can be. He led the Bears to a league championship in independent baseball.

Unique Achievements and Historical Significance

Marv Foley holds a distinction that’s probably never going to be matched in pro baseball. He’s still the only manager to win league championships in all three major Triple-A leagues: the International League, American Association, and Pacific Coast League.

His Triple-A championship wins came with different organizations:

• Pacific Coast League: 1989 with Vancouver Canadians (White Sox affiliate)
• American Association: 1993 with Iowa Cubs
• International League: 1997 with Rochester Red Wings (Orioles affiliate)

The American Association closed shop after 1997, making Foley’s achievement permanently unique.

There’s another odd bit of trivia about his career. On September 30, 1984, Foley made the last out of Mike Witt’s perfect game. He grounded out to second base as a pinch-hitter—making him the only player in MLB history to end his career with the final out of a perfect game.

Reputation and Influence in Baseball

People around baseball respected Foley for how much he knew about catching and game management. Organizations actually sought him out for developmental roles because he taught so well.

If you look at Baseball Reference or check out other stats sites, you’ll find evidence of his steady influence on player development. Plenty of former players say his coaching really helped them with defense and game smarts.

He liked to focus on fundamentals and solid prep in his managerial style. Colleagues noticed he connected easily with players, no matter where they came from or how much experience they had.

Foley moved from player to coach to coordinator, which shows just how well he understood baseball operations. Teams appreciated his hands-on experience and teaching skills, especially since he stuck around the pro game for decades.