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

Steve Dillard wrapped up his eight-season Major League Baseball career in 1982, having played for four different teams as a reliable backup infielder. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but grew up in Mississippi, where he found a steady role in the big leagues, even though he never quite became a star. Dillard’s path through professional baseball took him from the Boston Red Sox, then to Detroit, the Chicago Cubs, and finally the Chicago White Sox.

Between 1975 and 1982, Dillard played in 438 games, finishing with a .243 batting average, 13 home runs, and 102 RBIs. He mostly played second base, but he could fill in at shortstop and third base when needed.

His best years came with the Red Sox in 1976 and then with the Cubs in 1979 and 1980.

What’s kind of cool about Dillard’s story is how he went from being a college shortstop at the University of Mississippi to a professional utility player, and later became a respected minor league manager and coach. Even after his playing days, he kept shaping young players in different organizations, and eventually, his son Tim made it to the majors with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Stephen Bradley Dillard was born on February 8, 1951, in Memphis, Tennessee. His family later moved to Saltillo, Mississippi, where he started developing his baseball skills.

He played standout baseball at Saltillo High School and then spent two years at the University of Mississippi. That led to draft offers from both the San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox.

Childhood in Memphis and Saltillo

Steve Dillard came into the world on February 8, 1951, in Memphis, Tennessee. His family moved to Saltillo, Mississippi, during his childhood.

That move turned out to be important for Dillard’s baseball growth. Saltillo, a small town, gave him a supportive place to play sports.

In rural Mississippi during the 1950s and 1960s, baseball was a big part of life. The local focus on high school sports really shaped his athletic path.

Saltillo’s close-knit community helped build his competitive drive and work ethic. It set the stage for what came next in his baseball journey.

Saltillo High School Baseball Career

At Saltillo High, Dillard stood out as a shortstop. His defense and leadership made him a key player for the team.

He played shortstop all through high school, showing the versatility he’d use later as a pro. College recruiters and pro scouts started to take notice.

The high school baseball program at Saltillo gave him valuable experience at a higher level. His success on the field got him recognized across Mississippi.

By the end of his senior year, colleges were lining up with offers. His strong play at shortstop opened up new doors.

University of Mississippi Years

Dillard landed a full scholarship to the University of Mississippi. That let him keep playing baseball while working toward a degree.

He spent two years on the Rebels baseball team. College ball was a step up from high school, no question.

While he was there, Dillard sharpened his skills against tougher competition. The coaching staff helped him grow into a legit pro prospect.

Those college years bridged the gap between high school and the pros. The scholarship showed the coaches really believed in his talent.

Drafts by San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox

The San Diego Padres picked Dillard in the 13th round of the 1970 MLB draft. He didn’t sign, though.

The full scholarship at Ole Miss played a big part in his decision to skip the Padres’ offer. He wanted to finish more school before going pro.

After two years of college, the Boston Red Sox drafted him in the second round of the 1972 MLB draft. That’s a big jump from the 13th round.

The Red Sox clearly saw more in him after his college experience. Dillard signed with Boston and started his pro baseball career in 1972.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Steve Dillard spent eight seasons in Major League Baseball from 1975 to 1982. He served as a steady reserve infielder for four teams.

He played solid defense at several positions, though his hitting numbers stayed pretty modest throughout his career.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Dillard made his MLB debut on September 28, 1975, with the Boston Red Sox. He was 24 and managed two hits, two runs, and a stolen base in his first game against Cleveland.

He spent his first three seasons with Boston, from 1975 to 1977, appearing in 124 games. Mostly, he backed up established players like second baseman Denny Doyle and shortstop Rick Burleson.

Position changes marked his early career. He started as a shortstop but switched to second base during a stint at Triple-A Rhode Island in 1976.

On January 30, 1978, the Red Sox traded him to the Detroit Tigers after bringing in Jerry Remy from the Angels. Boston got two minor leaguers and some cash in the deal.

Playing Style and Positions

Dillard played all over the infield as a backup, but second base was his main spot. That’s where he logged most of his defensive innings.

Here’s how his positions broke down:

• 130 games at second base (mostly with the Cubs)
• 67 games at third base
• 21 games at shortstop
• 13 games as designated hitter

He batted and threw right-handed, stood 6’1″, and weighed in at 180 pounds. Teams leaned on him for steady defense, especially in Detroit in 1978.

His main job was to be a reliable backup at multiple infield spots. That flexibility made him a valuable piece for teams needing depth.

Career Statistics Summary

Dillard finished his career with a .243 batting average in 438 games. As a reserve, his hitting numbers were about what you’d expect.

Some key stats:

• Batting average: .243
• Home runs: 13
• RBI: 102
• Hits: 246 (out of 1,013 at-bats)
• Stolen bases: 15

His best season came in 1979 with the Cubs, when he hit .283 with five home runs and 31 RBI in 89 games.

He played the most in 1980, getting into 100 games with 55 hits and 27 RBI.

Transition to Retirement

Dillard’s last season was 1982 with the Chicago White Sox. The Cubs released him after 1981, and he signed with the White Sox as a free agent.

He spent most of that year with the Triple-A Edmonton Trappers. The White Sox brought him up for 16 games at the end of the season, all at second base.

His final MLB game came on October 3, 1982, against the Minnesota Twins. He went 0-for-4 and that was it for his playing days.

The White Sox released him after the season. Reportedly, his September call-up helped him qualify for a pension, since he needed more time on a big league roster.

Boston Red Sox Period

Dillard started his big league career with the Boston Red Sox in 1975. He spent three years as a dependable utility infielder.

His best showing came in his 1976 rookie season, hitting .275 while splitting second base duties with Denny Doyle.

Rookie Season Highlights

Dillard debuted on September 28, 1975, at age 24 with the Red Sox. His breakout year came in 1976, posting a .275 batting average, his best with Boston.

He split time at second base with Denny Doyle that season. That setup gave him a chance to gain experience and help the team’s depth.

His 1976 numbers showed he could handle major league pitching. For a utility guy in that era, a .275 average was nothing to sneeze at.

Role as Reserve Infielder

Dillard mostly worked as a backup during his three years in Boston. He played second base but could move around when needed.

Some critics questioned his defense at second, saying he didn’t fit the mold. But his stats seemed to prove those doubts wrong.

The Red Sox used him as a pinch-hitter and pinch-runner too. That flexibility made him a useful bench player for manager Don Zimmer.

Key Teammates and Influences

Dillard shared second base with Denny Doyle, who was both a competitor and a mentor. Doyle’s experience helped guide Dillard as he got used to the majors.

The Red Sox infield had some established names, and Dillard learned a lot from them. Being around those veterans helped him pick up the finer points of big league play.

Time in Boston’s system introduced him to the team’s coaching style and development approach. That foundation would come in handy as he moved on to other teams.

Detroit Tigers and Chicago Teams

After three years in Boston, Dillard joined the Detroit Tigers in 1978. He then spent his last four seasons with Chicago’s two major league teams.

He gave Detroit steady backup help, but his best offensive numbers came with the Cubs.

Year with the Detroit Tigers

The Red Sox traded Dillard to the Detroit Tigers on January 30, 1978, after picking up Jerry Remy. Detroit got Dillard for two minor leaguers and cash.

He spent all of 1978 with the Tigers. Dillard appeared in 54 games, starting 41 times at second base.

His main job was to support Detroit’s young infield. Lou Whitaker was a rookie at second, and Alan Trammell handled shortstop.

Dillard’s experience helped settle things during a transition year for the Tigers. He backed up the young guys and filled in when needed.

The Tigers valued his ability to play several infield spots. That made him a handy bench option all season.

Chicago Cubs Playing Highlights

In spring training of 1979, Detroit sent Dillard to the Chicago Cubs for Ed Putman. That trade kicked off the most successful phase of his career.

His first year with the Cubs in 1979 brought career-high offensive numbers. He hit .283 with five home runs and 31 RBIs over 89 games.

The next year, 1980, he played even more, getting into 100 games with 55 hits and 27 RBIs—both personal bests for a season.

Dillard’s flexibility paid off for the Cubs’ infield. Over three years, he played 130 games at second and 67 games at third, out of 242 total.

His steady glove and improved bat made him a reliable utility guy. The Cubs used him as both a starter and backup all over the infield.

Final Season with Chicago White Sox

The Cubs let Dillard go after the 1981 season. He signed with the Chicago White Sox for his last big league stint.

He spent most of 1982 with the Triple-A Edmonton Trappers. The White Sox called him up for 16 games at the end of the year.

He played only second base in those games, offering some veteran stability. The team valued his leadership during that short stretch.

The White Sox released him after the season ended on October 3, 1982. That final appearance closed out his eight-year career.

Across both Chicago teams, Dillard played 258 games in four seasons. Those were his most productive years and also his last in the majors.

Minor League and Managerial Career

When his playing days ended in 1982, Steve Dillard moved into coaching and managing in several organizations. Over the next 25 years, he worked with young players at different minor league levels, helping shape the next generation of talent.

Chicago White Sox Minor League Roles

Dillard kicked off his managerial career with the Chicago White Sox organization in 1983. He managed the Gulf Coast League White Sox, a rookie-level team, and that was really his first taste of leadership in pro baseball.

The White Sox kept giving Dillard chances to grow as a manager. He led the Gulf Coast League White Sox during the 1983 and 1984 seasons, then moved up to manage at higher levels.

In 1985, the team put him in charge of the Double-A Glens Falls White Sox in the Eastern League. That promotion gave him a bigger challenge with tougher competition and more responsibility.

They brought him back to the Gulf Coast League White Sox for the 1986 and 1987 seasons. That return let him keep working with rookie-level players and tweak his coaching style.

His last stop with the White Sox came in 1988, managing the Class A South Bend White Sox in the Midwest League. That wrapped up his six-year run in the organization.

Gulf Coast League and Midwest League Management

The Gulf Coast League really became Dillard’s main training ground as a manager. He spent four seasons there, working with players just starting out in pro ball.

He focused on teaching the basics. Players at that level needed to learn fundamental skills and how to handle real game situations.

Managing South Bend in the Midwest League in 1988 brought new challenges. That Class A league ran a full season and demanded more advanced strategy and player development.

These early jobs taught Dillard how to work with players at different stages. Jumping from the Gulf Coast to the Midwest League definitely helped him get ready for what came next.

Houston Astros and Infield Instruction

Dillard joined the Houston Astros in 1989 as their Minor League Infield Instructor. This job shifted him from managing teams to focusing on coaching infielders—a natural fit since he played the position himself.

He spent two years, from 1989 to 1990, working in this specialized role. He got to coach infielders all over the Astros’ minor league system instead of sticking with just one club.

In 1991, Dillard went back to managing, this time with the Class A Short Season Auburn Astros in the New York-Penn League. He kept that role through 1992, helping players in their first years of pro ball.

The Astros later put him in charge of the Quad Cities River Bandits in the Midwest League for 1993 and 1994. That full-season Class A job showed they trusted his ability to lead and develop players.

Quad Cities River Bandits and Later Years

After a short time as hitting coach for the Chicago Cubs’ Class A Rockford Cubbies in 1995, Dillard stepped away from baseball. He wanted to watch his kids play high school ball, which says a lot about what mattered to him.

He made his way back to the game in 2000, managing the Jackson DiamondKats in the independent Texas-Louisiana League. That was his first foray into independent pro baseball.

The St. Louis Cardinals brought Dillard on as hitting coach for the Quad Cities Swing/River Bandits in 2006. During the 2007 season, they promoted him to work with hitters on the Class A-Advanced Palm Beach Cardinals in the Florida State League.

He returned to manage Quad Cities again in 2008 and 2009. That final run pretty much capped off a long minor league coaching and managing career that stretched across several decades and teams.

Legacy and Personal Life

Steve Dillard’s influence on baseball went way beyond his eight years in the majors. Through his family and his dedication to youth baseball, he left a real mark. His son Tim followed his path and made it to the big leagues too, while Dillard stuck around the game as an instructor and in community programs.

Family and Baseball Connections

Steve Dillard’s baseball legacy runs through his son Tim Dillard, who reached the majors as well. Tim, a right-handed pitcher, debuted with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008 and pitched in parts of four seasons until 2012.

Tim pitched in 73 games, all out of the bullpen, with a 4.70 ERA and a 1-4 record. Steve kept a close eye on his son’s progress, following Tim’s minor league days with the Brevard County team in the Florida State League.

Steve’s other two sons chose different paths. His oldest works as an engineer for the Air Force, and his second son earned an MBA. Out of the three, Tim was the only one to chase a baseball career.

The Dillard family kept their roots in Mississippi, with Steve still living in Saltillo as of 2014. Steve’s father stayed a big baseball fan too, especially when it came to the Atlanta Braves.

Post-Retirement Life and Recognition

After his playing days ended in 1982, Dillard jumped into baseball management and instruction. He managed in the Chicago White Sox minor league system for six years, including two in the Gulf Coast League and time in Double-A.

He later joined the Houston Astros for six years, first as an infield instructor for two years, then as a manager for four years.

His last role in affiliated ball came with the Chicago Cubs in 1995, coaching hitters for Rockford in the Midwest League. He went back to manage Quad Cities for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008 and 2009.

Between those jobs, Dillard stayed active in independent leagues. He helped run a team in Tupelo and served as hitting coach in Glens Falls, New York, working alongside former big leaguer Les Lancaster.

Influence on Future Generations

Dillard really threw himself into youth baseball development after his playing days. He took on the role of director of Parks and Recreation in Saltillo, Mississippi, and ran baseball, softball, and soccer programs for local kids.

“Last couple of years, I’ve been in our old town here we started a Park and Rec. I’ve been director of that,” Dillard said in a 2005 interview. He got to bring his professional baseball experience straight to the next generation.

He managed in the minors for several organizations, working with players in the Gulf Coast League, Midwest League, and at Double-A. Dillard shared lessons from his eight seasons in the majors.

Because he played for four different major league teams and managed all over the minors, Dillard became a real mentor for young players. He understood both the American and National Leagues, which gave him some pretty unique advice for anyone hoping to make it in pro baseball.