Jerry Terrell – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jerry Terrell made his mark in Major League Baseball not with gaudy stats, but with his character and principles. This Minnesota native played eight seasons in the majors, suiting up for the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals before calling it a career in 1980.

People remember Terrell for his versatility on the field and his strong moral compass off it.

Terrell was the only player out of 583 to vote against a proposed strike in 1980, standing by his religious beliefs. That decision really says a lot about who he was—a guy willing to stick to his values even when it wasn’t the popular move.

His teammates respected him for it, knowing Terrell’s faith guided his choices both on and off the diamond.

The utility infielder went from small-town Minnesota to the World Series, and his story is one of persistence, faith, and a deep dedication to baseball.

While his career batting average of .253 in 657 games only tells part of the story, his true impact came from his leadership, defense, and ability to fill in wherever his team needed.

Early Life and Education

Jerry Wayne Terrell’s roots in south-central Minnesota shaped who he became, both as a person and a ballplayer.

Born July 13, 1946, in Waseca, he grew up in Elysian and went to Waterville High School, then Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Family Background in Minnesota

Terrell entered the world in Waseca, a town of about 10,000 in south-central Minnesota.

His family soon moved to Elysian, where he spent his childhood.

The tight-knit Minnesota community really supported Terrell during his pro career. When the Twins sent him down to the minors in 1975, fans from his hometown started a petition with over 3,000 signatures to protest the move.

His mom played a big role in his life, though she faced a tough time during his rookie season. In May 1973, she lost two fingers in a meat grinder accident, and that weighed heavily on Terrell during his first year in the majors.

High School Achievements

At Waterville High School, Terrell built the foundation for his baseball career.

He showed the work ethic and drive that would later define him as a pro.

His play at Waterville earned him a spot at the college level.

The education he got there prepared him for both sports and academics. He’d later work toward an accounting degree while playing ball in college.

College Years at Minnesota State University, Mankato

From 1965 to 1968, Terrell attended Mankato State University (now Minnesota State University, Mankato).

He managed to earn his accounting degree while playing for the school’s baseball team.

Terrell kept up a .301 batting average in college, and his teams went 72-41 over four years.

He also played summer ball in the Metropolitan Collegiate League, which helped him keep his skills sharp beyond the regular college season.

In 1966, while still a student, Terrell went to a Minnesota Twins tryout camp. He impressed the scouts but couldn’t sign yet—he wasn’t 21.

Two years later, the Twins picked him in the eighth round of the 1968 amateur draft.

His college education set him apart from a lot of players. He had an accounting degree and wore glasses on and off the field, which made him stand out a bit among pro athletes.

Path to Major League Baseball

Jerry Terrell’s road to the majors started when the Minnesota Twins picked him in the 1968 amateur draft.

His climb through the minors got interrupted by military service during the Vietnam War, which slowed things down but eventually led to his debut with his hometown team in 1973.

1968 Major League Baseball Draft

The Minnesota Twins grabbed Terrell in the eighth round of the 1968 draft. Scouts had already noticed him at a Twins tryout camp in 1966, but he was too young to sign then.

Getting drafted by his home-state team was a big deal. The Twins saw potential in him, even though he went later in the draft.

His college numbers—.301 average and a 72-41 team record—showed he could contribute to winning programs.

Minor League Career Progression

Terrell kicked off his pro career with the Auburn Twins in the short-season Class A New York-Penn League in 1968. He hit .296 in his first season, and his defensive skills really stood out.

He missed the entire 1969 season for military service, then came back in 1970 to play for Lynchburg in the Class A Carolina League. He batted .279 and led the league in several defensive categories.

His speed and glove work helped him move up the ranks.

In 1971, Terrell played for the Charlotte Hornets in the Class AA Southern League. His fielding and base-running speed helped the Hornets win the championship.

He came through in the playoffs too, hitting a two-run triple in the semifinal series against Asheville.

By 1972, Terrell reached Tacoma in the Class AAA Pacific Coast League. He hit .290 and kept up his excellent defense, fielding as well as anyone in the league.

Impact of U.S. Military and Vietnam War Service

Terrell’s baseball development took a hit when he served in the military during the Vietnam War. He missed all of 1969 while in the reserves, stationed stateside.

That year away from baseball could’ve derailed his career, but Terrell’s work ethic and natural talent helped him bounce back in 1970.

His strong performance with Lynchburg proved he kept his skills sharp during the layoff.

Military service was pretty common for players of Terrell’s era. A lot of athletes missed time for duty, and it was tough to keep a career on track.

Terrell’s resilience and determination let him pick up where he left off in the minors.

Major League Career Overview

Jerry Terrell played eight seasons in Major League Baseball from 1973 to 1980, suiting up for the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals.

He carved out a role as a reliable utility player, handling multiple infield spots with strong defense and leadership.

Debut and Early Impact with Minnesota Twins

Terrell made his MLB debut on April 14, 1973, with the Minnesota Twins at age 26. He became the ninth Minnesota-born player to wear a Twins uniform.

Manager Frank Quilici brought him north because of his “speed, a good attitude, and could play three infield positions.”

Terrell was supposed to be a utility guy, but injuries to starters turned him into an everyday player early in 1973.

He faced personal challenges too, like his mom’s accident in May, but still finished his rookie year hitting .265.

His strong debut landed him on the Topps All-Rookie Team, and the Twins named him their Rookie of the Year in 1973.

Fans loved his hustle and work ethic.

During 1974 spring training, he hit .476, leading the team. He even clocked the fastest mile in camp at 4 minutes and 30 seconds.

Role and Versatility as an Infielder

Terrell’s main value to both the Minnesota Twins and later the Kansas City Royals came from his versatility as an infielder.

He played eight out of nine positions during his major league career, missing only pitcher and catcher.

His defense was top-notch throughout his time in the majors. He mostly played second base but handled shortstop and third just as well.

In 1976, he appeared at every position except pitcher and catcher.

Rod Carew’s presence at second base usually kept Terrell in a utility player role with the Twins, but he embraced it and kept teammates motivated from the bench.

His batting average moved around from .245 to .290 in different seasons.

He tried switch-hitting in 1974 after working on it in winter ball down in Venezuela, but eventually went back to hitting right-handed.

Transition to Kansas City Royals

After the 1977 season, Terrell became a free agent and signed with the Kansas City Royals.

Ten teams wanted him, but he picked Kansas City and split utility duties with U.L. Washington.

His teammates chose him as the team’s player rep to the union, putting him in the spotlight during the 1980 strike vote—where he cast the only dissenting vote because of his religious beliefs.

Injuries hit him hard with the Royals. He fractured his right ankle in late 1978 and missed a lot of time in 1979 with a broken finger.

Even so, he made two memorable pitching appearances, retiring every batter he faced.

Terrell’s last MLB season was 1980. The Royals sent him to Class AAA Omaha in May, but he came back as a September call-up.

He wasn’t eligible for the postseason, but he stayed in uniform for every playoff game, including the 1980 World Series.

He wrapped up his career with 657 games and 412 hits over eight big league seasons.

1980 Season and Retirement

Jerry Terrell’s last season with the Kansas City Royals was a mix of personal challenges and team triumphs.

In 1980, Terrell split time between the majors and Triple-A Omaha while Kansas City won their first American League championship.

Kansas City Royals as American League Champions

The 1980 season didn’t start easy for Terrell. He battled Rance Mulliniks and German Barranca for the Royals’ utility spot.

After a rough start, the Royals sent him to Omaha in mid-May.

Instead of sulking, Terrell called it a “little vacation for me and my family.” Playing every day in the minors, he rediscovered his love for the game and said he felt “like a kid again.”

His play in Omaha got him a September call-up. Kansas City finished the year 97-65 and took the American League West.

The Royals beat the Yankees in the ALCS, winning their first American League title and earning a trip to the World Series against the Phillies.

Final Games and Postseason Involvement

Terrell’s September recall came after the postseason eligibility cutoff, so he couldn’t play in the playoffs or World Series.

Still, the Royals valued what he brought to the clubhouse. He stayed in uniform for every postseason game, including all the World Series contests.

Kansas City lost the 1980 World Series to Philadelphia in six games. Terrell couldn’t play, but his presence in the dugout showed how much his teammates appreciated him.

His last major league appearance came during that September call-up.

He finished with 657 big league games over eight seasons with the Twins and Royals.

Retirement and Legacy

Terrell retired from pro baseball after the 1980 season.

He wrapped up his career with a .253 average, 4 home runs, and 125 RBI in 657 games.

The 1980 season also highlighted his strong convictions. As the Royals’ player rep, he cast the only “no” vote against a proposed players’ strike, ending up on the lone side of a 582-1 tally.

Union head Marvin Miller said the dissenter acted on religious grounds. Terrell never confirmed it publicly, but his teammates understood and respected his position.

Before Game Four of the 1980 World Series, Terrell received the Danny Thompson Award for “exemplary Christian spirit” in baseball—even though he spent most of that season in the minors.

After retiring as a player in 1981, Terrell moved into scouting and managing. He spent three decades working for different organizations, including advance scouting for the Royals’ 1985 World Series win.

Playing Style and Notable Moments

Jerry Terrell made a name for himself as a versatile utility player. He excelled defensively across multiple positions and kept up solid offensive numbers during his eight-year career.

His mix of speed, defensive reliability, and leadership qualities made him a real asset for both the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals.

Defensive Skills and Fielding Positions

Terrell relied on his defensive versatility throughout his major league career. He played eight out of nine positions at least once, which really showed off how adaptable he was.

Primary Positions:

• Second baseman (his main spot)
• Shortstop (his original position)
• Third base
• Outfield positions

He started as a promising shortstop but moved to second base early on. In the minor leagues, he led his league in most defensive stats in both 1968 and 1970, which says a lot about his glove.

He helped the Charlotte Hornets win the 1971 Dixie Association championship with his fielding skills. His speed and reliable defense made him a key piece for his teams.

At 6 feet tall and 170 pounds, Terrell always seemed to be in motion. He’d run from the dugout to the on-deck circle, showing the kind of hustle that fans and managers really appreciated.

Batting Performance and Statistics

At the plate, Terrell fit the contact hitter mold more than a power slugger. He played in 657 games and racked up 412 hits, keeping his batting average respectable.

Career Highlights:

• 1973: .265 batting average (rookie season)
• 1974: .245 batting average
• Topps All-Rookie Team selection in 1973

He tried switch-hitting during spring training in 1974 after working on it in winter ball down in Venezuela. Terrell, a right-handed hitter, actually hit .481 from the left side in spring training, which is kind of wild.

But after struggling early in the season, he dropped switch-hitting and stuck with batting right-handed for the rest of his career.

At the plate, he had a methodical approach. Terrell choked up on his 31-ounce bat and just wanted to put the ball in play, maybe beat out an infield hit.

Pitching Debut and Utility Roles

Some of Terrell’s most memorable moments came when he pitched unexpectedly. On August 20, 1979, he made his pitching debut against the New York Yankees in a blowout loss.

Pitching Statistics:

• Two innings pitched (1979 and 1980)
• Zero runs allowed
• Perfect record on the mound

He came in during the ninth inning with the Yankees up 16-4 and retired them in order. That’s not something you see every day from an infielder.

He pitched again in 1980 for the Royals. Both times, he held the other team scoreless in emergency situations.

These moments showed Terrell would do whatever his team needed. His utility role even included designated hitter and pitching in a pinch.

Clubhouse Influence and Player Representative

Terrell’s leadership went way beyond his play on the field. His Kansas City teammates picked him as the team’s player representative to the players’ union, a nod to his integrity and how well he communicated.

In 1980, Terrell cast the only dissenting vote out of 968 players against a strike authorization. Union head Marvin Miller said the lone dissenter acted on religious convictions, but Terrell never confirmed his vote publicly.

His teammates respected his position. Reports said his fellow players saw him as “a special situation” and didn’t get upset about his vote.

He also served as the Twins’ chapel leader for several years. Terrell’s Christian faith and strong character earned him the 1980 Danny Thompson Award for Christian spirit in baseball.

He received the award before Game Four of the 1980 World Series, even though he spent much of that season in the minors.

Post-Playing Career and Personal Life

After he retired from professional baseball in 1981, Jerry Terrell moved into scouting and managing in various baseball organizations. He settled in Kansas City and focused on developing talent in different organizational roles.

Advance Scout and Managerial Positions

Terrell worked behind the scenes in pro baseball for almost thirty years. He took on advance scouting jobs for several teams after he retired.

His job was to analyze opposing teams and give his club insights to get an edge.

In the late 1980s, he scouted for the Minnesota Twins. He later managed minor-league teams for several organizations.

His most recent managing job came in the White Sox organization in 1999 and 2000.

Terrell’s dedication to the game didn’t end when he stopped playing. He stayed involved in baseball development through scouting and instruction roles for years.

Scouting for Royals, Twins, and Expos

Terrell’s biggest scouting achievement happened with the Kansas City Royals. He played a key role as an advance scout, providing information that helped the Royals win the 1985 World Series.

His detailed reports on opponents proved valuable during their championship run.

He worked for multiple organizations as a scout. Besides the Royals and Twins, Terrell also had connections with other major league teams during his post-playing career.

The skills that made him a great utility player helped him as a scout. He understood different positions and game situations, which made him good at evaluating talent.

Community Involvement and Personal Beliefs

Terrell’s Christian faith stayed central in his life after baseball. While he played, he served as the Twins’ chapel leader for several years.

His religious convictions led him to cast the only dissenting vote against a players’ strike in 1980. He stood alone against a 967-1 decision on religious grounds.

Marvin Miller, the union head, noted the dissenter voted based on religious beliefs. Terrell never publicly confirmed it, but people around the game understood.

His teammates respected where he stood. Reports said they saw his position as “a special situation” and understood his religious viewpoint, even if they didn’t agree.

Honors and Recognition

In 1980, Terrell received the Danny Thompson Award for “exemplary Christian spirit” in baseball.

He got the honor even though he spent much of that season in the minor leagues with Omaha.

They presented him with the award before Game Four of the 1980 World Series.

That was actually the second year in a row Terrell got nominated for the award.

The recognition really showed how people saw his character and spiritual leadership in the baseball community.

Peter Gammons of The Sporting News wrote in 1981 that if morality were a prerequisite for Hall of Fame induction, “Babe Ruth (and many others) would have to be dropped to make room for Jerry Terrell.”

Gammons’ comment kind of sums up the respect Terrell earned during his career—and honestly, even after.