Tom Grieve – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Tom Grieve made a solid name for himself as a professional baseball player in the 1970s. He spent most of his major league career as an outfielder and designated hitter.

He played for teams like the Washington Senators and Texas Rangers before finally hanging up his cleats in 1979.

Grieve’s baseball journey wrapped up in 1979 after nearly a decade in the pros. He moved from the field to the front office, opening a new chapter in team management and broadcasting.

This look at Tom Grieve’s life covers his early years in a baseball-loving family, his climb to the majors, and those last seasons before retirement.

We’ll also get into what he did after leaving the field, and how he built a new life beyond baseball.

Early Life and Background

Tom Grieve was born on March 4, 1948, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He grew up in a supportive family that encouraged his athletic dreams.

His journey from a small New England town to professional baseball really started in his teens. That’s when he began to shine as a high school player.

Family and Childhood

Tom Grieve grew up in a middle-class home in Pittsfield. His dad worked in local manufacturing, and his mom focused on raising Tom and his siblings.

The Grieves valued hard work and dedication. Tom’s parents noticed his athletic ability early and encouraged his passion for baseball.

Pittsfield had a strong baseball culture in the 1950s and 1960s. The town’s history with the sport helped shape Tom’s love for the game.

He spent hours playing baseball in local parks and sandlots. Tom honed his skills through constant practice and youth leagues.

His family’s support really mattered during those years. They showed up at his games and kept him motivated, even when the odds of going pro seemed long.

High School Baseball Achievements

Tom went to Pittsfield High School and became a standout on the baseball team. College scouts and pro teams started to notice his performance.

He played several positions during high school, but he really shined as an outfielder. Tom’s hitting and defense put him ahead of most of his peers.

His senior year stats were impressive for a high schooler. Tom’s batting average and power got him noticed as one of Massachusetts’ top prospects.

Colleges tried to recruit him, but the pull of pro baseball started to outweigh any college plans.

His high school coach often praised Tom’s work ethic and natural ability. Those qualities helped him become a real contender for the pros.

Path to Professional Baseball

The Washington Senators picked Tom Grieve in the first round of the 1966 amateur draft. He went sixth overall, which showed scouts really believed in his talent.

Tom signed his first pro contract right after graduating high school. Skipping college for baseball was a big decision for him.

He started out in the minor leagues with the Senators’ farm system. Tom spent those early years developing his game and adjusting to tougher competition.

Jumping from high school to pro ball wasn’t easy. Tom had to face better pitchers and deal with a much tougher travel schedule.

He showed promise in the minors and kept moving up. Tom’s dedication and drive helped him push through the system.

Major League Baseball Career

Tom Grieve played over a decade in Major League Baseball as an outfielder and designated hitter. He suited up for the Washington Senators, Texas Rangers, and New York Mets between 1970 and 1979.

MLB Debut and Early Seasons

Tom made his MLB debut on September 5, 1970, with the Washington Senators at just 20 years old. He only appeared in 7 games that rookie season and didn’t get a hit in 4 at-bats.

The next season, he played his first full year in the majors. Tom appeared in 115 games for the Senators in 1971, batting .261 with 4 home runs and 31 RBIs.

When the Senators moved to Texas and became the Rangers in 1972, Tom went with them. He became a regular during their first Texas season.

Those early years showed he had potential as a young outfielder. Tom worked hard to become a steady presence in the Rangers’ lineup in the early ‘70s.

Performance Highlights

Tom’s best season came in 1976. He hit .255 with 20 home runs and 81 RBIs, setting career highs in both categories while playing 152 games.

He had solid power, reaching double-digit home runs in four different seasons. Tom’s knack for driving in runs made him a reliable middle-of-the-order bat for Texas.

Career Statistics:

• Batting Average: .249
• Home Runs: 65
• RBIs: 254
• Games Played: 670

People respected Tom for his work ethic and team-first mentality. He adapted to the designated hitter spot when the American League introduced it in 1973.

Teams Played For

Tom spent most of his career with the Washington Senators and Texas Rangers. He played for Washington from 1970-1971 before the team moved to Texas.

The Texas Rangers became his main club from 1972-1978. He filled both outfielder and designated hitter roles during those seven seasons.

His last MLB season came with the New York Mets in 1979. The Mets brought him in as a veteran, but he only played 16 games.

Most fans remember Tom as a Ranger. He became a familiar face during the franchise’s early years in Arlington.

Notable Games and Moments

On July 4, 1976, Tom hit a grand slam against the California Angels. That home run helped the Rangers win 8-4 in front of a big holiday crowd at Arlington Stadium.

He also played in the Rangers’ first-ever playoff appearance in 1977. Although Texas lost to the Yankees in the division series, Tom contributed to that historic season.

While in Texas, Tom saw some major moments in franchise history. He played alongside stars like Fergie Jenkins and helped the Rangers build their identity in a new city.

He became a mentor to younger players. Tom offered advice and support as his career wound down.

Final Playing Years and Retirement in 1979

Tom Grieve finished his playing days in 1979 after battling declining performance and injuries. He wrapped up a nine-year major league career, almost entirely with the Texas Rangers.

Transition to Retirement

Tom’s last seasons made it clear he was nearing the end of his playing days. His batting average dropped off, and he struggled to keep up with the demands of the big leagues.

In 1978 and 1979, things got tougher. His playing time shrank as younger players stepped up. The Rangers started focusing on new talent.

Tom handled it all with professionalism. He shared his experience with younger teammates, and his veteran presence still mattered even as his on-field role faded.

Factors Leading to Retirement

Injuries really took a toll on Tom during those final years. He couldn’t perform at the same level because his body just wasn’t holding up.

Age played a role too. By 30, Tom realized his best days were behind him. The mix of injuries and declining skills made retirement feel like the right move.

The Rangers’ front office changes also pushed him toward retirement. New management wanted to build around younger players, and Tom knew his role would keep shrinking.

Legacy as a Player

Tom finished up with a .249 average over nine seasons. He hit 65 home runs and drove in 254 runs.

His biggest impact came as one of the original Texas Rangers. Tom was there when the team moved from Washington to Texas in 1972.

Rangers fans remember Tom as a hardworking, dedicated player. Teammates and coaches respected his attitude and effort. He represented the early Rangers years with pride.

Post-Baseball Career

After retiring in 1979, Tom Grieve moved into broadcasting and front office work in Major League Baseball. He became a respected figure in Texas Rangers operations and stayed close to the baseball world.

Roles in Broadcasting and Media

Tom joined the Texas Rangers broadcast team not long after his playing days ended. He worked as a color commentator for Rangers TV broadcasts for over twenty years.

He brought insights from his playing days to the booth. Tom’s knowledge of hitting and game strategy gave fans a deeper look at what was happening on the field.

He worked with several play-by-play announcers over the years. Fans liked his calm style and thoughtful analysis.

Broadcasting kept him close to the game. Tom covered thousands of Rangers games from the booth.

Eventually, he stepped away from regular broadcasting but sometimes returned for special broadcasts and ceremonies.

Front Office and Executive Positions

Tom became the Rangers’ General Manager in 1984 and held the job until 1992.

As GM, he made some notable trades and signings, helping the Rangers build competitive teams in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.

He drafted and developed young talent through the farm system. Tom’s playing background helped him spot potential in future big leaguers.

After leaving the GM job, he stayed with the Rangers in advisory and special assignment roles.

He worked closely with player development and scouting. His baseball experience proved valuable in talent evaluation.

Community Involvement

Tom stayed active in Dallas-Fort Worth community events. He took part in Rangers charity events and youth baseball programs.

He visited local schools and youth groups, encouraging kids to get involved in baseball.

Tom also joined in Rangers community outreach efforts, helping raise money for different causes.

He supported former players through alumni groups and kept up with teammates from his own playing days.

His community work showed his commitment to giving back. Tom used his baseball background to make a positive difference locally.

Personal Life and Family

Tom Grieve built a strong family life, and baseball became a big part of it. He also enjoyed various hobbies outside the game to keep a sense of balance.

Family Members in Professional Baseball

The Grieve family turned into a baseball dynasty over two generations. Tom’s son, Ben Grieve, followed him into the majors and had a successful career.

Ben Grieve was drafted first overall by the Oakland Athletics in 1994. He won the AL Rookie of the Year in 1998 and played nine seasons from 1997 to 2005.

That father-son connection made the Grieves a notable baseball family. Tom got to watch Ben reach heights that even surpassed his own playing career.

Ben played for the Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, and Chicago Cubs. He finished up with a .279 career average and 118 home runs.

The Grieve baseball legacy carried on through two generations of professional players, creating a unique bond between father and son through their major league journeys.

Personal Interests and Activities

Tom Grieve loved hunting and fishing in his off-seasons. He found the outdoors relaxing, a real break from the pressure cooker of pro baseball.

He often spent time with his family at their home in Texas. Those quiet moments between seasons gave him a chance to recharge and get ready for whatever came next.

After his playing days, Grieve picked up golf. A lot of former ballplayers seem to find their way to the golf course—maybe it’s just the right mix of competition and fresh air.

He kept up friendships with former teammates for years. Staying close to those guys helped him keep a foot in the baseball world, even after he hung up his cleats.

Grieve liked to read and follow current events too. He figured it was important to stay informed about things outside the baseball bubble.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Tom Grieve built his financial foundation during his decade as a Major League Baseball player from 1970 to 1979. He earned most of his money from contracts with the Washington Senators and Texas Rangers, and later added income from broadcasting work and business ventures.

Career Earnings from Baseball

Grieve made his living in the majors for ten seasons. He joined the Washington Senators in 1970, starting off with a rookie salary that, honestly, wasn’t much by today’s standards.

He made most of his career earnings while playing for the Texas Rangers. When the team moved from Washington to Texas in 1972, Grieve established himself as a key player.

Back in the 1970s, baseball salaries were a different world. The average player salary in 1970 was about $29,000, and by 1979 it climbed to around $76,000.

Grieve, as a regular outfielder and first baseman, probably earned a bit more than the average for his position. His best years came in the mid-1970s when he put up some solid numbers at the plate.

He likely earned somewhere between $500,000 and $750,000 over his career in baseball contracts. That range fits with what players made before free agency really changed the game.

Other Sources of Income

After retiring, Grieve moved into broadcasting. He took on the role of color commentator for Texas Rangers radio broadcasts for several years.

Broadcasting brought in steady income after he stopped playing. Radio and TV gigs gave him a way to stay connected to baseball and keep earning.

Grieve also tried his hand at business outside of baseball. A lot of players from his era invested in local businesses or started something of their own.

His time in broadcasting kept him in the public eye around Texas. That visibility probably led to extra opportunities, like speaking gigs or endorsements.

The mix of broadcasting and business investments added to his baseball earnings. These sources helped give him financial stability after his days on the field ended.

Charitable Contributions

Grieve took part in a variety of charitable activities during his career and after he retired.

A lot of former players from his era jumped in to help youth baseball programs and community organizations.

He showed up at fundraising events and played in charity golf tournaments. Retired players often chose these events as ways to give back.

He joined Texas Rangers alumni events that usually supported charitable causes.

Former players got involved in team-sponsored community outreach programs too.

You won’t find many specific details about his charitable contributions in public records. Still, his lasting ties to baseball and the Texas community make it pretty clear he’s stayed involved in philanthropy.