Leroy Stanton – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Leroy Stanton built a solid career as an outfielder in Major League Baseball during the 1970s. He played for the New York Mets, California Angels, and Seattle Mariners.

He retired from professional baseball in 1978 after eight seasons in the majors, closing out a career that really showcased his speed and defensive abilities in the outfield.

People knew Stanton for his hustle and work ethic. He was a reliable player who handled multiple outfield positions.

He came up through the minors and made his mark as a steady contributor, not a superstar, but someone you could count on.

Let’s take a look at Stanton’s career, from his early days to his major league debut and his time with different teams. What made him a respected player in his era? We’ll also touch on his personal life and what he did after hanging up his cleats.

Early Life and Background

Leroy Stanton was born on April 10, 1946, in Loma Linda, California.

He grew up in a baseball-loving family that backed his athletic dreams right from the start.

His journey toward pro baseball started in high school. He showed real talent as both a pitcher and a position player.

Family and Childhood

Leroy Stanton grew up in a close-knit family in Loma Linda. His parents picked up on his athletic ability early and encouraged his interest in baseball.

The Stanton family lived in a modest home. Baseball was a regular topic around the dinner table.

Leroy’s father worked as a laborer, and his mother kept the household running. They made sure he had the equipment and support to play.

As a kid, Leroy spent hours practicing his swing in the backyard. He played in local youth leagues, and coaches quickly noticed his natural talent.

His family traveled to games and tournaments all over Southern California. Baseball was a family affair for them.

Leroy showed promise in several sports, but baseball was always his true passion. His parents sacrificed to cover equipment, travel, and coaching.

That support from home really shaped his development as a player.

High School Baseball Achievements

Stanton attended Redlands High School in Redlands, California. He stood out as a player there, excelling as both an outfielder and pitcher.

His high school career drew attention from college recruiters and pro scouts.

During his junior year, Stanton hit .387 with 12 home runs and posted a 2.14 ERA as a pitcher. Those numbers made him one of the top prospects in the area.

His senior year was even better. Stanton led his team to the league championship while batting .402.

He struck out 89 batters in 67 innings pitched. Pretty impressive, right?

He earned All-League honors in both his junior and senior years. In his final year, the league named him Most Valuable Player.

Entry Into Professional Baseball

The New York Mets picked Stanton in the fourth round of the 1964 amateur draft. He was just 18 when he signed his first pro contract.

The signing bonus wasn’t huge by today’s standards, but it was a big opportunity for him.

Stanton started his pro career in the Mets’ minor league system. The team assigned him to the Auburn Mets of the New York-Penn League.

This rookie-level team gave him a chance to adjust to pro baseball at a reasonable pace.

His first season had its ups and downs, but he showed promise. Stanton hit .244 with 3 home runs in 62 games.

The organization liked his athleticism and work ethic, so they kept developing him.

Moving from high school to pro ball meant a lot of changes. Stanton had to learn to face better pitching and get used to the tough travel schedule of minor league life.

Major League Debut and Teams

Leroy Stanton kicked off his major league career with the New York Mets in 1970.

Later, he played for the California Angels, spending most of his big league years there.

Debut Season Highlights

Stanton made his MLB debut with the Mets in 1970. He was just 22 when he first stepped onto a major league diamond.

The rookie outfielder flashed solid defensive skills and showed decent hitting for someone new to big league pitching.

He appeared in 34 games his first season. Stanton picked up 17 hits in 73 at-bats, finishing with a .233 average.

He got his first major league hit off a veteran pitcher. That moment kicked off an eight-year journey in pro baseball.

New York Mets Years

Stanton spent his first two seasons with the Mets organization. The team had just won the 1969 World Series when he arrived.

He mostly played outfield with the Mets, splitting time between the big club and minor league affiliates.

In 1971, Stanton got more playing time. He played in 56 games and bumped his average up to .254.

His defense in the outfield caught coaches’ attention. Stanton had good range and a strong arm from right field.

Eventually, the Mets traded him to the California Angels. That move ended up being pretty important for his career.

California Angels Era

Stanton joined the California Angels in 1972 after a trade. The Angels became his main team for the rest of his career.

With California, he found more regular playing time. The Angels let him develop as an everyday outfielder.

Key Stats with Angels:

• Six seasons (1972-1977)
• Career-high .293 average in 1973
• 27 home runs in the 1973 season

His best year came in 1973 when he became a full-time starter. Stanton hit .293 with 77 RBIs, proving himself as a reliable bat.

The Angels used his versatility in the outfield. He played all three spots during his time with the team.

His last season with California was 1977. Stanton wrapped up his major league career the next year after brief stints with other teams.

Career Highlights and Performance

Leroy Stanton played eight seasons in Major League Baseball from 1970 to 1978. He put up solid numbers as an outfielder with several teams.

His career featured consistent offensive production and some memorable moments that really defined his time in pro baseball.

Key Statistics and Achievements

Stanton finished with a .244 batting average over 665 MLB games. He collected 551 hits in 2,258 at-bats across those eight seasons.

His best offensive year was 1973 with the Angels. That season, Stanton hit .270 with 77 RBIs and 14 home runs, setting his career high in RBIs.

He showed good power throughout his career, hitting 62 home runs total. Most of those came during his Angels years.

His slugging percentage topped out at .398 in 1973. Not bad for that era.

Speed was also part of his game. Stanton stole 84 bases in his career, including a high of 18 in 1971.

He scored 268 runs over his eight years. His on-base percentage peaked at .335 in 1973, which was probably his most complete offensive season.

Notable Games and Moments

Stanton’s most memorable year was 1973 with the Angels. He played in 158 games, locking down a regular spot in the outfield.

His performance that year helped the Angels step up their offense. Stanton was a key contributor.

In July 1973, he really got hot. Stanton hit over .300 for the month, adding several home runs and clutch RBIs in tight games.

He had plenty of multi-hit games over his career. Stanton’s knack for coming through in big moments made him valuable to his teams.

His defense in the outfield earned respect from teammates and coaches. He was reliable with the glove and read fly balls well.

Awards and Recognitions

Stanton never picked up major individual awards during his MLB career. Still, people recognized him as a solid role player and a real contributor.

Fans loved his consistent play with the Angels from 1971-1975. Local media often praised his work ethic and team-first attitude.

Baseball scouts liked his ability to play multiple outfield spots. Managers valued that flexibility.

Teammates respected his approach to the game. They often mentioned how professional and dedicated he was.

He never made an All-Star team, but Stanton’s steady production over eight seasons proved his worth as a major leaguer.

Retirement in 1978

Leroy Stanton ended his pro baseball career in 1978 after playing 11 seasons in the majors. That was a time when a lot of his peers were also stepping away from the game.

Circumstances of Retirement

Stanton retired after the 1978 season at age 33. He spent his last years as a utility outfielder and pinch hitter for the Seattle Mariners.

By 1978, his playing time had dropped off. Stanton only appeared in 67 games that year, hitting .227 with not much offensive impact.

Age and a dip in performance pushed him toward retirement. He had been a regular starter for much of his career with the Mets, Angels, and Mariners.

He decided not to chase opportunities with other clubs. After over a decade in pro ball, his body had taken enough, and he was ready for the next chapter.

Impact on Baseball

Stanton’s retirement closed the book on a solid big league career that ran from 1970 to 1978. He left with a .244 average and 77 home runs.

His exit was part of a generational shift in baseball. A lot of players who broke in during the early ’70s were retiring around then.

Teams valued Stanton for his versatility and professional approach. He could handle multiple outfield spots and always gave a solid effort.

His retirement opened up roster spots for younger players. The Mariners and other teams were looking to the future with new talent.

Public and Media Reactions

Stanton’s retirement got modest coverage in the baseball press. People respected him as a journeyman player who put together a solid, if not flashy, career.

Seattle newspapers noted his contributions to the Mariners during their early years. The team was still pretty new, having started in 1977.

Players and coaches spoke well of Stanton’s work ethic and professionalism. He had a reputation as a good teammate who helped younger guys.

Fans who followed his career appreciated his steady play and reliability. Stanton was never a superstar, but he was always consistent.

His retirement felt like a natural end to a solid pro career. The baseball community wished him the best as he moved on.

Legacy and Influence

Leroy Stanton’s legacy in baseball goes beyond just his stats from a decade-long career. He made an impact through his work with young players and his dedication to community service.

Contributions to Baseball

Stanton played a big part in developing outfield techniques during the 1970s. His defense in center field set new standards for positioning and route-running, which influenced coaching for years.

He had a knack for reading fly balls quickly, helping him cover more ground than most players of his time.

Stanton’s approach to hitting left-handed pitching became a model for platoon players. He showed how specialized roles could help a team win.

His attitude and work ethic earned respect all around. Players from that era still remember how seriously he prepared for games.

Mentorship and Community Involvement

After retiring in 1978, Stanton worked with youth baseball programs back home. He focused on teaching outfield fundamentals to young players.

He spent time at local high schools, helping coaches improve their training. His major league experience brought valuable insights to these programs.

Stanton also appeared at baseball clinics throughout the 1980s. He helped hundreds of kids learn the right techniques and develop their skills.

He stayed committed to giving back to the sport for years after his playing days. Passing on his knowledge to the next generation mattered to him.

Personal Life and Net Worth

After his baseball days ended in 1978, Leroy Stanton settled into a quieter life away from the spotlight.

Details about his personal finances are pretty limited, but his 13-year MLB career gave him a solid foundation.

Life After Baseball

Leroy Stanton mostly kept to himself after he retired from professional baseball. He slipped into private life, steering clear of the media attention that had swirled around him during his career.

Instead of jumping into coaching or broadcasting like a lot of former players, Stanton went his own way. He put more energy into his personal interests and family, deciding not to chase the baseball spotlight.

He stayed in touch with a few old teammates and colleagues. Still, you wouldn’t often spot him at baseball events or reunions after he hung up his cleats.

Stanton tried his hand at various business ventures. He looked for opportunities outside of sports, but honestly, most details about what he did remain pretty private.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

No one’s ever shared Stanton’s exact net worth publicly. He played 13 years in the MLB, from 1965 to 1978, and earned a steady paycheck—though salaries back then were a far cry from what players get now.

In the 1970s, most MLB players made somewhere between $25,000 and $75,000 a year. Stanton, being a regular, probably landed somewhere in that range for most of his career.

He played for several teams, like the New York Mets, California Angels, and Seattle Mariners. Those contracts gave him a solid base to build on after baseball.

MLB pensions and benefits back then didn’t match what today’s stars enjoy. Still, Stanton’s long run in the league meant he qualified for retirement benefits that kicked in after 1978.