Bill Champion – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Bill Champion wrapped up his eight-year Major League Baseball career in 1976. He started out as a right-handed pitcher who had to overcome some tough breaks, but he eventually found his footing with two different teams. Born Buford Billy Champion on September 18, 1947, he pulled together a solid career, even when things looked pretty rough at times—honestly, a lot of players might’ve given up.

Champion appeared in 202 games over eight seasons from 1969 to 1976, splitting his time between the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers. An elbow injury finally forced him to retire. His story is really about sticking it out. He went from a pitcher on the brink of quitting to a guy who added four new pitches and posted his best season in 1974.

Growing up in North Carolina and playing his last pro game years later, Champion’s path shows just how much determination you need to make it in baseball. He worked his way through the minors, had some big moments, and made an impact both on and off the field. You can see how he squeezed every bit out of his talent, even when the odds weren’t in his favor.

Early Life and Background

Bill Champion was born September 18, 1947, in Shelby, North Carolina. That’s where he picked up the basics that eventually got him to the big leagues.

His full name was Buford Billy Champion, but everyone in baseball just called him Bill.

Family and Childhood in Hazlehurst, Georgia

Champion grew up in a small-town setting in North Carolina. Shelby was home, and it stayed important to him throughout his career.

He spent his early years in Shelby, attending Shelby High School. That school played a huge role in shaping him as an athlete.

The tight-knit community around him helped support his ambitions. Shelby stayed close to his heart, and after his career, he came back home. He even passed away in Shelby, nearly 70 years after he was born there.

Youth Baseball and Early Passion for the Sport

Champion’s talent for baseball started showing at Shelby High School. As a right-handed pitcher, he caught the eyes of pro scouts before he even graduated.

The Philadelphia Phillies noticed him early and picked him in the third round of the 1965 MLB June Amateur Draft, 58th overall. He got drafted straight out of high school, which says a lot about his skill level back then.

Getting picked so young showed just how much raw talent he had. The Phillies took a chance on him, and as he moved up through their minor league system, he proved it was a good bet.

Professional Baseball Career

Bill Champion played eight years in Major League Baseball from 1969 to 1976. He pitched right-handed for both the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers. Before making it to the majors, he dominated in the minors, even leading his league in ERA twice.

Minor League Achievements and ERA Leadership

The Phillies drafted Champion in the 3rd round (58th overall) of the 1965 MLB June Amateur Draft from Shelby High School. His minor league numbers looked promising, and he kept getting better.

He led the Northern League in ERA with the Huron Phillies in 1965, his first season as a pro. That was a big deal for a rookie.

In 1968, he did it again, leading the Carolina League in ERA with the Tidewater Tides. That second ERA title proved he was ready for the next level.

Those back-to-back ERA crowns put Champion on the map as one of the Phillies’ top pitching prospects. He had a knack for keeping runs off the board, which made him valuable to the organization.

Major League Debut and Early Years with Philadelphia Phillies

Champion made his MLB debut on June 4, 1969, with the Philadelphia Phillies. He spent his first four big league seasons with the team that drafted him.

From 1969 to 1972, Champion became a steady part of the Phillies’ pitching staff. He took the mound in plenty of games and got a real taste of top-level competition.

He learned a lot by facing major league hitters. His early years showed flashes of the talent that made him a top prospect, but he also ran into the reality of how tough the majors can be.

Champion spent four seasons in Philadelphia, building up experience that would help him later in his career.

Notable Trade and Transition to Milwaukee Brewers

On October 31, 1972, the Phillies traded Champion, along with Don Money and John Vukovich, to the Milwaukee Brewers. In exchange, the Phillies got Jim Lonborg, Ken Brett, Ken Sanders, and Earl Stephenson.

That seven-player deal changed Champion’s path. He played his last four big league seasons with the Brewers from 1973 to 1976.

Champion’s final MLB game came on June 5, 1976, for Milwaukee. His career stats ended up at 34 wins, 50 losses, a 4.69 ERA, and 360 strikeouts in 202 games.

The trade gave him a fresh start with a new team. Those years in Milwaukee closed out his eight-season run in the majors.

Highlights and Career Accomplishments

Bill Champion’s eight years in the majors included his best season with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1974. He built a reputation as a reliable swingman who could both start and come out of the bullpen. With 202 career games and 360 strikeouts, he showed plenty of durability for two different franchises.

Noteworthy Performances with the Brewers

Champion’s top year came in 1974 with the Brewers. He finished with an 11-4 record and a 3.62 ERA over 31 games.

That season, he pitched a career-high 161 2/3 innings. His numbers in 1974 stood out as his best in both wins and ERA.

He started just over half his games, making 102 starts out of 202 appearances. That kind of versatility made him a valuable piece for both the Phillies and Brewers.

Managers liked having him around because he could do a little bit of everything. Champion’s ability to switch between starting and relieving gave teams some real options.

Major League Statistics and Career Milestones

Champion finished his MLB career with a 34-50 record and a 4.69 ERA from 1969 to 1976. He racked up 360 strikeouts over those eight seasons.

He played 202 games for two teams. The Phillies had him from 1969 to 1972, then he moved to the Brewers for 1973 to 1976.

The Phillies picked him in the 3rd round (58th overall) of the 1965 MLB June Amateur Draft, straight out of Shelby High School.

Before the majors, Champion won two Minor League ERA titles—one with the Huron Phillies in 1965 and another with the Tidewater Tides in 1968.

Recognition and Reputation in Baseball

People respected Champion as a pitcher who could handle whatever the team needed. He didn’t mind taking on different roles, which made him a good teammate.

After hanging up his cleats, Champion stayed in baseball as a scout and coach. He scouted for the Chicago Cubs and worked as a pitching coach for the Greenville Braves.

His big league experience made him a solid judge of talent and a helpful mentor. Champion really understood pitching mechanics and how to handle game situations, which served him well after his playing days.

Folks in baseball remembered him as a hard worker who knew the game inside and out. Moving from player to coach just showed how much he cared about the sport.

Final Seasons and Retirement in 1976

In his last years in the majors, Bill Champion faced tougher times and fewer chances to play. His career wrapped up after eight seasons, with his last game on June 5, 1976, against the Kansas City Royals.

Final MLB Season and Retirement Decision

Champion’s 1976 season with the Brewers turned out to be his last in pro baseball. That year, he struggled quite a bit.

His final game was on June 5, 1976, facing the Kansas City Royals. He pitched 2 innings, gave up 6 hits and 5 earned runs, struck out just 1, and walked 1. That outing ended in a loss, capping off his MLB career on a tough note.

At just 28, Champion was still pretty young for a ballplayer, but his struggles probably played a big part in his decision to retire. The drop-off from his 1974 peak made it clear his time in the majors was winding down.

Champion’s last season stats showed just how tough things had gotten. It was obvious his big league run was near the end.

Legacy as a Retired Baseball Player

After retiring, Champion didn’t leave baseball behind. He became a scout for the Chicago Cubs and used his pitching background to spot up-and-coming talent.

He also worked as a pitching coach for the Greenville Braves, passing on his experience to younger players.

Champion played eight MLB seasons, finishing with 34 wins, 50 losses, a 4.69 ERA, and 360 strikeouts in 202 games. He started 102 of those games for the Phillies and Brewers.

His best year was 1974, notching an 11-4 record with Milwaukee. Champion stayed close to his North Carolina roots, eventually moving back to Shelby, where his baseball story began.

Post-Retirement Contributions

When his playing days ended in 1976, Bill Champion moved into roles that let him share his baseball know-how with others. He worked as a scout for the Chicago Cubs and as a pitching coach for the Greenville Braves.

Scouting for Chicago Cubs

Champion joined the Cubs as a scout after retirement. His eight years in the majors gave him a sharp eye for pitching talent.

Scouts play a big part in finding and developing new players. Champion’s background helped him size up pitching prospects.

Key scouting responsibilities included:

• Checking out amateur players at high schools and colleges
• Watching player development in the minors
• Writing up detailed reports on player skills and potential

He knew firsthand what it took to succeed in the majors. Champion could spot the mental and physical traits needed for the big leagues.

The Cubs valued his ability to judge pitching and break down player mechanics. His experience facing top hitters gave him a unique point of view.

Coaching and Development with Greenville Braves

Champion also worked as a pitching coach for the Greenville Braves, a minor league club where he helped shape young pitchers. He got to work one-on-one with players, sharing tips from his own career.

As a coach, Champion focused on teaching the basics and building mental toughness. His 202 big league appearances gave him real credibility with the players.

Coaching responsibilities included:

• Teaching pitching mechanics and delivery
• Helping players develop strategy and situational smarts
• Mentoring guys on the mental side of pitching

Since he started 102 games and relieved in the rest, Champion knew both roles well. That made him extra helpful to the pitching staff.

Players in Greenville benefited from his practical major league experience. Champion understood the hurdles young pitchers faced and offered advice that really mattered.

He always stressed consistency and preparation—lessons he learned the hard way during his own playing days.

Personal Life and Net Worth

After baseball, Bill Champion went back to Shelby, North Carolina, and worked as a scout and coach. He kept his personal finances private, but his eight years in the majors gave him a solid foundation.

Life Beyond Baseball

After his playing career ended in 1976, Champion jumped into baseball operations. He scouted for the Chicago Cubs.

He also took on the role of pitching coach for the Greenville Braves.

He always stayed close to his North Carolina roots. Champion was born and raised in Shelby, and he went to Shelby High School.

When he retired, he moved back to the same town.

Champion kept a quiet life and avoided the spotlight. He passed away on January 7, 2017, at age 69 in Shelby.

After baseball, he really focused on helping young talent grow in the sport.

Estimated Net Worth and Public Perception

Nobody ever publicly shared Champion’s exact net worth. Back in the 1970s, MLB salaries just didn’t stack up to what players earn now.

Most guys from his era took home pretty modest paychecks compared to today’s athletes. Champion spent eight seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers, which gave him a steady income.

He pitched in 202 games, working both as a starter and a reliever. His 34-50 record and 4.69 ERA show he was a solid contributor, even if he wasn’t a superstar.

After retiring, he kept a pretty low profile. People remembered him as a hardworking pro who helped out two MLB teams.

Champion’s legacy really comes down to his dedication to baseball, not fame or fortune.