Daryl Patterson – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Daryl Patterson pitched for five seasons in Major League Baseball, bouncing around with four teams before calling it quits in 1974. He was born in Coalinga, California, back in 1943, and managed to carve out a solid career, even snagging a World Series ring with the Detroit Tigers in 1968. He also had stints with the Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Patterson played in the majors from 1968 to 1974, putting together an 11-9 record with a 3.86 ERA over 142 appearances. This right-handed pitcher stood tall at 6’4″, giving bullpens some needed depth. He really shined early on with Detroit, posting a sharp 2.12 ERA as a rookie.

He wrapped up his career in 1974 with Pittsburgh, closing the book on a journey filled with both highlights and rough patches. From his World Series debut as a rookie to that last game against Montreal, Patterson’s story mirrors the ups and downs that so many relief pitchers faced during the golden era of baseball in the late ’60s and early ’70s.

Daryl Patterson’s Early Life and Background

Daryl Alan Patterson came into the world on November 21, 1943, in Coalinga, California. At first, he chased basketball, but eventually, he realized baseball was his true calling.

He switched sports in college, and that decision would shape everything that followed.

Birthplace and Family

Patterson grew up in Coalinga, a small farming town tucked away in the San Joaquin Valley. The place was more famous for oil fields and agriculture than for churning out pro athletes.

He spent his childhood in this working-class setting through the ’40s and ’50s. His family always backed his love of sports.

Standing at 6-foot-4, Patterson looked like he was built for sports. That height got him thinking about basketball first.

Growing up in a small California town gave Patterson a gritty work ethic. That background stuck with him as he moved up in baseball.

High School and College Baseball

Patterson finished up at Coalinga High School in 1962. That fall, he headed to the College of the Sequoias in Visalia, California.

He originally wanted to play point guard on the basketball team. With his height and athleticism, it seemed like a good fit.

But things changed when he pitched for an amateur club in Melville, Saskatchewan. Since it was just amateur ball, he didn’t lose his college eligibility.

That experience nudged Patterson toward baseball. At the College of the Sequoias, he played for coach Roy Taylor.

During his time there, the team went 30-29-1 overall, with a 20-20 record in conference play. Not flashy, but not bad either.

The school actually produced a few future big leaguers. Besides Patterson, pitchers Jack Aker and Bob Ojeda, outfielder Jim Wohlford, and Brad Mills all made it to the majors.

Path to Major League Baseball

Scout Dwight “Red” Adams signed Patterson as a free agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers. That move got him into pro baseball.

The Dodgers had plans to send him to their Triple-A team, the Spokane Indians. But for whatever reason, he never pitched in their system.

In November 1964, the Detroit Tigers picked Patterson in the first-year minor league draft. That moment really changed his trajectory.

Patterson started working his way up through the Tigers’ minor league system. He played for the Toledo Mud Hens, who won the 1967 Governor’s Cup as International League champs.

The Mud Hens beat the Columbus Jets in five games in a best-of-seven series. Toledo ended the regular season 73-66, finishing third and seven games behind the leaders.

That minor league run set Patterson up for his major league debut. He made the jump to Detroit with teammates Wayne Comer and John Hiller the next year.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Patterson spent five years in the majors from 1968 to 1974, suiting up for four teams. He finished with an 11-9 record, a 4.09 ERA, and 142 strikeouts in 142 games.

Debut with the Detroit Tigers

Daryl Patterson first took the mound in the big leagues on April 10, 1968, for the Detroit Tigers. He came in against the Boston Red Sox, threw two innings, gave up just one hit, and struck out two.

He quickly earned a reputation as a dependable relief pitcher during his rookie season. Patterson appeared in 38 games—37 out of the bullpen—and put up a stellar 2.12 ERA.

One of his best moments happened on July 27, 1968. He entered with the bases loaded and nobody out, then struck out all three batters to get out of the jam.

By the end of the 1968 season, the rookie had 49 strikeouts and seven saves in 68 innings. His strong showing helped the Tigers reach the World Series, where he pitched three innings in Games 3 and 4 without giving up an earned run.

Seasons and Teams Played For

Patterson spent most of his career with the Detroit Tigers from 1968 to 1971. After a great rookie year, his ERA rose to 2.82 in 1969 and 4.85 in 1970.

Things got tense in 1971 when Patterson clashed with new manager Billy Martin. Martin accused him of intentionally balking in a run, which Patterson called “the craziest thing I’d ever heard.” The team traded him on May 22, 1971.

The Tigers sent Patterson to the Oakland Athletics for John Donaldson. He struggled in Oakland, putting up a 7.94 ERA in just four games before the A’s sold him to the St. Louis Cardinals on June 25, 1971.

With the Cardinals, Patterson played in 13 games and posted a 4.39 ERA over 26⅔ innings. After two years in the minors, he made it back to the majors with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1974 for one last season.

Career Milestones and Highlights

Patterson’s biggest achievement came as a rookie, helping the Detroit Tigers win the 1968 World Series. His clutch pitching during the season and in the Series made him a key part of that championship run.

He pitched in 142 major league games, starting only three times. Patterson worked mostly out of the bullpen, notching 11 saves in his career.

His stats: an 11-9 win-loss record, a 4.09 ERA, and 142 strikeouts in 231 innings. He hit left-handed but threw right, standing 6’4″ and weighing in at 192 pounds.

One wild moment happened on July 14, 1974, in a brawl with the Cincinnati Reds. Reds pitcher Pedro Borbón bit Patterson and pulled his hair, so Patterson had to get a tetanus shot afterward.

Patterson’s last major league game came on September 14, 1974, against the Montreal Expos. He ended his career hitless at the plate, going 0-for-35 with one RBI.

Pitching Performance and Key Statistics

Daryl Patterson’s five-year MLB run had its ups and downs. He finished with an 11-9 record and a 4.09 ERA over 231 innings. His WHIP sat at 1.481, which shows he struggled with control, but 142 strikeouts showed he could get hitters out.

WHIP and ERA Analysis

Patterson’s career WHIP of 1.481 pointed to command issues. That stat means he allowed almost one and a half baserunners per inning.

His best year was 1968 with Detroit, when he posted a 2.12 ERA and a 1.176 WHIP. He gave up just 7.0 hits per nine innings that year, his career low.

In 1974 with Pittsburgh, things went off the rails. Patterson’s WHIP jumped to 2.095, and his ERA soared to 7.29. He allowed 15.0 hits per nine innings, which helped push him toward retirement.

His career 4.09 ERA was a bit below league average for most of his seasons. He did better in the American League (3.68 ERA) than in the National League (5.66 ERA).

Strikeouts, Saves, and Win-Loss Record

Over his career, Patterson struck out 142 batters, averaging 5.5 strikeouts per nine innings. His strikeout-to-walk ratio was 1.19, so control was always a bit of a problem.

He picked up 11 saves, with seven coming during his impressive 1968 rookie year. Patterson almost always came out of the bullpen, starting just three games out of 142.

His 11-9 record (.550 winning percentage) looks solid, considering some of his other stats. In 1970, he went 7-1, even though his ERA was 4.85.

Patterson’s best stretch came with Detroit from 1968 to 1971, as he went 9-7 with a 3.55 ERA.

Notable Games and Achievements

Patterson won a World Series ring with the Detroit Tigers in 1968, even if his postseason innings were limited. He still gave the bullpen valuable depth during Detroit’s championship run.

His peak season was 1968, when he posted a 2.12 ERA over 38 games. He struck out 49 and walked 27 in 68 innings.

In 1970, he had his best win-loss record at 7-1, though his 4.85 ERA makes you wonder if the offense bailed him out. He pitched in 43 games that year, all in relief.

Patterson’s career came to a close after a tough 1974 season with Pittsburgh. He gave up 35 hits in just 21 innings, and that was the end of his pro baseball days.

1974 Season and Retirement

Patterson made it back to the majors in 1974 with the Pittsburgh Pirates after spending the previous year in the minors. His final MLB season didn’t go well, and he decided to retire from professional baseball at just 30.

Final MLB Season with Pittsburgh Pirates

Daryl Patterson returned to the majors on June 15, 1974, at Three Rivers Stadium. He pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates in what would be his last season, managed by Danny Murtaugh.

In his first game back, he faced the San Francisco Giants. He got Bobby Bonds to ground out with two outs in the eighth.

The Pirates took the National League East with an 88-74 record that year. Still, Patterson didn’t make the postseason roster for the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers.

Patterson once said, “nobody could handle pitchers like Danny Murtaugh.” Even so, his performance just wasn’t enough for the playoffs.

The Pirates lost the NLCS to the Dodgers, three games to one. Patterson watched from the dugout as the team played on without him.

Performance in 1974

Patterson’s 1974 numbers really showed his struggles. He finished with a 2-1 record in 14 appearances with one save and eight strikeouts.

His 7.29 ERA was way up from previous seasons. That year marked a steep decline from his earlier days.

His last big-league outing came on September 14 in Montreal. The Pirates lost 17-2 to the Expos at Parc Jarry—a game Patterson later called “bizarre.”

He came in during the sixth inning and threw 2⅔ innings. Patterson gave up eight runs on nine hits, walked two, and struck out two.

Mike Jorgensen took him deep for a home run in that final appearance. Patterson later admitted, “I didn’t have anything that day.”

Announcing Retirement

Patterson retired from professional baseball after the 1974 season wrapped up. At just 30, he decided to step away after seven seasons in the majors.

He played from 1968 to 1974 for teams like the Detroit Tigers, Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Patterson picked up a World Series ring with the Tigers in 1968.

After hanging up his glove, Patterson jumped into a new line of work with Pacific Gas & Electric. He stuck with the company for twenty years, working his way up from helper to chief inspector.

He took part in a major $7 billion hydroelectric project. Patterson really managed to pull off a successful switch from pro athlete to the business world.

He settled down in Clovis, California, and stayed there after his baseball days ended. Every so often, he’d reconnect with the game at reunions with old teammates.

Legacy and Recognition

Daryl Patterson left his mark on baseball, especially as part of the Detroit Tigers’ 1968 World Series championship team. You can still find his stats in baseball’s official records.

He kept in touch with the sport through reunions and historical celebrations, even decades after he played.

Impact on the Detroit Tigers

Patterson played a big part for the Tigers during their 1968 World Series run. He got into 38 games that season, posting a sharp 2.12 ERA and seven saves.

During the World Series against the Cardinals, Patterson pitched three innings over two games. He threw a perfect seventh inning in Game 3 at Tiger Stadium.

In Game 4, he pitched two innings of relief and only let two runners reach base. Both got caught stealing.

He once joked about his timing, saying he joined Detroit “just in time to get a ring.” That 1968 championship, the first since 1945, remains a huge part of his legacy.

Patterson also pitched for the Toledo Mud Hens, who won the 1967 Governor’s Cup as International League champs. That minor league win led straight to his big league debut with Detroit the next season.

Baseball Almanac and Historical Records

You can find Patterson’s career stats in official baseball records and books like the ESPN Baseball Encyclopedia. He pitched in the majors from 1968 to 1974, finishing with a 13-11 record and a 4.16 ERA.

Career Statistics:

• Games Played: 128
• Wins: 13
• Losses: 11
• Saves: 10
• ERA: 4.16

His standout season came in 1970 with Detroit. Patterson went 7-1 in 43 games, racking up seven straight wins in relief.

Sites like Baseball Reference and other databases still track his performances. His World Series outings are especially well-documented, showing off his clutch pitching during Detroit’s title run.

Post-Retirement Involvement in Baseball

Patterson stayed involved with baseball through reunions and special events. In 2007, he attended a reunion for the 1967 Toledo Mud Hens when the team celebrated their Governor’s Cup championship.

After his 20 years at Pacific Gas & Electric, he settled in Clovis, California. He started as a helper and moved up to chief inspector at the utility company.

The 2008 book “Sock It To ‘Em Tigers, The Incredible Story of the 1968 Detroit Tigers” featured Patterson’s story. His interviews and memories helped keep the spirit of that championship season alive.

He still remembers facing legends like Mickey Mantle. Patterson once recalled striking out Mantle with “one of the best breaking balls I ever threw in my life” during a 1968 game at Yankee Stadium.

Personal Life and Net Worth Information

After leaving professional baseball in 1974, Patterson moved into the utility industry. These days, he lives in Clovis, California, and keeps in touch with his baseball past through occasional reunions.

Life After Baseball

Patterson found his way from baseball to the corporate world after retiring in 1974. He joined Pacific Gas & Electric, one of California’s biggest utility companies, starting out as a helper.

He spent two decades moving up the ranks and eventually became chief inspector. That same work ethic he had on the mound served him well in business.

He worked on a huge $7 billion hydroelectric project, which really highlighted his technical and management skills.

A lot of former athletes end up starting new careers after sports. Patterson’s smooth transition shows how he adapted and thrived in a new field.

Current Whereabouts

Patterson calls Clovis, California home, right in the San Joaquin Valley. That keeps him pretty close to his hometown of Coalinga and his Central California roots.

In 2007, he showed up for a special Toledo Mud Hens reunion. The event brought together members of the 1967 Governor’s Cup team, and old teammates got to catch up after so many years.

These baseball reunions have become important for Patterson in his retirement. They give him a chance to relive his playing days and keep old friendships going.

Now 81, Patterson lives quietly in the Clovis area, far from the spotlight that once followed him as a ballplayer.

Estimated Net Worth

Nobody’s released any solid info about Daryl Patterson’s current net worth. Most of his financial stability probably comes from his 20 years with Pacific Gas & Electric, not from his time on the baseball field.

Back in the 1960s and 1970s, pro baseball players didn’t make anything close to the salaries guys get now. Players in Patterson’s era usually couldn’t count on baseball alone to set them up for life.

He worked two decades at a major utility company, which must’ve given him a steady paycheck and decent retirement benefits. If you look at chief inspector positions at Pacific Gas & Electric, those jobs usually came with pretty competitive compensation.

So, if he’s built up any wealth over the years, it’s probably thanks to his utility career, pension, and typical retirement investments, not from anything baseball-related.