Jim Beauchamp – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jim Beauchamp spent a decade grinding it out in Major League Baseball, showing real grit and determination. Born in Vinita, Oklahoma, in 1939, he built a solid reputation as a utility player and pinch hitter, bouncing between several teams from 1963 to 1973.

Beauchamp retired from professional baseball after the 1973 season, closing out his career with the New York Mets and helping them reach the World Series.

Growing up in Oklahoma, Beauchamp learned to make the most of his abilities, even when things didn’t go his way. Early injuries—like a concussion from slamming into a concrete wall and shoulder surgery—kept him from becoming the power hitter many expected.

He spent over ten years moving between the minors and majors, suiting up for five different teams: the St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Colt .45s/Astros, Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and New York Mets.

His career batting average? .231, with 14 home runs and 90 RBIs in 393 games. Not exactly eye-popping, but numbers don’t tell the whole story. Beauchamp carved out a niche as a dependable bench player and pinch hitter, especially during his last years with the Mets.

After he hung up his cleats in 1973, Beauchamp moved into coaching and player development. He became a respected figure in the Atlanta Braves organization for many years.

Early Life and Background

Jim Beauchamp was born on August 21, 1939, in Vinita, Oklahoma. He was the youngest of three kids born to Dennis and Beulah Beatrice Hurst Beauchamp.

Growing up in Grove, Oklahoma, Jim showed off his athletic skills in several sports. The St. Louis Cardinals signed him in 1958, right out of high school.

Childhood and Education

James Edward Beauchamp grew up in a family that cared about both education and sports. His dad, Dennis, worked as a lawyer alongside his own father, E.H. Beauchamp, so there was a bit of a family legacy there.

The family eventually moved to Grove, Oklahoma, where Jim went to Grove High School. His uncle handed him his first baseball glove—a Frankie Crosetti model—and his dad taught him the basics of hitting and fielding.

At Grove High, Beauchamp stood out as a multi-sport athlete. He averaged 25.2 points per game as a senior in basketball and made the All-State second team. On the track, he finished second in the 100-yard dash at the state meet, showing off his speed.

Even though his high school baseball team didn’t play many games, Beauchamp’s natural talent got people talking. Some even compared him to Mickey Mantle, another Oklahoma legend.

College scouts and pro teams both took notice. After graduating high school, Beauchamp started at Oklahoma State University in the fall of 1957.

His college stint didn’t last long—just one semester. Professional baseball came calling, and he couldn’t say no.

Entry into Professional Baseball

In spring 1958, Beauchamp left Oklahoma State and signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. The deal included a hefty $50,000 signing bonus, which showed the Cardinals really believed in him.

Freddie Hawn, the scout who signed him, already had a track record for finding talent. Hawn had signed the McDaniel brothers—Lindy, Von, and Kerry Don—all pitchers from Hollis, Oklahoma.

The Cardinals didn’t waste time, sending Beauchamp straight to the York White Roses in the Class-A Eastern League. They clearly saw him as more than just a project.

He was one of the youngest players in the league, but he held his own. In 1958, he batted .259 over 114 games, which isn’t bad for a teenager jumping straight into pro ball.

That first year earned him a promotion to the Tulsa Oilers in the Double-A Texas League for 1959. It was the start of his long journey through the Cardinals’ farm system.

MLB Playing Career Overview

Jim Beauchamp played in Major League Baseball for 10 seasons between 1963 and 1973. He posted a .231 batting average over 393 games.

He bounced around seven different teams, mostly filling the utility player role. He handled both first base and outfield.

Debut and Early Years

Beauchamp made his MLB debut on September 22, 1963, with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was 24 years old and went hitless in three at-bats during a short September call-up.

The Cardinals had picked him up in 1957, right after his brief time at Oklahoma State. He finally got his shot at the majors after tearing up the minors in 1963.

That year, playing for the Double-A Tulsa Oilers, he hit .337 with 31 home runs and 105 RBIs. He also racked up 35 doubles and 10 triples, scoring 95 runs.

He won the 1963 Texas League MVP Award. They even put up a sign outside Tulsa’s Oiler Park showing his batting stance, and it stayed there until the stadium came down in 1980.

Teams Played For

Over his MLB career, Beauchamp played for five organizations:

• St. Louis Cardinals (1963, 1970-1971)
• Houston Colt .45s/Astros (1964-1965, 1970)
• Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves (1965, 1967)
• Cincinnati Reds (1968-1969)
• New York Mets (1972-1973)

He changed teams often, which came with the territory as a utility player. The Cardinals traded him to Houston in February 1964, along with Chuck Taylor, for outfielder Carl Warwick.

He landed with the Atlanta Braves in 1965 in a deal involving Ken Johnson and Lee Maye. The Reds got him in October 1967, as part of a trade that included Mack Jones and Jay Ritchie.

Beauchamp wrapped up his big league career with the Mets after a multi-player trade in October 1971. He played in four games during the Mets’ 1973 World Series run but didn’t get a hit in his four at-bats.

Key Positions and Roles

Beauchamp played both first base and outfield throughout his MLB days. He stood 6’2″ and weighed 205 pounds, batting and throwing right-handed.

He mostly contributed as a bench player who could fill in at different spots. His career fielding percentage was .979.

He showed flashes of power in the minors, but couldn’t quite put it all together offensively in the majors. He finished with 14 home runs and 90 RBIs in 393 games.

His best years at the plate came with the Mets. He hit .242 in 1972 and .279 in 1973. That last season, he played in 50 games as the Mets won the National League pennant.

By the end, Beauchamp had become a veteran pinch-hitter and clubhouse presence. He drew 54 walks and struck out 150 times in his career, showing some patience at the plate, even if his average was modest.

Tenure with New York Mets

Jim Beauchamp landed with the New York Mets in October 1971 through an eight-player trade with the Cardinals. He spent his last two seasons with the Mets, mostly coming off the bench and pinch-hitting during their memorable 1973 run.

Joining the Mets

The Mets picked up Beauchamp on October 19, 1971, in a big trade with St. Louis. The deal sent Beauchamp, pitchers Chuck Taylor and Harry Parker, plus infielder Chip Coulter, to New York.

In return, the Cardinals got outfielder Art Shamsky and pitchers Jim Bibby, Rich Folkers, and Charlie Hudson. For Beauchamp, this was the seventh and last team change of his career.

The Mets saw him as a veteran who could help as a backup outfielder and steady pinch-hitter. His experience across several teams made him a good fit for their bench.

1973 Season Performance

Beauchamp’s 1973 season with the Mets was probably his most memorable. He hit .279 in 61 at-bats, mainly as a pinch-hitter and reserve.

His big moment came on May 13 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He drove in four runs, helping the Mets win 6-4. Not bad for a guy off the bench.

The Mets finished the season 82-79 but still won the National League East. They knocked off the heavily favored Cincinnati Reds to reach the World Series.

Beauchamp’s steady presence and professionalism helped the team during their surprising playoff run. He had 46 career pinch hits, showing his knack for coming through in tough spots.

Role in the 1973 World Series

Manager Yogi Berra called on Beauchamp four times as a pinch-hitter in the 1973 World Series against the Oakland Athletics. He didn’t manage a hit in those at-bats.

That World Series marked the end of Beauchamp’s playing career. The Mets lost in seven games, and Beauchamp’s final at-bat came on September 20, 1973.

Even though he went hitless, Beauchamp brought a veteran presence to a young Mets squad. His experience and attitude were valuable during their playoff push.

Notable Seasons with Atlanta Braves

Beauchamp spent parts of 1965 to 1967 with the Atlanta Braves, but playing time was hard to come by. He struggled to break through as a regular in his short stint there.

Time with the Braves

Jim Beauchamp joined the Milwaukee Braves in 1965, coming over from the Houston Astros with pitcher Ken Johnson for outfielder Lee Maye.

His first season with the Braves was rough. He played just four games in 1965 and didn’t get a hit in his limited at-bats.

The team moved to Atlanta in 1967, but things didn’t get easier. Beauchamp again played only four games, going 0-for-4 at the plate.

During those years, he spent most of his time in the minors. In 1966, he played for the Richmond Braves, hitting .319 with 25 homers and 77 RBIs in 115 games. Still, that success didn’t open doors at the major league level.

Contributions and Achievements

Beauchamp’s on-field contributions to the Braves as a player were pretty limited—just eight games over two seasons.

He did stay connected to the Braves, though. After his playing days, he returned to Atlanta as a coach, serving as bench coach from 1991 to 1998.

His biggest impact with the Braves came after he stopped playing. Beauchamp was on the coaching staff when the team won the 1995 World Series. Later, he worked as the minor league outfield coordinator.

The Braves were one of seven organizations Beauchamp played for. His struggles there kind of summed up the challenges he faced trying to translate minor league success into a steady big league job.

Retirement from Baseball in 1973

Jim Beauchamp’s baseball career wrapped up after the 1973 season, ending a decade in the major leagues. The New York Mets released him before the 1974 season, and that’s when he decided to retire from professional baseball.

Final Games and Transition

Beauchamp wrapped up his final major league appearances during the 1973 World Series against the Oakland Athletics.

His last at-bat came in Game 7. He struck out looking against Ken Holtzman in the 5th inning, with the Mets trailing 4-0.

He went 0-4 as a pinch hitter throughout the World Series. In Game 1, he popped out to Darold Knowles for the second out in the 9th inning of a 2-1 loss.

Game 2 brought his most productive moment. In the 6th inning, he hit a fielder’s choice that scored Jerry Grote for the Mets’ 6th run in their extra-inning win.

Game 3 at Shea Stadium was almost his last. He lined out in the 8th inning.

He made his final career plate appearance four games later.

End of Playing Career

The Mets released Beauchamp before the 1974 season, which ended his playing career. At 34, he chose retirement instead of chasing opportunities with other teams.

Career Statistics:

• Games played: 393
• Batting average: .231
• Home runs: 14
• RBIs: 90
• Teams: 5 (Cardinals, Astros, Braves, Reds, Mets)

He jumped straight into coaching and managing in the minor leagues. The St. Louis Cardinals brought him on board in 1974, thanks in part to Bing Devine.

His two seasons with the Mets gave him his most stable stretch in the majors. He played 108 games, hit .254, and added 5 home runs and 33 RBIs, mostly as a pinch hitter and backup first baseman.

Post-Playing Baseball Involvement

After he retired as a player in 1973, Jim Beauchamp stayed deeply involved in baseball for decades. He spent an incredible 50 years in the game.

He found success as a minor league manager and later became a respected coach with the Atlanta Braves. He even contributed to their 1995 World Series championship.

Minor League Managerial Career

Beauchamp switched from player to manager in the minors right after retiring. People knew him as an old-school manager who always expected maximum effort.

He didn’t sugarcoat things. If players slacked off, he let them know, sometimes in pretty colorful terms. He truly believed baseball demanded total commitment.

His time managing in the minors prepared him well for coaching later on. Working with young players gave him a real sense of player development and the grind of moving up through pro baseball.

He learned how to motivate players and spot talent. Those skills became even more valuable when he joined MLB coaching staffs.

Coaching with Atlanta Braves

Jim Beauchamp made his biggest mark after playing as a coach with the Atlanta Braves. He spent decades with the organization, including during their best years.

He served as a coach for the Atlanta Braves during their 1995 World Series title season. That championship really marked the high point of his post-playing career and showed just how much he brought to a winning team.

His connection with the Braves ran deep. He became the only player to wear an Atlanta uniform in three different Atlanta ballparks: Ponce de Leon Park with the Atlanta Crackers, Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium, and Turner Field.

He focused on fundamentals and consistent effort. That approach fit right in with the Braves’ culture during their 1990s run.

Influence on Baseball after Retirement

Beauchamp’s impact on baseball went way beyond his stats. With 50 years in pro ball, he earned respect all over the sport.

He built strong relationships with other baseball folks, especially Bobby Cox. They started as teammates in Richmond and stayed close, which mattered a lot in both their Braves and Blue Jays days.

Grove, Oklahoma, his hometown, honored him by naming their high school field “Jim Beauchamp Field.” The field hosts both the Qualate-Pritchard American Legion team and the Ridgerunner Baseball team.

Beauchamp considered the field dedication his biggest thrill in baseball. For him, it meant more than anything he did as a player. His childhood home sat right across the street from the new ballpark.

Personal Life and Legacy

Jim Beauchamp’s life was about much more than just playing baseball. He built deep family ties and stayed committed to the game through coaching and mentoring.

He passed away on Christmas Day 2007 at age 68, ending a remarkable 50-year career in pro baseball. His legacy still inspires players and coaches today.

Family and Personal Details

James Edward Beauchamp was born August 21, 1939, in Vinita, Oklahoma, to Dennis and Beulah Beatrice Hurst Beauchamp.

His dad worked as a lawyer, practicing with Jim’s grandfather, E.H. Beauchamp, in their family law firm.

Jim was the youngest of three kids. The family moved to Grove, Oklahoma, when he was young.

His uncle played a big part in his baseball journey, giving him his first glove—a Frankie Crosetti model.

Jim’s father taught him how to hit and field from the start. That early coaching helped him become a multi-sport athlete at Grove High School.

The Beauchamp Baseball Legacy:

• Jim played 393 major league games over 11 seasons (1963-1973)
• Father of minor league player and manager Kash Beauchamp
• Family stayed involved in pro baseball

Grove, Oklahoma, honored him in 1971 by naming the high school baseball field “Jim Beauchamp Field.” The ballpark stands across the street from where he grew up.

Impact on Baseball Community

Beauchamp spent 50 years in pro baseball, moving from player to coach and mentor after he retired. He worked as Field Operations Supervisor for the Atlanta Braves until he passed away, showing his lifelong dedication to the game.

His coaching philosophy was all about old-school values and giving everything you had. He didn’t mince words and used some colorful language to fire up players who weren’t putting in the effort.

Key Coaching Relationships:

• Built a close friendship with Bobby Cox while playing together in Richmond
• Both were Oklahoma natives, which helped their bond last over 40 years
• Teamed up in both Toronto Blue Jays and Atlanta Braves organizations

Beauchamp stands alone as the only player to wear an Atlanta uniform in three different Atlanta ballparks. He played for the Atlanta Crackers at Ponce de Leon Park, the Braves at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, and at Turner Field.

He influenced minor league management, too, where he developed young talent. Players and colleagues respected his baseball smarts and his demanding standards.

Recognition and Remembrance

Back on October 21, 1971, Grove, Oklahoma, threw a big celebration for Jim Beauchamp Day. He was only 32 then. Looking back, Beauchamp said this hometown honor meant more to him than anything else he did in baseball, even more than any single game or stat.

Between 1961 and 1980, fans driving by Oiler Park in Tulsa saw a huge sign of Beauchamp in his hitting stance. The sign let everyone know about upcoming home games and showed just how much the fans loved him, especially after his incredible 1963 season.

Career Highlights Remembered:

• In 1963, he grabbed the Texas League MVP, hitting .337 with 31 home runs and 105 RBIs.
• He managed to hit for the cycle twice in the minors.
• And who could forget that walk-off grand slam in the Texas League All-Star game against the major league Houston Colt .45s?

Today, Jim Beauchamp Field still hosts Grove High School’s Ridgerunner Baseball team. The Qualate-Pritchard American Legion Baseball team plays there too. The field keeps his legacy alive for anyone who loves the game.

When he passed away on December 25, 2007, it really hit home for folks who remembered him as a player and a mentor in pro baseball.