Pat Jarvis – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Robert Patrick Jarvis, or just Pat Jarvis to most fans, put together a solid eight-year run in Major League Baseball as a starting pitcher. He called it a career in 1973. Born in Carlyle, Illinois, Jarvis made his mark in the National League with the Atlanta Braves and Montreal Expos. He really established himself as one of the league’s more reliable starters, especially during his best years from 1967 to 1970.

He stood 5 feet 10 inches and weighed 180 pounds, so not exactly towering, but he made up for it with grit. Folks called him “The Little Bulldog” because of the way he attacked hitters. Jarvis finished with an 85-73 record and a 3.58 ERA over 249 games. That’s pretty consistent work, honestly, and he kept that up throughout his time in the majors. His journey from a small-town Illinois high school to the big leagues really shows the kind of dedication and talent you need to make it at baseball’s top level.

From his college days at Murray State University to his last season with the Expos, Jarvis went through all the ups and downs that come with a pro baseball career. His story isn’t just about stats or game highlights. There are memorable moments—like giving up Ernie Banks’ 500th home run—and even a transition to public service after he retired.

Early Life and Education

Robert Patrick Jarvis was born March 18, 1941, in Carlyle, Illinois. He started developing his athletic skills at Carlyle High School and later played baseball at Murray State University.

Birth and Family Background

Robert Patrick Jarvis came into the world on March 18, 1941, in Carlyle, Illinois. World War II was still going on then, and Jarvis grew up in a pretty typical Midwest town where baseball was everywhere.

Carlyle sits in Clinton County, Illinois. It’s the kind of close-knit place where sports really matter to the community.

His family encouraged his athletic interests from early on. That support made a big difference as he started showing some real promise as a ballplayer during his childhood and teenage years.

Carlyle High School Athletics

Pat Jarvis went to Carlyle High School in his hometown. That’s where he got his first taste of organized, competitive baseball.

During those years, Jarvis really started to develop the pitching skills that would carry him into pro ball. He threw and batted right-handed, setting the stage for what came next.

The high school program at Carlyle helped him sharpen his techniques. His performance there caught the eyes of college scouts who saw his potential.

Because of his success in high school, he got the chance to play college baseball. That experience got him ready for the next level.

College Years at Murray State University

After finishing high school, Jarvis went on to Murray State University for both school and baseball. The university in Murray, Kentucky, gave him a shot at playing collegiate ball.

At Murray State, he pitched for the team while keeping up with his classes. That experience helped him build the skills he’d need in the pros.

College ball brought tougher competition and better coaching. Jarvis used that to improve his pitching mechanics and how he approached the game.

His strong showings at Murray State led to a signing with the Chicago Cubs organization. Those college years really bridged the gap between high school and professional baseball for him.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Robert Patrick Jarvis pitched for eight seasons in the National League. He became a reliable starter for the Atlanta Braves before wrapping up his career with the Montreal Expos. From 1966 to 1973, he put together an 85-73 win-loss record, a 3.58 ERA, and racked up 755 strikeouts.

Debut and Rookie Season

Pat Jarvis made his big league debut on August 4, 1966, at age 25, pitching for the Atlanta Braves. He threw two innings against the Cubs in that first outing, gave up two hits, and struck out one.

The Chicago Cubs originally signed Jarvis but traded him to the Braves in 1963. He worked his way up through the minors before finally breaking into the majors in 1966.

The Braves saw his potential right away. Jarvis earned the team’s top rookie honors that year, and that was just the start of a solid career with Atlanta.

His rookie season was strong enough that he lost his rookie status by year’s end. That early success set him up for his best years in the big leagues.

Transition Between Teams

Jarvis spent most of his career with the Braves, from 1966 to 1972. His best stretch came from 1967 to 1970, when he won 60 games and ranked among the National League’s top starters.

His numbers started to dip in the last three seasons, picking up just 19 wins combined. On February 28, 1973, the Braves traded him to the Montreal Expos for Carl Morton.

His stint with the Expos was short—just the 1973 season. He pitched his last MLB game on September 23, 1973, facing the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Texas Rangers picked him up from Montreal for Larry Biittner on December 20, 1973, but Jarvis never pitched for Texas. That move basically marked the end of his big league days.

Positions and Playing Style

Pat Jarvis worked strictly as a starting pitcher during his eight-year career. He threw and hit right-handed, standing at 5’10” and weighing 180 pounds.

His teammates called him “The Little Bulldog”—a nickname that really fit his bulldog attitude on the mound, even if he wasn’t the biggest guy out there.

Jarvis put up solid stats in 249 career games, all as a starter. His 3.58 ERA and 755 strikeouts show he kept things pretty steady.

He pitched in some big games, too. He started Game 3 of the 1969 NLCS at Shea Stadium. And on May 12, 1970, he gave up Ernie Banks’ 500th career home run at Wrigley Field.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Pat Jarvis put together a respectable eight-year MLB career, finishing with an 85-73 record, a 3.58 ERA, and 755 strikeouts. His best run came in a four-season stretch with the Braves from 1967 to 1970, when he picked up 60 wins and really stood out among the National League’s starting pitchers.

Standout Seasons with the Atlanta Braves

Jarvis enjoyed his best years with the Braves between 1966 and 1972. After grabbing top rookie honors in 1966, he quickly became a dependable part of the rotation.

His peak came from 1967 to 1970. Over those four years, he won 60 games and established himself among the league’s better starters.

The right-handed pitcher brought consistency to the Braves rotation. He threw right-handed and batted right-handed, standing 5’10”, 180 pounds.

People called him “The Little Bulldog” for a reason. That nickname really captured his fighting spirit, especially since he didn’t have the size of a typical big league pitcher.

Memorable MLB Moments

Jarvis found himself in the middle of some memorable baseball moments. He started Game 3 of the 1969 NLCS at Shea Stadium, facing the New York Mets, who went on to win the World Series that year.

In that playoff game, Hank Aaron homered in the first inning to give Jarvis a 2-0 lead. But Jarvis ended up taking the loss as the Mets came back to win 7-4.

Another big moment happened May 12, 1970, at Wrigley Field. Jarvis gave up Ernie Banks’ 500th home run in the second inning of an 11-inning game.

The Braves lost that one 4-3, but Jarvis still became part of baseball history. Being the pitcher for Banks’ 500th homer is a bit of trivia that sticks with you.

Notable Games and Records

Jarvis made his MLB debut on August 4, 1966, against the Cubs at age 25. He threw two innings, allowed two hits, and got one strikeout—no walks or earned runs.

His final big league appearance came on September 23, 1973, against the Pirates. He pitched one inning, gave up one hit, but didn’t allow any runs, walks, or strikeouts.

Career Statistics:

• Win-Loss Record: 85-73
• Earned Run Average: 3.58
• Strikeouts: 755
• Innings Pitched: 1,284

He showed up in 249 games over his eight years. Jarvis collected 12.1 Wins Above Replacement during his time in the majors.

Influential Teammates and Opponents

While playing for the Braves, Jarvis shared the field with Hall of Famer Hank Aaron. Aaron’s bat gave Jarvis key run support more than a few times.

He faced plenty of big-name opponents, too. That showdown with Ernie Banks at Wrigley Field? It connected Jarvis to one of the game’s legends.

The Braves traded him to the Expos for Carl Morton on February 28, 1973. That deal kicked off his last season in the majors.

After the 1973 season, Montreal sent him to the Texas Rangers for Larry Biittner. Jarvis never pitched for Texas, so that move pretty much closed the book on his MLB career.

Noteworthy Transactions and Final Season

Pat Jarvis finished his career with a move from the Braves to the Expos before his final season in 1973. That last year marked the end of his eight-season run in the National League.

Trade to the Montreal Expos

The Braves traded Pat Jarvis to the Montreal Expos during his last years in the big leagues. This deal sent him from a team where he’d been a steady starter to the young Expos franchise.

Jarvis had spent most of his career with Atlanta. He even took the mound as their Opening Day pitcher a few times. Getting traded to Montreal was a big shift for the veteran.

The Expos picked up Jarvis as they were still building their roster. Montreal joined the National League in 1969, so by the time Jarvis arrived, they were still figuring out who they were and looking for experienced players.

Final Games and Retirement in 1973

Pat Jarvis threw his last MLB pitch on September 23, 1973, facing the Pittsburgh Pirates. He worked one inning and allowed one hit, but didn’t give up any runs, walks, or strikeouts.

That last season with the Expos wrapped up his eight-year career, which started all the way back in 1966. Jarvis retired from pro baseball at age 32.

Over his career, he pitched 1,284 innings and made 458 plate appearances. He finished with a record that included time with both the Braves and Expos. His retirement in 1973 brought his National League career to a close.

Post-Baseball Life and Career

After hanging up his spikes in 1973, Robert Patrick Jarvis moved into public service and community work in Georgia. He ran into some legal trouble in the 1980s, but kept trying to help others through different projects.

Government Service in Georgia

After his baseball career ended, Jarvis jumped into government service in Georgia. He joined the state’s corrections system, where he leaned on his experience with youth programs that he’d started during his time with the Atlanta Braves.

His move from professional sports to public service really showed his ongoing interest in rehabilitation and supporting his community. Jarvis poured the same kind of dedication into his corrections work that he’d shown on the mound.

He found a way to keep helping troubled individuals, something that clearly mattered to him. The work he did with programs like the “Jarvis House” during his playing days set him up well for his government role.

Legal Challenges and Later Endeavors

In the 1980s, Jarvis ran into legal trouble that shook up his public service career. That time definitely wasn’t easy for him.

Those issues put his government work on hold for a while. Still, Jarvis tried to tackle the problems head-on and keep moving forward.

Once he sorted out his legal situation, he tried to repair his reputation. He started looking for new ways to make a positive impact in his community.

His determination during those tough years reminded people of the grit he’d shown as a ballplayer. That experience changed how he approached helping others who struggled with setbacks.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Jarvis stuck around Georgia, where he’d spent most of his Braves career. He kept showing up for local community activities and youth programs.

Helping troubled youth stayed at the top of his list, even after baseball. The halfway-house program he started as a player proved his commitment to service.

He drew on both his athletic past and his own personal struggles. That mix helped him connect with people who needed support or advice.

His work in the community showed how much he believed in second chances and the power of rehabilitation. Jarvis really understood what mentorship meant and why it mattered to give back to the people who’d rooted for him.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Pat Jarvis left a modest but memorable mark as a steady starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves during their early years in Atlanta. His nickname, “The Little Bulldog,” and his part in several big moments earned him a spot in baseball history.

Reputation Among Baseball Fans

Baseball fans respected Pat Jarvis for his steady performances in the late 1960s and early ’70s. The nickname “The Little Bulldog” really fit his gritty pitching style, especially since he stood just 5-foot-10 and weighed 180 pounds.

Braves fans remember his four-year run from 1967 to 1970, when he picked up 60 wins and anchored the rotation. He also made history as the first Carlyle High School graduate to reach the majors, debuting on August 4, 1966.

Jarvis pops up in baseball trivia as the pitcher who surrendered Ernie Banks’ 500th home run on May 12, 1970, at Wrigley Field. That moment tied him to one of the game’s legends and a truly iconic milestone.

His career numbers—85 wins, 73 losses, and a 3.58 ERA—look pretty solid, especially for a pitcher from an era when hitters didn’t dominate like they do now.

Popular Culture Mentions

Pat Jarvis doesn’t get a ton of attention in popular baseball culture, but people do mention him in connection with historic moments. His part in Banks’ 500th homer shows up in record books and trivia lists.

Baseball historians and fans bring up Jarvis when talking about the 1969 National League Championship Series. He started Game 3 against the New York Mets, and even though Hank Aaron gave the Braves a 2-0 lead, Jarvis ended up as the losing pitcher in a 7-4 game.

He’s also linked to Nolan Ryan’s career—Jarvis was reportedly Ryan’s first strikeout victim on September 11, 1966. That little fact pops up now and then when people talk about Ryan’s legendary run.

Recognition and Honors

Jarvis didn’t get much formal recognition during or after his playing career. The Atlanta Braves organization did vote him their top rookie for 1966, which was probably his most significant team honor.

After baseball, he went into public service in Georgia. He served as Sheriff of DeKalb County. But then, in 1999, a fraud conviction and a 15-month federal prison sentence overshadowed those earlier achievements.

These days, Jarvis runs an organic nursery out in Rutledge, Georgia. It’s a pretty quiet shift from his old baseball life.

His career stats show him as a solid pitcher—definitely reliable, if not exactly a superstar. Over eight seasons, he racked up 755 strikeouts.

He never received any major awards or Hall of Fame buzz. Still, his steady contributions to those early Atlanta Braves teams are part of their story.