Tony Cloninger – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Tony Cloninger made his mark in baseball history over a 12-year Major League career from 1961 to 1972. This right-handed pitcher from North Carolina put together a 113-97 record while playing for the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Louis Cardinals.

He faced plenty of ups and downs as a power pitcher in the tough world of 1960s baseball. That journey showed both his grit and the challenges he had to overcome.

Cloninger did something no other pitcher has ever done—he hit two grand slams in a single game on July 3, 1966, driving in nine runs against the San Francisco Giants. That wild day happened during the Braves’ 17-3 win at Candlestick Park, and Cloninger actually used teammate Denis Menke’s bat to pull it off.

Pitchers almost never hit like that, so this moment really stands out in his career.

Cloninger’s story isn’t just about one big game, though. He notched plenty of pitching achievements and played key roles on several teams. His path—from a small-town high school star in North Carolina to the big leagues—reflects the drive it takes to make it in baseball.

Looking at his rise, his best years, and his later work as a coach gives a real sense of what a pro athlete’s life is like, both on and off the diamond.

Early Life and Path to the Major Leagues

Tony Lee Cloninger was born August 13, 1940, in Lincoln County, North Carolina. He grew up in a farming family with strong baseball roots.

The Milwaukee Braves signed him in 1958, handing over a $100,000 bonus after he led his high school team to statewide recognition.

Background and Hometown

Tony Lee Cloninger spent his childhood in the rolling hills of Lincoln County, northwest of Charlotte. He was the fourth of Carl E. Cloninger and Edna Lynch’s children, born in 1940.

The family lived on a farm, and baseball seemed almost like a family tradition. One of Tony’s older brothers even turned down a shot at pro ball. Later, two of Tony’s sons would play professionally in the 1980s.

At Rock Springs High School in Denver, North Carolina, Cloninger started as a catcher. His coaches noticed his strong arm and moved him to the pitcher’s mound.

That switch made a huge difference. In 1957, Tony led his American Legion team to the state finals.

He quickly caught the eye of scouts from all over the country.

Scouting and Initial Signing

Several big league teams wanted Cloninger after his standout high school career. The Braves, Cubs, Reds, and Giants all showed interest.

A family friend helped the Cloningers narrow it down to those four teams.

In the end, the Milwaukee Braves landed Cloninger in spring 1958. They gave him a $100,000 bonus, which was massive for the time.

The Braves had been spending big on young talent, and Cloninger’s deal was their third huge bonus in two years. They also signed shortstop Denis Menke with a similar offer.

Scout Gil English negotiated for Milwaukee. He didn’t promise Cloninger a fast track to the majors. “I’ll always be grateful to English for his honest treatment,” Cloninger recalled.

Minor League Experience

Cloninger kicked off his pro career in Midland, Texas, playing Class D ball. He wasn’t even 18 yet when he debuted, but he led his team to an 11-3 win in his first game.

After his birthday, Cloninger racked up seven wins and impressed Braves GM John Quinn. Quinn bumped him up to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, at the Class C level.

But wildness became an issue that stuck with him throughout his career.

In Eau Claire, Cloninger struggled with control, giving up 33 hits and 40 walks in just 35 innings. The team sent him to the Florida Winter Instructional League to work on his mechanics.

His 1959 season was up and down. He started at Class B Cedar Rapids but went 0-9 with a 9.59 ERA, walking 58 batters in only 46 innings. That earned him a demotion to the Class C Pioneer League.

Things turned around in Boise. Cloninger struck out 16 in a four-hitter against Idaho Falls. He later set a league record with 30 straight scoreless innings, helping Boise finish first.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Tony Cloninger pitched in the majors for 12 seasons, from 1961 to 1972. He finished with a 113-97 record, 1,120 strikeouts, and a 4.07 ERA.

He played for four teams, starting with the Milwaukee Braves and ending with the St. Louis Cardinals. In between, he suited up for the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds.

Debut With Milwaukee Braves

Cloninger made his MLB debut on June 15, 1961, with the Milwaukee Braves. He was just 20.

He faced the San Francisco Giants in his first game, pitching four innings but allowing six hits and six earned runs. It wasn’t the best start, but he got his foot in the door.

After signing with Milwaukee in 1958, Cloninger worked his way up through the minors. By the mid-1960s, he had earned a spot in the starting rotation.

His best year came in 1965. Cloninger went 24-11 with a 3.29 ERA, struck out 211 batters, completed 16 games, and made 40 starts over 279 innings.

Move to Atlanta Braves

The Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, and Cloninger moved with them. That season turned out to be unforgettable.

On July 3, 1966, Cloninger pulled off his historic feat in the Braves’ 17-3 win over the Giants at Candlestick Park. He became the first National League player—and the only pitcher—to hit two grand slams in a single game.

He used Denis Menke’s bat and drove in nine runs. Those records still stand as Atlanta Braves franchise single-game bests.

Cloninger ended the 1966 season with five home runs, showing he could hit for power now and then—even as a pitcher. Over his career, he batted .192 with 67 RBIs and 11 homers.

Trades and Later Years

On June 11, 1968, the Braves traded Cloninger to the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds got Cloninger, Clay Carroll, and Woody Woodward; the Braves received Milt Pappas, Bob Johnson, and Ted Davidson.

Cloninger spent almost four seasons with Cincinnati, from 1968 to 1971. He pitched in the 1970 World Series against the Orioles, making two appearances but posting a 0-1 record and a 7.36 ERA.

With the Reds, Cloninger shifted from mainly starting to doing more relief work. The team leaned on his experience and durability in different roles.

His performance with Cincinnati wasn’t what it was in Atlanta, but he still contributed to the staff during his time there.

Retirement in 1972

Cloninger started his last season with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1972, working mostly as a reliever. His final MLB game came on July 22, 1972, against the Braves.

That appearance was brief—he faced a batter, gave up a hit and a run, and got pulled. He ended his major league career with a loss in that outing.

After leaving St. Louis, Cloninger wrapped up the 1972 season with the Richmond Braves, Atlanta’s top minor league team. That stint marked the end of his playing days.

Over 12 years and 366 major league games, Cloninger built a reputation as a durable pitcher who could start or relieve—and sometimes surprise people with his bat.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Tony Cloninger made a name for himself as both a strong pitcher and a surprising offensive threat during his 12 years in the majors. In 1966, he became the only pitcher ever to hit two grand slams in a game. His 1965 season was his pitching peak, with 24 wins and 211 strikeouts.

Record-Setting Performances

Cloninger’s 1965 season with the Braves was the high point of his pitching career. He won 24 games and lost only 11, posting a 3.29 ERA over 279 innings.

He struck out 211 batters that year, showing off his power on the mound.

Cloninger completed 16 games in 1965, a mark of the workhorse starters of his era. He made 40 starts that season, proving himself as a reliable part of the rotation.

For his career, he totaled 1,120 strikeouts and a 113-97 win-loss record. His 4.07 ERA came over 1,767 innings in 12 seasons.

Notable Games and Milestones

July 3, 1966, is the day most people remember Cloninger for. In the Braves’ 17-3 win over the Giants, he hit two grand slams in one game.

He drove in nine runs, a single-game franchise record for the Braves. He did it using Denis Menke’s bat.

That day, Cloninger became the first National League player and the only pitcher ever to hit two grand slams in a game. Those were the only grand slams of his career, which makes it even more impressive.

Accolades and Recognition

After his playing days, Cloninger found success as a coach. As the Yankees’ bullpen coach from 1992 to 2001, he picked up four World Series rings in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000.

His pitching know-how helped five Yankees teams win the American League title during his time there. The organization appreciated his experience with relievers.

Later, Cloninger worked as pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox in 2002 and 2003, then became a player development consultant. He spent nearly 15 years with the Red Sox, continuing to influence baseball after retiring as a player.

Statistical Record and Pitching Profile

Tony Cloninger finished his career with 113 wins and 97 losses, posting a 4.07 ERA over 1,767.2 innings. His best years came with the Milwaukee Braves in the mid-1960s, where he proved himself as a reliable starter who could handle a heavy workload.

Wins and Losses

Cloninger’s 113-97 record shows he was a steady middle-of-the-rotation starter throughout his career. His best stretch came with Milwaukee, where he won 19 games in 1964 and then notched 24 victories in 1965.

That 1965 season was his peak. He posted a .686 winning percentage, going 24-11 and helping anchor the Braves’ pitching staff. He even got some MVP votes, finishing 28th in voting.

After the Braves moved to Atlanta, his win totals dropped. Cloninger never reached 20 wins again after 1965.

His later years with Cincinnati and St. Louis were tougher, including a rough 1969 season where he went 11-17 with a 5.03 ERA.

ERA and Innings Pitched

Cloninger’s career ERA of 4.07 puts him in the group of reliable, though not dominant, pitchers from his era. In 1965, he posted his best ERA at 3.29, which lined up with his 24-win season.

He pitched 1,767.2 innings over 12 years. People often talked about his durability and how he could just keep going. In 1965, he threw 279.0 innings, a personal best. The next year, he still managed 257.2 innings, even though his ERA climbed to 4.12.

His ERA+ of 88 means he pitched about 12 percent below the league average once you factor in ballparks and the era. So, he wasn’t an ace, but he gave teams a lot of innings and some value.

Games Started and Complete Games

Cloninger started 247 games out of 352 appearances, so he clearly worked mostly as a starter. He finished 63 games in his career. In 1965, he completed 16 of his 38 starts, which stands out.

His 1964 and 1965 seasons really showed his ability to handle a heavy workload. In 1964, he started 34 games and completed 15. The next year, he upped his starts to 38 and completed 16.

When the Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, he kept up the pace with 38 starts and 11 complete games. Still, his effectiveness started to slip. By the time he played for Cincinnati and St. Louis, he worked more out of the bullpen.

Offensive Abilities as a Pitcher

Cloninger could actually hit, which made him more useful than most pitchers. The records don’t have all his batting stats, but people noticed his bat.

He especially showed off his hitting when he played for the Braves. National League pitchers had to hit, and Cloninger took advantage. His offense added a little extra to his value.

That ability mattered most during his best years in the mid-1960s. When he won 19 and 24 games, his bat helped keep him in the rotation, even when his pitching numbers dipped.

Team Contributions and Legacy

Tony Cloninger left his mark on every team he played for over those 12 years. He was known both for his power pitching and his surprising bat. The Braves got the best of his career, but he brought veteran experience to the Reds and Cardinals too.

Impact on Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves

Cloninger spent most of his career with the Milwaukee Braves and Atlanta Braves from 1961 to 1968. He debuted in the big leagues on June 15, 1961, as a 20-year-old with Milwaukee.

His top season came in 1965, when he hit career highs in several categories:

• 24 wins (still his best)
• 211 strikeouts
• 3.29 ERA
• 16 complete games
• 279 innings pitched

He became a dependable starter for the Braves rotation. Fans liked his power pitching, especially during the team’s move from Milwaukee to Atlanta.

One day really stands out—July 3, 1966. The Braves crushed the Giants 17-3 at Candlestick Park, and Cloninger smacked two grand slams and drove in nine RBIs.

Those records still stand as Braves franchise single-game bests. He was the first National League player, and still the only pitcher, to hit two grand slams in a game. Oddly enough, he used Denis Menke’s bat for both home runs.

Role With Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds traded for Cloninger, along with Clay Carroll and Woody Woodward, on June 11, 1968. The Braves got Milt Pappas, Bob Johnson, and Ted Davidson in return.

Cloninger brought experience to the Reds’ rotation from 1968 to 1971. He pitched in the 1970 World Series against the Orioles, but he didn’t see much action.

He went 0-1 with a 7.36 ERA in two World Series games. Even so, his postseason experience mattered for the Reds’ younger pitchers.

The Reds leaned on his durability and leadership during his time there. He helped steady the pitching staff in some big games.

St. Louis Cardinals Tenure

Cloninger ended his MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1972. He switched from starting to a relief role, adjusting his style as he got older.

He made his last MLB appearance on July 22, 1972, against the Cardinals. After finishing that season with the Richmond Braves, he retired with a 113-97 career record.

The Cardinals used him in short relief stints. His time in St. Louis was short, but he added some veteran depth to the bullpen.

Across 352 games, he finished with 1,120 strikeouts and a 4.07 ERA in 1,767 innings.

Post-Playing Career and Personal Life

After his playing days, Tony Cloninger moved into coaching and consulting. He worked with the New York Yankees for nearly a decade, then spent 15 years with the Boston Red Sox. His journey included some health battles and some big contributions to championship teams.

Coaching and Consulting Roles

Cloninger started coaching with the Yankees in 1992, working as bullpen coach for nine seasons. He worked under manager Joe Torre, and the team won a lot during those years.

He was part of five American League championship teams, and he helped win four World Series titles in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000.

In 2002, Cloninger joined the Red Sox as their pitching coach. He brought a former power pitcher’s perspective and helped pitchers deal with pressure and late-game situations.

During a 2002 game against the Orioles, benches cleared after some hit batters. At 61, Cloninger grabbed Orioles catcher Brook Fordyce in a headlock during the chaos. That’s not something you see every day.

Challenges and Health Issues

Early in his Red Sox stint, Cloninger faced tough news. Doctors diagnosed him with bladder cancer during spring training in 2003, forcing him to give up the pitching coach job.

He got through treatment successfully. After recovering, he stayed in baseball in a different role.

By 2004, Cloninger became a player development consultant for the Red Sox. That fit his background and let him stay involved. He held that job for almost 15 straight seasons.

He kept working with young pitchers and guiding player development in the Red Sox minor leagues until he passed away in 2018.

Legacy in Baseball Community

Cloninger spent 26 years after his playing days working in professional baseball. He poured his energy into two major organizations, and honestly, you could feel his impact on everyone around him.

People in the game always talked about his commitment and how he connected with pitchers at every stage. Because he’d pitched both as a starter and a reliever, he could offer coaching advice that actually made sense in real situations.

Cloninger passed away on July 24, 2018, in Denver, North Carolina. He was 77.

His passing closed the book on a baseball life that stretched across more than five decades, both on the mound and in the dugout.

Folks in the baseball world remembered him for what he gave to championship teams and for his knack for helping young players find their footing. They called him the “Rock Springs Rifle,” a nod to his North Carolina roots and that reputation he had for throwing heat.