Brant Alyea – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Brant Alyea made his mark in baseball history with a seven-season Major League career from 1965 to 1972. Standing at 6-foot-5, he played outfield for four teams: the Washington Senators, Minnesota Twins, Oakland Athletics, and St. Louis Cardinals.

Alyea became just the ninth player in MLB history to hit a home run on the very first pitch he saw in the majors, doing this on September 12, 1965, with a three-run homer for the Washington Senators.

Born Garrabrant Ryerson Alyea on December 8, 1940, in Passaic, New Jersey, he honed his baseball skills at Hofstra College. The Cincinnati Reds signed him in 1962. He started in the minors and worked his way up, experiencing both big moments and tough stretches in the big leagues.

One of Alyea’s brightest moments came on Opening Day with Minnesota in 1970, when he drove in seven runs to help beat the Chicago White Sox.

Let’s look at Alyea’s baseball journey, from his early days as a multi-sport athlete to his rise through the minors and the key moments that defined his major league career. From his record debut to his last season in 1972, Alyea’s story echoes the path of many pros who fought for a spot in baseball’s top ranks during a time of real change in the sport.

Brant Alyea’s Baseball Legacy

Brant Alyea left a mark on baseball history with his memorable debut and solid play for several MLB teams. His career spanned eight seasons, and he delivered one of the most dramatic first at-bats ever.

Key Career Highlights

On September 11, 1965, Alyea became the ninth player in MLB history to homer on his first major league pitch. As a Washington Senators outfielder, he connected with his first swing, creating a legacy that stuck with him.

He had his best season in 1970 with the Minnesota Twins. That year, Alyea posted career-high numbers and became a reliable power threat in the American League. He managed to secure a regular starting spot.

Alyea suited up for four teams: the Washington Senators (1965, 1968-69), Minnesota Twins (1970-71), Oakland Athletics (1972), and St. Louis Cardinals (1972). His versatility meant he contributed to several franchises in both leagues.

Notable Records and Achievements

Alyea built a reputation as a power hitter:

• Career batting average: .247
• Home runs: 38
• RBI: 148
• Games played: 371

His biggest achievement? Joining the select group of players who homered on their first MLB pitch. At the time, only eight others had done it.

Before his major league debut, Alyea impressed in the minors as a slugger. He transitioned from college ball at Hofstra University to the pros after signing with the Cincinnati Reds in 1962.

Impact on Teams

Alyea brought steady power wherever he played. Teams valued his ability to deliver clutch hits, and he filled roles as both a bench player and occasional starter.

He found his stride with the Minnesota Twins. They used his left-handed power well, especially in the American League, and his offense helped the team compete in the early ’70s.

On defense, Alyea held his own in the outfield. At 6’3″ and 215 pounds, he used his size well in right and left field. His strong arm and sure glove made him reliable.

Both the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals picked him up in his final season. They wanted his veteran presence and ability to contribute, even in limited roles.

Professional Career Overview

Brant Alyea played eight seasons in the majors from 1965 to 1972. He made his debut by homering on the first pitch he ever saw. Over his career, Alyea played for four teams and enjoyed a standout 1970 season with the Minnesota Twins, hitting 16 home runs and batting .291.

Washington Senators Era

Alyea started his MLB journey with the Washington Senators after the Rule 5 draft brought him over from the Reds. On September 12, 1965, he pinch-hit for Don Blasingame and crushed Rudy May’s first pitch for a home run.

That hot start didn’t immediately lead to regular playing time. Alyea spent a lot of time in Triple-A, developing with the Hawaii Islanders and hitting 27 home runs in 1965.

He returned to the Senators in 1968 under new manager Ted Williams. That season, Alyea finally got extended big league action, playing 104 games mainly as a corner outfielder. He batted .267 with six home runs after a July call-up from Buffalo.

In 1969, Alyea played a career-high 104 games with Washington and established himself as a reliable power threat before the Twins traded for him.

Minnesota Twins Success

The Senators traded Alyea to the Minnesota Twins before the 1970 season for pitchers Joe Grzenda and Charlie Walters. That move changed Alyea’s career.

On Opening Day 1970, Alyea made a statement. He smashed two home runs and drove in seven runs as the Twins rolled over the White Sox, 12-0. That performance set the tone for his best season.

Alyea hit .291 with 16 home runs and 61 RBIs in just 94 games in 1970. His slash line—.291/.366/.531—showed he could hit for both power and average.

The Twins made the playoffs that year, and Alyea played in all three games of the ALCS against the Orioles. He went hitless in seven at-bats but managed to score a run in Game One.

St. Louis Cardinals and Oakland Athletics Years

Alyea’s numbers dropped in 1971 with Minnesota, as he batted just .177 with two home runs in 79 games. The Twins took him off their 40-man roster after the season.

The Oakland Athletics picked up Alyea in the Rule 5 draft before 1972. He played 10 games for the A’s, going 3-for-13, before they traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals for infielder Marty Martínez on May 18.

His Cardinals stint was short and rough. Alyea played 13 games, batted .158 with three hits in 19 at-bats, and also spent time with the Triple-A Iowa Oaks, where he hit .410.

Oakland brought Alyea back on July 23, 1972. He went 3-for-18 with one home run in his final MLB games. A groin injury while rounding first on a double against Jim Palmer in Baltimore pretty much ended his major league run. The A’s signed Matty Alou for their championship run.

Early Life and Amateur Background

Garrabrant Ryerson Alyea was born on December 8, 1940, in Passaic, New Jersey. His Dutch family had roots in northern New Jersey going back to the 17th century.

His athletic talents showed up early at Rutherford High School. He played football, basketball, and baseball before heading to Hofstra College on a scholarship.

Childhood and Family Background

Brant Alyea came from a Dutch family that settled in northern New Jersey centuries ago. His full name, Garrabrant Ryerson Alyea IV, carried on a family tradition.

His dad, Garrabrant III, drove an Inter-City Lines bus from Paterson to New York. His mom, Janet Olcott, worked as a legal secretary. The family lived in Rutherford, where earlier generations had put down roots.

As a kid, people called Brant “Ry” to tell him apart from his father and grandfather. The family name started with a French ancestor, Peter Aliee, who changed it to Alyea in 1715.

At age 12, Brant played first base for the Rutherford National all-star team. In a marathon Little League game against Lyndhurst East, he helped his team win 3-2 in 17 innings over two days.

Rutherford High School Achievements

At Rutherford High, Alyea earned letters in three sports and became a standout athlete. He played quarterback for the Bulldogs football team, showing real leadership.

His athletic achievements included:

• Starting quarterback in football
• Key player on the basketball team
• Baseball star who caught the eye of college scouts

Scouts especially liked his power hitting in baseball. He grew tall early, which gave him an edge in every sport.

Local newspapers kept calling him “Ry” through high school. His ability to excel in three sports made him a prize recruit for colleges.

Hofstra College Athletic Career

Alyea took a scholarship to Hofstra College in Hempstead, New York, and played both basketball and baseball. The school’s teams were called the Flying Dutchmen, which fit his heritage.

Under basketball coach Butch van Breda Kolff, Alyea helped the team post a 23-1 record in the 1959-60 season, losing only to Wagner College by two points.

The next year, Alyea led Hofstra in scoring and rebounding. The team made the small-college tournament but lost to Albright College in the first round.

On the baseball field, Alyea’s power drew pro scouts. He hit 13 home runs in just 30 games during his final season, helping Hofstra win its conference.

Even though he could’ve signed pro after his junior year, Alyea returned for his senior basketball season. He signed with the Cincinnati Reds in spring 1962 after finishing college.

Major League Milestones

Brant Alyea’s eight-year MLB career included some remarkable moments. He became the ninth player to homer on his first major league pitch and set an Opening Day record with seven RBIs. His journey through four teams showed both his power-hitting ability and the challenge of staying consistent at the top level.

MLB Debut and First Home Run

Alyea made his official MLB debut on September 12, 1965, with the Washington Senators. He pinch-hit for Don Blasingame in the sixth inning against the California Angels.

With runners on first and second, Alyea stepped in against lefty Rudy May. He crushed May’s first pitch over the left-field wall for a three-run homer.

That made Alyea the ninth player in MLB history to homer on his first pitch in the majors. Washington doubled its lead to 6-0 in front of just 840 fans at D.C. Stadium.

The homer came on a rainy Sunday afternoon, with nearly two-thirds of an inch of rain falling on the capital. Despite the weather and the tiny crowd, Alyea’s historic moment became a career highlight.

Opening Day Record Performance

Alyea’s most spectacular game came on Opening Day 1970 with the Minnesota Twins. The Twins opened the season at Comiskey Park against the Chicago White Sox.

Alyea went off, smashing two home runs and driving in seven RBIs as Minnesota won 12-0. That seven-RBI total set an Opening Day record and showed off his power.

That performance immediately won over his new team after being traded from Washington. Alyea’s explosive debut with the Twins made it clear why Minnesota wanted him for pitchers Joe Grzenda and Charlie Walters.

That Opening Day game was the peak of Alyea’s offense in a single day. It helped cement his spot as a regular for the 1970 Twins, who would go on to play in the ALCS that season.

Trades and Team Transitions

Alyea’s career took him through several trades, which really showed off both his talent and his inconsistency. After the 1969 season, Washington sent him to Minnesota for pitchers Joe Grzenda and Charlie Walters.

The 1970 season in Minnesota turned out to be his best. He hit .291 with 16 home runs and 61 RBIs in just 94 games.

He played in all three games of the American League Championship Series against Baltimore, but didn’t manage a hit in seven at-bats.

After a rough 1971 season where he hit only .177, Minnesota took him off their 40-man roster. The Oakland Athletics picked him up in the Rule 5 draft before the 1972 season.

In 1972, Alyea bounced around a bit. Oakland traded him to St. Louis for infielder Marty Martínez in May, but the Cardinals sent him back to Oakland in July.

Final Seasons and Retirement

Alyea’s last MLB season in 1972 didn’t go well. He played just 23 games between Oakland and St. Louis and managed only six hits in 32 at-bats.

He hurt his groin while rounding first on a double off Jim Palmer at Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium. That injury basically ended his season and later required surgery.

Oakland sent him to the Texas Rangers in November 1972 to complete a trade for pitcher Paul Lindblad. Alyea couldn’t make the Rangers’ roster because his injury just wouldn’t go away.

He played his last professional games with the Pawtucket Red Sox in 1973, appearing in 48 games as a designated hitter.

Alyea thought about making a comeback in 1977 when he was 36, but he never got as far as spring training.

His MLB career lasted eight years. He finished with a .248 batting average, 38 home runs, and 116 RBIs over 316 games.

Statistical Overview

Brant Alyea put together a career batting average of .247 with 38 home runs and 148 RBIs in 371 games from 1965 to 1972.

His stats show a guy with power, but he just couldn’t find consistency at the plate. power potential

Career Batting and Fielding Stats

Alyea’s MLB career lasted six years and took him across several teams in the American League, plus a short stop in the National League.

He played for the Washington Senators (1965, 1968-1969), Minnesota Twins (1970-1971), Oakland Athletics (1972), and St. Louis Cardinals (1972).

His best year was 1970 with Minnesota, where he hit .291 with 16 home runs and 61 RBIs in 94 games. That year, he posted a 1.8 WAR, his career high.

Key Career Statistics:

• Batting Average: .247
• Home Runs: 38
• RBI: 148
• Games Played: 371
• On-Base Percentage: .326
• Slugging Percentage: .421

Alyea’s power numbers looked solid for his time. He averaged 17 home runs per 162 games, which isn’t too shabby.

Still, his .247 career batting average and 210 strikeouts in 866 at-bats show he had trouble making contact.

He spent most of his time in the American League. There, he hit .249 in 358 games with 38 home runs and 147 RBIs.

Postseason Performances

Alyea never got to play in the postseason during his MLB career.

None of his teams—the Senators, Twins, Athletics, or Cardinals—made the playoffs while he was with them from 1965 to 1972.

He did have a short stint with Oakland in 1972, the year they won the World Series. But Alyea played only 20 games for them before Oakland traded him to the Texas Rangers in November 1972.

Missing out on the playoffs meant Alyea never really had the chance to show off his power on baseball’s biggest stage.

Legacy and Personal Life

After stepping away from baseball in 1972, Brant Alyea moved on to work in the casino industry. It’s kind of wild, but he’s one of only nine players to hit a home run on his first MLB pitch.

He also won a World Series championship with the Oakland Athletics.

Post-Retirement Life

After his baseball days, Garrabrant Ryerson Alyea found a job in Atlantic City’s casino business. It was a big change, moving from sports to hospitality and gaming.

Alyea kept a connection to baseball through his family. In the 1980s, baseball fans heard his name again when his son, Brant Alyea Jr., got into the sport.

Alyea Jr. was born while Brant played winter ball in Nicaragua.

Brant acknowledged his son and provided financial support, but he never married Brant Jr.’s mother, Auda, or brought his son back to the United States.

It’s a complicated family story, but it’s not that unusual for players who spent time in winter leagues.

Family and Community Involvement

Alyea built a big blended family after his playing days ended. He was married to Robin Huber until her passing.

He raised five children: Steve Souder, Brant Alyea Jr., Blair Alyea, Nicole Higgins, and Ken Huber.

Being a grandfather brought him a lot of happiness. Alyea was called an “adored grandfather” to Elizabeth, Kaylee, Kenny, and Connor.

Family clearly became a huge part of his life after baseball.

He kept close ties to his hometown in New Jersey and later in Pennsylvania. His parents, Garrabrant and Robertina Alyea, and brothers Robert and Peter Alyea, passed away before him.

His surviving family included his sister Suzanne Fabiano, brother David Alyea, and sister Kathryn Alyea.

Remembering Brant Alyea

Brant Alyea died at his home on February 4, 2024. He was 83.

St. Christopher Church in Philadelphia hosted his funeral services. That choice really showed how much he cared about his community in his later years.

Baseball historians often talk about Alyea’s wild achievement—he hit a home run on the very first MLB pitch he ever saw as a pinch-hitter in 1965. Only nine players have ever done that, so it’s not exactly common.

His World Series victory with the Oakland Athletics in 1972 marked the high point of his career. That championship ring? It still stands as proof of what he brought to one of baseball’s great teams from the early ‘70s.

Alyea started as a star at Rutherford High School. He took a basketball scholarship to Hofstra University, then somehow made it all the way to Major League Baseball. That path says a lot about his drive and his crazy range of athletic talent.