Ed Spiezio – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ed Spiezio played nine years in Major League Baseball as a talented third baseman during one of the sport’s most exciting eras. Born October 31, 1941, in Joliet, Illinois, he broke into the MLB with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964 and wrapped up his career on September 27, 1972, with the Chicago White Sox.

Spiezio hit .238 with 39 home runs and 174 RBIs in 554 games, suiting up for the Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and White Sox. He mostly served as a backup, but got to experience championship baseball early, winning two World Series rings with the Cardinals in 1964 and 1967.

What really sets Spiezio’s story apart is how his baseball legacy stretched beyond his own career. He passed on his love for the game and the skills he honed to his son Scott, who also found success in the MLB. That made for a pretty cool father-son baseball dynasty, with both generations collecting championship rings.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Edward Wayne Spiezio came into the world on October 31, 1941, in Joliet, Illinois, a place where sports ran in the family. His dad’s tough training and constant encouragement turned him into one of college baseball‘s top hitters before pro scouts took notice.

Family Background and Childhood

Spiezio was born on Halloween in Joliet, about 40 miles south of Chicago. The city had a deep love for semiprofessional baseball.

His father, Edward Wayne Spiezio Sr., worked as an ironworker and was known as an all-around athlete. He did well in everything from ping-pong to hockey and boxing, but baseball was his real passion. The elder Spiezio played semipro ball and wanted his son to love the game just as much.

The training started super early. Sports Illustrated once described how Spiezio Sr. put a catcher’s mask on young Ed, set him at the edge of the infield, and hammered grounders at him over and over.

Daily two-hour batting cage sessions became the norm. Ed’s dad pitched, coached, and offered a steady stream of advice. “Coil like a snake,” he’d say, “and then when the ball is close, explode.”

Ed added weight training to his routine. He also watched and studied the top hitters of his time—Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio, and Ted Williams.

High School and College Baseball

After high school, Ed started at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign because his father wanted him to, but he later transferred to Lewis College (now Lewis University) in Romeoville, just ten miles from Joliet.

At Lewis, Spiezio played for legendary coach Gordie Gillespie. Gillespie eventually became college baseball’s winningest coach, passing USC’s Rod Dedeaux in 1993. Under Gillespie, Spiezio turned into a standout hitter over his two seasons there.

His college stats were wild:

• Season batting average record: .491 in 1963
• Career batting average: .445 over two years
• Single-game records: 13 total bases and 3 home runs
• NAIA All-American: First-team in both 1962 and 1963

In the summer of 1962, Spiezio played for Winner, South Dakota, in the Basin League. Managers picked him as the all-star third baseman. His hitting records at Lewis University still stood as of 2011.

Path to Professional Baseball

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics named Spiezio a first-team All-American in both his college seasons. Scouts couldn’t help but notice his bat wherever he played.

After the 1963 season, Cardinals scout Joe Monahan signed him to a pro contract. The signing bonus? $25,000—not bad for the time.

Right after signing, Spiezio showed his character. He gave a big chunk of his bonus to his father, who had lost a leg in a 1957 work accident. That gesture spoke volumes about their bond.

Lewis University put Spiezio in its Hall of Fame in 1981, his first year of eligibility. That honor recognized his record-setting college career.

From those intense backyard drills to college stardom, Spiezio had a solid foundation for pro ball. His dad’s coaching and his own dedication to learning from the greats set him up for the next step.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Ed Spiezio debuted with the St. Louis Cardinals on July 23, 1964, at 22. He didn’t get much playing time at first because Ken Boyer was a star at third, but Spiezio still picked up World Series rings in 1964 and 1967.

Debut with St. Louis Cardinals

Spiezio played his first MLB game on July 23, 1964, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He made an all-night trip from Triple-A Tulsa and sat in the Busch Stadium stands before the game.

Red Schoendienst, the Cardinals bench coach, noticed him and told him to suit up. Manager Johnny Keane called on Spiezio to pinch-hit against closer Roy Face and his forkball.

Spiezio admitted his knees were “knocking” as he hit a soft fly to center, caught by Bill Virdon to end an 8-5 loss. He played 12 games that year, all as a pinch-hitter, and got four hits in 12 at-bats.

The Cardinals still voted him a quarter share of their World Series winnings—just over $2,100—and gave him a championship ring after their 1964 title.

Development as a Third Baseman

Ken Boyer, the 1964 NL MVP, blocked Spiezio’s path to regular playing time. Spiezio spent most of 1965 in the minors after only 10 games in the bigs.

He broke through in spring training 1966, hitting .515 and earning the nickname “Joliet Jolter.” When the team traded Boyer to the Mets, Spiezio got called up from Triple-A Tulsa in August 1966.

He hit his first two big league homers that September. The first came on September 11 against Bob Veale of the Pirates, and the second on September 30 at Busch Stadium off Fergie Jenkins.

But in 1967, the Cardinals moved right fielder Mike Shannon to third instead of giving Spiezio the job. That kept him on the bench, even on championship teams.

Notable Teammates and Coaches

Spiezio played with some legends during his Cardinals years from 1964-1968. Red Schoendienst, who later managed him, once called Spiezio “the finest looking young hitter” he’d ever seen.

He shared the clubhouse with Hall of Famers like Bob Gibson, Tim McCarver, and Lou Brock. Those Cardinals teams won three NL pennants and two World Series.

Off the field, Spiezio played the accordion and entertained teammates. He and Nelson Briles even formed a little band that played at events on off days.

His upbeat presence made him a good fit on championship squads, even if he wasn’t in the lineup much. Teammates respected his attitude and skills.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Ed Spiezio spent nine years in the majors, winning three NL championships with the Cardinals and setting some franchise firsts with the San Diego Padres. He finished with a .238 average, 39 home runs, and 174 RBIs in 554 games.

World Series Championships

Spiezio played on three NL championship teams and won two World Series rings with the Cardinals in 1964 and 1967.

He mostly came off the bench during those runs. In 1964, he played 12 games as a pinch-hitter after a midseason call-up. His teammates still voted him a quarter share of the World Series money, over $2,100.

During the 1967 Series, he got one pinch-hit appearance in Game Six and grounded out. Still, he contributed to the team’s vibe and depth all season.

The Cardinals reached the 1968 World Series as well, with Spiezio on the roster. He notched a pinch-hit single in Game Four, though the team lost to Detroit in seven games.

Historic Milestones with San Diego Padres

Spiezio made Padres franchise history on opening night in 1969. He got the team’s first hit—a home run—and scored their first-ever run.

On August 6, 1969, he hit a walk-off homer against his old team, the Cardinals, off Steve Carlton. That was his only career hit off the future Hall of Famer, which is kind of wild.

He played his most consistent ball in San Diego, appearing in a career-high 121 games in 1969. In 1970, he hit .285 over 110 games, playing 93 at third base.

Statistical Accomplishments

Spiezio’s numbers show the life of a utility guy and pinch-hitter. He finished with a .238 batting average and 367 hits over nine seasons from 1964 to 1972.

His power numbers: 39 home runs and 56 doubles. He drove in 174 runs and posted a .303 on-base percentage.

He played 395 games at third base and 19 in the outfield. He pinch-hit in 147 games, showing his value as a bench player.

His college records at Lewis University still look impressive. He held the highest season batting average (.491 in 1963) and career average (.445) as of 2011. He made NAIA first-team All-American in both 1962 and 1963.

Trades, Teams, and Playing Style

Spiezio’s MLB journey took him from the champion Cardinals to two expansion teams. His glove at third base made him a useful utility guy for three different clubs.

Trade to San Diego Padres

After the 1968 season, the Cardinals traded Spiezio to the San Diego Padres. He’d spent five years with St. Louis, mostly backing up Mike Shannon at third.

The move to San Diego gave Spiezio a fresh start. The Padres, brand new in 1969, needed experienced players and he finally got more regular playing time.

He made the Padres’ first Opening Day roster on April 8, 1969. The expansion team had a rough start, but Spiezio provided steady defense at third.

His time in San Diego let him show he could be more than just a backup. The Padres leaned on him to help guide the young team.

Time with Chicago White Sox

Spiezio later joined the Chicago White Sox, his third and last MLB team. The White Sox gave the veteran infielder another shot.

He stuck to his strengths as a reliable defensive player. The White Sox liked his experience and steady glove.

Moving to the American League was a new challenge, but he adjusted well. Defense remained his calling card in Chicago.

Defensive Abilities and Fielding Stats

Spiezio’s biggest asset was his glove at third base. He ranked in the top 10 in MLB for range factor at third in two seasons—a stat that measures how many plays a fielder makes per game.

Teams valued him as a utility infielder because he made the routine plays look easy. His defense stood out, especially in his prime.

At 5-foot-10, Spiezio relied on sharp instincts and quick reflexes. Solid positioning and footwork kept him on MLB rosters for years.

His consistency in the field mattered more than his bat. Teams always need someone who can come off the bench and lock down the defense.

Final MLB Season in 1972

Ed Spiezio wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1972. Over nine seasons, he posted a .238 batting average, hit 39 home runs, and drove in 174 runs.

He played in 554 games. That’s a solid run.

His retirement closed the book on a steady MLB journey. Spiezio played for three teams and saw both the highs of championship baseball and the struggles that come with expansion teams.

He made his biggest mark with his defense, not really with the bat. As an Illinois native, he left his own imprint on the game.

Personal Life and Family Legacy

Ed Spiezio’s influence on baseball kept going long after he left the field, mostly through his son Scott Spiezio. Scott carved out a 12-year MLB career and became a two-time World Series champion.

After leaving baseball in 1972, Ed started a furniture business in Morris, Illinois. He also poured his energy into helping Scott develop as a player, using the same training methods his own dad had taught him.

Relationship with Scott Spiezio

Scott Spiezio was born on September 21, 1972, right as Ed’s playing days were winding down. Ed jumped right into coaching Scott from the start.

He brought out the same drills that his father, Edward Wayne Spiezio Sr., had used when Ed was a kid. That family tradition ran deep.

Their close bond really shaped Scott’s career. Ed’s guidance helped Scott become a skilled infielder and a reliable player.

Scott’s MLB journey took him to teams like the Oakland Athletics, Anaheim Angels, and St. Louis Cardinals.

Some of their best moments came during Scott’s time in the majors. Ed watched from the stands in 2002 when Scott’s Anaheim Angels pulled off a World Series win.

Scott hit a huge three-run homer in Game Six, helping the Angels erase a 5-0 deficit against the Giants. That had to be a proud moment for any dad.

Influence on Next Generation

Ed and Scott Spiezio made history as the first father-son pair to both homer for the St. Louis Cardinals. Ed knocked out five homers during his five years with the Cards from 1964 to 1969.

Scott later joined the Cardinals and played a part in their 2006 World Series championship. That’s pretty special.

Both father and son ended up with two World Series rings each. Ed got his with the Cardinals in 1964 and 1967, while Scott won with the Angels in 2002 and the Cardinals in 2006.

It’s rare to see a father and son both win multiple championships. When Scott picked up his 2007 World Series ring at Busch Stadium, Ed was there to see it happen. That moment capped off decades of dedication to baseball in their family.

Post-Retirement Activities

After retiring in March 1973, Ed and his wife Verna opened Spiezio’s Furniture Inc. in Morris, Illinois, about an hour from Chicago.

The business gave them financial stability after baseball. Ed stayed close to the game by supporting Scott’s career and showing up to many of his games.

The Spiezio family kept their ties strong with baseball communities. Lewis University, where Ed played college ball, honored him with a jersey retirement to recognize what he’d done for their program and in the pros.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Ed Spiezio’s baseball legacy goes beyond his nine years in the majors. He made an impact through his college records, by helping Scott develop, and with his contributions to championship teams.

He set some impressive records in college and even earned praise from Hall of Fame players for his hitting.

Records and Enduring Recognition

At Lewis University, Spiezio set hitting records that stuck around for a long time. His .491 batting average in 1963 and .445 career average over two seasons still stood as Lewis records as of 2011.

He earned first-team NAIA All-American honors in both 1962 and 1963. Those were big years for him.

Lewis University put him in their Hall of Fame in 1981, his first year of eligibility. He set records for most total bases in a game (13) and most home runs in a game (3).

Cardinals Hall of Famer Red Schoendienst once called Spiezio “the finest looking young hitter” he’d ever seen, according to The Sporting News. Scouts noticed Spiezio’s natural ability early on.

Reputation Among Peers

Teammates and opponents respected Spiezio for his positive attitude and flexibility. While with the Cardinals, he added to team chemistry as an accordion player, even performing with Nelson Briles in a musical group on off days.

Coaches and managers appreciated his work ethic. After struggling with fielding in San Diego, Spiezio spent an entire winter in Joliet working on grounders in a local fieldhouse. That dedication paid off, and he showed much better range the next season.

Ed Spiezio built professional relationships that lasted well beyond his playing days. In 1964, Cardinals teammates voted him a quarter share of World Series money despite limited playing time. That gesture showed how much they valued his role in the team’s success.

Influence on Major League Baseball

Spiezio’s biggest impact on baseball really showed up through his son Scott’s growth and later success. Ed used the same tough training routines he’d relied on himself, and he played a huge part in getting Scott ready for pro ball.

Scott went on to enjoy a 12-year major league career as an infielder. The family’s championship legacy grew even stronger when Scott’s 2002 Anaheim Angels took home the World Series trophy.

Ed watched as his son blasted a three-run homer in Game Six, helping the Angels come back from a 5-0 hole. After the Game Seven win, Ed said, “This is better,” as he compared that wild celebration to his own titles in 1964 and 1967.

Both father and son pulled off the rare feat of winning multiple World Series rings with the Cardinals. Scott added a second title with St. Louis in 2006, keeping the family’s ties to the franchise alive—the same team where Ed kicked off his big league career and grabbed his first two rings.