Al Weis – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Al Weis spent nine seasons in Major League Baseball from 1962 to 1971, suiting up for the Chicago White Sox and New York Mets. This utility infielder from Franklin Square, New York, mostly played second base and shortstop, and teams counted on him for his steady glove and ability to fill in wherever needed.

Weis became an unlikely hero during the New York Mets’ miraculous 1969 World Series run, batting .455 in the Fall Classic even though he had just a .219 career average. That October, he went from a journeyman to a key figure in one of baseball’s most legendary underdog stories. Weis, who started as a switch-hitter but eventually hit only right-handed, appeared in 800 games over his decade in the majors.

After he played his final game on June 23, 1971, against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Weis wrapped up a career that really showed the value of consistent, dependable play. His path—from a skinny, overlooked utility guy to World Series hero—shows how preparation and luck sometimes collide, leaving memories that stick around a lot longer than any stat line.

Early Life and Path to Major League Baseball

Albert John Weis was born April 2, 1938, in Franklin Square, New York, and grew up in Bethpage on Long Island. After he finished at Farmingdale High School without any college baseball offers, he joined the United States Navy at 17, where scouts first noticed his baseball skills and the Chicago White Sox signed him.

Childhood and Upbringing

Al Weis grew up in a working-class family in Bethpage during the 1940s and 1950s. He went to Farmingdale High School and played both baseball and basketball there.

One of his high school teammates was Jack Lamabe, who later pitched for teams like the Red Sox, Mets, Pirates, and Cardinals.

Even though he was a solid athlete, Weis didn’t get any college baseball offers after graduation. That lack of options forced him to make a choice that would unexpectedly shape his baseball journey.

With no college prospects, Weis started looking for another path. His next move would set the stage for his professional career.

Amateur Baseball and Early Recognition

After high school, Weis decided to enlist in the United States Navy, hoping to serve his country and keep playing baseball.

While stationed at the Norfolk Navy base in Virginia, Weis played for the base’s baseball team. That experience turned out to be the turning point in his career.

“I owe my baseball career to my country, you might say,” Weis later said about his time in the Navy. Scouts took notice of his play with the Norfolk team.

The Navy base gave Weis a real shot to show what he could do against tough competition. His steady play and sharp defense stood out, and professional scouts kept a close eye on military leagues like his.

Signing With the Chicago White Sox

Scouts from the Chicago White Sox spotted Weis while he played for the Norfolk Navy base team. They liked his defensive skills and versatility in the infield.

The White Sox signed him for $1,500 in 1959, which was pretty standard for players without big amateur resumes back then.

Weis started his pro career with Holdrege in the Class D Nebraska State League. That first season, he hit .275 in 62 games.

He moved up the minor league ladder over four years, playing for Lincoln (1960), Charleston (1961), and Indianapolis (1962). Over those seasons, he batted .266 with 15 home runs at all levels.

Major League Career Overview

Al Weis played 10 seasons in the big leagues from 1962 to 1971, splitting time between the Chicago White Sox and New York Mets. He built a reputation as a dependable utility infielder, especially at second base and shortstop, even though he didn’t hit much.

Debut With Chicago White Sox

Weis made his MLB debut on September 15, 1962, with the White Sox at age 24. He had climbed up through Chicago’s minor league system after signing for $1,500 in 1959.

During his six years with the White Sox (1962-1967), Weis gradually earned more playing time. Early on, he backed up stars like Luis Aparicio and Nellie Fox. His breakout came in 1964, when he played 133 games, mostly at second base.

He showed off his speed in Chicago, leading the team in stolen bases twice—15 in 1963 and 22 in 1964. In 1965, he had his best offensive year, batting .296.

But in 1967, his White Sox run ended suddenly when he broke his leg in a collision with Frank Robinson of the Orioles. That injury limited him to only 50 games that year.

Transition to New York Mets

On December 15, 1967, the New York Mets traded for Weis and Tommie Agee from Chicago. Manager Gil Hodges wanted Weis for his defense.

Weis didn’t love the idea of coming to New York at first. “My reaction was, ‘Oh, no.’ After all these years with a contending team, I was going to a last-place club,” he admitted.

His first year with the Mets was rough. Weis batted just .172 in 1968 across 88 games. But before the 1969 season, he decided to stop switch-hitting and bat only right-handed.

That 1969 season changed everything for Weis. He became a key piece of the Mets’ World Series run, coming up with clutch hits—including big home runs against the Cubs.

Roles and Playing Style

Throughout his career, Weis filled the role of utility infielder and handled both middle infield spots. He played 488 games at second base and 204 at shortstop over 10 years.

He called himself a “journeyman ballplayer” and a “fill-in man.” His stats matched that description: .219 career average, 7 home runs, and 115 RBIs in 800 games.

Weis’s glove kept him in the majors, not his bat. Teams valued his knack for turning double plays and delivering steady defense when it mattered.

Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 160 pounds, he made the most of his abilities with smart play and preparation. He knew his place and took pride in being a reliable backup.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Al Weis hit his peak during the 1969 World Series with the Mets, when his clutch hitting helped the team win it all. Even though his stats were modest, he came through with big moments in key games and pennant races.

Key Seasons and Notable Games

Weis’s 1964 season with the White Sox was probably his best individual year. He batted .247, racked up 81 hits, and stole 22 bases. That speed put him second in the league behind Luis Aparicio.

The White Sox finished just one game behind the Yankees that year. That was as close as Weis got to the postseason with Chicago.

One of his biggest regular season moments happened on July 15, 1969, at Wrigley Field. Weis hit a three-run homer off ex-Met Dick Selma, leading the Mets to a 5-4 win over the first-place Cubs. He homered again the next day, helping the Mets close the gap to just four games in the NL East.

Those back-to-back homers played a huge role in the Mets’ incredible surge to their first division title.

1969 World Series Heroics

Weis turned into a World Series hero against the Orioles, despite his reputation as a light-hitting infielder. He knocked in the game-winning RBI single in Game 2 with two outs in the ninth, giving the Mets a 2-1 win.

In Game 5, Weis hit his most famous home run. He led off the seventh with the Mets down 3-2, and took Dave McNally deep to left to tie it up. Strangely, it was the only home run he ever hit in a home stadium.

The .219 career hitter batted .455 for the Series and drove in three runs. He earned the Babe Ruth Award, while teammate Donn Clendenon took home World Series MVP.

Statistical Milestones

Weis played 800 MLB games over 10 seasons, finishing with a .219 average, seven home runs, and 115 RBIs. He posted a .965 fielding percentage as a utility infielder.

An odd stat: he hit all seven of his regular season home runs on the road and did better against lefties (.235 average). Dave McNally gave up two of his seven career homers, including the one in the World Series.

Weis hit .260 with two home runs and 25 RBIs in July games—his best month at the plate.

Final Season and Retirement in 1971

Al Weis wrapped up his MLB career with the Mets in 1971, playing just 11 games before retiring at 33. His final season was quiet, and he slipped out of the game without much fanfare.

Performance in 1971

In 1971, Weis played just 11 games for the New York Mets. His playing time dropped off sharply from previous years.

He went 0-for-11 at the plate that season, not picking up a single hit.

Mostly, Weis played second base and third base during those games. At 33, his role had shrunk a lot from his earlier days.

His last MLB game came on June 23, 1971, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He had one at-bat, no hits, no home runs, no RBIs, and no steals.

The 1971 season looked nothing like his contributions to the Mets’ 1969 championship. His struggles at the plate just continued.

Retirement Announcement and Legacy

Al Weis retired after the 1971 season. He finished with a .219 average over 800 games.

His career spanned from 1962 to 1971, with six seasons for the White Sox and the rest with the Mets.

Weis had 1,763 plate appearances, 346 hits, seven homers, and 115 RBIs.

His biggest moment came in 1969, when he helped the Mets win their first World Series. That run really defined his career.

The Franklin Square native never really became a regular starter. Teams mostly used him as a defensive replacement or a pinch-hitter.

Life After Baseball

After baseball, Al Weis focused on family and stayed involved in the game by coaching and giving instruction. He kept close ties to baseball while building a steady life off the field.

Personal Life and Family

After retiring in 1971, Weis settled into a quieter life with his wife Barbara. They had already put down roots during his playing days, living in Hillside, a Chicago suburb, when he played for the White Sox.

Barbara was always there for him. She even helped him bulk up for his big 1969 season by loading him up with pasta and beer, bumping his weight from 160 to 170 pounds.

Weis kept his connection to Long Island, where he grew up in Bethpage after being born in Franklin Square. His humble beginnings always mattered to him.

He kept a pretty low profile compared to some of his more famous 1969 Mets teammates. Weis embraced his identity as a “journeyman ballplayer” and stayed grounded, even after his World Series heroics.

Post-MLB Endeavors

After he retired from professional baseball, Weis jumped into coaching and started teaching the game to younger players. He leaned on his decade of major league experience to help shape the next wave of baseball talent.

His coaching career kept him close to the sport he loved. Weis brought his utility player mentality into his instruction, focusing on fundamentals and situational awareness.

He shared what he knew about playing all over the field. Since he played second base, shortstop, and third, Weis could really teach defensive skills from a bunch of perspectives.

He also liked to talk about his clutch hitting from the 1969 World Series. Hitting .455 in that championship gave him plenty of real-world stories for young hitters about staying locked in when it matters most.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Al Weis made his mark on baseball through his defense and his part in one of MLB’s most unforgettable World Series moments. What he did for the New York Mets’ 1969 championship team pretty much guaranteed his spot in baseball history.

Reputation as a Defensive Specialist

Weis built his career around being reliable on defense, not just swinging the bat. He played 488 games at second base and 204 at shortstop during his MLB run.

Because he could handle multiple infield spots, teams used him wherever they needed. Managers especially valued his steady play up the middle.

Weis even filled in at third base and center field when the situation called for it. That kind of flexibility made him a real asset to both the Chicago White Sox and the New York Mets.

Sure, he made 16 errors at second base back in 1964. But over time, Weis really improved his defensive consistency.

He became known for turning double plays and just being solid in the field. Managers counted on him during big moments, trusting he’d handle those tough defensive situations.

Influence on the Mets and MLB History

Weis stepped up for the New York Mets during their wild 1969 World Series run. He managed a .455 batting average and a .727 slugging percentage, which surprised just about everyone who followed baseball that year.

He only had seven career home runs, so nobody really saw that coming. His performance turned heads and made him a key part of the Mets’ unlikely championship.

During the 1969 season, Weis hit two clutch home runs against the Chicago Cubs in July. Those homers helped the Mets catch up in the division race.

People still talk about those moments as part of the whole “Miracle Mets” legend. They really made a difference.

Once he retired, Weis jumped into coaching. He spent his time teaching young players and focused a lot on hard work and building real skills.

Through his coaching, Weis left a mark on a new generation of baseball players. His influence reached far beyond just his own playing days.