Pete Ward – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Pete Ward grew up in Montreal, Quebec, and made his name in Major League Baseball during the 1960s. He retired in 1970 after a pretty solid nine-season run. Born Peter Thomas Ward, he handled a bunch of positions—third base, outfield, first base—showing off his versatility.

Ward played 973 games in the majors, wearing jerseys for the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees. He finished with a .254 batting average and 98 home runs. He really hit his stride with the Chicago White Sox, spending most of his career there from 1963 to 1969. His dad was a Stanley Cup-winning hockey player, but Ward picked baseball and became a steady contributor during a pretty competitive era in the American League.

Let’s take a look at Ward’s journey—from his amateur days to his rise through professional baseball, and the impact he left both on and off the field. From his Baltimore debut to his last season in pinstripes, Ward’s story is all about dedication and that old-school versatility you just don’t see as much anymore.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Pete Ward started his baseball journey in Montreal, Canada. He was born into a hockey family but moved to Portland, Oregon, when he was eight.

Ward’s athletic side really took off during his high school years at Jefferson High School. That set him up for some success at Lewis and Clark College.

Family Background and Move to Oregon

Pete Ward was born on July 26, 1937, in Montreal. His father, Jimmy Ward, played professional hockey and starred for the Montreal Maroons in the NHL.

When Pete turned eight, the Ward family packed up and moved to Portland, Oregon. That move changed everything for his baseball future.

Leaving Montreal behind, Pete soaked up American baseball culture during those early years. Growing up with a pro athlete for a dad probably fueled Pete’s competitive drive and gave him a look behind the curtain of professional sports.

Jimmy Ward’s hockey career must’ve given Pete some valuable lessons about the kind of dedication needed for top-level sports. Even as Pete became more American, he kept those Canadian roots close.

But Portland really became his home. That’s where he honed the skills that would get him into pro baseball.

High School Achievements at Jefferson

Pete Ward attended Jefferson High School in Portland. That’s where he really started turning heads as a baseball player.

His high school years gave him the foundation for what came next. Ward showed off his athleticism and baseball instincts, and scouts started to notice.

The competition around Portland was tough, which only helped Ward get better. Oregon’s high school baseball scene was no joke, and it prepped him for the next level.

College recruiters took notice of his play at Jefferson. Ward’s talent opened doors for him to keep playing at the collegiate level.

Collegiate Success at Lewis and Clark College

Ward kept his baseball dreams alive at Lewis and Clark College in Portland. His time there helped him sharpen his skills and catch the eye of pro scouts.

At Lewis and Clark, Ward focused on becoming a better position player. The coaching and competition there set him up for the pros.

His performance in college was strong enough that Major League Baseball teams started to circle. Ward’s mix of power and versatility made him a hot prospect.

The Baltimore Orioles signed him as an amateur free agent in 1958 when he was just 20. His success at Lewis and Clark made that possible, and just like that, his amateur days were done and his minor league journey was about to begin.

Professional Debut and Minor League Development

Pete Ward signed with the Baltimore Orioles and started working his way up through their minor league system. He made his MLB debut on September 21, 1962, at age 25.

His road to the majors took a few years of grinding in the Orioles’ farm system. There, he worked on being a versatile infielder and outfielder.

Signing with the Baltimore Orioles

Ward joined the Orioles after finishing college at Lewis and Clark in Portland. Even though he was the son of NHL player Jimmy Ward, baseball was his thing.

Signing with Baltimore was a big deal for Ward. He turned away from hockey and leaned into the baseball life.

Ward’s athletic background and college experience gave him a solid start. The Orioles liked his versatility and the fact that he hit left-handed.

With a 6’1″ frame and weighing in at 185 pounds, he looked like a guy who could play multiple spots.

Progression Through the Minor Leagues

Ward spent several seasons in the Orioles’ minor league system, playing third base, first base, and outfield. That flexibility would pay off later.

He kept improving his batting average, worked on his power, and learned some patience at the plate. Those minor league years were all about development.

Facing better and better pitching as he moved up the ladder, Ward got a taste of what he’d see in the big leagues. That experience was huge.

Ward’s ability to handle different positions made him stand out. The Orioles leaned on that flexibility as he moved through the minors.

Notable Achievements Before MLB

Ward’s minor league work paid off with his MLB debut on September 21, 1962, against the Minnesota Twins. In that first game, he got a hit in his only at-bat and drove in two runs.

He built a reputation as a clutch hitter in the minors. Pitcher Dean Chance would later call him the league’s toughest clutch hitter in the ’60s.

All the skills Ward picked up in the minors translated well to the majors. His versatility and bat made him a pretty attractive trade piece too.

Ward’s minor league journey set him up for a nine-season MLB career and 973 games. He’d go on to hit 98 home runs and collect 427 RBI.

MLB Career Overview

Pete Ward played nine seasons in the majors, from 1962 to 1970, and suited up for three teams. He made his mark as a solid third baseman, with his best years coming in Chicago.

Breakout with Chicago White Sox

Ward landed with the Chicago White Sox in 1963 after a trade from the Orioles. The deal sent him, Hoyt Wilhelm, Ron Hansen, and Dave Nicholson to Chicago for Luis Aparicio and Al Smith.

The White Sox made Ward their regular 3B, and he didn’t disappoint. In 1963, he racked up 177 hits (second in the AL) and 34 doubles (again, second in the league).

He also hit 22 home runs and posted a .295 batting average, good for fifth in the American League. That year, Chicago won 94 games and finished just behind the Yankees.

Ward didn’t slow down in 1964. He hit .282 with 23 home runs and a career-high 94 RBI. The White Sox stayed in the hunt until the very end, finishing just one game back.

But in 1965, a car accident (that also injured Tommy John) changed everything. Ward hurt his neck, and back problems in 1966 piled on, so his numbers started to drop.

Trade to New York Yankees and Final Season

The White Sox traded Ward to the New York Yankees in December 1969 for pitcher Mickey Scott and some cash. His role shrank a lot compared to his Chicago days.

Ward only got 77 at-bats in 1970, mostly as a PH and backup 1B behind Danny Cater. He played just 13 games in the field at first base—a big change from being a regular starter.

The Yankees released him in March 1971. That ended his nine-year MLB run. By then, injuries had really limited what he could do at the plate and in the field.

Career Batting and Fielding Statistics

Ward finished with a .254 batting average over 973 games. He collected 776 hits, 98 home runs, and 427 RBI.

He also notched 136 doubles and 17 triples, showing he had some pop.

Career Highlights:

• Batting Average: .254
• Home Runs: 98
• RBI: 427
• Hits: 776
• Games Played: 973

Ward mainly played 3B and LF, but he filled in at 1B and RF when needed. His defensive versatility was a big asset, especially during his best years in Chicago.

Awards and Honors

Ward finished second in American League Rookie of the Year voting in 1963, just behind teammate Gary Peters. Still, The Sporting News picked him as their AL Rookie of the Year that season.

His big years in 1963 and 1964 earned him MVP votes—ninth in 1963, sixth in 1964. Those were the high points for individual honors in his MLB career.

In 1991, Ward joined the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame and the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame.

Career Highlights and Memorable Moments

Pete Ward’s nine-year big league career had some real highs, especially his rookie season and those strong years in Chicago. He earned national attention and put up solid power numbers.

Rookie Sensation and Top Performances

Ward exploded onto the scene in 1963 with the Chicago White Sox after that trade from Baltimore. He played 157 games as a rookie and put up some eye-popping stats.

He hit .295 with 22 home runs and finished second in the American League in hits. That performance earned him The Sporting News American League Rookie of the Year.

Ward didn’t fade in his second year, either. In 1964, he hit 23 home runs and drove in a career-best 94 RBI.

He finished sixth in the American League MVP voting that year. That was the peak of his offensive output with the White Sox.

Notable Games and Milestones

Ward debuted on September 21, 1962, with the Orioles against the Twins. In his very first at-bat, he delivered a two-run single.

His 1967 season stood out, too. Ward’s 18 home runs led the White Sox that year, and nobody else on the team hit more than 14.

Over his nine seasons, Ward put up solid career numbers: 98 home runs, 427 RBI, and 776 hits in 973 games across three teams.

That 1965 car accident and the neck injury that came with it really hampered his play after those early big years. It’s tough not to wonder what he could’ve done if he’d stayed healthy.

Legacy, Coaching, and Life After Retirement

Ward didn’t leave baseball after playing—he moved into coaching in the 1970s. He worked with the Atlanta Braves and the Yankees’ farm system.

He earned a spot in the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1985.

Coaching Roles with Atlanta Braves and Yankees

Ward jumped into coaching after his playing days ended in 1970. He joined the Atlanta Braves coaching staff in the early ’70s.

The New York Yankees also brought him into their organization. He spent time working in their farm system, helping develop minor leaguers.

Ward’s coaching experience covered both the big leagues and the minors. He shared what he’d learned over nine MLB seasons with the next generation.

A lot of players from Ward’s era ended up coaching, and he fit right in. His knowledge of hitting and fielding made him a valuable resource.

Coaching kept Ward close to the game. He worked with players at all different levels in the Yankees’ minor league system.

Honors in Hall of Fame and Local Recognition

The Oregon Sports Hall of Fame inducted Ward in 1985. They recognized everything he did for Oregon sports, not just his MLB career.

Ward graduated from Portland’s Jefferson High School. He went on to play at Lewis and Clark College.

He never lost his connection to Portland, not even later in life.

In 1971, he started the Pete Ward Baseball Clinic, bringing former MLB players to Oregon. Mickey Mantle even showed up as a guest speaker one year.

Ward made the clinic a big part of his legacy in Oregon. He really wanted to support local baseball.

His impact on Oregon sports stood out during his Hall of Fame induction. They honored him 15 years after he left professional baseball.

He was born in Montreal, which gave him a connection to baseball’s international side. Still, most people remember him for what he did in Oregon.

Personal Life and Lasting Influence

Pete Ward built a meaningful life beyond baseball. He created strong family bonds and gave back to his community through youth baseball programs.

His father’s hockey legacy and his own work with young players shaped his lasting impact on Oregon sports.

Family and Community Involvement

Ward grew up in a sports family. His father, Jimmy Ward, played right wing for the Montreal Maroons and helped them win the Stanley Cup in 1935.

When Jimmy’s 12-year NHL career ended, he took a coaching job with the Portland Eagles. That move brought the family from Montreal to Portland.

Pete married Margaret Ward, and together they raised three sons. Later, they became grandparents to seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

They settled in Lake Oswego, near Portland.

Ward stayed involved in his community after baseball. He helped found the Kruse Way Rotary Club.

He joined the local Chamber of Commerce too.

His biggest community contribution came from the Pete Ward Baseball Clinics, which he started in 1971. These clinics brought active and former Major League players to Oregon, including Mickey Mantle.

Ward donated all proceeds from the clinics to fund scholarships for Oregon student-athletes.

Enduring Legacy in Baseball

Ward made a real mark on baseball that went way beyond his days as a player. He started youth development programs that stuck around for years.

The Pete Ward Baseball Clinics turned into a big deal in Oregon’s baseball scene. For a long time, those clinics brought young players together from all over the state.

Kids learned the game, and honestly, they got to meet some baseball legends—folks who probably wouldn’t have shown up in Oregon otherwise.

Ward always tried to give back. He used his baseball connections to help others, not just himself.

People remember him for what he did on the field, sure, but also for how he looked out for young athletes. Ward passed away on March 16, 2022, at 84, after battling Alzheimer’s Disease. His family and community still remember his generous spirit.