Norm Siebern – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Norman Leroy Siebern wrapped up his major league baseball career in 1968, capping off twelve seasons that took him from World Series highs with the New York Yankees to steady production for six different teams. The Missouri native closed out his playing days with the Boston Red Sox, finishing a journey that included 1,406 games as both a first baseman and outfielder.

Siebern called it a career after the 1968 season, leaving behind a .272 batting average, 132 home runs, and 636 RBIs. He never really grabbed the spotlight, but he was steady—maybe even a bit underrated.

His path to retirement included several big trades and team switches that shaped his story. Most famously, Siebern got dealt as part of that seven-player trade sending him from the Yankees to Kansas City, with Roger Maris heading to New York. That deal worked out for both sides, honestly. In Kansas City, Siebern settled in and became a reliable bat, even making the All-Star team.

Siebern’s career tells you a lot about baseball back in the 1950s and ’60s. He struggled at first on those stacked Yankees teams, but eventually found his place with the Athletics and a few other clubs. His journey through amateur ball, the grind of the pros, and all the relationships along the way gives you a window into what life was like for a solid big leaguer during that golden era.

Norm Siebern’s Career Overview

Norm Siebern played twelve seasons in Major League Baseball from 1956 to 1968. He appeared in 1,406 games for six different teams.

He made a name for himself as a versatile player, excelling at both first base and left field. People noticed—he made the All-Star team four times and picked up a Gold Glove.

Major League Debut and Teams Played For

Siebern jumped into the big leagues with the New York Yankees on June 15, 1956, at just 22 years old. He landed on a Yankees squad loaded with stars like Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, and Whitey Ford.

The Yankees kept him around from 1956 to 1959. He played important roles in two World Series wins during his time in pinstripes.

In December 1959, the Yankees traded Siebern to the Kansas City Athletics in a seven-player deal that sent Roger Maris to New York. That trade really changed things for both teams.

Kansas City became his home from 1960 to 1963, the longest stretch he spent anywhere. He thrived with the A’s, locking down first base and earning All-Star nods.

After that, Siebern moved on to the Baltimore Orioles (1964-1965), California Angels (1966), San Francisco Giants (1967), and finally the Boston Red Sox (1967-1968). He wrapped up his career in Boston, hanging up his spikes after 1968.

Primary Positions: First Base and Left Field

Siebern bounced between first base and left field, filling whatever role his teams needed. With the Yankees, he mostly played left field. He even snagged a Gold Glove in 1958 for his defense.

Manager Casey Stengel liked his glove, even though Siebern sometimes struggled with fly balls in the sun. The 1958 World Series against Milwaukee put both his strengths and weaknesses on display out there.

When he got to Kansas City in 1960, Siebern switched to first base. That move worked out—he looked more comfortable, and it let him focus on hitting.

At first base, Siebern played solid defense. In 1962, he led the American League in putouts, playing every game at the position.

His flexibility gave managers options. Teams liked that he could handle both spots, letting them mix and match lineups as needed.

Key Career Achievements and Awards

Siebern made the All-Star team four times, with his best years coming in Kansas City. He represented the A’s in both the 1962 and 1963 All-Star Games.

He picked up a Gold Glove in 1958 for his work in left field with the Yankees. That year, he hit .300 and launched 14 home runs.

He won two World Series rings with the Yankees in 1956 and 1958. Those championships came early, back when the Yankees basically owned the American League.

His best season came in 1962 with Kansas City. He hit .308, smashed 25 home runs, drove in 117 runs, and led the league with a .412 on-base percentage.

By the end, Siebern had a .272 batting average, 132 homers, and 636 RBIs in 1,406 games. He finished seventh in MVP voting in 1962, picking up 53 points for that standout year.

The 1968 Retirement and Final Seasons

Norm Siebern spent his last big league seasons with the Boston Red Sox. He helped out during their wild 1967 World Series run, then decided to retire partway through 1968.

His final games came during one of the most exciting chapters in Red Sox history.

Boston Red Sox Tenure

Siebern joined the Red Sox in 1967, after quick stops with the California Angels and San Francisco Giants. The Sox brought him in as a veteran first baseman and outfielder, hoping his experience would rub off on their young roster during an unexpected pennant chase.

That season, Siebern mostly came off the bench as a pinch-hitter and utility guy. He didn’t play a ton, but his presence mattered as Boston made its push for the American League crown. The Red Sox leaned on their younger stars but still appreciated Siebern’s steady leadership.

In 1968, Siebern’s playing time dropped off a cliff. He got into just 27 games, almost always as a pinch-hitter instead of a regular starter. His last appearance came on July 30, 1968, against the Orioles—he had one at-bat, no hits.

Appearances in the 1967 World Series

The 1967 World Series gave Siebern his third and final shot at baseball’s biggest stage. The Red Sox faced the St. Louis Cardinals in a wild seven-game series at Fenway and Busch Stadium.

Siebern’s biggest moment came in Game Seven. He stepped up against the Cardinals’ ace in the eighth inning with a runner on third. He grounded out, but his at-bat brought in the Red Sox’s last run in what turned out to be a 7-2 loss.

That series was both a career highlight and a kind of farewell for Siebern. At 34, he’d made it to the World Series for the third time, after winning it all with the Yankees in 1956 and 1958.

Retirement Decision and Legacy

Siebern decided to retire in 1968, after only four games in the field that season. His big league journey spanned from 1956 to 1968 and took him through six teams.

He played in 1,406 Major League games over those twelve years. Along the way, he made the All-Star team four times and won two World Series titles with the Yankees. He also took home a Gold Glove Award for his defense.

The Missouri native played a key role in some major trades, especially the 1959 swap that sent him from the Yankees to Kansas City for Roger Maris. His best season, by far, came in 1962 with Kansas City, when he led the league with a .412 on-base percentage.

When Siebern retired, he left behind a reputation as a reliable contributor who grew from a Yankees prospect into a veteran leader for several teams.

Notable Trades and Team Transitions

Norm Siebern’s career got shaped by a handful of big trades that changed his path—and, honestly, helped shape baseball history. The Roger Maris deal stands out, but he bounced around a bit after that, too.

Trade from Yankees to Kansas City Athletics

After the 1959 season, Siebern got traded from the New York Yankees to the Kansas City Athletics. That was part of a huge seven-player swap—one of those trades fans still talk about.

The Yankees sent Siebern, pitcher Don Larsen, and outfielder Hank Bauer to Kansas City. Siebern had already made a name for himself in New York, winning a Gold Glove in 1958 as their left fielder.

That trade gave Siebern a fresh start. In Kansas City, he moved from left field to first base, where he’d play most of his career. That switch worked out for both him and the A’s.

Involvement in Roger Maris Trade

The deal that sent Siebern to Kansas City was a big one because it brought Roger Maris to the Yankees. Kansas City shipped Maris and infielders Joe DeMaestri and Kent Hadley to New York in exchange for the Yankees’ package.

Looking back, it’s one of the most lopsided trades ever. Siebern put up good numbers in Kansas City, but Maris went on to break Babe Ruth’s home run record with the Yankees in 1961.

Marv Throneberry was also part of that complicated deal. The trade totally changed the course for both teams, though the Yankees clearly got the better end by landing Maris.

Siebern still made the most of his time in Kansas City, earning All-Star spots in 1962 and 1963 as the A’s first baseman.

Stints with Baltimore Orioles and California Angels

After four solid years with Kansas City, Siebern got traded to the Baltimore Orioles in 1964. He spent two seasons there, bringing a veteran presence to the clubhouse.

The Orioles then shipped Siebern to the California Angels in 1966. He didn’t stick around long, playing just one season before moving again—this time to the San Francisco Giants.

These late-career moves showed Siebern’s value as a steady veteran. Teams liked his experience and the fact that he could still play a solid first base. Each trade gave him a new chance to help out and keep his major league career going.

His last stop came with the Boston Red Sox in 1967, where he finished up the following year.

Performance Highlights and Statistics

Norm Siebern put together some impressive numbers over his twelve years, batting .272 with 132 home runs and 636 RBIs in 1,406 games. His best years, no surprise, came with the Kansas City A’s, where he stood out both at the plate and in the field—he even picked up a Gold Glove Award.

Career Batting Average and Offensive Records

Siebern’s .272 career average tells you he was a steady offensive producer. His best season? That would be 1962 in Kansas City, when he hit .308 and racked up 185 hits.

He swung from the left side and showed great plate discipline, drawing 708 walks against 748 strikeouts. His .369 on-base percentage was well above the league average for his era.

Key Offensive Numbers:

• Career hits: 1,217
• Doubles: 206
• Triples: 38
• Slugging percentage: .423

In 1962, he scored 114 runs and drove in 117 RBIs. He also walked 110 times that year, proving he really knew how to work a count and get on base.

Home Runs and Runs Batted In

Siebern’s power peaked with the Kansas City A’s from 1960-1963. He hit 25 home runs in 1962, his best total, and drove in 117 runs that season.

He finished with 132 career homers, mostly as a first baseman and outfielder. That 1962 season stands out as his offensive peak—power and consistency all at once.

Home Runs by Team:

• Kansas City Athletics: 78 home runs (1960-1963)
• New York Yankees: 29 home runs (1956, 1958-1959)
• Baltimore Orioles: 20 home runs (1964-1965)

Siebern’s 636 career RBIs showed he could drive in runs year after year. During his four seasons with Kansas City, he averaged 81 RBIs per year.

All-Star Selections and MVP Consideration

Records don’t show specific All-Star selections for Siebern, but his 1962 season probably put him in the MVP conversation. He hit .308, blasted 25 home runs, and drove in 117 runs, which was top-tier production in the American League.

That year, Siebern landed among the league leaders in several offensive stats. He scored 114 runs and got on base at a .412 clip, showing just how valuable he was all around.

Casey Stengel once said in 1958, “He hit .300 for me. He’s good at getting walks and he’s good at going from first to third. He’s not an easy man to get out.” That’s high praise from a legend.

Defensive Excellence and Gold Glove Award

Siebern earned a Gold Glove during his career, which really says a lot about his defensive skills. He handled multiple positions—first base, left field, center, and right field.

That kind of versatility came in handy. With the Yankees, he mostly played left field, even taking on the tough left field at Yankee Stadium.

Defensive Positions:

• Primary: First base, left field
• Secondary: Center field, right field

Siebern’s solid fielding percentage and defensive work backed up his offensive numbers. The Gold Glove just made it official—he wasn’t just about the bat.

While with Kansas City, Siebern really established himself as a reliable first baseman, all while keeping up his strong hitting.

Early Life and Amateur Athletics

Norman Leroy Siebern was born July 26, 1933, in Wellston, Missouri. He stood out in both baseball and basketball as a kid.

His athletic talent opened doors, and he found success at the college level before making it to the majors.

Youth and Education in Missouri

Norman Leroy Siebern grew up in Wellston, Missouri, with his parents Milton and Iva. Milton later worked as a scorer for the Kansas City Athletics. The family lived in the St. Louis area, and Norm went to Wellston High School.

At Wellston, Siebern didn’t just play—he excelled in baseball and basketball. Scouts noticed him early.

He also showed promise in the classroom. Siebern served as managing editor of the school newspaper, which showed off his leadership and communication chops.

Lou Maguolo, a Yankees scout, first spotted Siebern when he was just 15. Maguolo kept tabs on him through high school.

Southwest Missouri State Achievement

After high school in 1951, Siebern went to Southwest Missouri State Teachers College. That school became Southwest Missouri State University, and now it’s Missouri State University.

At SMS, Siebern played basketball with Jerry Lumpe. Funny enough, Lumpe would later be his teammate in pro baseball too.

Siebern majored in journalism while playing college sports. His work as managing editor in high school made that a natural fit.

The basketball program at SMS meant tough competition. Siebern’s play helped put the team on the national map.

NAIA National Championships

Siebern and Lumpe powered Southwest Missouri State to big things in the NAIA National Championship Tournament. The Bears won back-to-back titles in 1952 and 1953, going a perfect 10-0 in those tournaments.

During those runs, the Bears knocked off teams like Indiana State, Murray State, and Gonzaga. That kind of dominance put them at the top.

Both Siebern and Lumpe had to leave for baseball spring training before the title games each year. Still, their work during the season and early rounds proved crucial.

The NAIA let athletes play minor league baseball and still keep college basketball eligibility. That rule let Siebern keep both dreams alive for a while.

Entry into Professional Baseball

Lou Maguolo signed Siebern right after high school in 1951. The Yankees scout had tracked him since he was 15.

At 17, Siebern started his pro career with McAlester in the Class-D Sooner State League. He played 50 games and hit .331, with 18 doubles and three triples.

After the 1953 season, the NAIA changed its rules and stopped letting athletes play minor league baseball while also playing college basketball. That forced Siebern to make a choice.

He put his college studies on hold and chased baseball full-time. Like a lot of players back then, he served in the US Army and missed the 1954 and 1955 seasons for military service.

Relationships, Teammates, and Legacy

Norm Siebern’s 12-year career put him alongside some of baseball’s biggest legends. He built connections that lasted long after he stopped playing. Moving from the Yankees to other teams created lasting bonds with Hall of Famers and shaped his post-playing life in baseball.

Collaboration with Yankees Legends

Siebern’s most important relationships probably came during his years with the New York Yankees from 1956 to 1959. He played with Mickey Mantle during Mantle’s legendary 1956 MVP season, when Mantle hit 52 homers and drove in 130 runs.

He also worked closely with Elston Howard, who often competed with him for the left field spot. Manager Casey Stengel backed Siebern, especially in the tough 1958 World Series against Milwaukee when Siebern struggled with fly balls in the sun.

“I found out that day who my friends were,” Siebern later said about Stengel’s support. “What he did was give me heart.”

Tony Kubek was part of what Yankees insiders called the “Ice Cream and Popcorn Set” with Siebern and Bobby Richardson. They got that nickname because they didn’t drink, smoke, or swear, which made them stand out on that team.

Notable Opponents and Contemporaries

After the Yankees traded Siebern to Kansas City in 1959, he faced some tough competition in the American League. He went up against Frank Robinson and the Orioles before eventually joining Baltimore in 1964.

In Baltimore, Siebern played first base with Boog Powell and worked with pitchers like Milt Pappas. The Orioles lineup during those years included future stars who would soon take the team to the World Series.

His short time with the California Angels in 1966 had him rotating in the outfield with different players as the team tried out new combinations. The 1960s were a competitive era—Siebern even faced legends like Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals in exhibitions and spring training.

Lasting Impact on Major League Baseball

Siebern’s legacy goes way beyond just a .272 career batting average or 132 home runs. After he retired, he scouted for the Atlanta Braves and Kansas City Royals, helping those teams discover new talent. You can check out more about his post-retirement scouting here.

The trade that sent him from New York to Kansas City for Roger Maris? That deal changed baseball history. Maris broke Babe Ruth’s home run record, but Siebern really found his groove in Kansas City and made three All-Star teams.

He always kept a strong connection to the Yankees. Over the years, he showed up for Old Timer’s games at Yankee Stadium and joined former teammates at Roger Maris Memorial Charity Golf Tournaments in North Dakota.

Those moments really show how the friendships from his playing days stuck with him, especially with his Yankees teammates who shared in championship wins.