Vern Law – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Vern Law spent 16 seasons pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates, showing a level of dedication that fans still remember. His run finally wrapped up in 1967, nearly two decades after he broke into pro baseball. Born out in Meridian, Idaho, Law became a key piece of the Pirates from the day he signed as an amateur free agent in 1948, all the way to his last game on August 20, 1967.

Law’s retirement in 1967 closed out a remarkable career. He won a Cy Young Award, a World Series ring, and earned Comeback Player of the Year, securing his legacy in Pittsburgh Pirates lore. He finished with a 162-147 record and a 3.77 ERA, numbers that really show his consistency and grit, especially at Forbes Field where fans loved him.

Let’s take a look at Law’s path from small-town Idaho to major league stardom. His peak came in the 1960 season, when he helped push the Pirates to a World Series title for the first time since 1925. His story has it all—triumph, setbacks, a stint in the military, and a stubborn ankle injury that forced him to change his pitching. After he hung up his cleats in 1967, he moved into coaching.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Vernon Sanders Law started out in rural Idaho. His Mormon upbringing and athleticism shaped his future. His high school career showed off his skills in several sports, which eventually led to a contract with the Pirates in 1948.

Childhood in Idaho

Vernon Sanders Law was born March 12, 1930, in Meridian, Idaho. His dad, Jesse Law, worked as a mechanic and had ten kids from two marriages.

Vernon was the second of three children from Jesse’s second marriage to Melva Christina Sanders. The family lived on a farm just outside Meridian, following strict Mormon traditions.

By age 12, Vernon became a deacon in the Mormon church. He’d move up to elder by 19.

During World War II, Jesse moved the family to Mare Island, California, near Santa Rosa for work at a submarine base. Each summer, the rest of the family joined him when school let out.

California meant more baseball for Vernon and his brothers. After the war, they went back to Meridian, and Jesse picked up his old job as a mechanic.

Early Baseball Development

Vernon played hardball with his brother Evan in the playground starting in fifth grade. By his freshman year of high school, he already stood 6-foot-3 and weighed 175 pounds.

His size made him a natural for the football team. He shined there, running the 100-yard dash in about 10 seconds and showing off a strong arm and leg.

Law also stood out in basketball and baseball. Even though he woke up at 5 a.m. for part-time jobs to help the family, he kept up his athletic performance.

In his junior year, Meridian won state titles in both football and baseball. The football team allowed just six points all season, and Vernon pitched for the baseball team with Evan as his catcher.

After junior year, Vernon played American Legion ball in Boise because Meridian didn’t have enough players for a team. With Law pitching, the team took district, state, and regional championships.

They advanced to the sectional tournament in Billings, Montana, making them one of the top 12 Legion teams nationwide. There, Vernon met Babe Ruth—the banquet speaker—and got his autograph.

Signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates

Law’s pro prospects took off after he struck out 25 in a tournament game, drawing scouts from everywhere. In his senior year, he pitched a tense game against Payette that stayed scoreless into the eighth.

In a wild move, Payette’s coach sent in a 3½-foot-tall midget as a pinch-hitter. With scouts watching, Law struck him out in three pitches.

Herman Welker, a Payette attorney and future U.S. senator, watched the game. He’d gone to Gonzaga with Bing Crosby, who owned a piece of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Welker reached out to Crosby about Law. The Pirates quickly sent scout Babe Herman to check him out, but other teams and colleges wanted him too.

The Pirates offered $2,000—not much, honestly. The clincher? Crosby called Law’s mother himself, promised good treatment, and even offered a World Series trip if Vernon and the Pirates made it.

Just three days after graduating in 1948, Vernon and Evan reported to the Santa Rosa Pirates in the Class D Far West League. The Pirates also signed Evan to a minor league deal as part of the package.

Major League Baseball Career Highlights

Vern Law’s MLB career lasted 16 seasons with the Pirates. He had huge highs and some tough breaks. His journey included military service that interrupted his early momentum, but he bounced back with a dominant 1960 season.

MLB Debut and Early Seasons

Law debuted in the majors on June 11, 1950, for the Pirates at just 20 years old. He’d signed as an amateur free agent in 1948 and spent two years in the minors.

He showed real promise as a rookie. Law quickly became a reliable member of the Pirates’ pitching staff that season.

Law’s early years hinted at his future as a starter. At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, he had the physical tools for MLB.

The Pirates saw his talent right away. Law’s ability to throw strikes and command the mound impressed team brass from the start.

Military Service Interruption

After his rookie season in 1950, Law’s career hit pause for military service. He served from 1951 to 1954, missing three full years of pro ball.

That interruption came at a crucial time for his development. Most players use those years to refine their skills and establish themselves.

When Law returned to the majors in 1954, he had to rebuild his momentum. He worked hard to earn his way back into the Pirates’ starting rotation.

The service years took a bite out of his career stats. Law lost games and innings during what should’ve been his prime.

Breakout Performance and 1959 Season

Law’s breakout moment came in August 1959. He shared the NL Player of the Month award with Willie McCovey, going 4-0 with a 1.94 ERA and 25 strikeouts.

That month really established Law as a dominant pitcher in the National League. He became known for finishing games and keeping his ERA low.

The 1959 season marked Law’s arrival as an elite MLB pitcher. His strikeouts climbed, and his control and durability stood out.

Law’s big year set up his historic 1960 season. The Pirates counted on his steady performances as they chased a championship.

The 1960 Season and World Series Triumph

The 1960 season was the high point of Vern Law’s career. He turned in a Cy Young Award-winning performance that drove the Pirates to their first World Series title in 35 years. Even with a late-season ankle injury, Law’s clutch pitching against the Yankees made him a Pirates legend.

Cy Young Award Season

Law’s 1960 season was just outstanding. He finished with a 20-9 record—his only 20-win season.

He dominated NL hitters thanks to his control and stamina. Law’s 18 complete games tied him with Warren Spahn and Lew Burdette for the league lead.

His steady play earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team. Law’s strong season was a huge reason the Pirates rose to the top of the NL.

He won the Cy Young Award for his efforts. That award recognized him as baseball’s top pitcher in 1960.

Law had shown promise in 1959 with an 18-9 record. The 1960 season really was the payoff after years of hard work.

1960 World Series Victory

The 1960 World Series pitted the Pirates against the heavily favored Yankees. Law won Games One and Four, helping Pittsburgh grab the title.

His World Series stats were solid, even with the Yankees’ big bats. Law posted a 3.44 ERA in 18⅓ innings, while the team’s ERA overall was 7.11.

The Yankees out-hit and outscored the Pirates in several games. They batted .338 as a team.

Law started the legendary Game Seven on just three days’ rest. He didn’t get the decision, but his gutsy effort kept the Pirates in it.

Bill Mazeroski’s ninth-inning home run finally clinched it for Pittsburgh. Law’s earlier wins made that moment possible.

Injury and Adversity

Law sprained his ankle during the team’s pennant celebration. The injury happened on the bus as they celebrated the NL title.

He had to change his pitching mechanics to deal with the pain. Law pitched through it during the last regular season games and the World Series.

The injury really derailed what had been a dream season. Law’s ability to keep competing showed his determination.

Despite the setback, Law still helped the team win it all. He pitched hurt, putting the team first.

That ankle injury stuck with him. It forced Law to change his approach and made the following seasons a struggle.

Later Career Achievements and Retirement in 1967

In his final years, Vern Law showed serious resilience. He earned the NL Comeback Player of the Year award in 1965, plus the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award. He wrapped up his 16-season run with the Pirates in 1967, finishing with 162 wins and 147 losses.

Comeback Player of the Year 1965

Law’s 1965 season was one for the books. After years of injuries post-1960, he came back strong.

That year, he posted a 17-9 record with a 2.15 ERA over 29 games. In June, Law was especially dominant, sharing NL Player of the Month with Willie Stargell.

He went 6-1 with a 0.87 ERA and 32 strikeouts in that month alone. This run earned him the NL Comeback Player of the Year award.

Law also received the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award for his work on and off the field. That honor recognized both his baseball skills and his character.

Final Seasons and Retirement

Law played two more seasons after his comeback. Even as an older pitcher, he still contributed to the Pirates’ rotation.

His last MLB appearance came on August 20, 1967, facing the New York Mets. He pitched 5.1 innings, gave up 10 hits, allowed 2 earned runs, and struck out one.

Law retired after the 1967 season at age 37. He spent his whole 16-season career with the Pirates, playing from 1950-1951 and 1954-1967, with military service breaking up the early years.

Career Statistics and Records

Law wrapped up his career with some pretty impressive stats that really show off his consistency and longevity. He put up a final record of 162-147 with a 3.77 ERA over 516 games.

He racked up 1,092 strikeouts during his career and showed excellent control on the mound. Law finished a lot of his starts, proving he had the durability teams expected from pitchers back then.

Career Highlights:

• 162 career wins
• 1,092 career strikeouts
• .972 fielding percentage (16 points above league average)
• 2× All-Star selection (1960)
• Cy Young Award winner (1960)
• World Series champion (1960)

At the plate, Law managed a .216 batting average with 11 home runs and 90 RBIs. Defensively, he stood out with a fielding percentage that topped most other major league pitchers.

Coaching and Post-Playing Career

Law retired from his 16-year playing career in 1967, then jumped straight into coaching and management. He took on roles across pro baseball, college teams, and even international leagues.

His coaching journey started with the Pittsburgh Pirates, then moved to Brigham Young University, and eventually led him all the way to Japan’s professional leagues.

Pittsburgh Pirates Coaching Role

Right after retiring, Law joined the Pittsburgh Pirates coaching staff. He coached for the Pirates during the 1968 and 1969 seasons.

He worked with the very same pitching staff he’d just played with, which must have been a little strange at first. Still, his experience and deep knowledge of the organization made him a valuable part of the team.

Law’s transition from player to coach let him pass on his expertise to younger pitchers. With 16 years in the majors, he had plenty of credibility when working with up-and-coming players.

Collegiate Coaching at Brigham Young University

In 1969, Law took a job as assistant coach at Brigham Young University. He stuck with the program for ten years, from 1969 to 1979.

That decade at BYU became the longest coaching stint of his post-playing days. Law worked hands-on with college players, helping them sharpen their skills and get a better feel for the game.

The university setting gave Law a chance to blend his baseball knowledge with educational ideas. He mentored young athletes both on the diamond and off during his time with the Cougars.

International Coaching and Minor League Management

Law’s coaching career went international when he joined the Seibu Lions in Japan from 1979 to 1981. Coaching in Nippon Professional Baseball gave him a look at different coaching styles and baseball cultures.

When he got back from Japan, Law kept coaching in minor league baseball. He took the pitching coach job for the Portland Beavers in 1982.

He then moved to the Chicago White Sox organization, working as pitching coach for the Denver Bears in 1983. The next year, he got promoted to manager of the Denver Zephyrs in 1984.

Law’s time managing the Zephyrs ended on July 3, 1984, when Adrian Garrett replaced him. That role marked one of his last stops in professional baseball coaching.

Personal Life and Legacy

Vern Law’s life went way beyond just baseball. His strong Mormon faith and family values shaped who he was, both on and off the field.

His legacy still lives on through his son Vance Law’s baseball career and the many honors that recognize his impact.

Family and Faith

Law married VaNita McGuire on March 3, 1950, in Logan, Utah, just before spring training rolled around. They’d dated since high school and built a strong foundation for their family.

Together, they raised six kids: five sons—Varlin, Vaughn, Vance, Veryl, and Veldon—and one daughter, VaLynda. Law’s Mormon faith played a big part in his family life and even earned him the nickname “The Deacon.”

His religious beliefs guided his conduct throughout his baseball career. Law grew up in a strict Mormon household on a farm outside Meridian, Idaho. By 12, he served as a deacon in his church, and by 19, he’d become an elder.

Law’s faith influenced his reputation as one of baseball’s most respected players. He kept high moral standards and lived clean, setting an example for teammates and fans.

Vance Law and Family in Baseball

Law’s baseball legacy carried on through his son Vance, who followed his dad into the major leagues. Vance played 11 seasons in MLB from 1980 to 1991, suiting up for several teams including the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Unlike his dad, who pitched, Vance played infield. He managed to carve out a solid career and played alongside stars like Willie Stargell with the Pirates.

The Law family’s baseball ties didn’t stop there. Vern’s brother Evan also signed with the Pirates organization, though he didn’t make it to the majors like Vern did.

Having a son reach the big leagues created a special bond between father and son. They both understood the demands and pressures of professional baseball, sharing experiences across different generations of the game.

Honors and Lasting Impact

Law picked up the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award in 1965, which recognized his outstanding character and what he did for the game, both on and off the field.

This award actually meant more to him than his 1960 Cy Young Award, which says a lot.

The Lou Gehrig Award goes to players who show integrity, sportsmanship, and courage. People chose Law because he had a reputation as one of the most respected figures in baseball at the time.

His career stats paint the picture of a reliable pitcher. Over 16 seasons, he put up a 162-147 record, a 3.77 ERA, and 1,092 strikeouts.

Law managed to win 10 or more games nine times, even though he often pitched for Pirates teams that struggled.

People in Pittsburgh baseball circles still remember him fondly. His conduct and character made a real impact that goes way beyond just the numbers, and honestly, that’s what really secured his place in Pirates history.