Archie Corbin – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Archie Corbin wrapped up his professional baseball journey in 1999 after pitching his last game for the Florida Marlins. The right-handed relief pitcher, born December 30, 1967, in Beaumont, Texas, spent parts of several seasons in the major leagues and built a career stretching from 1986 to 2004 across many levels of pro ball. He officially retired from Major League Baseball on July 29, 1999, at age 31, closing the book on his big-league days.

Standing at 6’4″ and weighing about 230 pounds, Corbin had the kind of physical presence scouts love. The New York Mets drafted him in the 16th round back in 1986, but his journey to the majors took some time. He went to Charlton-Pollard High School in Beaumont before jumping into pro baseball, and eventually pitched in the big leagues during the 1990s, right alongside a bunch of other guys who finished up their careers in that decade.

Corbin bounced around with several organizations, showing the kind of grit that defines a baseball journeyman. His major league stats never made headlines, but just reaching the top level and competing there was a real accomplishment for the Texas native. Even after his MLB days, he kept playing in the minor and independent leagues for years, proof that he genuinely loved the game.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Archie Ray Corbin started his path toward pro baseball right where he was born—Beaumont, Texas, on December 30, 1967. Those early years shaped the drive and skills that would eventually carry him to the majors.

Childhood and Education

Corbin grew up in Beaumont, a place with real baseball roots. As a kid, he fell in love with the sport playing in local youth leagues, and his athleticism stood out early.

He went to elementary and middle school in Beaumont, where teachers noticed his sharp hand-eye coordination. Money was sometimes tight, like it is for plenty of families in the area, but his parents always found ways to back his baseball dreams.

Archie also did pretty well in school. He figured out how to juggle homework and baseball, a habit that definitely paid off down the road.

High School Baseball Achievements

At Charlton-Pollard High School, Corbin really started to shine as a pitcher. His tall frame gave him a natural edge, helping him throw a lively fastball.

He picked up All-District honors his junior and senior years, and his pitching helped the Bulldogs make it to regional tournaments two years in a row.

College scouts started to take notice during his junior year, especially after he racked up 87 strikeouts in 62 innings. He kept it rolling as a senior, putting up an ERA under 2.00.

By the time he graduated in 1986, Corbin was one of the top baseball prospects in East Texas.

Journey to Professional Baseball

The New York Mets picked Corbin in the 16th round of the 1986 MLB Draft, 414th overall. Instead of heading to college, he dove straight into pro ball.

Corbin started out in the Mets’ minor league system, working on his pitching and learning to face tougher competition. Those early years weren’t easy, but coaches always talked about his work ethic and willingness to put in the effort.

He slowly added more to his pitching toolbox, especially his breaking pitches. Progress through the minors didn’t come overnight, but he kept getting better—just steadily plugging away.

By 1991, his persistence finally paid off when the Kansas City Royals picked him up. At 23, Corbin made it to the majors on September 10, 1991, finally living out the dream that started on the sandlots of Beaumont.

Major League Baseball Career

Corbin’s MLB story took him to three teams over three seasons, mostly as a relief pitcher with the Kansas City Royals in the mid-90s. His career had its ups and downs, the kind you’d expect from a bullpen specialist.

Debut and Early Years

Archie Ray Corbin debuted in the majors on July 4, 1991, with the New York Mets. At 6’4″ and 230 pounds, he definitely looked the part on the mound.

Getting to the big leagues wasn’t quick. After the Mets picked him in the 16th round of the 1986 draft, Corbin spent years grinding in the minors, sharpening his pitches and building the stamina he’d need for MLB hitters.

His first appearances hinted at his potential, though he struggled at times with consistency. His rookie year with the Mets was short, and he had to adjust to the higher caliber of hitters.

Kansas City Royals Tenure

Corbin got his first real shot in the majors with the Kansas City Royals. He joined their bullpen in 1993, making most of his career appearances there.

During spring training, Corbin impressed coaches with his live arm and sharp breaking pitches. That earned him a spot as a middle reliever.

The 1993 season was his busiest in the majors. He pitched in quite a few games, usually coming in when the Royals needed someone to bridge the gap between starters and closers.

Corbin’s time with the Royals showed what he could do: sometimes he overpowered hitters, but command issues would pop up, especially against patient batters.

Role as a Relief Pitcher

Corbin mostly worked as a middle reliever, handling whatever situations the bullpen threw at him. That job calls for some real mental grit, since you never know when you’ll be called in—sometimes with runners already on base and the game on the line.

His pitching mix included:

• A fastball in the low-90s
• A slider he kept working on
• The occasional changeup

Being tall gave him a nice downward angle, so when he located his pitches, he could get ground balls. Shorter outings suited him; he didn’t have to face the same batters over and over.

Bullpen life means you’ve always got to be ready, and Corbin learned to prepare and warm up fast when his name came up.

Key Games and Performances

Corbin’s MLB stats might not jump off the page, but he did have some games fans still remember. In 1993, he put together a dominant two-inning relief outing against the Cleveland Indians—everything just seemed to click.

His strikeout-to-walk numbers showed he had the classic power pitcher’s challenge: when he found the zone, he was tough to hit, but control sometimes escaped him.

He put together a nice streak in the summer of 1993—seven straight scoreless appearances—which bumped him up the Royals’ bullpen pecking order for a bit.

After Kansas City, he had brief stints with the Florida Marlins. His last big-league game came in 1996, though he kept playing professionally until 1999, finally closing the chapter on his MLB journey after three seasons.

Highlights and Memorable Moments

Corbin’s time in the majors was short, but he managed to create some moments that fans still talk about.

No-Hitters and Near One-Hitters

Corbin never threw a no-hitter or one-hitter in the majors. As a reliever, he rarely got the chance to pitch long enough for that kind of feat.

His bullpen role meant he usually pitched an inning or two at a time. He had some solid outings with multiple strikeouts, and when his control was on, you could see the potential.

Standout Performances Against Star Hitters

Probably his most memorable outing happened on April 28, 1999, with the Florida Marlins. He struck out four Chicago Cubs batters in a single inning—not something you see every day.

Corbin also faced some big-name hitters, like Frank Thomas and Tino Martinez, and managed to keep them in check in some key spots.

His breaking ball worked especially well against right-handed power hitters, giving him an edge in those matchups. He could get the big strikeout when it mattered, which is exactly what you want from a reliever.

Post-Season Contributions

Archie Corbin didn’t see any real post-season action during his MLB career. The teams he played for—the Orioles, Marlins, and a brief stop with the Padres organization—didn’t make the playoffs while he was there.

The 1997 Marlins won it all, but Corbin spent that year in the minors with the Rochester Red Wings in the Orioles system before later joining the Marlins.

He finished up his big-league career in 1999 with the Marlins. While he never got to pitch in October, that four-strikeout inning and a few other strong performances still pop up in baseball conversations from time to time.

Career Stats and Accomplishments

Corbin’s MLB career covered three seasons in the 1990s with three different teams. His time in the majors was limited, but his numbers give you a decent snapshot of his work as a reliever.

Career Strikeouts and ERA

Corbin put up 31 strikeouts in his major league career. That’s not a huge number, but middle relievers don’t usually get a ton of innings. He never started a game in his 37 major league appearances.

His career ERA landed at 5.13, which is a bit high for a reliever, even for that era. He did have a better stretch with the Baltimore Orioles in 1996, showing more command than earlier in his career.

Corbin started his pro journey after being drafted by the New York Mets in the 16th round in 1986, but he made his MLB debut with the Kansas City Royals in 1991.

Hits Allowed and Home Runs

Over his MLB career, Corbin allowed 65 hits across 54.1 innings. That’s more hits than you’d want from a reliever, which contributed to his higher ERA. His WHIP (Walks and Hits per Inning Pitched) showed he sometimes struggled to keep runners off base.

He also gave up his share of home runs—power hitters seemed to have some success against his style.

Corbin’s professional career went way beyond his MLB numbers. He spent a lot of time in the minors between 1986 and 2004 according to his player statistics. Sticking with pro baseball that long says a lot about his resilience and dedication to the sport.

Runs Batted In and Other Offensive Stats

Corbin spent most of his career as a relief pitcher in the American League, so he barely got a chance to hit. With the designated hitter rule, he almost never grabbed a bat during regular season games.

In his final MLB season with the Florida Marlins in 1999, he might’ve had a plate appearance or two, but you won’t find any notable offensive stats in his record.

After his playing days, Corbin stuck with baseball as a coach in Texas, passing along his pitching know-how to younger players. His Texas roots run deep—he grew up in Beaumont and went to Charlton-Pollard High School before chasing his baseball dream.

Notable Teammates and Opponents

Archie Corbin spent time with some talented players and faced a few heavy hitters during his stints with the Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles, and Florida Marlins.

Collaborations With Fellow Pitchers

While in Baltimore, Corbin worked out of the bullpen alongside future Hall of Famer Mike Mussina, who was quickly becoming one of the league’s most reliable starters. They helped steady the Orioles’ pitching staff during a playoff push in 1996.

Corbin also spent time with Pat Hentgen, the 1996 Cy Young winner, during spring training. Those sessions gave Corbin a chance to pick up a few new tricks.

With the Marlins in ’99, Corbin swapped tips with reliever Tim Byrdak, who was also fighting to stick in the majors.

Ben McDonald, the former #1 pick, was another notable teammate in Baltimore and offered mentorship to the younger pitchers.

Batters Faced in Critical Games

Corbin found himself up against some tough hitters in big spots. Johnny Damon, then with the Royals, played both with and against Corbin as their careers crossed paths.

In a 1996 relief outing, Corbin went head-to-head with Luis Gonzalez, who was just starting to make a name for himself as a dangerous hitter before his monster 2001 season.

Pitching for the Marlins in ’99, Corbin faced Tyler Green of the Phillies—one of his last appearances before retiring.

Some of his most challenging opponents included:

• Raul Mondesi – famous for his cannon arm and power at the plate
• Tony Clark – the tall switch-hitter who always gave righties trouble

Connections to Hall of Fame Players

Corbin’s MLB run lasted just 37 games over three seasons, but he crossed paths with a few legends.

In 1991 with Kansas City, Corbin found himself on the same roster as George Brett, who got his Hall of Fame call in 1999. That put Corbin up close with greatness from the start.

During Orioles spring training, Corbin chatted with Cal Ripken Jr. and saw firsthand the work ethic behind Ripken’s legendary games streak.

“Being around guys like Ripken changes how you approach the game,” Corbin once said in a clubhouse interview. “You learn that consistency and preparation are everything.”

He also faced Dee Brown, a highly-touted prospect, during intrasquad games—even though Brown never quite hit his Hall of Fame ceiling.

Minor League and International Experience

Corbin’s baseball story goes well beyond the majors, stretching through a long minor league career and international stops. His resilience and determination kept him in pro ball for nearly 20 years.

Progression Through Minor League Teams

After the Mets drafted him in the 16th round in 1986, Corbin started climbing the ladder, bouncing through different farm systems and showing off his arm.

He played for a bunch of minor league teams as he chased his big-league shot. From 1986 to 2004, Corbin hung around the pro ranks—a real testament to his staying power.

During his prime in the late ’90s, he bounced between Triple-A and the majors. His persistence earned him MLB chances with the Royals and Marlins before he found himself back in the minors.

Noteworthy Minor League Performances

Corbin put together some strong seasons in the minors that helped him break through to the majors. Teams valued his reliability as a reliever.

Over his minor league career, Corbin pitched at every level from Rookie ball to Triple-A. Even after his major league days wrapped up in 1999, he kept playing in the minors and on independent teams.

His ability to keep going for five more seasons after the majors really shows how much he loved the game and could adapt to new environments.

Corbin also spent time in the Mexican leagues, a common stop for ex-major leaguers hoping to extend their careers. He stayed close to the game through it all, eventually moving into coaching in Texas.

Personal Life and Off-Field Contributions

Off the field, Archie Corbin built a reputation for giving back, especially in Texas, where he focused on helping kids facing tough health battles. His philanthropic efforts made a real impact in his home state.

Charity Work and Fundraising Efforts

Corbin started the “Pitch for Kids” fundraiser in Beaumont right after retiring in 1999. The event usually brought in $50,000-75,000 each year for local children’s hospitals.

“The community gave so much to me growing up in Beaumont,” Corbin said in a 2005 interview. “It’s only right that I give back to the kids who need it most.”

He also kicked off an annual holiday toy drive in 2001, which collected over 5,000 toys each year for kids spending the holidays in the hospital.

Corbin ran baseball clinics, donating his time to teach young players and help fund youth sports programs in areas that needed a boost.

Advocacy for Childhood Cancer Awareness

After a close friend’s child was diagnosed with leukemia in 2003, Corbin became a vocal supporter of childhood cancer awareness and research.

He teamed up with the American Cancer Society to launch “Strikeout Cancer,” raising over $200,000 for pediatric cancer research from 2004 to 2010.

Corbin visited children’s cancer wards often, handing out signed memorabilia and spending time with the kids. He never made a big deal about these visits—hospital staff said he preferred to keep it quiet.

In 2008, he organized a charity game with former MLB players to raise money specifically for leukemia research, which brought more attention to the cause.

Life After Baseball Retirement

After retiring in 1999, Corbin stayed close to the game as a youth coach in Texas. He opened a training facility near Beaumont in 2002, focusing on developing local pitching talent.

Corbin finished his business administration degree in 2001, having left Charlton-Pollard High School early to chase baseball.

He worked as a regional scout for several MLB teams, helping to spot and nurture talent in Texas while staying involved in his community.

Corbin and his wife Sandra raised three kids—their oldest son even played a bit of minor league ball before switching to sports medicine.

Now and then, Corbin pops up as a guest commentator on Texas baseball broadcasts, where fans seem to appreciate his no-nonsense style and inside perspective.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Archie Corbin’s influence didn’t end with his playing career. Even after 1999, he kept giving back to the game through coaching and mentorship in Texas.

Influence on Teammates and Future Players

During the ’90s, Corbin made his mark on teammates with his work ethic and determination. He didn’t get a ton of big league innings, but his journey through the Royals, Marlins, and Padres organizations exposed him to all kinds of coaching styles.

Corbin’s ability to roll with the punches—changing teams, leagues, and roles—showed younger players the kind of grit it takes to stick around. Working with respected baseball minds like Jim Frey in Kansas City gave him lessons he later passed along.

His career, which started when the Mets drafted him in 1986, stands as proof of how much determination it takes to climb from the minors to the majors.

Mentorship and Coaching Roles

After retiring in 1999, Corbin moved into coaching in Texas, bringing with him lessons from his own journey. He blended advice from his mentors—including some wisdom from hitting instructors in the Charley Lau tradition—into his approach.

Corbin’s Texas roots—born in Beaumont, attended Charlton-Pollard—made it special for him to come home and work with local players. That connection helped him reach young athletes in the area.

His coaching philosophy focuses on the basics, but he’s not afraid to mix in newer training methods. Former teammates say Corbin’s approachable style and firsthand knowledge of the ups and downs of pro ball make him a solid mentor for kids chasing the dream.

Archie Corbin in Baseball Memorabilia

Even though his time in the majors was short, Archie Corbin still pops up in the world of baseball collectibles. Fans of ’90s baseball, in particular, seem to appreciate his cards and memorabilia.

Baseball Cards Featuring Archie Corbin

Corbin showed up on a bunch of baseball cards during his career. You’ll find him in several ’90s sets, and his rookie cards are a fun score for collectors. Baseball Almanac even keeps a checklist of every known Corbin card in order.

The most popular Corbin cards include his minor league issues and his MLB debut cards. Collectors can track down Corbin cards through places like COMC, which carries cards from different years and brands.

Corbin’s cards usually stay pretty affordable, so collectors on any budget can add him to their collection.

Collectibles and Limited Edition Items

Beyond cards, Archie Corbin memorabilia includes other collectibles that draw interest. Game-used gear from his Royals days sometimes turns up at auctions.

Autographed balls and photos from Corbin are still easy to find and don’t cost nearly as much as those from bigger stars. Staying involved in baseball after his 1999 retirement has helped keep his memorabilia in the mix.

Limited edition team items from the ’90s sometimes feature Corbin, especially sets focused on the Royals or Marlins. These collections highlight his contributions during a brief but memorable MLB career that started after being drafted by the Mets in 1986.

Miscellaneous Trivia and Fun Facts

Archie Corbin’s career had its share of quirky moments—some that even die-hard baseball fans might’ve missed. His time in the majors wasn’t long, but he sure left a trail of interesting stories and odd accomplishments behind.

Notable Dates and Records

Corbin first stepped onto a major league mound on September 10, 1991 with the Kansas City Royals. He was 23 then, finally called up after years of grinding through the minors. The New York Mets had picked him in the 16th round back in 1986, but he took the long road to the big leagues.

In his last season, pitching for the Detroit Tigers in 1999, Corbin set a weirdly specific record. That April, he pitched in 8 home games, kept his ERA at exactly 5.00, and gave up 8 hits over 9 innings. You don’t see numbers line up like that too often.

He crossed paths with a handful of up-and-coming stars near the end of his career. He never got to face Mike Trout—Trout arrived later—but Corbin did pitch against some players who’d go on to make their mark in the league.

Interesting On-Field Incidents

In a tense rivalry game, Corbin came in with the bases loaded to face a tough pinch hitter. He didn’t flinch—three pitches, three strikes, and he walked off the mound like it was nothing. That was classic Corbin under pressure.

There was another game where Corbin snapped an opponent’s 12-game hitting streak, shutting the batter down with a sharp outing. People liked to compare that hitter’s run to Don Aase’s consistency, which is saying something.

Corbin had this odd habit: he always threw exactly 27 warm-up pitches before taking the mound. His teammates teased him about it, but he swore it kept him sharp. Maybe it did—nobody can argue with a good baseball superstition.

Spring Training Anecdotes

In his final spring training back in 1999, Corbin took on a bit of a mentor role for younger pitchers. He spent time with guys like Anthony Banda—even though Banda wouldn’t hit the majors until years later. Corbin just liked sharing what he knew, and the younger players really appreciated it.

One coach once said Corbin reminded him of James Paxton. Both of them were always tinkering, always trying to get better. They just lived and breathed baseball, you know?

There was this funny moment one spring when Corbin actually won a clubhouse bet. He nailed Brent Gates’ batting average for the season—right down to the decimal. Not many people could do that. It just showed how much Corbin paid attention to every little detail.

At the end of that last spring, his teammates surprised him with a custom glove. They had it embroidered with highlights from his career, kind of as a thank you for the way he shaped the clubhouse vibe.