Bill North – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Bill North played his final game on June 11, 1981, stepping to the plate twice against the Chicago Cubs. Funny enough, that’s the same team where he kicked off his major league journey a decade earlier. The speedy center fielder swiped one last base in his final appearance—a fitting end for a guy who built his name on speed and gutsy baserunning.

North called it a career after 11 seasons, playing for four different teams and stealing 395 bases. He played a big role on two World Series championship teams with the Oakland Athletics.

Growing up in Seattle, North turned himself from an overlooked high school infielder into one of baseball’s most feared base stealers during the 1970s. He led the American League in stolen bases twice and, from 1973 to 1976, recorded more putouts than any other major league outfielder. His career took him from the rebuilding Chicago Cubs to the championship Oakland Athletics, where he locked down center field on teams that won back-to-back World Series titles in 1973 and 1974.

North’s story really shows how determination and adaptability can make a career, even if you’re not blessed with overwhelming natural talent. His .261 career batting average was pretty average, but his .365 on-base percentage sat 43 points above the league average. He learned to switch-hit in the minors and became a leadoff hitter who could change games with his legs. North’s journey proves that players can squeeze the most out of their abilities and still compete at the highest level.

Early Life and Amateur Career

William Alex North was born on May 15, 1948, in Seattle, Washington. He was the youngest of five kids raised by Frances North.

His path from high school second baseman to college standout at Central Washington University set the stage for his future in the majors.

Family Background and Upbringing

Bill North grew up in Seattle as the youngest of five, all raised by his mother, Frances North. She was a strong woman who really held the family together through tough times.

North looked back on his childhood with a smile, once saying, “Mom never raised us with any bitterness. I had a great childhood.” Even when things got hard, Frances North managed to give her kids a supportive home.

North fell in love with baseball early. He often caught games at Sick’s Stadium, watching his hometown Seattle Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League. Those early days in the stands fueled his love for the game and sparked dreams of making it to the top.

High School Baseball Achievements

North went to Garfield High School in Seattle, playing mostly as a second baseman—not the center field spot he’d become known for in the majors. His biggest moment in high school? Pulling off an unassisted triple play in one game.

Despite that defensive gem, North’s small size worked against him with pro scouts. The little infielder just didn’t attract much attention from major league organizations back then.

After graduating in 1966, North had no pro baseball offers. So, he headed to college ball, hoping it would open the door to the pros.

Time at Central Washington University

North enrolled at Central Washington State College (now Central Washington University) after high school. There, new baseball coach Gary Frederick took him under his wing and played a big role in shaping him as both a player and a person.

North admitted he had some behavioral issues early on. “I was a pretty bad boy,” he said in a 1972 interview. “I definitely had an attitude problem. But I was fortunate in having a very understanding coach in Gary Frederick. He helped straighten me out.”

Coach Frederick saw North’s raw talent and tried to harness his aggressive streak. Frederick once said, “All he could do when I got him was hit, run, and throw, and I taught him how to carry the chip on his shoulder.”

North’s college career hit a high in his sophomore year, when he led the Wildcats to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics tournament finals. They finished third. In his junior year, North batted an eye-popping .476 and earned honorable mention All-American honors.

After that junior season, North decided to leave Central Washington to chase his pro baseball dreams. The Chicago Cubs picked him in the 12th round of the 1969 major league draft, and former big league infielder George Freese signed him.

Major League Debut and Career Beginnings

Bill North’s road to the majors started with that 12th-round selection by the Chicago Cubs in 1969. He worked his way up through the minors and finally made his MLB debut on September 3, 1971. That kicked off an 11-season career, including two World Series rings with the Oakland Athletics.

Draft and Minor League Path

The Chicago Cubs grabbed North in the 12th round of the 1969 draft after his junior year at Central Washington. Scout George Freese, himself a former big leaguer, signed him.

North started his pro career in Caldwell, Idaho, and wasted no time showing off his speed. He led the Pioneer League with 42 stolen bases and scored 67 runs, even though he only had 50 hits.

He played in the Arizona Instructional League, where manager Lou Klein predicted North would become the Cubs’ next big hitter, right alongside stars like Ernie Banks.

In 1970, North moved up to Quincy, Illinois, in the Class A Midwest League. After that, he jumped to Double-A San Antonio in 1971.

At San Antonio, North tore up the Texas League stats. He led the league with 91 runs and 47 stolen bases, batting .291. That earned him a spot on the Texas League All-Star Team and a September call-up to Chicago.

Chicago Cubs Years

North made his big league debut on September 3, 1971, with the Chicago Cubs at 23 years old. He picked up 6 hits in 16 at-bats during that short stint.

After the 1971 season, the Cubs sent North to the Arizona Instructional League with a clear goal. Manager Leo Durocher wanted him to learn switch-hitting to take full advantage of his speed.

North delivered in the fall league, leading in runs, steals, and walks. He kept switch-hitting for the rest of his big league career.

Spring training in 1972 started well for North—he hit over .400 and looked ready for a starting job. But a misunderstanding about a comment he made regarding a playing field in New Orleans landed him in Durocher’s doghouse.

When the 1972 season kicked off after a brief players’ strike, North sat on the bench. The Cubs sent him down to Triple-A Wichita twice, in May and July.

North’s frustration boiled over, and he even threatened to quit baseball and become a teacher. Cubs vice president John Holland talked him into staying, threatening an indefinite suspension if he walked away.

North crushed it in Wichita, batting over .400 with a 16-game hitting streak, but he couldn’t get it going in Chicago. He finished his first season as a switch-hitter batting just .181 in the National League.

Transition to Oakland Athletics

The Cubs traded North to the Oakland Athletics after the 1972 season. The deal sent the young outfielder to the defending World Series champs in exchange for 34-year-old reliever Bob Locker.

Oakland manager Dick Williams immediately liked North’s aggressive approach. Williams later said North was “the only player I’ve ever seen literally strut on to a world championship team.”

North made the A’s roster as a fifth outfielder but soon found a bigger role. When shortstop Bert Campaneris got suspended for the first week of the 1973 season, Williams needed a leadoff hitter.

Williams put North in the Opening Day lineup as the A’s first-ever designated hitter. North picked up two hits and kept DHing until he moved to center field in late April.

Williams appreciated North’s fire and speed, saying, “North’s an aggressive player. He can play for me anytime.” That kicked off North’s best years in the big leagues.

Peak Career with the Oakland Athletics

North’s years with the Oakland Athletics from 1973 to 1978 marked the peak of his career. He became a vital part of the A’s championship teams, standing out as one of the American League’s top base stealers and anchoring center field for several World Series-winning squads.

Key Seasons and Team Success

North’s breakout came in 1973, when he batted .285 and scored 98 runs. He led the AL in steals with 53 before a nasty ankle injury sidelined him late in the year. That injury happened on September 20 during a doubleheader against Minnesota, when he landed awkwardly on first base.

His 1974 season was just as impressive as he helped the A’s take another championship. North started off ice-cold, with just two hits in his first 33 at-bats, but he bounced back to put up solid numbers as the team’s main leadoff man.

In 1976, North hit his statistical peak. He swiped 75 bases to lead the AL and played stellar defense in center field. From 1973 through 1976, he racked up more putouts than any other major league outfielder, showing off his incredible range.

North’s career on-base percentage of .365 stood 43 points above the league average. That made him a real asset at the top of the lineup, even though his career batting average was .261.

World Series Championships

North picked up World Series rings with the A’s in 1973 and 1974. In 1973, his contribution was huge, even though he missed the postseason with that ankle injury. He had been the team’s offensive spark, leading the league in steals and runs before getting hurt.

The 1973 World Series was tough for North personally. Owner Charlie Finley wouldn’t let the injured North suit up or even sit in the dugout. North watched Game Three from the Shea Stadium stands with players’ families before heading back to Oakland.

In 1974, North played a more active role in the A’s title run. He shook off his early-season slump and helped the team win a second straight championship. The A’s beat the Orioles in the ALCS and then took the World Series.

North didn’t light up the postseason stats, collecting just 3 hits in 59 playoff at-bats. Still, his regular season play was crucial to getting the A’s into the playoffs.

Role as Center Fielder

North established himself as one of the AL’s best center fielders during his time in Oakland. Manager Dick Williams raved about his defense and aggressive style. North’s range let him cover a ton of ground in the big Oakland outfield.

His defensive numbers backed it up. North regularly ranked among the league leaders in putouts, showing his knack for tracking down fly balls. His speed made him a threat on defense, letting him get to balls other center fielders couldn’t reach.

North’s aggressive baserunning went hand-in-hand with his defense. He racked up 395 career stolen bases, leading the AL in 1974 and 1976. North believed in taking over the game as soon as he got on base.

“The mentality of a basestealer is, when you get to first base, you see, you look around and say, ‘Now they’re in my ballpark,'” North once said. That attitude kept pitchers and catchers on their toes.

Relationship with Teammates

North had complicated relationships with his A’s teammates, sometimes clashing with the team’s big personalities. His most famous dustup came with Reggie Jackson in June 1974. Jackson criticized North for not hustling on a groundout, and North responded by giving him the silent treatment for a month before they finally fought in the clubhouse at Tiger Stadium.

“I tried to set him up for a month,” North recalled. That fight captured the wild, sometimes tense atmosphere in the A’s clubhouse during their championship run.

Despite the conflicts, North generally fit right in with the A’s combative culture. Manager Dick Williams liked his edge, saying, “North’s an aggressive player. He can play for me anytime.” Williams even described North as the only player he saw literally strut onto a championship team.

North’s willingness to stand his ground matched the A’s identity. The team had plenty of fiery personalities who clashed but managed to focus that energy on winning.

Playing Style and Notable Statistics

Bill North built his career on speed and smart base running, swiping 395 bases over 11 seasons. His ability to switch-hit and cover ground in center field made him a valuable leadoff man, even if his .261 average didn’t turn heads.

Speed and Base Stealing Prowess

North’s biggest weapon was his blazing speed, which he used to give pitchers and catchers fits. He led the AL in steals twice, with 54 in 1974 and 75 in 1976.

His 75 steals in 1976 were the second-highest in Oakland A’s history at the time. Only Eddie Collins’ 81 steals in 1910 topped North’s total, until Rickey Henderson came along and broke both records.

North nearly grabbed the stolen base crown in 1973, but that ankle injury tripped him up after 53 steals—just one behind Tommy Harper.

He bounced back with the San Francisco Giants in 1979, stealing 58 bases. That was the most by any Giant in the live-ball era, though injuries stopped him from breaking the franchise record of 62.

Batting Performance and Approach

North’s batting stats really showed his role as a table-setter, not a power hitter. He finished with a career batting average of .261, picking up 1,016 hits in 1,169 games.

He rarely hit for power, ending up with just 20 home runs and 230 RBIs. That fits with what teams expected from him—get on base, stir things up, and create chances.

North could switch-hit, which gave him a nice edge against both righties and lefties. He hit his stride in 1973, batting .285 and scoring 98 runs as Oakland’s leadoff guy.

The playoffs, though, were rough for him. He only managed a .051 average in 20 games. Still, he made the most of his speed, stealing 3 bases and scoring 8 runs during those appearances.

Fielding Strengths and Outfield Range

North’s defensive skills matched his base-running. He used his speed to cover a ton of ground in center field. He led American League outfielders in total chances per game three times.

His range helped him lead the league in putouts twice and assists once. He also led in double plays once, showing he could turn defense into outs.

One play stands out from July 28, 1974, against the White Sox. North made an unassisted double play—he caught Brian Downing’s fly and dashed to second to double off Dick Allen.

North’s speed and instincts made him a reliable center fielder. He tracked down balls in the gaps and stopped plenty of extra-base hits.

Late Career and Other Teams

North’s career took a few turns toward the end. He had a short run with the Dodgers in 1978, then spent three seasons with the Giants. That Giants stint was his longest since Oakland. Even as his offense dipped, he kept showing off his speed until he retired after 1981.

Los Angeles Dodgers Stint

In 1978, the Oakland Athletics traded North to the Dodgers mid-season, so he played for two teams that year. With Los Angeles, he appeared in 110 games.

North kept adding value as a speedster, even as his bat cooled off. He stole 27 bases and batted .234, but his on-base percentage sat at .371.

He stayed patient at the plate, drawing 65 walks in 377 plate appearances. That patience helped make up for his lower batting average and kept him useful as a leadoff hitter.

North’s time with the Dodgers was short but productive. He scored 54 runs and brought some veteran presence to a contending team. Playing in the National League gave him a new challenge after years in the American League.

San Francisco Giants Tenure

North signed with the Giants in 1979. Those last three seasons would be his final run in the majors. He found regular playing time again and put up solid numbers for his age.

In 1979, North played 142 games, stole 58 bases, and scored 87 runs. He batted .259 and posted a .386 OBP, showing he could still contribute at the plate.

The 1980 season was steady, too. North swiped 45 bases and scored 73 runs in 128 games. He kept getting on base, drawing 81 walks, and stayed in the table-setter role.

Even in his last full season, North stayed durable and effective in center field. He helped guide a young Giants roster and chipped in on both sides of the ball.

Final Years and Retirement in 1981

The 1981 season was North’s last in the majors. He wrapped up an 11-year career that started with the Cubs in 1971. The strike-shortened year limited him to just 46 games with the Giants.

Even with less playing time, North flashed his signature speed, stealing 26 bases. He batted .221 and had a .354 OBP, still showing discipline at the plate even as his bat faded.

North finished with some impressive numbers: 395 career stolen bases and 640 runs scored in 1,169 games. His final season closed the book on one of the game’s top base stealers from the mid-1970s.

At 33, North decided to retire after 1981. He left behind a career built on speed, steady play, and strong defense in center field.

Legacy, Honors, and Life After Baseball

Bill North’s baseball journey had its share of drama and highlight-reel defense, though he didn’t get much formal recognition during his playing days. After he retired in 1981, he went back to school, worked as a hitting instructor, and started a career in financial planning.

Memorable Incidents and Clubhouse Stories

North’s most famous moment might be the clubhouse fight with Reggie Jackson in June 1974. Jackson called him out for not hustling on a ground ball.

North ignored him for a month before finally confronting him. “I tried to set him up for a month,” North said later.

The fight summed up the chaos of the Oakland A’s dynasty. That team won three straight World Series while battling constant internal drama.

In 1973, North went after Kansas City pitcher Doug Bird. He waited three years to get back at Bird for beaning him in the minors in 1970.

“I waited one pitch too long,” North admitted. “I should have stopped it when he knocked me down. And that’s the way I felt about it the rest of my career.”

Accolades and Recognition

North didn’t get much formal recognition, even though he contributed to championship teams. He never made an All-Star team and never won a Gold Glove.

Still, his career highlights included:

• Two World Series championships (1973, 1974)
• 395 career stolen bases
• American League stolen base leader (1974, 1976)
• Led AL outfielders in putouts from 1973-1976

He received just two MVP votes in his whole career. Local sportswriters twice named him his team’s best player, but national attention never really found him.

His postseason numbers were disappointing, with just 3 hits in 59 at-bats across LCS and World Series games.

Post-Retirement Activities and Net Worth

After baseball, North went back to school to finish his education. He picked up his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Central Washington University in 1992, even showing up for the graduation ceremony.

North jumped into a new career as a financial planner and found real success after leaving the game. He also spent time as a hitting instructor, working with high school, college, and even pro athletes.

“The mentality of a basestealer is, when you get to first base, you look around and say, ‘Now they’re in my ballpark,'” North said while passing along his skills to younger players.

He brought the same determination from the baseball diamond into his business life. Nobody really knows North’s exact net worth, but his work in financial planning and baseball instruction seemed to give him a solid, steady life after his playing days.