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

Bill Scherrer made his mark in Major League Baseball during the 1980s, stepping onto the mound as a relief pitcher for four teams before retiring in 1988. He grew up in Tonawanda, New York, born in 1958, and spent years working his way through the minors. Finally, at 24, he broke through with the Cincinnati Reds.

Scherrer’s career peaked when the Detroit Tigers traded for him in 1984, and he helped them win a World Series title. The lefty appeared in 228 games during his six-year career, finishing with an 8-10 record and a 4.08 ERA. He played for the Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, and Philadelphia Phillies.

Scherrer’s story, from high school standout to World Series champ, really shows the grit it takes to make it in pro baseball. His journey had dramatic trades, some wild postseason moments, and all the unique struggles relief pitchers faced in the 1980s.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

William Joseph Scherrer was born January 20, 1958, in Tonawanda, New York. He became a standout high school baseball player and got drafted twice by Major League teams.

He started as a small-town athlete at Cardinal O’Hara High School, impressing scouts and getting multiple draft chances.

Family Background and Childhood in Tonawanda, NY

Scherrer grew up in the Town of Tonawanda, a little place just outside Buffalo. Born in 1958, he spent his early years in this blue-collar Western New York community.

The area had a strong youth baseball scene. Local leagues and school teams gave kids like Scherrer a chance to build their skills.

Tonawanda’s working-class values shaped Scherrer’s determination and work ethic. Those traits stuck with him throughout his baseball journey.

His family backed him from the start. In a place like Tonawanda, tight-knit support for young athletes was just part of life.

Amateur Baseball and High School Achievements

Scherrer attended Cardinal O’Hara High School in Tonawanda. He quickly stood out as a top baseball talent, catching the eye of scouts and baseball writers.

His size, left-handed delivery, and pitching skill made him a hot prospect. During his senior year in 1976, Scherrer earned a spot as a Parade magazine All-American in baseball.

That honor put him among the best high school players in the country. His high school success opened doors to pro baseball right after graduation.

College Years at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

[Note: The search results do not provide any information about Bill Scherrer attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas or any college. The available information indicates he was drafted directly out of high school in 1976 and either signed or became eligible for the secondary draft in 1977, suggesting he did not attend college.]

Records show Scherrer didn’t play college baseball. After he graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High in 1976, he jumped straight into the pro draft.

Draft and Entry Into Professional Baseball

The Cleveland Indians picked Scherrer in the sixth round of the 1976 amateur draft. He turned them down, making himself eligible for the secondary draft.

That decision worked out for him. In January 1977, the Cincinnati Reds made him the first overall pick in the secondary phase.

He signed with the Reds and started his pro career in 1977. Scherrer joined the Shelby Reds in the Class A Western Carolinas League.

His first season had its ups and downs. He went 9-9, gave up 132 hits in 158 innings, and struggled with control, walking 105 batters.

Jumping from high school to pro ball wasn’t easy. He battled control problems, but his knack for limiting hits showed why teams wanted him.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Bill Scherrer pitched in the majors for seven seasons from 1982 to 1988. He built a reputation as a dependable left-handed relief specialist.

He debuted with the Cincinnati Reds in September 1982. Over his career, he played for four teams, ending up with an 8-10 record and a 4.08 ERA in 228 games.

Debut Season with Cincinnati Reds

Scherrer made his big league debut on September 7, 1982, facing the Los Angeles Dodgers. He tossed two perfect innings that day, making a great first impression.

He pitched in five games that season. The first three were relief outings, each with two scoreless innings. His last two games that September were starts—the only two of his MLB career.

In 17⅓ innings during that call-up, Scherrer gave up 17 hits, didn’t walk anyone, and struck out seven. He put up a 2.60 ERA, which gave the Reds confidence in his future.

Role as a Relief Pitcher in the MLB

Scherrer became a left-handed specialist during his career. He pitched in 228 games over seven seasons, with just two starts in his rookie year.

His best year came in 1983. He set a Reds rookie record by pitching in 73 games, finished with a 2-3 record, 10 saves, and a 2.74 ERA. He picked up his first win on May 20, 1983, at Wrigley Field.

Teams valued Scherrer for his effectiveness out of the bullpen, especially against left-handed hitters. That role grew more important in the 1980s.

Teams Played For: Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles

Cincinnati Reds (1982-1984, 1987-1988): Scherrer spent most of his career with Cincinnati. After his debut in 1982, he shined in 1983 with 73 games and 10 saves.

Detroit Tigers (1984-1986): The Tigers picked him up on August 27, 1984, while they led their division by a whopping 12 games. Scherrer played a key part in their World Series win that year, pitching in three Series games.

The Tigers took the 1984 World Series, and Scherrer got a championship ring. Later, he found out his ring had glass instead of real stones, which became a bit of a controversy.

Later Career: Scherrer returned to Cincinnati in 1987 as a free agent. He wrapped up his time in the majors bouncing among teams, ending up with four MLB organizations on his resume.

Career Timeline: 1982-1988

1982: Made MLB debut with Cincinnati Reds in September.

1983: Set Reds rookie record with 73 appearances, notched 10 saves.

1984: Traded to Detroit Tigers in August, won World Series.

1985: Stayed with Tigers, posted a 4.36 ERA in 48 games.

1986: Split the year between Detroit and Triple-A Nashville.

1987: Rejoined the Cincinnati Reds.

1988: Played his final MLB game on July 28 against the Cubs.

Scherrer’s big league career lasted exactly seven seasons. His last appearance came on July 28, 1988, when he pitched an inning against the Cubs, giving up one hit and striking out one.

Key Career Stats and Performance

Bill Scherrer finished with an 8-10 record and a 4.08 ERA in seven MLB seasons. He appeared in 228 games, picked up 11 saves, and struck out 207 batters in 311.1 innings.

Wins, Losses, and Appearances

Scherrer ended his career with 8 wins and 10 losses for a .444 winning percentage. His best year for wins was 1985 with Detroit, when he went 3-2.

He pitched in 228 games over seven years. 1983 was his busiest season, with 73 appearances.

Scherrer almost always came out of the bullpen, starting only 2 games. He finished 81 games and grabbed 11 saves, most of them in 1983.

He really showed his durability in 1983, throwing 92 innings in 73 games. That was nearly a third of his career innings in just one season.

Notable ERA and Pitching Metrics

Scherrer’s career ERA stood at 4.08, though it varied by team and season. His best full year came in 1983, with a 2.74 ERA.

His WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) was 1.436, which shows he let a few too many runners on, mostly via walks.

His FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) came in at 4.09, nearly matching his ERA. That means his results lined up with his strikeout, walk, and home run numbers.

He allowed 0.9 home runs per nine innings during his career. That rate stayed pretty steady no matter where he pitched.

Strikeouts and Batting Statistics

Scherrer struck out 207 batters in 311.1 innings, which works out to 6.0 per nine innings.

He walked 140 batters in his career, a rate of 4.0 per nine. His strikeout-to-walk ratio was 1.48, so control sometimes gave him trouble.

Opponents hit him fairly well, as his 1.436 WHIP suggests. He gave up 307 hits in 311.1 innings—almost a hit per inning.

His best strikeout year was 1983, when he punched out 57 batters in 92 innings. That season really helped him stick as a bullpen arm in Cincinnati.

Postseason Contributions

Scherrer never got to pitch in the postseason during his MLB career. His teams just didn’t make the playoffs while he was there.

He came closest with Detroit in 1985 and 1986, but the Tigers missed out on October baseball those years.

Not having postseason experience meant Scherrer missed out on the national spotlight. Most of his contributions happened in regular season games.

Season Highlights and Team Successes

Bill Scherrer’s seven-year MLB run featured a standout rookie year with Cincinnati and a World Series title with Detroit. He moved through four organizations, showing resilience as a lefty specialist and dealing with the ups and downs of big league life.

Memorable Games and Milestones

Scherrer’s best season came as a rookie with the Cincinnati Reds in 1983. He put up a 2.74 ERA in 73 games, ranking fourth in the National League for appearances.

He saved 10 games that year, proving himself as a go-to bullpen arm.

Scherrer debuted on September 7, 1982, against the Dodgers. He threw two hitless, scoreless innings in his first big league outing.

His career wrapped up on July 28, 1988, against the Cubs. He pitched one inning, gave up a hit, and struck out one.

1984 World Series Victory with Detroit Tigers

In late 1984, the Detroit Tigers traded for Scherrer, sending Carl Willis to Cincinnati. The Tigers were already dominating that year.

Scherrer pitched in three World Series games as Detroit clinched the title over the Padres in five games.

That World Series run was the high point of Scherrer’s career. The Tigers had won 104 games in the regular season before rolling through the playoffs.

Getting a championship ring became Scherrer’s biggest achievement as a player. His work helped Detroit’s bullpen finish off a historic season.

Impact with Other Teams

After his run in Detroit, Scherrer joined the Philadelphia Phillies and later the Baltimore Orioles to wrap up his career. He stuck to his usual role as a left-handed specialist with both teams.

In Philadelphia, he mainly came out of the bullpen as a relief pitcher. The Phillies counted on him to handle tough left-handed hitters in big moments.

Baltimore became the final stop for Scherrer in 1988. He put up a 4.08 ERA over 228 career appearances.

Across all four teams, he finished with an 8-10 record and 11 saves. Only two other retired players with more than 200 appearances had fewer career decisions than Scherrer’s 18.

Career Challenges and Injuries

Scherrer’s stats really show how tough it is to stay effective as a specialist reliever. His 4.08 ERA pointed to some ups and downs along the way.

He didn’t rack up many decisions, which makes sense given the specific role he played. Most of the time, he entered games where wins and losses rarely landed on his record.

He played just seven seasons, which hints at possible injury problems or performance dips. After Cincinnati, he didn’t stay too long with any one team, so he probably dealt with some roster uncertainty.

Even with all that, Scherrer managed to stick around on four different franchises. His left-handed specialty kept him in demand at a time when those roles were starting to matter more.

Retirement and Post-Baseball Career

Bill Scherrer’s major league career wrapped up in 1988 after seven seasons. He shifted from the mound to scouting, which let him stay close to the game and help shape new talent from behind the scenes.

Final MLB Season in 1988

Scherrer played his last season in 1988. After a rocky return to Cincinnati in 1987, the Reds let him go that October.

He signed with another team for 1988, making his final big league appearances that year. In total, he went 8-10 with a 4.08 ERA in 228 games.

Over his career, Scherrer suited up for four teams: the Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Baltimore Orioles. His best stretch came with Detroit during their 1984 World Series run.

At 30, he decided it was time to retire. From 1982 to 1988, he built a reputation as a reliable lefty out of the bullpen.

Transition to Scouting and Front Office Roles

After hanging up his glove, Scherrer moved into scouting and front office jobs. He brought a ton of baseball knowledge to the table, helping teams spot and develop talent.

As a former major leaguer, he knew what it took for pitchers to make the jump from the minors. He’d lived through those challenges himself.

The scouting gig kept him close to the ballpark. He once said, “There’s nothing like being in the ballpark. I’ve seen the real world and you can keep it.”

He threw himself into player development and evaluation, making that a big part of his post-playing life. A lot of ex-players take this route if they want to stay in the game.

World Series Rings as a Scout

Scherrer didn’t stop collecting World Series rings after his playing days. As a scout, he helped build championship teams and picked up more rings through his front office work.

Those rings meant something different than the one he got with Detroit in 1984. This time, he found success by spotting talent, not by pitching.

Going from winning as a player to winning as a scout showed teams still valued his expertise. He knew how to judge pitching, and that made him a key piece for clubs chasing a title.

Honors and Hall of Fame Induction

Scherrer earned a spot in the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame for everything he brought to baseball. The honor recognized both his playing days and his work after retirement.

The Hall of Fame celebrated his journey as a Western New York native who made it to the majors. From Cardinal O’Hara High School to the World Series, he lived out the dream for a lot of local kids.

He went from Tonawanda to the big leagues, then kept working in the sport. People in the Buffalo sports community respected him for that, and the recognition highlighted his lasting impact on baseball.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Bill Scherrer left his mark on every team he played for and on baseball as a whole. His professionalism and love for the game stuck with people long after he stopped pitching.

Influence on Teammates and Organizations

Scherrer made his biggest impact on teammates during his time with the Detroit Tigers in 1984. The Tigers picked him up from the Cincinnati Reds and leaned on his left-handed relief during their championship push.

Tigers pitching coach Roger Craig praised Scherrer’s advanced pitching skills, saying he was “more advanced as a pitcher” than other options the team had.

Scherrer helped steady Detroit’s bullpen in some clutch moments. He really stepped up in the September series against Toronto.

Manager Sparky Anderson trusted Scherrer in high-pressure spots. That confidence showed the respect Scherrer earned inside the organization.

His teammates appreciated him, too—they voted him a one-third share of the postseason bonus. That gesture said a lot, especially since he joined the team late in the year.

Reputation as a Professional Pitcher

Scherrer built a name for himself as an effective left-handed specialist. Teams valued his knack for getting tough outs against lefties.

With the Cincinnati Reds in 1983, his rookie season, he pitched in 73 games—a team rookie record. He posted a 2.74 ERA and picked up 10 saves.

He approached the game like a pro. He once said, “There’s nothing like being in the ballpark. I’ve seen the real world and you can keep it.”

He didn’t get many decisions (8-10 record), but 228 appearances showed teams trusted him. By 2009, only two other retired pitchers with 200-plus games had fewer decisions.

His World Series run with Detroit just added to his reputation. He pitched in three World Series games and helped the Tigers win their first title in 16 years.

Ongoing Connection to Baseball Community

After he retired as a player, Scherrer stayed involved with professional baseball as a scout. The Chicago White Sox brought him on, letting him keep sharing his knowledge and experience with the game.

He traveled a lot for his scouting work, constantly searching for new talent. Scherrer drew on his own playing days to spot promising pitchers at all levels.

Switching from player to scout, he got to pass along what he knew about pitching mechanics and game situations. That firsthand experience under pressure? It really helped him size up future prospects.

Scherrer never really stepped away from the sport. Even after his playing days ended, he just kept giving back, helping new players find their way.

The Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame honored his connection to the local baseball community. Honestly, that recognition said a lot about the impact he made as both a player and a representative of the region.