Bob Dernier – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Bob Dernier made a name for himself over a decade in Major League Baseball, playing center field for the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs from 1980 to 1989. Cubs fans called him “the Deer” because of his speed and defensive skills, and he quickly became a fan favorite at Wrigley Field in the mid-1980s.

He made his biggest impact as the leadoff hitter for the Cubs’ 1984 National League East championship team, teaming up with Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg to form the “Daily Double.” Dernier’s speed led to 218 career stolen bases and a Gold Glove Award in 1984, making him valuable both at the plate and in the field.

Let’s dig into Dernier’s baseball journey, from his Missouri high school days to his rise as a major league star. We’ll look at his playing style, career highlights, and how he kept influencing the game as a coach after he retired.

Bob Dernier’s Professional Baseball Career

Bob Dernier’s career in professional baseball stretched from 1977 to 1989. He started out in the minors and even made it to the World Series. The Philadelphia Phillies signed him after Cincinnati picked him in the draft, and he worked his way up through their farm system.

He debuted in the majors in 1980, became a key player for the Chicago Cubs, and wrapped up his career back in Philadelphia.

Draft and Minor League Development

The Cincinnati Reds picked Dernier in the 12th round of the January 1977 amateur draft. Even though he hit .424 with 5 home runs and 18 stolen bases for Longview Community College that year, he and the Reds couldn’t agree on terms.

The Philadelphia Phillies reached out later in 1977. Dernier signed with the Phillies organization on August 5, taking a $1,200 signing bonus. Scout Bob Kelso helped make the deal happen, and that decision kicked off Dernier’s pro career.

He started out in 1978 as a shortstop with the Spartanburg Phillies. Things didn’t go smoothly at first—he hit just .140 in 22 games and then moved to the Helena Phillies in the Rookie League. There, he switched to third base and played with future Cubs teammate Ryne Sandberg.

In 1979, playing for the Peninsula Pilots in Class A, Dernier found his groove. The Phillies shifted him to center field after only two weeks. That move paid off. He hit .291 and led all minor leagues with 77 stolen bases, even winning Carolina League MVP.

At Double-A Reading in 1980, Dernier put together his best minor league season yet. He hit .299, smacked 10 home runs, and topped the Eastern League with 71 stolen bases.

Major League Debut and Early Years

Dernier stepped onto a major league field for the first time on September 7, 1980, coming in as a pinch-runner for Pete Rose. He wasted no time, stealing his first base, and grabbed his first hit a week later on September 14. In his brief debut, he went 4-for-7 and stole three bases.

The Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series in 1980, but Dernier didn’t make the playoff roster. He got a $250 share of the bonus money, but not a championship ring.

Dernier made the 1982 Opening Day roster. On May 15, he hit his first big league home run off Dan Schatzeder. He followed it up with another the very next day against Atlee Hammaker.

He wrapped up his first full season with a .249 average, 4 home runs, and 42 stolen bases—a Phillies rookie record until Juan Samuel broke it in 1984.

In 1983, Dernier started as the Opening Day center fielder. He played in 122 games and led the Phillies with 35 stolen bases. The Phillies reached the World Series, and Dernier got into Game Four as a pinch-runner, but he didn’t get to bat during the postseason.

Chicago Cubs Tenure

The Chicago Cubs traded for Dernier on March 26, 1984, picking up pitcher Gary Matthews as well in exchange for Bill Campbell and Mike Diaz.

Dernier took over as the Cubs’ leadoff hitter and center fielder. He played a major role in the Cubs’ 1984 NL East championship, their first division title since 1945. His speed and defense really made a difference.

In 1986, Dernier led the National League in stolen base percentage at 93.10%. That season, he was at his base-stealing best. He stayed in center field and at the top of the Cubs’ lineup through 1987.

Cubs fans remember Dernier for his defensive skills and base-running. He and Ryne Sandberg, his old minor league teammate, made a great defensive duo up the middle.

Return to Philadelphia Phillies and Retirement

Dernier came back to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1988. He spent his last two seasons where his major league career began. His role shrank during this time as he neared the end of his playing days.

He retired after the 1989 season, closing out a 10-year big league run. Dernier finished with a .255 batting average, 23 home runs, and 152 RBIs in 904 games.

He racked up 218 stolen bases and 92 doubles. Speed was always his weapon of choice, and he used it well throughout his career.

After hanging up his cleats, Dernier stayed in baseball as a coach. He gave back to the sport that had given him so much over the years.

Key Achievements and Career Highlights

Bob Dernier stood out for his defensive play and knack for stealing bases, helping both the Phillies and Cubs reach the postseason. He led the National League in stolen base percentage and played key roles in some big seasons.

National League Pennant and Postseason Moments

In the Philadelphia Phillies’ 1983 National League pennant run, Dernier played a vital role. He appeared in 122 games, led the team with 35 stolen bases, and brought speed and defensive stability to center field.

When the Phillies went up against the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series, Dernier got into Game Four as a pinch-runner and scored a run, even though the team lost 5-4. The Phillies lost the series in five games.

His postseason experience helped him later with the Chicago Cubs. Dernier’s speed and defense proved valuable in big playoff moments.

Gold Glove Award Recognition

Dernier never picked up a Gold Glove Award, but a lot of people recognized his defensive talent in center field. Richie Ashburn, the Hall of Fame outfielder, once called Dernier “the best defensive centerfielder I have seen here in a long time.”

Ashburn even compared him to Garry Maddox, one of the best center fielders of that era. That’s high praise, showing just how much Dernier impressed people with his exceptional range, instincts, and ability to chase down fly balls.

Dernier built his defensive reputation through consistent play, not through awards. Teams counted on his glove for years.

Statistical Milestones: Home Runs, RBI, Stolen Bases

Dernier put up solid numbers in his ten years in the majors. He finished with 23 home runs and 152 RBI over 904 games with the Phillies and Cubs.

His best stat? 218 career stolen bases. In 1986, he led the National League in stolen base percentage at 93.10%—that’s some efficient running.

In 1982, his rookie season, Dernier stole 42 bases for the Phillies—a rookie record at the time until Juan Samuel came along with 72 steals in 1984.

Playing Style and On-Field Contributions

Bob Dernier earned a reputation as a talented center fielder who paired strong defensive skills with real speed on the bases. As the Cubs’ leadoff hitter, he showed he could get on base and make things happen with his legs.

Defensive Excellence as Center Fielder

Dernier’s defense got him noticed as one of the better center fielders of his time. He won a Gold Glove award in 1984 with the Cubs, a testament to his fielding.

He positioned himself well and used his range to chase down balls in center field. Dernier made plays that other outfielders just couldn’t reach.

The Cubs really appreciated his steady defense from 1984 to 1987. He handled routine plays and tough catches alike, making life easier for the pitchers.

Dernier’s fielding stats back up his reputation. He kept a good fielding percentage and didn’t make many costly errors.

Leadoff Hitter and Speed on the Bases

Dernier thrived as a leadoff hitter, especially during his best years in Chicago. He got on base and stole bases, setting the table for the rest of the lineup.

His speed led to 218 stolen bases in his career. His best year on the basepaths came in 1982, when he swiped 42 bags for Philadelphia.

In 1986, Dernier led the National League in stolen base percentage at 93.10%. He didn’t just run fast—he ran smart, picking his spots.

He finished with 634 hits in 904 games, batting .255. Power wasn’t his thing—he hit just 23 home runs—but his ability to get on base and move runners with his speed and baseball smarts made him valuable.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Bob Dernier grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, where he was born on January 5, 1957. Baseball ran in his family, and he worked his way up from youth leagues to community college, catching the eyes of pro scouts along the way.

Youth Baseball in Missouri

Dernier’s family lived and breathed baseball. His dad Bill worked for a sporting goods company and played in local leagues. His mom Jean managed an office at Western Union and played second base in a women’s league.

Baseball was a big deal in the Dernier household—even during historic events. On July 20, 1969, when most people watched the Apollo 11 moon landing, the Derniers were at a youth ballpark in Kansas City, huddled around a portable TV.

Dernier started playing organized ball in the 3&2 League, a tough youth baseball circuit in Kansas City. As a kid, he cheered for the Kansas City Athletics and looked up to shortstop Bert Campaneris.

At Raytown South High School, Dernier played shortstop and had a huge senior year in 1975. He hit .473 and made the all-state team. The Raytown South Cardinals reached the 2A state championship in Springfield, Missouri. Dernier drove in three runs in the title game, but Fox High School took the win, 8-5.

After graduating, Dernier played with his Babe Ruth League team. He helped lead Sugar Creek, Missouri, to the 1975 state championship, and they finished third at the national tournament in Seattle.

Longview Community College Career

Dernier started off at the University of Tulsa but didn’t stick around long. He spent just one semester at Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma, before heading back to the Kansas City area. He enrolled at Longview Community College in Lees Summit, Missouri, where he continued his studies and jumped onto the baseball team.

That summer in 1976, Dernier suited up for the Standard State Bank team in the Casey Stengel League. He played well enough to get picked as an All-Star. On June 27, he got a real taste of big-league atmosphere when his team squared off with the Ban Johnson League in the All-Star game at Kauffman Stadium. They lost a close one, 4-3.

The Cincinnati Reds picked Dernier in the 12th round of the January 1977 amateur draft. But the Reds scout didn’t sugarcoat it, telling Dernier they just wanted to keep an eye on him through his spring season before making any decisions.

In 1977, Dernier played both infield and outfield for Longview. He put together a strong season, batting .424 with 5 home runs and swiping 18 bases. Even with those numbers, he and the Reds couldn’t agree on a deal, so he didn’t sign.

The Philadelphia Phillies ended up giving Dernier his shot at pro ball. On August 5, 1977, he signed with Phillies scout Bob Kelso for a $1,200 signing bonus. Dernier admitted he just felt the Phillies were a better fit than the “too clean-cut” Reds, and his gut told him to go for it.

Post-Retirement and Coaching Contributions

When Dernier hung up his cleats in 1989, he didn’t stray far from the game. He threw himself into coaching and instruction, focusing on developing young players and sharing what he knew about base running and outfield play.

Transition from Player to Coach

Dernier found his groove in player development pretty fast after retiring. Starting in the mid-1990s, he worked as an instructor at a Kansas City baseball academy, a gig he held through at least 2004. He got to teach the basics to up-and-coming players right in his hometown.

Eventually, Dernier’s coaching journey took him to the majors with the Chicago Cubs organization. In 2007, the Cubs brought him in as their minor league outfield and base-running coordinator. That job fit him perfectly, considering he’d swiped 218 bases during his MLB days.

On August 23, 2010, the Cubs promoted Dernier to major league first base coach. That move brought him back to the big leagues, this time as a coach. With all his experience reading pitchers and stealing bases, he became a real asset for teaching runners and helping players get smarter on the bases.

Community Involvement and Mentorship

Dernier spent nearly a decade at the Kansas City baseball academy, putting in the work to help young players build their skills. He really leaned into base running and outfield instruction, which made sense since he’d led the National League in stolen base percentage in 1986 with a 93.10% success rate.

He taught players how to read pitchers and get good jumps on steals, passing along all those little tricks. Through his coaching roles, Dernier kept up his connections with the Phillies organization and the Cubs, the teams he’d played for.

His mentorship went beyond just technique. Dernier helped players grow professionally and understand the mental game too.

Personal Life and Legacy

Bob Dernier grew up in a baseball family in Kansas City, Missouri. Both his parents played competitively. Even after retiring in 1989, he kept giving back to baseball by coaching and instructing. He left his mark on the game, especially with his defense and base-running.

Family and Personal Background

Bob Dernier was born January 5, 1957, in Kansas City, Missouri, into a family that lived and breathed baseball. His dad, Bill Dernier, worked for a local sporting goods company and played in both overhand and underhand leagues. His mom, Jean Dernier, managed an office for Western Union and played second base in a women’s league.

The Derniers basically lived at the ballpark. Bob’s younger sister and brother played too, so it really was a family thing. They even watched the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969, at their local youth ballpark, huddled around a portable TV.

Growing up, Dernier rooted for the Kansas City Athletics and looked up to Bert Campaneris. When Charlie Finley moved the team to Oakland after 1967, Bob felt crushed. But when the Kansas City Royals started up in 1969, he found new favorites in Lou Piniella and Cookie Rojas.

Recognition and Lasting Impact on the Game

After retiring in 1989, Dernier stayed close to baseball. He coached and taught the game, sharing his experience with younger players.

In the mid-1990s, he started working as an instructor at a baseball training academy in Kansas City. He kept at it through at least 2004, always eager to help young players grow.

Dernier made his biggest mark with the Chicago Cubs organization. He took on the role of minor league outfield and base-running coordinator starting in 2007. On August 23, 2010, the Cubs promoted him to major league first base coach.

He set a Phillies rookie record with 42 stolen bases in 1982, which is still impressive. In 1986, he led the National League in stolen base percentage at 93.10 percent.

Hall of Fame broadcaster Richie Ashburn once called him “the best defensive centerfielder I have seen here in a long time.” Ashburn even compared him to Garry Maddox, which is high praise.

Dernier wrapped up his career with 218 stolen bases, 23 home runs, and 152 RBIs over nine big league seasons. Not a bad run at all, right?