Brian Asselstine – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Brian Asselstine played six seasons in Major League Baseball as an outfielder for the Atlanta Braves from 1976 to 1981. Born and raised in California, he flashed early promise but ran into setbacks that really shaped his time in pro baseball.

Asselstine’s career had both potential and misfortune. A serious injury cost him the entire 1979 season when he crashed into the outfield fence at Atlanta Stadium chasing a fly ball.

Even after that, he returned to play two more seasons. He finished his career with a .254 batting average, 12 home runs, and 68 RBIs in 284 games.

Born in Santa Barbara, California, Asselstine went from high school standout to major league player. His journey gives a glimpse into the challenges so many pro athletes face.

He enjoyed early success, battled career-threatening injuries, and showed the determination to get back on the field. That makes him a notable figure in Braves history during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Early Life and Education

Brian Hanly Asselstine was born on September 23, 1953, in Santa Barbara, California. He found his love for baseball early on.

He attended local Santa Barbara County schools, where he sharpened his athletic skills. That foundation eventually led him to a professional baseball career.

Birthplace and Family Background

Brian Hanly Asselstine came into the world in Santa Barbara on September 23, 1953. Santa Barbara gave him the perfect place to grow as a young athlete.

With its coastal weather, he could play baseball year-round. That meant he got to practice and play almost anytime he wanted.

Santa Barbara in the 1960s was a community that really valued sports. The area boasted a strong youth baseball culture.

His full name, Brian Hanly Asselstine, reflected his family roots. But not much is known about his parents or siblings.

The region was known for producing talented athletes. That environment played a big role in shaping Asselstine as a ballplayer.

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School Experience

Asselstine went to Santa Ynez Valley Union High School in Santa Barbara County. The school was known for its solid athletic programs.

During high school, he played baseball and developed as an outfielder. His talent started getting noticed by college scouts and coaches.

The Santa Ynez Valley offered a competitive high school baseball scene. That helped him get ready for tougher competition.

His high school years set the stage for his future baseball career. The coaching at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School helped him refine his natural skills.

By the time he graduated, Asselstine had established himself as a legit baseball prospect. His success in high school opened doors for college ball.

Allan Hancock College Baseball Career

After graduating, Asselstine enrolled at Allan Hancock College, a community college in Santa Barbara County. The school had a respected baseball program that produced quite a few future pros.

He kept developing as an outfielder at Allan Hancock College. The competition at the college level prepared him for professional opportunities.

His performance there caught the eye of Major League Baseball scouts. That program really served as his stepping stone to pro baseball.

While at Allan Hancock, Asselstine worked on his batting and fielding. The coaches helped him become a more complete player.

He found real success at the community college level. That put him in a great spot for the 1973 Major League Baseball Draft.

The Atlanta Braves selected him in the first round as the 15th overall pick.

Path to Major League Baseball

Brian Asselstine’s journey to the majors started with his selection in the 1973 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves. He worked his way up through the minor leagues, showing steady improvement at each level.

1973 Major League Baseball Draft

The Atlanta Braves picked Brian Asselstine with the 15th overall pick in the first round of the January 1973 MLB Draft. That was a big moment for the Braves, since they also held the number one overall pick that year.

They targeted Asselstine after his standout run at Allan Hancock College. He led the Bulldogs to the Small School Junior College State Championship as a freshman, which really put him on the map.

Interestingly, the San Francisco Giants had already drafted him in the 4th round of the 1972 Summer MLB draft. He chose to return to school instead of signing with San Francisco.

After a strong sophomore season at Allan Hancock, Asselstine committed to the Braves. He signed with Atlanta in May 1973, officially starting his pro baseball career.

Minor League Development

Asselstine started his pro career at Grayson Stadium in Savannah, Georgia, with the Braves’ Southern League affiliate. At just 19, he faced some real challenges adjusting to pro ball.

His first stint was tough, and he struggled in 15 games with Savannah. The Braves then moved him to the single-A Greenwood Braves, where Hall of Fame pitcher Hoyt Wilhelm managed him.

In 1974, things started to click. Back in Savannah, he hit .262 and earned All-Star honors. Manager Tommie Aaron praised his hitting, saying, “Brian does spray the ball all around, so you can’t play him a certain way.”

He spent the next two seasons with the Braves’ AAA team in Richmond, Virginia. His performance kept getting better at Triple-A, setting him up for his shot at the majors.

Atlanta Braves Signing

After working his way up, Asselstine got his call to the big leagues in September 1976. The Braves promoted him after he played well in Richmond.

His major league debut came on September 14, 1976, against the Houston Astros. He was 22 when he first set foot on a major league field, capping off a three-year climb through the Braves’ farm system.

The Braves saw him as part of their homegrown talent push during a rebuilding phase. With veterans like Henry Aaron, Rico Carty, and Orlando Cepeda nearing the end, the team needed younger players to join up-and-comers like Earl Williams and Dusty Baker.

Asselstine’s path from the 1973 draft to his 1976 debut followed a pretty typical timeline for first-round picks. Working through the minors got him ready for his role with the Braves.

MLB Career Highlights

Brian Asselstine spent six years with the Atlanta Braves from 1976 to 1981. He became a versatile outfielder who played all three spots, but a big injury in 1979 cut his career short.

Atlanta Braves Tenure (1976–1981)

Asselstine broke into the majors on September 14, 1976, at age 22. The Braves had drafted him in the first round (15th pick) of the 1973 MLB Draft after he transferred from Allan Hancock College.

He showed promise in his first years, working his way into the starting lineup. The late 1970s gave him his best shot to become a regular in the Braves outfield.

In 1979, everything changed. Asselstine suffered a major injury chasing a fly ball into the Atlanta Stadium fence. That play took him out for the entire season.

He managed to return in 1980 and posted his best batting average, .284. That comeback showed his determination after missing a year.

Outfielder Roles: CF, LF, RF

Asselstine could play all three outfield positions during his MLB career. He mainly played center field but also filled in at left and right.

Position Breakdown:

• Center Field (CF): His main spot, where he showed off his speed and range
• Left Field (LF): Played here when the team needed lineup flexibility
• Right Field (RF): Got some starts here depending on matchups

The Braves coaching staff valued his ability to move around. That flexibility kept him on the roster, even though he wasn’t a star.

Atlanta’s outfield was pretty deep during those years, so competition for playing time was tough. Asselstine had to battle for his spot every season.

Notable Games and Achievements

Asselstine’s last major league home run came on August 19, 1981, and it was a big one. He hit a game-winning three-run homer against the New York Mets and pitcher Mike Scott.

Career Statistics:

• Batting Average: .254
• Home Runs: 12
• RBIs: 68
• Games Played: 284

His 1980 season, coming back from injury, was his best. That .284 average showed what he might’ve done if he’d stayed healthy.

He finished with 146 hits and scored 52 runs in six seasons. Not eye-popping numbers, but he contributed when he was healthy.

Teammates and Competition

While with Atlanta, Asselstine played with a rotating cast of outfielders. The Braves’ outfield situation kept changing in the late ’70s and early ’80s.

He fought for playing time as the Braves built toward their successful teams of the 1980s. There were always multiple prospects and veterans battling for spots.

Asselstine’s teammates saw his dedication after the 1979 injury. Coming back to have his best season in 1980 earned him respect in the clubhouse.

With so much competition in Atlanta’s outfield, players had to prove their worth all the time. Asselstine’s versatility gave him an edge over guys who could only play one position.

Injury and Return

Brian Asselstine’s career took a tough turn in 1978 when he suffered a serious injury that changed everything. He had just secured the starting center field job for the Braves, but a collision with the outfield fence ended his breakout season and affected the rest of his career.

1978 Center Field Injury

On May 31, 1978, Asselstine finally locked down the Braves’ starting center fielder job after years of working through the minors. He was playing well and looked ready to stick in the lineup.

During a game at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, he ran into the outfield fence chasing a fly ball. That fence had a bad reputation among players, and Asselstine unfortunately became another victim.

The collision ended his season on the spot. What should’ve been his breakout year got cut short after just two months.

The injury came at the worst possible time for the 24-year-old, who had just earned steady playing time.

Recovery Process

Asselstine missed the rest of the 1978 season after the collision. The injury required a long recovery, and he spent several months off the field.

He worked hard to come back during the 1979 season but found it tough to reach his old level. The injury seemed to affect both his performance and his confidence at the plate.

By 1980, he started to bounce back, hitting .284 in part-time duty for the Braves. That was his best offensive year since before the injury and gave some hope he could regain his form.

Impact on Career Trajectory

The 1978 injury really changed the course of Asselstine’s career with the Braves. Before the collision, he was on track to become the team’s regular center fielder, maybe even replacing veterans like Mike Lum in the rotation.

After coming back, Asselstine never got his full-time job back. He spent the rest of his career in part-time roles and as a pinch-hitter.

The injury took away his chance to be an everyday player.

His last major league home run came on August 19, 1981, a three-run shot that won the game against the Mets and Mike Scott. Soon after that, Asselstine’s career ended following the 1981 season.

He retired at just 28 years old. Plenty of people believe that injury cut short what could have been a longer career.

Statistics and Legacy

Brian Asselstine played six seasons with the Atlanta Braves, finishing with a .254 batting average, 12 home runs, and 68 RBIs over 284 games. He brought versatility to the Braves’ outfield during the late 1970s and early 1980s, but honestly, his impact felt pretty modest in the bigger picture of the franchise.

Career Batting and Fielding Stats

Asselstine spent his entire Major League Baseball career with the Atlanta Braves from 1976 to 1981. His batting stats stayed fairly steady, even though he didn’t get a ton of playing time.

His best year came in 1980, when he hit .284 over 87 games. That season really marked his biggest contribution to the Braves.

Asselstine played all three outfield spots. He finished his professional baseball career with 146 hits and 52 runs scored.

Role and Recognition in MLB

Most of the time, Asselstine worked as a reserve outfielder, though he occasionally started games. In 1980, he got into 87 games, more than any other season.

He broke into the majors at just 22, debuting in September 1976. Like a lot of players in his position, he filled important depth roles but never quite reached star status.

Braves management liked having him around because he could handle center, right, or left field, depending on what the team needed that day.

Asselstine didn’t win any big awards, but his steady spot on the roster said something about his value. Six seasons in professional baseball is nothing to sneeze at, even if he never grabbed headlines.

Influence on Atlanta Braves History

Within the Atlanta Braves story, Asselstine’s impact stayed pretty limited, but he did bring consistency while he was there. He played during a time when the franchise was in transition in the late ’70s and early ’80s.

In 1980, the Braves were starting to build toward the teams that found more success later in the decade. He wasn’t a key figure, but he did help add depth during those developmental years.

The Braves appreciated that he could step in as a backup outfielder and cover multiple positions. That flexibility made the team’s roster choices a bit easier.

He wrapped up his career after the 1981 season. Asselstine’s stats put him in the group of role players who quietly supported the Braves during a period of rebuilding.

Life After Retirement

Brian Hanly Asselstine moved on from professional baseball and started a contracting business in Santa Barbara, California. He kept some ties to the sport through fan circles, and Braves fans who remember him still talk about his promising career that got cut short by injury.

Personal Endeavors Post-1981

After he retired in 1981, Asselstine went back to California and looked for new opportunities. He set up Brian Asselstine Contracting in Santa Barbara, the city where he was born on September 23, 1953.

Switching from pro athlete to business owner was a big change for him. The contracting business let him stay close to his California roots and start over with a new career outside baseball.

He kept most details about his family and personal life private. After his playing days, Asselstine chose to keep a low profile and focused on running his business instead of seeking out the spotlight.

Community and Baseball Involvement

After retirement, Asselstine didn’t really stay involved in organized baseball, at least not like some former players do. He didn’t go into coaching or broadcasting—he just took a different path.

His baseball legacy mostly lives on through stats and the memories of fans. You won’t find him in coaching jobs or the front office, which is pretty common for retired players.

Every now and then, the baseball community mentions him in fan forums or when people talk about Braves players from the late ’70s and early ’80s. Those conversations usually wonder what could have happened if he hadn’t gotten hurt.

Lasting Impression on Fans

If you talk to Atlanta Braves fans from the late 1970s, they’ll probably mention Asselstine as a player with unfulfilled potential. That injury he suffered chasing a fly ball into the Atlanta Stadium fence in 1979 still sticks out in the memories of longtime supporters.

Fans often bring up his final major league home run, which was a game-winning three-run shot against the New York Mets and pitcher Mike Scott on August 19, 1981. It really capped off his six-season career in a way that people still talk about.

Baseball card collectors and memorabilia fans still go after items from his playing days. His 1979 Topps card is especially popular with those who have a soft spot for the Braves’ rebuilding years under Bobby Cox.

The whole “what could have been” story about Asselstine really hits home for fans who watched him show so much early promise, only to see his career take a turn after that injury.