Champ Summers – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

John Junior “Champ” Summers managed to carve out an 11-year career in Major League Baseball, playing for six teams from 1974 to 1984. He was born on June 15, 1946, in Bremerton, Washington.

Summers didn’t even start playing organized baseball until his senior year of college. That made his journey to the majors one of the most unconventional stories in baseball.

Champ Summers officially retired from professional baseball in 1984 after his final appearance in the World Series with the San Diego Padres. He played as an outfielder and first baseman for the Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, San Francisco Giants, and San Diego Padres.

He went from being a Vietnam War veteran who found baseball at age 25 to a major league player in the World Series. That’s not something you see every day.

Let’s dig into Summers’ unusual rise from college basketball player to major leaguer. He served in the military, had breakout seasons in the minors, and became a valuable bench player and pinch-hitter. He left a mark on every team he joined.

He also had a personal life filled with ups and downs, including a battle with kidney cancer that led to his death in 2012 at age 66.

Early Life and Background

John Junior “Champ” Summers grew up in Bremerton, Washington, in a family that loved athletics. He took a winding path to Major League Baseball, going through military service in Vietnam and college baseball at SIU-Edwardsville.

Family and Childhood

Summers was born into a family that really valued sports and competition. His father played a huge role in encouraging him to develop as an athlete.

The Summers family supported him from a young age. Growing up in Bremerton, he got plenty of exposure to organized sports.

His athletic talents showed up early on. The family’s focus on sports shaped his work ethic and competitive drive.

Those childhood experiences in Washington helped lay the groundwork for his future in professional baseball. The support at home gave him confidence and skills on the field.

Service in the Vietnam War

Before he even thought about pro baseball, Summers served in the Vietnam War. That military service interrupted his athletic development during some pretty important years.

His time in Vietnam shaped his character and mental toughness. Those qualities came in handy during the grueling life of a pro ballplayer.

Military service delayed his shot at professional sports. A lot of players from his era had to juggle military obligations and athletic dreams.

He picked up discipline and teamwork in the military. Those experiences helped him grow as a person and as an athlete.

Education at SIU-Edwardsville

After leaving the military, Summers enrolled at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIU-Edwardsville). The school’s baseball program gave him a shot to develop his skills at the college level.

He caught the eye of Major League scouts with his performance at SIU-Edwardsville. College ball let him refine his game as both an outfielder and a first baseman.

The coaches at SIU-Edwardsville helped him adjust from military life back to competitive sports. That time in college was key in getting him ready for pro baseball.

His college career led to his selection by the Oakland Athletics. The foundation he built at SIU-Edwardsville was essential for his later success in the majors.

Path to Major League Baseball

Champ Summers didn’t follow the usual route to pro baseball. He started playing organized baseball at 24, after serving in Vietnam. Oakland Athletics scout George Bradley noticed him during his short college stint at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Discovery and Signing

Summers didn’t get serious about baseball until his senior year at SIU-Edwardsville in 1971. He joined the team after a friend suggested it, saying, “Sounded like a good idea. Why not?”

Coach Roy Lee was skeptical since Summers hadn’t played since he was 13. Still, Lee let him try out, and Summers immediately impressed everyone by hitting a pinch-hit home run in his first game appearance.

During his senior season, Summers ranked in the top ten nationally for home runs (7) and RBIs. He batted .340 and won SIUE’s Athlete of the Year award in 1971.

Oakland scout George Bradley liked what he saw, even though Summers was almost 25 and had only played 35 college games. Owner Charlie Finley hesitated to sign someone so old and inexperienced.

Bradley pushed Finley to offer a contract. On June 12, 1971, Summers signed with Oakland for $500 a month, no signing bonus.

Minor Leagues and Development

Summers started his pro career at Class A Coos Bay-North Bend in the Northwest League. Over 65 games, he hit .252 with three home runs and 34 RBIs.

Life in the minors was rough. Summers dealt with long bus rides, bad food, and dirty hotels. His wife Barbara kept him going when things got tough.

He improved in his second season at Burlington in the Class A Midwest League. In 97 games in 1972, he hit .308 with 10 home runs and 54 RBIs.

That strong season earned him a promotion to Triple-A Tucson for 1973. He hit .333 in 94 games but managed only eight home runs.

After starting 1974 in Tucson again, the Oakland Athletics decided he was ready. On May 4, 1974, at age 27, Summers made his big league debut.

His first game was pretty memorable. He replaced Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson as a defensive sub and faced Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry in his first at-bat.

MLB Career Overview

Champ Summers played 11 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1974 to 1984. He suited up for six different teams in both the American and National Leagues.

He started with the Oakland Athletics at age 27 and finished with the San Diego Padres in the 1984 World Series.

Oakland Athletics Debut

Summers made his MLB debut on May 4, 1974, with the Oakland Athletics. He entered as a defensive replacement for Reggie Jackson in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians.

His first at-bat was against Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry. He hit into a line-drive double play. Summers got his first major league hit on May 14, 1974, with a pinch-hit single to center off Kansas City’s Doug Bird.

He struggled as a rookie, collecting just three hits in 24 at-bats over 20 games. He posted a .125 average with no home runs and three RBIs.

Oakland sent him back to Triple-A Tucson by early June. Even so, he received a $100 World Series share when the Athletics won their third straight championship that October.

Chicago Cubs and National League Years

The Cubs traded for Summers on April 29, 1975, after he started the season at Triple-A Tucson. He moved to the National League as a reserve outfielder and pinch-hitter.

Summers hit his first major league home run on August 23, 1975, at Wrigley Field. It was a pinch-hit grand slam—pretty special for a first homer.

He played in 76 games for Chicago in 1975, hitting .231 with one home run and 16 RBIs. The next season was tougher, as his average dipped to .206 with three home runs in 83 games.

The Cubs mostly used him as a pinch-hitter. He struggled against lefties, and his defense limited his time in the lineup.

Cincinnati Reds Contributions

Cincinnati picked up Summers on February 16, 1977, to be their main left-handed pinch-hitter. He joined the Big Red Machine just after back-to-back World Series wins.

Summers knew he had a limited role on such a stacked team. He struggled in 1977, hitting just .171 with three home runs and six RBIs in 59 games.

His highlight with the Reds was an inside-the-park home run at Riverfront Stadium in June 1977. The Reds finished second to the Dodgers that year, and Summers got a $2,011.35 playoff share.

The team sent him to Triple-A Indianapolis before the 1978 season. There, he had a monster year, hitting .368 with 34 home runs and 124 RBIs. He won the American Association MVP and The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year awards.

Detroit Tigers Success

Detroit traded for Summers on May 25, 1979, bringing him over from Cincinnati. He reunited with former Reds manager Sparky Anderson, who was now running the Tigers.

Summers clicked in Detroit, especially at Tiger Stadium. The short right-field porch was perfect for his left-handed swing, and he thrived there.

He hit a career-high .313 with a .414 on-base percentage in 90 games during 1979. Summers platooned in left and right field, finally getting regular playing time.

Detroit became his longest MLB stop, spanning several seasons. His performance there marked the peak of his big league career.

Later Career with the Giants and Padres

Champ Summers wrapped up his major league career with two National League West teams. The Tigers traded him to San Francisco in March 1982, and he spent two seasons there before moving to San Diego for his final year in 1984.

San Francisco Giants Years

The Giants got Summers from Detroit for Enos Cabell and cash on March 4, 1982. They wanted a veteran presence and some bench power.

Summers mostly served as a reserve outfielder and pinch-hitter in San Francisco. He filled the same role as on his previous teams, bringing left-handed pop off the bench.

The Giants used his experience in key spots. His leadership helped younger players find their footing in the majors.

After two seasons, the Giants traded him to San Diego on December 6, 1983. They sent him to the Padres for utility player Joe Pittman and a player to be named later—Tom Francis.

San Diego Padres and 1984 World Series

Summers joined the Padres for his final season in 1984. San Diego was building a contender that would make a surprise run to the World Series.

The 1984 season had its ups and downs for Summers. At 38, he knew he didn’t have much time left, but he contributed to a Padres team that won the National League pennant.

San Diego faced Summers’ old team, the Detroit Tigers, in the World Series. That had to feel strange—facing the club that traded you away.

During the Series, Summers got an at-bat but struck out against his old Detroit teammates. The Tigers won in five games, ending the Padres’ championship hopes.

The 1984 World Series was the last stop in Summers’ playing career. He became a free agent on November 8, 1984, officially closing his 11-year run in the majors.

Playing Style and Key Achievements

Champ Summers found his niche as a versatile utility player who thrived in pinch-hitting spots and could handle multiple positions. His left-handed swing was especially dangerous against right-handed pitching, making him a valuable platoon guy for over a decade.

First Baseman and Pinch Hitter Roles

Summers mostly played as an outfielder and first baseman, but his real specialty was pinch hitting. His swing was perfect for parks like Tiger Stadium, where the short right-field porch rewarded lefties.

The Cubs once called him “nothing more than a pinch-hitter,” but that role turned into his calling card. He knew his place on teams like the Reds’ Big Red Machine, where cracking the starting lineup was nearly impossible.

He finished his career with a .255 batting average, showing he could deliver in key moments. Summers’ first big league homer was a pinch-hit grand slam at Wrigley Field on August 23, 1975.

While in Detroit, he platooned effectively in both corner outfield spots. His best season came in 1979 with the Tigers, when he hit .313 with a .414 on-base percentage.

Notable Career Highlights

Summers really shined in 1978 at Triple-A Indianapolis. He hit .368 with 34 home runs and 124 RBIs—those numbers grabbed him the American Association MVP award and The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year honor.

He made his major league debut on May 4, 1974, in a game full of Hall of Fame connections. He came in for Reggie Jackson on defense and then faced Gaylord Perry in his first at-bat.

One of his highlights? He hit an inside-the-park home run at Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium in 1977. Then in 1978, he sent a huge home run into the upper deck at the same place.

Summers wrapped up his career with the San Diego Padres in 1984, even getting some World Series action against his old team, Detroit. His versatility and knack for clutch hits made him a go-to role player for over a decade.

Career Statistics and Performance

Champ Summers finished with a .255 batting average, 54 home runs, and 218 RBIs in 698 games during his 11 years in the majors. He really found his groove with the Detroit Tigers from 1979-1981, racking up his best power stats and highest OPS.

Season-By-Season Breakdown

Summers started out with the Oakland Athletics in 1974, batting just .125 over 20 games. His early stints with the Chicago Cubs (1975-1976) and Cincinnati Reds (1977-1978) didn’t produce much—his batting averages stayed under .260.

In 1979, things turned around. Summers got traded to Detroit mid-season. He started the year hitting .200 with Cincinnati, but then, with the Tigers, he exploded—batting .313 with 20 home runs in only 90 games. That year, he posted a 2.3 WAR, his best single-season mark.

His top full season came in 1980 with Detroit. He played 120 games and put up a .297 batting average with 17 home runs and 60 RBIs. His .897 OPS that year stood out among league hitters.

After 1981, his numbers dropped off. He had short runs in San Francisco (1982-1983) and San Diego (1984), then decided it was time to retire.

Notable Records and Milestones

Summers hit his career-high slugging percentage of .614 during that breakout 1979 season in Detroit. Over his three years there (1979-1981), he put up a combined .293 batting average and 40 home runs.

His career OPS of .776 shows he could hit, especially since he spent a lot of time as a platoon player. Those 1979-1980 seasons with Detroit? That was his peak, with back-to-back years over .890 OPS.

Summers collected 350 career hits and crossed the plate 199 times in his 11 seasons. He never made an All-Star team, but his 3.0 career WAR shows he brought value to six different franchises.

He smashed a career-best 21 home runs in 1979, and that was in just 117 games split between Cincinnati and Detroit.

Life After Retirement and Legacy

After he hung up his uniform in 1984, Champ Summers moved into coaching before eventually retiring to Florida. There, he spent his last years playing golf, a far cry from the ballpark. His unique journey from late baseball starter to major league veteran left a mark on teammates and fans.

Post-Baseball Endeavors

Summers jumped into coaching right after his playing days ended. He worked with professional teams here and there for several years.

His biggest coaching gig came in 2001. He managed the Gateway Grizzlies in the independent Frontier League, based in Sauget, Illinois. The Grizzlies finished 37-44 under his leadership.

After that season, Summers decided to step away from baseball for good. He and his wife Joy moved to Ocala, Florida, where they spent 13 years before he passed away.

Golf became a big reason for the move. “My husband wanted to live on a golf course, to get up in the morning and go play golf,” Joy Summers said. That shift marked a total change from his baseball-focused life to something much more relaxed.

Impact on Baseball Community

Summers’ legacy goes beyond his stats. His inspirational late start in pro baseball stands out—he didn’t even start playing organized ball until his senior year of college at age 24.

He walked on in college, then somehow carved out an 11-year major league career. Signing his first contract at age 25 for just $500 a month? That kind of story gives hope to all the late bloomers out there.

The baseball world remembered him fondly after he died from kidney cancer on October 11, 2012, at 66. He spent his last years in Ocala, golfing and enjoying retirement.

People remember his nickname and colorful personality. Summers left a strong impression on fans and teammates across six big league teams.

Personal Life and Passing

Champ Summers found happiness in his post-baseball life with family, golf, and a quiet retirement in Florida. He died in 2012 at age 66 after battling kidney cancer for over two years.

Family and Personal Interests

Summers and Joy were married for 27 years when he passed away. The couple moved from La Jolla, California, to Ocala, Florida, in 1999, settling at Spruce Creek Preserve.

His reason for moving was pretty simple. “My husband wanted to live on a golf course, to get up in the morning and go play golf,” Joy said.

Golf quickly became Summers’ main passion in retirement. He loved the freedom and free time that came with leaving the game.

Despite his MLB background, Summers kept a low profile in his community. “He was a private person,” Joy pointed out. Only his closest friends really knew about his baseball past.

“People here in Spruce Creek Preserve were aware (of his baseball fame). He left baseball and baseball was good to him, but he was happy to be retired and doing what he wanted to do.”

Final Years and Cause of Death

Summers fought kidney cancer for about 2½ years before he passed. He died on Thursday, October 11, 2012, at age 66.

He had lived in Ocala for 13 years by then. Joy confirmed his passing after his long battle with cancer.

Even during his illness, Summers stayed in his Florida home, close to the golf course he loved. “Having freedom and free time was precious to him,” Joy said, remembering his retirement years.

Burial at Florida National Cemetery

They laid Summers to rest at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. This cemetery honors many veterans, and it feels right that Summers joins them after serving in the Vietnam War.

His burial there highlights both his military service and what he did for American baseball. Honestly, the place seems like a good fit for someone with such a unique legacy—a veteran and a pro athlete.

His wife Joy survives him, along with his mother Bette Summers. He’s also survived by stepchildren Pamela George and Leisa Mitchell, plus Joy’s grandchildren Annabelle and Emmeline George.