Craig Lefferts – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Craig Lefferts isn’t the first name that comes up for most baseball fans, but honestly, he left quite a mark on the game in the 1980s and early ‘90s. Born in Munich, West Germany, Lefferts built a solid career as a reliable relief pitcher for several Major League Baseball teams. He played eleven seasons in the majors with the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, and California Angels, then retired from professional baseball in 1994.

Lefferts stood out because of his steady presence and durability as a left-handed reliever. He had a knack for efficiency—at one point in 1989, he retired 29 consecutive batters over six games. That’s basically a perfect game plus a few extra outs, which says a lot about his focus and skill on the mound.

He also earned a quirky spot in baseball history as the last pitcher to hit a walk-off home run—a rare feat that still gets a mention in trivia circles. The Chicago Cubs picked him in the 9th round of the 1980 MLB draft, and he debuted in the majors in 1983. His best years? Probably with the Padres and Giants in the late ‘80s.

Craig Lefferts: Early Life and Background

Craig Lefferts took an unusual path to pro baseball, with international roots and a tight-knit family that really shaped who he became. Those early days and his college years set him up for what came next in the big leagues.

Family and Upbringing

Craig Lindsay Lefferts was born September 29, 1957, in Munich, West Germany. His dad, Ed Lefferts, served as a lieutenant colonel in the US Air Force, so Craig grew up in a military family. That meant moving around a lot—probably not easy, but it definitely taught him adaptability and grit.

He spent his childhood bouncing between bases, picking up resilience along the way. Baseball became his anchor, even with all the changes. Eventually, the Lefferts family settled in the United States, giving Craig a chance to really dig into baseball.

Path to Baseball

Lefferts didn’t have a typical all-American baseball upbringing. Being born overseas and moving often probably delayed his start in organized ball compared to kids who grew up in one place.

Still, he showed natural athletic ability early on, especially as a left-handed pitcher. Coaches noticed right away—lefties are always in short supply, after all.

By high school, Lefferts started making a name for himself on the mound. He worked hard to improve his pitching and really seemed to get the game as he got older.

That drive for improvement stuck with him and became a big part of how he played.

Amateur and College Baseball

Lefferts’ skills earned him a spot at the University of Arizona, where he grew into a standout collegiate pitcher. College ball really sharpened his game and got him ready for the pros.

In 1979, he played for Team USA in the Pan American Games. That was a huge stage, and it gave him valuable experience against tough competition.

His time at Arizona caught the eye of pro scouts, and soon he was off to the minor leagues. Like most, he didn’t find instant success—adjusting to pro ball takes time. But his college background and international play gave him a leg up for the challenges ahead.

Professional Career Overview

Craig Lefferts put together a solid 12-year run in the major leagues, making his mark as a reliable reliever (and sometimes starter). He bounced around a few teams, always bringing durability and flexibility out of the bullpen.

MLB Debut and Teams

Lefferts broke into the majors with the Chicago Cubs in 1983 after the Cubs drafted him in the 9th round in 1980. He didn’t stay put for long. After Chicago, he joined the San Diego Padres, where he spent a good chunk of his career over two different stretches.

He also pitched for the San Francisco Giants and Baltimore Orioles, and even spent some time with the Texas Rangers at the tail end. Born in Germany, Lefferts wrapped up his MLB career in 1994, finishing a journey that spanned more than a decade.

Key Career Highlights

Lefferts really shined in 1986 when he led the National League in games pitched, making 83 appearances. Managers relied on him in big moments.

In 1989, he retired 29 straight batters over six games, including two double plays on inherited runners—so, really, 31 outs in a row. That’s a wild streak and shows how clutch he could be.

He racked up 101 saves in his career, with his best years coming from 1988-1990 when he saved at least 20 games each season. That consistency made him one of the more trusted relievers of his era.

Role as Closer

Lefferts started out as a setup guy but eventually became a trusted closer. That lefty arm and cool head made him a go-to for late-inning, high-stakes situations.

From 1988 through 1990, he locked down 20+ saves each year. He wasn’t blowing hitters away with speed, but he could get ground balls and keep hitters off balance.

He stood out for his versatility. Unlike today’s closers who usually just pitch the ninth, Lefferts sometimes pitched multiple innings to seal a win. Later on, he even moved back to starting for the Padres—a switch that helped keep him in the majors into the ‘90s.

Notable Seasons and Performance Statistics

Craig Lefferts put together a 12-year big league career filled with steady performances. Teams valued his consistency as a reliever, though he stepped into starting roles here and there.

Wins and Losses

Lefferts finished with 58 wins over his 12 seasons. His top year for wins was 1986 with the Padres, when he went 9-8, mostly in relief.

As a lefty specialist, he often came in during tough spots, so his win-loss record doesn’t tell the whole story. Still, he managed to keep things pretty balanced.

He handled high-pressure situations well, especially in the 1984 postseason with the Padres. Lefferts pitched key innings during their playoff push to the World Series.

ERA and Innings Pitched

Lefferts kept his ERA respectable year after year. In 1983 with the Cubs, he posted a solid ERA and showed he could be counted on out of the bullpen.

His 1987 season stands out—he pitched 105⅔ innings with a sharp 2.13 ERA. That kind of workload and effectiveness is rare for a reliever.

He made nearly 700 appearances, mostly in relief. Handling that many games while staying consistent isn’t easy, but Lefferts pulled it off.

Home Runs Allowed

Lefferts had a real talent for keeping the ball in the park. His pitching style—good movement and smart location—kept home run numbers low.

During his best years, he gave up very few homers, which is huge when you’re coming in with runners on base. That skill made him a trusted option in close games.

In his final season with the California Angels in 1994, he made 30 appearances before stepping away from the game. Even as he got older, he managed to limit damage from power hitters and stay effective.

Memorable Games and Key Moments

Craig Lefferts had his share of unforgettable games, showing off his poise in big spots and even making a little history along the way.

Standout Appearances

In early 1989, Lefferts went on a tear, retiring 29 consecutive batters across six games. Throw in two double plays on inherited runners, and it’s 31 straight outs—pretty wild.

One oddball moment happened on June 29, 1989, during a Cubs-Giants game. Lefferts tried to shut the Giants’ bullpen door before a live ball rolled in, but he didn’t make it in time. Even with the distraction, he kept his cool and finished strong.

Managers counted on him in tough spots. Whether with the Cubs, Padres, or Giants, Lefferts often came in with runners on and got the job done.

Postseason Contributions

Lefferts played a key role in the 1984 playoffs for the Padres. His lefty arm was a big asset in the NLCS against the Cubs, helping San Diego reach their first World Series.

He also pitched important innings for the Giants in the 1989 playoffs as they made it to the World Series, which, if you remember, got interrupted by the Loma Prieta earthquake. Through it all, Lefferts stayed steady in the bullpen.

His postseason track record made him a valuable piece for playoff teams. Managers trusted him to face tough lefties when it mattered most.

Unique Achievements

Lefferts did something almost nobody else has—he hit a walk-off home run as a relief pitcher for the Padres. Pitchers rarely bat, let alone go deep in extra innings, so that blast became a classic highlight.

Before turning pro, Lefferts represented Team USA in the 1979 Pan American Games. That international experience definitely helped him handle the pressures of the big leagues.

Over 12 MLB seasons and 696 games, Lefferts racked up solid stats as a lefty reliever. He bounced between setup and closing roles, and that flexibility kept him in the game for a long time.

Craig Lefferts’ 1994 Retirement

After over a decade pitching out of MLB bullpens, Craig Lefferts decided to call it a career following the 1994 season with the California Angels. That last year marked the end of a journey that started with the Cubs back in ‘83.

Final Season Analysis

Craig Lefferts wrapped up his final MLB season in 1994 with the California Angels. At 36, he came out of the bullpen for 25 games during that strange, strike-shortened year. Honestly, by then, his best days with the Padres and Giants were behind him—he just didn’t have the same stuff.

He put up a 4.09 ERA over 33 innings in his last go-around. That’s a far cry from the reliability he showed as one of the National League’s top lefty relievers a few years earlier.

The 1994 season, well, it was rough for everyone. The MLB strike that started in August wiped out the World Series. Lefferts’ career ended right in the middle of all that chaos.

Factors Leading to Retirement

A handful of things pushed Lefferts to retire after 1994. Being 36, the German-American pitcher was feeling the inevitable effects of age—his fastball lost a little zip, and his command wasn’t as sharp as it used to be.

Health problems didn’t help. He landed on the disabled list that year with arm issues, and it got harder and harder for him to bounce back.

The strike in ’94 didn’t make anything easier. With everyone unsure about the next season and teams looking elsewhere instead of taking a chance on an older, recently injured reliever, Lefferts saw the writing on the wall.

Transition from Professional Baseball

After he retired, Lefferts didn’t waste much time before jumping into coaching. He drew on all those years as a pitcher who fought for every inning to help young players figure out the game.

He worked in player development with a few different organizations. Lefferts had a knack for breaking down pitching mechanics and talking about the mental side of baseball, which made him a real asset in the minors.

Some guys struggle to find their place after hanging up the spikes, but Lefferts seemed to take it in stride. He stayed close to baseball, but also found new interests away from the field.

The knowledge he picked up during his 10-year MLB run—including playoff trips with the Cubs, Giants, and Padres—set him up for a solid coaching career. People still remember him as the last pitcher in major league history to pull off some pretty unique statistical feats.

Relationships with Notable Players and Managers

Throughout his career, Craig Lefferts connected with a lot of baseball folks who helped shape his game and outlook. He managed to keep good relationships on every team, which probably helped him stick around in the majors as long as he did.

Teammates and Opponents

Lefferts built some strong friendships during his decade in the big leagues. With the Cubs, he and Dwight Smith got along well—Smith’s steady bat and positive attitude made the grind in Chicago a little easier.

In 1994 with the Angels, Lefferts found common ground with utility man Rex Hudler and Chili Davis. Those relationships helped him adjust to facing American League hitters in his last year.

He respected opponents like Pete Rose and Reggie Jackson. Lefferts admired Jackson’s power and Rose’s relentless drive—qualities he tried to bring to the mound himself.

Jim Edmonds, who was a young outfielder with the Angels at the time, once called Lefferts “a true professional who always made time to mentor younger players.” That’s high praise coming from a guy who went on to have a pretty good career himself.

Managers and Coaches

Lefferts worked under several managers who knew how to get the best out of him. Bruce Kison, his pitching coach with the Padres, really helped him develop that screwball he became known for.

In his last season with the Angels, he spent a lot of time with pitching coach Mike Butcher, who helped him tweak his style to try to squeeze out a little more from his arm. Chuck Finley, the Angels’ ace, even said, “Craig was always eager to learn new approaches from coaches.”

He also had a good friendship with John Dopson, another pitcher who bounced between starting and relieving. That kind of bond made the ups and downs of bullpen life a little easier.

Gary DiSarcina, the Angels’ shortstop in 1994, later said, “He brought wisdom and calm to our pitching staff during some challenging stretches.” Sounds like Lefferts was the kind of guy you wanted around when things got tough.

Impact in the Minor and International Leagues

Before his long MLB career, Craig Lefferts put in the work in the minors and even played internationally. Those years shaped his pitching and gave him the grit he’d rely on in the majors.

Development in the Minor Leagues

The Chicago Cubs picked Lefferts in the ninth round of the 1980 MLB Draft. He had to grind his way through the minors, spending almost three full seasons there before finally getting his shot.

In 1981, pitching for the Midland Cubs (Double-A), he started to really hone his screwball. That pitch eventually became his ticket to the big leagues. The next year, with the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A), he put up a sub-3.00 ERA as a reliever—pretty impressive.

What really set Lefferts apart was his mental toughness and work ethic. Coaches often mentioned how he shook off rough outings and just kept coming back—something that definitely helped him stick in the majors.

Achievements in the International League

Lefferts didn’t spend a ton of time in the International League, but his short run with the Las Vegas Stars (Triple-A Padres affiliate) in the late ’80s helped him fine-tune his approach.

During the winters, he sometimes played in the Mexican Pacific League. Facing different hitters and styles in Mexico pushed him to adapt and learn new tricks. Those international games gave him a broader perspective on pitching.

After his MLB days ended in 1994 with the California Angels, Lefferts even pitched briefly in Taiwan’s pro league in 1995, bringing his experience to the international stage and helping to spread the game in Asia.

His time bouncing around the minors and overseas shows just how hard Lefferts worked to make it—and stay—in the majors for a decade.

Legacy and Influence on Baseball

Craig Lefferts carved out a distinct place in baseball history with his pitching versatility and, honestly, one legendary moment that’s still in the record books. Over 12 seasons and several teams, he left his mark.

Influence on Pitchers and Relievers

Lefferts really helped pioneer the kind of versatile bullpen role that’s become so valuable in today’s game. He bounced between setup and closer jobs, showing managers new ways to use relievers. Young pitchers took notes on his screwball, a pitch that’s all but disappeared these days.

He was famous for sprinting from the bullpen to the mound, a little ritual that showed relievers could bring their own flair. Plenty of bullpen arms still run out there, but not many do it with the same gusto.

Lefferts, a lefty, proved his durability by appearing in 696 games. That kind of workload showed future relievers it was possible to stay effective with the right mechanics and preparation.

Recognition and Awards

He never grabbed any major individual awards, but Lefferts played big roles on playoff teams. He anchored the bullpen for the 1984 Padres, helping them reach the World Series under serious pressure.

His biggest claim to fame? On April 15, 1986, he became the last pitcher in MLB history to hit a walk-off home run. Thanks to rule changes like the designated hitter, nobody’s matched that feat in decades.

After his playing days, Lefferts kept sharing his baseball smarts, coaching with the Toronto Blue Jays and Oakland Athletics. He passed on his pitching knowledge to a new generation, making a quiet but real impact on how young arms develop.

Post-Retirement Activities

Once he stepped away from the game in 1994, Craig Lefferts found ways to stay involved in baseball, while also making time for other parts of life. His move from player to coach showed just how much he cared about teaching the next wave of talent.

Contributions to Baseball After Retirement

Lefferts didn’t stray far from the game after retiring. He took a little breather to focus on his family, then got back into baseball as a coach.

He started out with the Toronto Blue Jays system, working with their young pitchers and passing along what he’d learned over 12 years in the majors. Later, he joined the Oakland Athletics in 2001 and became a key part of their player development team.

Lefferts earned a reputation for helping relief pitchers—which makes sense, considering his own bullpen success. He understood the mental grind and physical demands of relief work, and that made him an especially effective coach for guys trying to carve out their own place in the game.

Community and Personal Endeavors

After retiring, Lefferts really put his family first. He wrapped up his playing days and just spent several years at home with his five kids (source). Eventually, his wife nudged him to get back into baseball, this time as a coach.

That break from the game let Lefferts actually be there for his kids as they grew up—an experience a lot of pro athletes miss out on. Stepping away from baseball for a while really showed how much he cared about family.

You won’t find a ton of public details about his life off the field, but Lefferts has kept ties with the baseball community in California. He played for the Giants and Padres, so that state feels like home turf. And since he pitched as both a starter and a reliever, he brings a pretty unique perspective to young players (source).