Dan Ford – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

When Dan Ford finally hung up his cleats in 1985, he wrapped up an 11-year Major League Baseball run that spanned three teams and featured one of the most unforgettable moments in World Series history. Fans knew him as “Disco Dan,” and he played his final game on May 31, 1985, for the Baltimore Orioles, finishing with a .270 average, 121 home runs, and 566 RBIs in 1,153 games.

Ford’s journey took him from the Minnesota Twins, where he debuted in 1975, to the California Angels, and then to Baltimore, where he found his biggest team success. Persistent knee problems started to wear him down in his last seasons, and those injuries forced him to retire at just 33.

But Ford’s story goes way beyond his retirement. He started out as a high school standout in Los Angeles and became known for clutch performances in the 1983 World Series.

He played for three different organizations, hit for the cycle, and served as a starting outfielder on a championship team. All in all, he was a solid contributor during the tough baseball era of the 1970s and early ‘80s.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball Career

Dan Ford’s road to pro baseball started in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. Athletic ability and a lot of determination shaped his path to the big leagues.

He made a name for himself at Fremont High School, becoming one of Southern California’s top baseball prospects. The Oakland Athletics picked him 18th overall in the 1970 MLB Draft.

Growing Up in Los Angeles

Darnell Glenn Ford was born on May 19, 1952, in Los Angeles to Robert and Callie Mae Ford. His dad worked as a painter and played some semipro baseball himself.

The family lived in Watts during Ford’s childhood. After the Dodgers moved to L.A. when he was six, Ford became a big fan of theirs.

He looked up to Maury Wills and Angels shortstop Jim Fregosi. Willie Mays and Hank Aaron also made a huge impression on him, shaping his style on the field.

Ford started out in Little League at South Park for three years, then moved up to Connie Mack ball. He began as a pitcher but switched to the outfield after his arm started bothering him.

He often credited sports with keeping him out of trouble during the turbulent 1960s in Watts. The 1965 Watts riots left a mark on him, and Ford later said, “being athletic kept me away from a lot of things that could have affected my life.”

High School Achievements and Recognition

Ford first attended Jefferson High but transferred to Fremont after hearing about its baseball program from other players. Fremont had already produced future MLB stars like Bobby Tolan, Willie Crawford, and Bob Watson.

At Fremont, Ford played alongside future All-Stars George Hendrick and Chet Lemon. Some of his highlights:

• 1968: Named most outstanding athlete in 10th grade
• 1969: Fremont MVP as the team won the Southern League title
• All-City team for three years running
• Hit a 430-foot homer during his high school days

He also played football as a halfback and safety but focused on baseball after a knee injury in his junior year. Fremont coach Dave Yanal once said, “never had a finer athlete, not only because of his physical capability, but his attitude.”

As a senior, Ford batted .495 and helped Fremont defend its title, reaching the city semifinals. He wrapped up his high school career with a strong showing in the Cal-Pal All-Star Baseball Classic at Anaheim Stadium.

Selection in the 1970 MLB Draft

The Oakland Athletics picked Ford 18th overall in the first round of the 1970 June amateur draft. Ford had already signed a letter of intent to play baseball at USC.

Oakland’s $17,000 offer didn’t impress him at first, and Ford said he’d go to USC instead. But the A’s managed to convince him to sign on September 15, 1970.

Ford and his father brought in local attorney Charles E. Lloyd to help with the contract. Lloyd had helped Wayne Simpson, a 1967 first-rounder, sign with the Reds.

Phil Pote, the scout who signed Ford, had coached at Fremont when Tolan, Watson, and Crawford played there. The Athletics ended up giving Ford a “substantial bonus.” Since the minor league season was already over, he went straight to the Arizona Instructional League to start his pro career.

MLB Debut and Minnesota Twins Years

Dan Ford broke into the majors with the Minnesota Twins in 1975, after a trade from Oakland. He spent four seasons in Minnesota, where he made his name as a reliable power hitter and outfielder.

Major League Debut and Rookie Season

Ford made his MLB debut on April 12, 1975, with the Twins at age 22. The Los Angeles native had been traded to Minnesota from Oakland in October 1974, along with Dennis Myers, for Pat Bourque.

His rookie season went well from the start. Ford played in 130 games, hit .280, posted a .333 on-base percentage, and slugged .434.

He showed off his power early, hitting 15 home runs and knocking in 59 runs in his first year.

Ford was consistent at the plate in 1975, putting together hitting streaks of 12 and 14 games. He proved he could keep up the production.

On July 4th, Ford had his breakout moment. He hit three home runs and drove in six runs during a doubleheader, making it clear he was a threat.

Progression with the Twins

Ford kept improving in his second season. He led the Twins with 20 home runs in 1976, adding 24 doubles and seven triples.

His 51 extra-base hits ranked eighth in the American League, and his .457 slugging percentage was ninth in the AL.

Ford really turned it on after the All-Star break in 1976, hitting .296/.348/.518 and helping Minnesota push for the division.

He struggled early in 1977 but bounced back. After July 1, he hit .305/.366/.489, showing he could adjust mid-season.

His best year with the Twins came in 1978, when he set a career high with 36 doubles and drove in 82 runs. Ford became a steady run producer for Minnesota.

Key Teammates and Influences

Tony Oliva mentored Ford during his Twins days. The Hall of Famer gave him technical advice that changed Ford’s approach at the plate.

Oliva noticed Ford had trouble with inside pitches in 1977 and told him to move his feet in the batter’s box, away from the plate. That tweak paid off right away, and Ford’s numbers improved dramatically after July 1, 1977.

Lyman Bostock became Ford’s closest friend and teammate. They’d played together as kids in Los Angeles, then reunited in Minnesota.

Bostock played center while Ford handled right, and together they made a strong outfield duo. Their friendship went beyond baseball, and they always stayed connected to their L.A. roots.

California Angels Tenure

Ford joined the California Angels in December 1978 after a trade brought him back to his home state. His three years with the Angels were the peak of his offensive production.

Trade to the Angels and Team Transition

The Angels picked up Ford on December 4, 1978, trading for him and pitcher Dennis Myers in exchange for Ron Jackson and Danny Goodwin. For Ford, it was a dream come true to play back in Los Angeles.

“This is like a dream come true,” Ford said after the trade. “I’m home. It’s like being in high school again.”

The Angels quickly showed they believed in Ford, extending his contract through 1983 in February 1979. Manager Jim Fregosi, one of Ford’s childhood heroes, expected big things from him.

Since the Angels already had Rick Miller in center, Ford moved to right field. That let him focus more on hitting, though he stayed reliable on defense.

Notable Seasons and Highlights

Ford started the 1979 season hot, hitting three home runs in the Angels’ first four games against Seattle. But he hurt his right knee making a diving catch in the home opener and missed 10 games.

The Angels bumped Ford to the third spot in the order on June 2, 1979, right in front of Don Baylor. That move helped Ford get more chances to drive in runs.

Ford’s hitting numbers really picked up during his Angels tenure. He became a steady power threat and kept driving in runs and scoring.

The Angels made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history while Ford was with them. His contributions helped turn the Angels into a real contender in the AL.

Achievements and Team Impact

Ford’s three seasons with the Angels were some of his best statistically. He gave the team steady offense from right field and helped the lineup stay balanced.

His knack for hitting for both average and power made him a valuable piece in the middle of the order. The Angels showed their faith in him by extending his contract, and his local roots made him a fan favorite.

The Angels traded Ford to the Orioles in 1982, but by then, he’d established himself as a reliable AL outfielder who could help a team win.

Baltimore Orioles and World Series Success

Dan Ford’s biggest achievements came with the Baltimore Orioles, where he played a key role in their 1983 World Series championship. His trade to Baltimore really changed the course of his career.

Joining the Orioles

Ford joined the Orioles in January 1982, part of a trade that sent Doug DeCinces to the Angels. The deal was announced on January 28, 1982, but Ford wanted extra compensation, which delayed things.

Ford’s contract didn’t automatically allow a trade to Baltimore, so he had to give his personal okay before the deal could go through.

The trade finally became official on January 30, 1982. The Orioles had tried to get Ford before but hadn’t been able to work it out until then.

Baltimore needed experienced outfield depth, and Ford arrived at just the right time as the Orioles built a championship roster.

1983 World Series Championship

Ford made his biggest mark during the Orioles’ 1983 World Series run. He started in right field all season.

On May 18, 1983, at Memorial Stadium, Ford spoiled Richard Dotson’s no-hitter with a solo home run in the eighth, providing the only run in a 1-0 win over the White Sox.

In the 1983 World Series against the Phillies, Ford came up big. He homered off Hall of Famer Steve Carlton in Game 3, helping the Orioles take the lead in the series.

The Orioles took the 1983 World Series in five games, and Ford earned his only championship ring in his 11-year career.

Influence on Team Dynamics

Ford brought veteran leadership into the Orioles’ clubhouse during his four seasons with the team. People called him “Disco Dan” because of his outgoing personality, and honestly, that energy helped keep team morale up.

But injuries really got in his way while he played in Baltimore. He managed to appear in just 302 games out of a possible 647 during his four years with the Orioles.

He spent a lot of time on the disabled list, mostly because of his knees. Between November 1979 and July 1985, Ford went through four knee surgeries, and that last arthroscopy pretty much ended his career.

His 1985 season ended after only 28 games, where he batted .187 and hit just one home run. The Orioles released him on January 23, 1986, and that marked the end of his professional baseball career.

Playing Style, Stats, and Career Legacy

Dan Ford earned a reputation as a skilled outfielder who brought solid offense and defensive versatility throughout his 11-year career. He played with a certain smoothness, and his knack for delivering in clutch spots made him a valuable asset to three different teams, including the 1983 World Series champion Orioles.

Position and Playing Style

Ford mainly played right field, but he handled all three outfield spots at different points. He started out as a center fielder for the Minnesota Twins, then switched to right field in 1976.

When he joined the California Angels in 1979, he stuck in right field for good. His defense earned him the nickname “Wooshmobile” because he could really cover ground out there.

Ford’s style looked easy, almost like he believed, “the game is as hard as you make it.” He wanted tough plays to look routine.

As a right-handed hitter, Ford started as a pull hitter in the minors but eventually became a more well-rounded offensive player. Twins legends Rod Carew and Tony Oliva worked with him, especially on handling breaking balls like sliders.

Ford could run the bases too. In 1976, he stole a career-high 17 bases, and that speed helped him in the outfield as well.

Career Statistics and Accolades

Ford put together a .270 career batting average with 121 home runs over 11 seasons. His best year came in 1976, when he hit 20 homers, drove in 86 runs, scored 87 times, and stole 17 bases.

Key Career Numbers:

• Games: 1,153
• Hits: 1,123
• Home Runs: 121
• RBIs: 566
• Doubles: 200+
• Triples: 36 (career-high 11 in 1978)

In 1978, Ford hit career highs with 36 doubles and 11 triples in 151 games. During his prime, he often ranked among the American League leaders for extra-base hits and slugging percentage.

He never won an MVP award, but he did make three straight All-Southern California All-Star teams in high school. He also earned team MVP honors when Fremont High School won the Southern League championship in 1969.

Signature Moments and Records

Ford’s biggest performance might’ve come on the Fourth of July in 1975, when he hit three home runs in a doubleheader against the Texas Rangers. That kind of power really made people take notice early on.

He also hit the first home run at the renovated Yankee Stadium on April 15, 1976, taking Rudy May deep. Not a bad way to make history during the stadium’s reopening.

Ford’s speed showed up in other ways too. He hit an inside-the-park home run against Oakland’s Vida Blue as a rookie, and on August 8 in Detroit, he notched his first four-hit game. He really could deliver consistent offensive production.

His biggest team accomplishment came with the 1983 Orioles, who won the World Series. Ford contributed to the franchise’s first title since 1970, capping his career with the ultimate baseball prize.

Retirement, Net Worth, and Life After Baseball

Dan Ford wrapped up his career in 1985 after 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, playing his last game against the Oakland Athletics on May 31. People estimate his net worth around $4 million, and after baseball, he moved on to ranch life in Louisiana while staying connected to the baseball world.

Knee Injuries and Retirement in 1985

Ford’s pro baseball days ended on May 31, 1985, in a game against the Oakland Athletics. In his last appearance, he went hitless in two at-bats, closing out an 11-year run in the majors.

The 1985 season turned out to be his last as a player. At 33, he decided to retire after playing 1,153 career games.

He spent that decade-long career with three teams, finishing with a .270 batting average, 121 home runs, and 566 runs batted in.

Leaving baseball meant a big change for Ford, who grew up in Los Angeles and jumped straight into pro ball after getting drafted in 1970.

Business Ventures and Post-Baseball Activities

After baseball, Ford went back to Louisiana to help manage his family’s ranch. That marked a huge shift from stadiums and crowds to the quieter pace of ranch work.

The ranch became his main focus after his playing days. Ford seemed to enjoy the slower, more grounded lifestyle, trading MLB excitement for daily ranch responsibilities.

His estimated net worth of about $4 million gave him some financial comfort in retirement. That money came from his MLB career and other baseball-related earnings.

Post-baseball life brought Ford back to his roots and family. Working the ranch offered a different kind of satisfaction compared to his days on the field.

Legacy in Baseball and Community Impact

People started calling Ford “Disco Dan” back in the 1970s and early 1980s. The nickname stuck, probably because his career lined up perfectly with the disco era, and fans from that time still remember it.

He hit 121 home runs and kept a .270 batting average, which made him a pretty solid outfielder when he was at his best. Ford played for several teams, and he always showed up as a dependable pro.

When disco music was everywhere, Ford’s nickname just made sense, capturing the vibe of the era. Even after disco faded, people still remembered what he did on the field.

Ford played in the 1983 World Series with the Baltimore Orioles, which really marked the high point of his career. That moment meant a lot, not just to him, but to fans who watched.

He started out as a high school player in Los Angeles and ended up a major league veteran. Ford’s story gives young athletes something to look up to, showing what you can do with some dedication and real athletic skill.