Danny Heep – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Danny Heep spent more than a decade in Major League Baseball, moving through five different teams before hanging up his cleats in 1991. The versatile outfielder kicked things off with the Houston Astros in 1979, then played for the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and wrapped up with the Atlanta Braves. Heep called it a career at 33 after his final game with Atlanta on June 8, 1991, picking up two World Series rings during his 13 seasons.

Heep never really hit superstar status, but he carved out a nice role as a utility man and pinch hitter through the 1980s. His best team moments came with the 1986 champion New York Mets and the 1988 champion Los Angeles Dodgers. After he stopped playing, Heep stayed close to baseball—when he turned down a minor league assignment that could’ve kept him on the field a bit longer, he pretty quickly landed in coaching at the University of the Incarnate Word.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Danny Heep grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where his family and schooling really set the stage for his future in baseball.

Childhood and Education

Daniel William Heep was born July 3, 1957, in San Antonio. His dad, Jacob, made a big impact—he played semipro baseball while working a regular job. That early exposure to the game? It definitely sparked Danny’s passion.

Heep went to Robert E. Lee High School in San Antonio, and that’s where his baseball skills started to shine. As a lefty both at bat and in the field, he stood out among his classmates.

Those high school years really shaped his game, giving him the tools he’d use later on in the pros.

College Baseball Achievements

After high school, Heep stuck around San Antonio for college, playing at St. Mary’s University. Those college years were huge for his growth as a player.

Heep quickly became one of St. Mary’s top guys. His left-handed swing packed some punch, and his approach at the plate made him a tough out in college ball.

Heep helped lift the St. Mary’s baseball program with his steady play. Scouts started to notice his bat and his instincts in the field.

All-American Honors

Heep’s play at St. Mary’s earned him All-American honors, which really put him among the best college players of his time. That award recognized how much he did for his team and just how talented he was.

Heep earned that All-American spot thanks to his stats and the way he changed games. He could hit for both average and power, and he played solid defense—a complete player, honestly.

That honor got scouts even more interested, and it set him up for the MLB draft. The Houston Astros picked him up in the 1978 MLB Draft, and his pro journey began.

Major League Debut and Rookie Years

Danny Heep kicked off his big league career with the Houston Astros in 1979, just a year after they drafted him in the second round. Making the jump from the minors to the majors, he started laying the groundwork for what would turn into a 13-year MLB run.

Major League Debut Highlights

Danny Heep debuted on August 8, 1979, with the Astros at 22 years old. The left-handed outfielder from San Antonio got called up after being drafted 37th overall in 1978.

His first season was short—just 14 games—but he picked up his first MLB hits and gave Astros fans a taste of what he could do.

Heep showed patience at the plate right from the start, something that became a trademark for him. Even if his first stats weren’t eye-popping, the Astros coaches liked his approach.

Transition to Major Leagues

Jumping from college ball at Saint Mary’s (TX) to the majors was a big leap for Heep. His rookie stretch continued into 1980, when he started seeing more action with the Astros.

The early ‘80s were all about learning for Heep as he adjusted to major league pitching. He bounced between outfield and first base, showing off the versatility that would make him valuable to contenders down the line.

His lefty bat gave managers options off the bench, and he started earning more playing time. From 1979-1982, Heep became a steady presence in Houston.

Early Performance and Development

In his first full seasons with the Houston Astros, Heep kept improving. As he saw more pitching, his batting average and power numbers crept up.

The 1981 and 1982 seasons were especially important for his growth. He figured out how to use his left-handed swing in the Astrodome, which wasn’t exactly a hitter’s paradise.

Heep built a reputation as a disciplined hitter who could work a count and come through in big moments. Even though he never got more than 320 at-bats in a season, he made the most of his chances.

Coaches noticed his smarts and his willingness to do whatever helped the team. That attitude made him a guy contenders wanted.

Houston Astros Tenure

Danny Heep started his MLB career with the Houston Astros from 1979 to 1982. These years really shaped him into a versatile outfielder and a solid bench guy.

Becoming a Key Player

The Astros grabbed Heep in the second round of the 1978 draft after he tore it up in college. He broke in with Houston in 1979, mostly coming off the bench as a pinch-hitter and backup outfielder.

By 1980, Heep was seeing more time on the field. His lefty bat balanced out a lineup full of right-handed hitters. Manager Bill Virdon liked Heep’s patience and reliable glove.

In 1981, during the strike-shortened season, Heep’s role grew. He often started against righties and sat against lefties, platooning in the outfield.

Memorable Moments at the Astrodome

Houston’s Astrodome—nicknamed the “Eighth Wonder of the World”—set the stage for a few of Heep’s big early moments. He hit his first MLB home run there in 1979.

In 1980, Heep helped the Astros win the division alongside stars like Nolan Ryan and Jose Cruz. He mostly came off the bench in the tense NLCS against Philly, but that playoff experience was huge for him.

One game that stands out: July 15, 1981. Heep racked up three hits, including a clutch double off the wall to help Joe Niekro finish a complete game win. The Astrodome crowd gave him a standing ovation that night.

Connections with Teammates

Heep built close bonds with a few Astros teammates. He often said veteran Jose Cruz taught him a lot about the mental side of hitting.

Heep used to shag flies while Nolan Ryan threw bullpen sessions—a front-row seat to greatness. In interviews, he’s mentioned how Ryan’s work ethic rubbed off on him.

Younger guys like Kevin Bass and Mike Scott also became friends. They’d grab meals on the road, building the kind of team chemistry that helped Houston contend in the early ‘80s.

After the 1982 season, Houston traded Heep to the New York Mets, ending his time with the club that drafted and developed him.

Los Angeles Dodgers Career

Danny Heep landed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1987 after his Mets years. He spent two seasons in LA, helping the team win a World Series championship in 1988.

Joining the Dodgers

Heep signed with the Dodgers before the 1987 season. The Dodgers wanted more depth on the bench, and Heep’s experience and versatility fit the bill. He played outfield and first base, making himself useful in a bunch of ways.

In 1987, Heep adjusted to his role as a backup outfielder and pinch-hitter. He brought a steady approach at the plate and played reliable defense.

Bench coach Joe Amalfitano liked Heep’s baseball IQ and team-first attitude—traits that made the transition into the Dodgers’ clubhouse pretty smooth.

World Series Champion Experience

Heep’s second year, 1988, turned into something special. The Dodgers overcame the odds and beat the powerhouse Oakland A’s to win the World Series.

Heep was part of the so-called “Stunt Men,” contributing as a role player. His earlier playoff experience with the 1986 Mets came in handy during those high-pressure October games.

Heep didn’t start, but his pinch-hitting and steady presence off the bench helped LA keep rolling through the playoffs. Manager Tommy Lasorda counted on him in key late-game spots.

That 1988 title gave Heep his second championship ring—and really locked in his reputation as a guy who helped winning teams.

Role as Reserve Outfielder

With the Dodgers, Heep became a dependable backup outfielder and pinch-hitter. His job looked a lot like what he did with the Mets: come off the bench and give quality at-bats.

Heep’s lefty bat gave LA options against tough righties late in games. He had a knack for pinch-hitting, which isn’t easy—takes a certain mindset.

On defense, Heep could handle any outfield spot and even fill in at first base. That flexibility gave the Dodgers more ways to mix up their lineup.

After 1988, Heep moved on to the Boston Red Sox, closing out his Dodgers days as a World Series champ.

Time with the New York Mets

Danny Heep joined the New York Mets in 1983 and stuck around until 1986, carving out a key utility role during an important stretch for the franchise. His versatility and lefty bat gave the Mets extra depth as they worked toward their championship run.

Trades and Transfers

Heep arrived in New York via a trade from the Astros in 1983. The Mets picked him up for pitcher Mike Scott—a deal that seemed to favor the Mets at first, though Scott later became a force for Houston.

With the Mets, Heep mostly served as the fourth outfielder and a pinch-hitter. His left-handed swing fit the way manager Davey Johnson liked to build his roster, using platoons to get the most out of his players.

Heep’s role was similar to Kevin McReynolds and other outfielders who could bring some offense even if they weren’t in the lineup every day. He also filled in at first base, adding to his value as a utility guy.

1986 World Series Contribution

Heep played a part on the 1986 World Championship team, adding to one of the wildest seasons in Mets history. He didn’t start, but his left-handed bat gave the bench some real punch.

In Game 2 of the World Series at Fenway Park, Heep became the first National League designated hitter to appear in a World Series game there. That moment really showed off his versatility and the trust Davey Johnson had in him during big spots.

Heep brought experience to a roster full of young stars like Dwight Gooden and Ron Darling. His presence steadied a clubhouse packed with both established players and up-and-comers during that championship run.

Performance on the Mets’ Roster

Heep’s numbers with the Mets fit his job as a utility guy. Over four seasons in New York, he delivered steady production as a part-timer and pinch-hitting specialist.

His top year with the Mets came in 1983, when he hit .280 across 96 games. Heep’s knack for coming through as a pinch hitter made him valuable, and he always looked calm even in high-pressure at-bats.

Heep’s Mets Statistics (1983-1986):

• Games: 330+
• Position: Outfield, First Base, Pinch Hitter
• Batting: Left-handed
• Notable teammates: Dwight Gooden, Ron Darling, Sid Fernandez

Heep’s approach at the plate matched the Mets’ philosophy under hitting coaches like Bud Harrelson, who emphasized patience and situational hitting.

Team Dynamics and Notable Moments

Heep shared the field with future Hall of Famers and Mets legends. The mix of veterans like Heep and rising stars like Dave Magadan gave the clubhouse a unique energy.

One thing Heep did well: he stayed ready, even with inconsistent playing time. That professionalism earned him respect from teammates and coaches, including manager Davey Johnson, who leaned on Heep in key situations.

In 1986, Heep made the most of his role and delivered when called upon. His contributions helped the Mets dominate the National League East and set up their playoff push.

After the 1986 championship, Heep’s Mets stint ended. Still, his steady play as a role guy during that historic run made sure he’d always have a place in Mets lore.

Boston Red Sox Stint

Danny Heep landed with the Boston Red Sox in the late ’80s, mostly as a designated hitter and pinch hitter. His lefty swing offered valuable depth to the Red Sox lineup during his stay.

Signing with the Red Sox

After celebrating a World Series with the Mets in 1986, Heep arrived in Boston by 1989. The Red Sox brought him in to beef up the bench and add some flexibility.

Heep signed with Boston after a stop in Los Angeles, where he picked up another World Series ring in 1988. His reputation as a clutch performer in the postseason made him a smart pickup for a Red Sox team with big goals.

Boston seemed to focus on adding seasoned role players who knew their jobs. Heep’s reputation as a pro hitter who could deliver in tight spots fit the bill.

Role as Designated Hitter and Pinch Hitter

With Boston, Heep mostly filled in as a DH against righties and came off the bench as a pinch hitter. His left-handed swing played well at Fenway, especially with that short right field.

In 1989 and 1990, Heep gave the Red Sox a steady bat in certain situations. His experience really showed in those tense at-bats. Back problems caught up with him in 1990, though, and he needed surgery. That pretty much limited what he could do when he tried to come back later that year.

Heep didn’t play every day in Boston, but he handled his limited role like a pro. He stayed ready, no matter how much he played, and teams always seemed to want that kind of dependability.

Heep’s time with the Red Sox ended after 1990, and he wrapped up his career with the Atlanta Braves in 1991.

Final Seasons and Retirement

Danny Heep’s MLB run wound down in the early ’90s after 13 seasons. He spent his last years with a couple of National League teams and retired at 33 after the 1991 season.

Playing for the Atlanta Braves and Montreal Expos

After back surgery sidelined him in Boston, Heep looked for a fresh start. He joined the Atlanta Braves in 1991, hoping to help a team on the rise.

His time in Atlanta was short but memorable. Heep mostly pinch-hit for a Braves squad that ended up reaching the World Series.

Before Atlanta, he’d also played for the Montreal Expos late in his career. That completed his tour of the NL East, after earlier years with the Mets.

Retirement in 1991

Heep retired from baseball in 1991 at age 33. His last MLB game came on June 8, 1991, with the Braves. With his numbers dropping and back issues still nagging, he decided to call it a career.

The early ’90s saw a lot of ’80s players stepping away from the game, and Heep quietly joined that group. He didn’t get the fanfare some stars did, but he moved on to new things, including coaching at the college level.

Career Wrap-Up

Danny Heep wrapped up his 13-year MLB career with solid stats for a role player:

• 1,961 games played
• .246 batting average
• 503 hits
• 30 home runs
• 208 RBIs

His biggest achievements? Two World Series rings—one with the ’86 Mets and another later on.

Heep never became a superstar, but he proved himself as a reliable lefty bat who could handle multiple spots in the lineup. That versatility made him a handy piece for five MLB teams from 1979 to 1991.

Heep’s legacy? He was the kind of dependable role player who helped championship teams and stuck around the big leagues for a long time.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Danny Heep played 13 seasons from 1979 to 1991, piling up a handful of noteworthy achievements. He built his career as a utility man and clutch hitter for five major league teams.

Notable Game Performances

Heep earned a reputation as a go-to pinch hitter. With the Mets, he delivered a game-winning hit against the Cubs in a critical late-season game in 1986.

Back with the Houston Astros, Heep notched a career-best four hits in a single game against the Pirates in 1982, driving in three runs that day.

In 1988 with the Dodgers, Heep came through in several big spots, including a bases-loaded double against the Reds that broke a tie and helped LA win a key division game.

World Series Highlights

Heep picked up two World Series rings: one with the ’86 Mets and another with the ’88 Dodgers. Those moments stand out as the high points of his team achievements.

In the 1986 World Series, Heep pinch-hit and helped the Mets pull off their famous comeback against the Red Sox. His patient at-bats and steadying presence made a difference in those tense moments.

During the Dodgers’ ’88 title run, Heep was part of the “Stunt Men”—the bench guys who stepped up when needed. Sure, Kirk Gibson’s home run stole the headlines, but Heep’s steady contributions off the bench mattered all postseason.

RBI and Home Run Milestones

Heep collected 283 RBIs and 45 home runs in his 13-year career. He wasn’t known for power, but he had a knack for big hits when it counted.

His best year at the plate came in 1983 with the Mets: .280 average, 8 home runs, and 49 RBIs. He showed he could produce when given the chance.

In 1991, his final MLB season with the Braves, Heep went out on a high note, batting .385 (5-for-13) in limited action before retiring. Not a bad way to wrap things up.

Playing Style and On-Field Impact

Danny Heep built his 13-year big league career as a valuable utility player who chipped in for championship teams in all sorts of ways. His adaptability and understanding of his role made him a manager’s dream off the bench.

Versatility as a Player

Heep’s biggest strength? Versatility. As a reliable role guy, he handled all three outfield spots and filled in at first base when needed. That flexibility gave managers options.

Heep’s adaptability proved especially handy with teams like the ’86 Mets and ’88 Dodgers. He mostly served as a reserve outfielder, but managers used him in all kinds of situations:

• Pinch-hitting
• Defensive replacement
• Platoon matchups with righties
• Spot starts to rest regulars

Heep’s professional approach to these roles kept him ready, even when he wasn’t playing much. That’s probably a big reason he stuck around so long.

Defensive and Offensive Skills

At the plate, Heep swung lefty and showed decent discipline and occasional pop. He kept a respectable average and delivered in specific spots.

Offensively, he focused on:

• Good plate discipline
• Line-drive hitting
• Working the count
• Hitting right-handers

Defensively, Heep was steady—not flashy. He made routine plays and positioned himself well, even if he didn’t have blazing speed. His arm was accurate, though not especially strong.

With the Houston Astros (1979-1982), he honed his defensive fundamentals. He never won a Gold Glove, but managers always seemed comfortable putting him in late in close games.

Role with Veteran Players

Heep really thrived when it came to clubhouse chemistry and mentoring the younger guys. Over his career with five different teams, people started to know him as someone who made a real, positive difference.

Younger players would come to him for advice about handling bench roles and staying sharp when playing time was unpredictable. Heep knew all about the mental grind of being a role player, especially on teams stacked with star talent.

Heep worked well with veteran players, too. He accepted his supporting role and didn’t grumble about it, which made life easier for everyone. Starting pitchers, in particular, valued his steady defense and professional attitude.

In his later years with Boston and Atlanta, Heep’s experience made him a trusted voice in the clubhouse. He helped bridge the gap between the older guys and the rookies, doing a lot for team chemistry beyond what he showed on the field.

Coaching and Post-Retirement Involvement

After he hung up his cleats in 1991, Danny Heep jumped right into coaching—and honestly, he seemed to find his groove there, too. All those years playing gave him a ton of insight to share with the next wave of ballplayers.

Coaching Careers in Baseball

Heep’s biggest coaching accomplishment came at the University of the Incarnate Word, where he served as head coach for almost twenty years starting in 1998. He racked up a 569-401 record, which is a .587 winning percentage. Under his watch, the Cardinals had 30+ win seasons thirteen times.

Before he took the job at Incarnate Word, Heep actually turned down a minor league demotion and just retired from playing. The Catholic university in San Antonio quickly brought him on as an assistant coach, and not long after, he got promoted to head coach.

Heep’s coaching style focused on fundamentals and mental toughness—qualities that defined him as a player. He stuck with the program until 2017 and ended up as one of the most successful coaches in school history.

Mentoring Future Players

Heep’s approach to mentoring came from all those years in the majors, playing with stars like Jeff Bagwell. He worked well with pitchers because he understood how hitters think, which made him pretty effective at developing young arms.

Some of his former players made it to pro baseball, though none quite reached the heights he did. Still, his technical know-how and patient teaching helped turn raw talent into solid college players.

Heep won two division championships during his time there, which just added to his reputation as a guy who could develop talent. He loved to share stories from his playing days—stuff about teammates like Alejandro Pena—to help his players get the mental side of the game.

He didn’t just stick to coaching, either. Heep showed up at clinics and community events all over south Texas, spreading his love for the game.

Personal Life and Legacy

Away from the field, Danny Heep comes across as a devoted family man who earned respect for his versatility and team-first mindset. His impact went way beyond stats, leaving a mark on every team he joined.

Family and Connections

Heep kept his family life mostly private, both during and after his baseball years. Born on July 3, 1957, his early days helped shape that disciplined approach he brought to the game. Unlike some athletes who wind up in the headlines for the wrong reasons, Heep built a reputation as a steady family guy.

After retiring, he focused on his family but stayed connected to baseball. He didn’t seek the spotlight, but he did show up at the occasional team reunion or alumni event.

Heep stayed close with plenty of his old teammates. He didn’t have direct ties to Ike Hampton or Carroll Hardy, but he formed strong friendships with players from his days with the Astros, Mets, Dodgers, Red Sox, and Braves.

Recognition and Honors

Danny Heep never made it to the Baseball Hall of Fame, but his two World Series rings—one with the 1986 Mets and one with the Dodgers—are nothing to sneeze at.

As a left-handed batter and fielder, he brought value to every team he played for. He never picked up any big individual awards, but managers and teammates respected him for being able to do a little bit of everything.

Baseball doesn’t always hand out ceremonial honors to role players the way football does, but guys like Heep get remembered for what they brought to the team. His legacy is being that classic team guy who helped win championships.

Impact on Teams and Community

Heep made his biggest mark as one of the “Stunt Men” for the 1988 Dodgers, the nickname for the team’s clutch bench players. He had a knack for coming through in big moments, even with limited playing time—always putting the team first.

As a highly useful role player, Heep brought a sense of stability and professionalism to every clubhouse he joined. After retiring, he stayed active in the baseball community, passing on what he knew to younger players.

Heep managed to avoid the injuries that cut some careers short, playing a healthy 13 years in the majors from 1979 to 1991. That durability let him help out multiple teams over more than a decade—proof of his preparation and his understanding of how to stick around as a role player.

Career Statistics and Analysis

Danny Heep spent 13 years in the big leagues, from 1979 to 1991, playing for five different teams and picking up two World Series titles. Managers leaned on his versatility in the outfield and as a pinch hitter, even though he never locked down a full-time starting job.

Batting and Fielding Statistics

Heep played in 883 games over his MLB career. He had 1,961 at-bats, finished with a .246 batting average, and picked up 484 hits, 61 home runs, and 247 RBIs.

Heep hit left-handed, which made him a solid option as a pinch hitter. He built a reputation for coming through in clutch spots, even though he didn’t always get a ton of at-bats. His .340 on-base percentage was almost 100 points higher than his batting average, showing he had a good eye at the plate.

He mostly played the corner outfield spots but could fill in at first base when needed. His defense wasn’t flashy, but he was versatile enough that managers could find ways to keep his bat in the lineup.

In his last season in 1991 with the Atlanta Braves, he appeared in just 14 games before calling it a career.

Era Comparison

Heep’s career landed right in the middle of a changing time for baseball. He started in the late ‘70s, when offense was a little more modest, and wrapped up in the early ‘90s, just as the game was shifting toward the power era.

The 1980s focused more on speed, defense, and situational hitting than on home runs. Heep’s patient approach and gap power fit that style, especially in the National League, where he spent most of his time.

Teams like the Mets and Dodgers, where Heep played, emphasized fundamentals and manufacturing runs, which was a bit different from the American League’s earlier move toward power hitting.

If you look at his numbers with today’s metrics, Heep’s ability to get on base would probably be more appreciated now than it was back then.

Notable Teammates and Managers

Over the years, Heep shared the field with some true baseball legends. While with the Mets, he joined the 1986 World Championship squad—think Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Gary Carter. Not a bad group to be around.

His stint with the Dodgers meant teaming up with Kirk Gibson and Orel Hershiser during that wild 1988 championship run. Then, in Atlanta for his last season, he got to play—if only briefly—with young talents like Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. Imagine watching those guys develop right in front of you.

Heep worked under managers who really left their mark, like Davey Johnson with the Mets and the unforgettable Tommy Lasorda in LA. Roger Craig, who basically made the split-finger fastball famous, often managed against Heep when Craig ran the San Francisco Giants.

Looking back, all those years with championship teams and Hall of Fame-level teammates and managers definitely shaped Heep into a valuable role player.