Dave Marshall – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Dave Marshall put together a respectable seven-season run in Major League Baseball during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He bounced between three teams before finally hanging up his cleats in 1973. The left-handed outfielder from California first stepped onto the field with the San Francisco Giants in 1967, then moved on to the New York Mets and San Diego Padres.

Marshall wrapped up his MLB career with a .246 batting average, 16 home runs, and 114 RBIs in 490 games. He even snagged a spot on the Topps All-Star Rookie Team in 1968.

Born David Lewis Marshall on January 14, 1943, in Artesia, California, he fit the mold of a solid role player that teams counted on during baseball’s expansion era. Marshall’s journey through the majors really shows how a player can make the most of his chances, even if he never becomes a regular starter.

He delivered clutch performances, like two grand slams and an impressive .333 average with the bases loaded. Not bad for a guy who often came off the bench.

Marshall’s baseball story isn’t just about stats. He worked his way up through the minors, adapted to new roles with each team, and later made a successful leap into business after retiring.

His life took a bittersweet turn in 2019 when he passed away just 48 hours after his wife Carol. Their story, which began on California high school baseball fields, wound through some of the game’s most storied franchises.

Overview of Dave Marshall’s Baseball Career

Dave Marshall played seven seasons in Major League Baseball from 1967 to 1973. He suited up for three National League teams, finishing with a .246 career average and 16 home runs.

His rookie year in 1968 stood out, as he landed on the Topps All-Star Rookie Team alongside Bobby Bonds.

Timeline of Professional Teams

Marshall kicked off his MLB career with the San Francisco Giants in 1967. He made his first appearance on September 7, 1967, coming in as a pinch runner for just one game.

His breakout season arrived in 1968. Marshall earned a backup outfield spot and batted .264 with one home run and 16 RBIs. He stuck with San Francisco through 1969, often platooning with Jim Ray Hart and Ken Henderson in left field.

The Giants traded Marshall and Ray Sadecki to the New York Mets on December 12, 1969. Bob Heise and Jim Gosger went to San Francisco in the deal. Marshall spent three seasons with the Mets, from 1970 to 1972.

He made a splash in New York. In his first at-bat against his old team, Marshall launched a grand slam off Giants ace Gaylord Perry on April 28, 1970. That season, he set a personal best with six home runs.

After the 1972 season, the Mets traded Marshall to the San Diego Padres for pitcher Al Severinsen. He wrapped up his MLB career with San Diego in 1973, hitting .286 in limited action.

Key Career Highlights and Achievements

Marshall’s biggest moment came in his debut against the Giants, when he hammered a grand slam off Gaylord Perry. That kind of clutch performance defined his career.

He hit another grand slam off Houston’s George Culver on May 11, 1971. With the bases loaded, Marshall batted .333, collected two home runs, and drove in 29 RBIs throughout his career.

Career Statistics:

• Games: 490
• Batting Average: .246
• Home Runs: 16
• RBIs: 114
• Runs Scored: 123

He threw right-handed and batted left. At 6 feet 1 inch and 182 pounds, Marshall handled multiple outfield spots.

He showed patience at the plate, drawing 133 walks, but also struck out 239 times. That kind of power-or-nothing approach was pretty common back then.

Notable Recognition and Awards

Marshall’s selection to the 1968 Topps All-Star Rookie Team was the peak of his professional accolades. He shared the honor with Giants teammate Bobby Bonds.

Funny enough, Héctor Torres—the player San Francisco got for Marshall in 1966—was named the rookie team’s shortstop with Houston. That’s a quirky connection between the traded players.

Topps recognized Marshall after his solid 1968 season. He hit .264 with a home run off Ray Washburn of the Cardinals and drove in 16 runs as a backup outfielder.

His rookie year helped establish him as a reliable role player. In his first start, Marshall went 3-for-5 with two runs and an RBI, leading San Francisco to a 7-0 win over Atlanta on April 30, 1968.

That early recognition highlighted his potential. While he never became an All-Star, the rookie team nod showed he had a promising start in the big leagues.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Dave Marshall started his baseball journey in Southern California, sharpening his skills through high school and college. His path from Artesia to the majors really showcased his raw talent.

Family Background and Childhood

David Lewis Marshall was born January 14, 1943, in Artesia, California. In this small Los Angeles County city, Marshall grew up surrounded by baseball—a huge part of Southern California life in the 1940s and 1950s.

He developed his athletic abilities in Artesia’s suburban neighborhoods. His family backed his baseball dreams from the beginning. Marshall showed promise as a lefty batter and right-handed thrower.

During his childhood, Marshall spent countless hours on local diamonds. The warm California weather let him play baseball all year, which definitely helped him master the basics.

High School Achievements

Marshall attended Lakewood High School in Lakewood, California, where he became a standout ballplayer. His time there put him on the radar as one of the region’s top prospects. The school’s strong baseball program gave him a chance to compete against quality opponents.

He played so well at Lakewood High that he was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. Marshall became the first major leaguer to graduate from Lakewood, which would later send more than a dozen players to the big leagues.

Key High School Accomplishments:

• All-Star team selection
• Hall of Fame inductee
• First Lakewood High grad to reach MLB

His high school success caught the eye of college coaches and pro scouts. Marshall’s mix of hitting and outfield skills made him a hot commodity.

Collegiate Baseball at Long Beach City College

After Lakewood, Marshall kept developing his game in college. He attended both College of the Sequoias and Long Beach City College.

Long Beach City College gave him extra seasoning before he turned pro. California’s junior college baseball scene was a launching pad for lots of future big leaguers. Marshall used that time to refine his skills and get more experience.

His college years really prepared him for pro ball. The competition at Long Beach City College played a big role in his growth. Scouts took notice of his performance.

In 1963, Marshall signed with the Los Angeles Angels as an amateur free agent. That move ended his amateur days and kicked off his professional journey.

Major League Playing Career

Dave Marshall played seven years in the majors, from 1967 to 1973. He hit .246 with 16 home runs and 114 RBIs in 490 games. He suited up for three National League teams, starting with the San Francisco Giants, where he established himself as a regular outfielder. He then had his best years with the New York Mets and finished with a short stint for the San Diego Padres.

San Francisco Giants (1967-1969)

Marshall debuted in the big leagues on September 7, 1967, with the San Francisco Giants at age 24. That first season, he only got into one game as a pinch hitter.

In 1968, Marshall played his first full year in the majors. He appeared in 76 games, hit .264 with 46 hits, and drove in 16 runs. Marshall split time between right and left field, showing off his versatility.

His 1969 season brought more action, with 110 games played. Marshall’s average dipped to .232, but he managed 62 hits and 33 RBIs. He drew 40 walks, which helped him keep a .340 on-base percentage.

While with the Giants, Marshall played alongside future Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry and other stars. His defense in the outfield was solid, though he sometimes struggled with fielding percentage early on.

New York Mets Years (1970-1972)

Marshall joined the New York Mets in 1970 and played his most productive seasons there. In his first year with the Mets, he appeared in 92 games, hit .243, and set career highs with 6 home runs and 29 RBIs.

The 1971 season was Marshall’s busiest, with 100 games played. He batted .238, drove in 21 runs, and showed better plate discipline with 26 walks.

Marshall’s last season with the Mets in 1972 turned out to be his best offensively. In 72 games, he hit .250, popped 4 home runs, and posted a .705 OPS—his best as a Met.

While in New York, Marshall worked as a reserve outfielder alongside regulars like Cleon Jones, Art Shamsky, and Ron Swoboda. He gave the Mets much-needed depth in the outfield during their competitive post-championship years.

San Diego Padres and Retirement (1973)

Marshall wrapped up his MLB career with the San Diego Padres in 1973. He played just 39 games that season.

Even with limited at-bats, Marshall hit .286—the best he’d managed since 1968—with 14 hits in 49 tries. He posted a career-high .778 OPS and drew 8 walks.

His last big league game came on June 22, 1973, against the Atlanta Braves. Marshall went 1-for-1 in his final plate appearance at age 30.

He finished with a .246 average, a .333 on-base percentage, and 258 total hits over seven seasons. When he retired, Marshall left behind the legacy of a steady reserve outfielder in the National League.

Playing Style and Contributions

Dave Marshall brought dependable defense and clutch hitting to all three of his major league teams. His flexibility in the outfield and knack for pinch hitting made him a valuable bench player on some pretty competitive rosters.

Defensive Skills and Outfield Role

Marshall played both left and right field, showing the kind of versatility that kept him around in the majors. Scouts often mentioned his strong throwing arm and decent range.

Over 294 outfield games, Marshall posted a .966 fielding percentage. He racked up 10 assists, proving he could gun down baserunners from the outfield.

His best defensive stretch came in 1969 with the Giants. Marshall played alongside legends like Willie Mays, Bobby Bonds, and Ken Henderson. He held his own, getting 267 at-bats and playing solid defense.

With the Mets, Marshall kept up his reliable outfield work. In 1971, he played 64 games in the outfield and posted a .989 fielding percentage for a third-place team.

Offensive Statistics and Clutch Hitting

Marshall finished with a .246 batting average, 16 home runs, and 114 RBIs in 490 games. His on-base percentage of .333 showed he could get on and spark rallies.

His best year at the plate was 1970 with the Mets. Marshall hit a career-high six home runs, drove in 29 runs, and batted .243 in 92 games.

He built a reputation for clutch hitting. Marshall hit two career grand slams, including one against Gaylord Perry in 1970. His second slam came on May 11, 1971, off Houston’s George Culver in an 8-1 Mets win.

A few of his home runs came at key moments. On July 25, 1970, Marshall hit a three-run shot in the seventh inning, giving the Mets the lead in a comeback win over the Dodgers.

Pinch Hitter Specialization

Marshall really made his mark as a pinch hitter, thriving when the pressure was on. In the 1970 season with the Mets, he racked up twelve pinch hits and batted over .375 in that role.

Managers leaned on him for clutch bench production. He showed real patience at the plate, drawing 133 career walks and proving he understood the strike zone.

He came through in big moments. On June 29, 1970, Marshall tied the game with a single off Pittsburgh’s Steve Blass in the bottom of the ninth, two men on. Then he scored the winning run on Don Clendenon’s sacrifice fly.

Marshall played both as a starter and off the bench, which helped him stick around for seven seasons. Teams liked having him as a late-game defensive replacement or an offensive threat.

Career Statistics and Performance Analysis

Dave Marshall played seven years in the majors from 1967 to 1973. He hit .246 with 258 hits and 16 home runs in 490 games.

He handled the outfield with solid fielding fundamentals. Advanced stats showed he had some strengths, but also things to work on, across three National League teams.

Batting and Power Numbers

Marshall put up decent numbers at the plate. Over his career, he tallied 258 hits and a .246 batting average.

He showed some pop, hitting 16 home runs, 41 doubles, and 4 triples. The outfielder drove in 114 RBIs and scored 123 runs.

He drew 133 walks and struck out 239 times, ending up with a .333 on-base percentage. Marshall’s best year with the bat came in 1973 for San Diego, when he hit .286 with a .390 OBP and a .778 OPS in limited playing time.

His most productive years were with the Mets from 1970-1972, where he hit 13 of his 16 career home runs. Marshall’s power peaked in 1970—he hit 6 homers in 189 at-bats and also notched 10 doubles that year, showing he could drive the ball into the gaps.

Fielding and Advanced Metrics

Marshall played 294 outfield games during his career. He posted a .966 fielding percentage and made 10 assists from the outfield.

He handled both left and right field, showing versatility. Total Zone ratings painted a mixed picture of his defense.

In 1968, he posted a -5 Total Zone rating in 50 outfield games. The next year, he repeated that -5 rating over 87 games.

His range factor changed by year and position. In 1970 with the Mets, Marshall posted a 1.94 range factor per nine innings, close to the league average of 2.07.

That year, his fielding percentage reached .973. Marshall’s defensive numbers got better during his time with the Mets.

In 1971, he made just one error in 64 outfield games, ending up with a .989 fielding percentage.

Comparisons and WAR Evaluation

Marshall’s WAR (Wins Above Replacement) came out to -1.2 over his seven-year career. That negative number means he performed below replacement level when you add up offense and defense.

His best WAR season happened in 1973 with San Diego, at 0.2. Most years, his offensive production fell short of league average.

His career OPS+ was 92, which means he hit 8% below league average after ballpark adjustments. While with the Mets, Marshall put up a -0.7 WAR, hitting .243 with 13 home runs.

In San Francisco, he managed a -0.8 WAR over three seasons with a .245 average. But 1973 with San Diego was his best statistical year.

That season, he posted a 126 OPS+, meaning he hit 26% above league average in his final campaign.

Life After Baseball and Legacy

Dave Marshall left baseball and found success in the restaurant world, becoming a familiar face in New York City’s nightclub scene during the 1970s. Later, he moved back to California and tried his hand at several businesses, but sadly, his life ended after a golf cart accident.

Post-Retirement Business Ventures

After retiring in 1973, Marshall headed to Manhattan and became a successful restaurateur. He opened and ran three popular spots: Marshall’s, Oasis, and Rascals.

People in the city got to know these places. Marshall’s knack for business seemed as steady as his pinch-hitting had been.

The former outfielder was a regular in New York’s nightlife during the ’70s. He even spent time at Studio 54, keeping a friendship with one of the owners.

In 1985, Marshall moved back to California. He worked security on the historic Queen Mary ocean liner in Long Beach, which had turned into a tourist attraction.

Later, he took a job managing parking at the Long Beach Convention Center. He also owned a tavern in Commerce, a city in southeast Los Angeles.

Community and Public Life

Marshall stayed connected to his sports roots. His high school, Lakewood High, inducted him into their Hall of Fame.

He was the first major leaguer to graduate from Lakewood High. That school has since produced more than a dozen big league players.

In 1994, Marshall married Carol. They built a life together in California during his later years.

Final Years and Passing

Marshall’s life took a tragic turn in 2018. He suffered severe injuries in a golf cart accident.

The accident fractured his skull and left him with other serious injuries. He just couldn’t fully recover after that.

At the same time, his wife Carol was battling multiple sclerosis. That made things even harder for both of them.

They both needed hospice care during those last months. The facility put their beds side by side so they could stay together.

Carol passed away on June 6, 2018. Dave died less than 48 hours later, which really says something about how close they were.

He was 76 when he died. His journey took him from San Francisco’s baseball diamonds, to Manhattan’s nightclubs, and eventually back to California.