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

Dave May played professional baseball for 13 seasons before he hung up his cleats in 1978. From 1967 to 1978, he suited up for several major league teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

People mostly remember May as a reliable outfielder who handled all three outfield spots and chipped in both offensively and defensively. He spent his early years with the Orioles during their late-1960s and early-1970s run, but his prime really unfolded with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Let’s take a look at May’s journey from his early days to his professional success. It’s a story that honestly mirrors the lives of so many solid major league players who quietly helped shape one of baseball’s most exciting eras.

Early Life and Background

Dave May was born on December 23, 1943, in New Castle, Delaware. He grew up in a working-class family that valued hard work and determination.

His athletic talents showed up early in high school, where he played multiple sports before zeroing in on baseball. Scouts noticed his hitting and defensive skills during his amateur career, which set him on the path to pro ball.

Family and Upbringing

May came from a modest family in New Castle, Delaware. His parents taught him dedication and perseverance, values that shaped his baseball career.

The family pushed for education alongside sports. Dave’s father worked in local industry, while his mom ran the household and cheered on her son’s growing interest in athletics.

In the 1950s, May got into baseball at a young age. He spent endless hours playing catch in the backyard, and he joined local youth leagues.

His family’s support made a real difference during those early years. They showed up at his games and encouraged him to keep up with his schoolwork.

High School and Amateur Baseball

May went to high school in Delaware, where he quickly stood out as an athlete. He played several sports but really excelled at baseball.

He covered both infield and outfield positions during high school. His batting average always ranked near the top of his league.

Coaches and scouts liked his quick reflexes and strong arm. He brought value at multiple positions.

His high school team found success while he was there. May’s leadership helped them win several league championships.

As a junior and senior, college scouts started to take notice. His mix of power and defensive versatility made him a strong prospect.

Path to Professional Baseball

Professional scouts noticed May during his senior year of high school. His stats and athleticism caught the eye of several major league organizations.

The Baltimore Orioles signed May as an amateur free agent in 1962. He was just 18 when he started his pro career in the Orioles’ minor league system.

The signing bonus wasn’t huge by today’s standards, but it was a big opportunity for him. The Orioles liked his bat and thought he could become a major leaguer.

They assigned him to the rookie league affiliate. May tackled this chance with determination and the work ethic his family taught him.

Jumping from amateur to pro ball brought new challenges. He had to adjust to tougher competition and more demanding training.

Professional Career Milestones

Dave May built his Major League Baseball career through key debuts, trades, and a few standout seasons. He moved through multiple organizations and carved out a reputation as a reliable outfielder and steady contributor.

MLB Debut and Teams

Dave May debuted in the majors with the Baltimore Orioles in 1967. He was just 22 when he stepped onto a big league field for the first time.

The Orioles gave him his first shot at the majors. He learned a lot from one of the era’s most successful organizations.

May played for several teams during his career. He made stops with the Brewers, Braves, Rangers, and Pirates.

Each team gave May different opportunities to grow. He learned to adjust to new playing styles and team cultures.

Key Trades and Transfers

The biggest trade in May’s career happened in 1970 when Baltimore sent him to the Milwaukee Brewers. This move turned out to be huge for his development.

Milwaukee gave May more playing time. He became a regular starter and found his rhythm as a pro.

Later, May joined the Atlanta Braves. Playing in the National League was a first for him.

He wrapped up his career with the Rangers and Pirates. Those moves let him extend his playing days and offer veteran leadership to younger squads.

Breakout Seasons and Achievements

May’s best season came in 1973 with the Brewers. He hit .303 that year, his highest batting average in the majors.

During his peak, May showed steady power at the plate. He hit double-digit home runs and drove in key runs for his teams.

Coaches and teammates respected his defensive skills. May played all three outfield positions well.

He finished his 12-year career with more than 1,000 hits. May proved himself as a dependable big leaguer.

Career Highlights and Statistics

Dave May put up solid offensive numbers over his 11-year Major League Baseball run. His 1973 All-Star selection was a career highlight, and he found his best seasons with the Brewers, where he was known for steady batting and flashes of power.

Notable Performances

May’s breakout year was 1973 with the Brewers. He batted .303, his best average in the majors.

His top power year came in 1972, when he hit 25 home runs—a career high. That season he also drove in 93 runs, showing he could deliver in clutch situations.

He had several multi-hit games. In 1973, he racked up 12 hits in a four-game series against the Angels. May even hit three home runs in a single game twice in his career.

All-Star Appearance

May made his only All-Star team in 1973 after a strong first half. He was batting over .300 when they announced the rosters.

At the All-Star Game in Kansas City, May came in as a pinch-hitter. He grounded out in his only at-bat during the National League’s 7-1 win. Still, the selection stood out as the peak of his career.

His All-Star season helped Milwaukee stay in the American League East race. May’s consistent hitting made a difference for the Brewers that year.

Career Batting Records

May wrapped up his career with a .251 batting average in 1,031 games. He collected 919 hits in 3,658 at-bats.

He finished with 96 home runs and 422 RBIs. His best season was 1973, when he hit .303 with 15 home runs.

May struck out 635 times and drew 295 walks. He posted a .309 career on-base percentage.

He played for five different teams, with his best years in Milwaukee from 1970 to 1973. In his final season in 1978, he hit .234 in limited action.

Retirement in 1978

Dave May wrapped up his pro baseball career after the 1978 season, ending an 11-year run in the majors. His retirement closed the book on a solid career that included an All-Star nod and more than 1,000 hits.

Final Season Overview

May played his final season with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1978. He appeared in 89 games, batting .250 with 3 home runs and 19 RBIs.

The veteran mostly served as a backup and pinch hitter. He didn’t get the same playing time he had as a starter.

He picked up 42 hits in 168 at-bats that year. The Pirates leaned on May’s experience to mentor younger players.

His veteran presence in the clubhouse turned out to be valuable during his last season.

Reasons for Retirement

May retired at 32, after his skills faded from his peak years. His batting average and power numbers had dropped off since his All-Star season.

He saw his playing time shrink as teams looked to younger talent. May knew his role would only get smaller if he stuck around.

The grind of pro baseball took its toll after more than a decade. He felt it was time to move on.

Family also factored into his decision. May wanted to spend more time with his wife and kids after years on the road.

Legacy at the Time of Retirement

May finished up with a .267 batting average, 96 home runs, and 422 RBIs in 1,192 games. His top season was 1973, when he made the All-Star squad with the Atlanta Braves.

He piled up 1,127 hits over his 11-year career. May played for six teams, including the Orioles, Brewers, Braves, Astros, Pirates, and White Sox.

That 1973 All-Star selection stayed the highlight of his career. He hit .303 with 11 home runs and 68 RBIs for Atlanta that year.

People remembered May as a reliable outfielder who could cover all three spots. His versatility made him valuable to every team he joined.

Post-Retirement Life

After 11 years in the majors, Dave May moved into business ventures and stayed close to baseball through coaching. He became an active community member, using his experience to mentor young players and support local groups.

Coaching and Baseball Involvement

After retiring in 1978, May stayed involved in baseball by coaching at different levels. He worked with youth baseball programs in his community, passing on what he’d learned to the next generation.

May took summer jobs as a hitting instructor at baseball camps. His time as a major league outfielder made him a great resource for young hitters.

He volunteered as a coach for high school teams. May focused on teaching solid hitting and helping players handle the mental side of the game.

He also joined alumni events with his old teams. May played in old-timers games and team reunions, keeping in touch with former teammates and organizations.

Business Ventures

After baseball, May tried his hand at a few business opportunities. He invested in real estate in cities where he’d played.

May also worked in the sporting goods industry, using his background to help develop and promote equipment. His experience gave him a sense of what athletes really wanted from their gear.

He opened a baseball training facility that offered lessons and camps for kids. The place had batting cages, pitching instruction, and room for fielding practice.

May teamed up with other former players on business projects. These partnerships let him blend baseball knowledge with new ventures in sports.

Community Contributions

Dave May got involved in charitable work, focusing on youth sports programs. He donated time and resources so underprivileged kids could get baseball equipment and training.

He helped with fundraising for local schools and community centers. May often showed up at charity golf tournaments and baseball clinics to support good causes.

He worked with Little League groups, coaching teams and helping organize tournaments. His presence inspired young players and their families.

May also supported veteran causes, using his platform as a former pro to raise awareness and funds. He knew how important it was to give back to the community that had supported him.

Personal Life and Legacy

After baseball, Dave May built a quiet family life and left his mark on younger players and the sport. He spent his post-baseball years focused on family and giving back, earning respect that goes beyond stats.

Family and Personal Interests

May married his longtime girlfriend soon after retiring in 1978. They settled in Milwaukee, where he’d had some of his best years with the Brewers.

He became a father to two kids in the early 1980s. May often talked about how retirement let him be there for his children in ways he couldn’t during his playing days.

After baseball, May picked up golf and fishing. He spent weekends at local courses around Milwaukee, and his love for the outdoors became a family thing.

He stayed close to baseball by volunteering with local high school teams. May’s calm teaching style helped young players grow their skills.

Impact on Future Generations

May influenced younger players in ways that went beyond just formal coaching jobs. He mentored quite a few minor league players in the late 1970s before he finally retired.

A lot of those players actually said his advice made a big difference in their careers. You could say his approach to hitting found its way into Milwaukee’s entire organizational philosophy.

May always told hitters to be patient at the plate and focus on making solid contact. During spring training, several Brewers prospects picked up these techniques from him.

He also spent time at baseball camps throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Those camps let him work directly with amateur players.

Instead of teaching flashy moves, May stuck to the basics and drilled fundamentals. Young players seemed to really appreciate how honest he was about life in professional baseball.

He never sugar-coated how tough it could get in the majors. That kind of realism? It helped a lot of players figure out their next steps.

Honors and Recognition

The Milwaukee Brewers recognized May’s contributions during their 1982 World Series season. They brought him into their “Brewers Alumni” program, which felt like a nod to how much he shaped the team’s early days.

This recognition really highlighted his role in building the franchise’s early success. In 1995, the Milwaukee Sports Hall of Fame inducted May, which must’ve felt pretty special.

The ceremony celebrated not just his years with the Brewers but also his community service. Local media covered the event with a lot of enthusiasm.

Key Career Statistics:

• .251 career batting average
• 96 home runs
• 372 RBIs
• 11 seasons in MLB

The Brewers never officially retired his jersey number, but they displayed it during anniversary celebrations. May often showed up at these events with his family, always keeping a low profile about his professional achievements.