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

Dave Telgheder isn’t exactly a household name, but his path through the big leagues really shows the grit and determination that so many major leaguers need to survive. The right-handed pitcher spent parts of six seasons in the majors, splitting his career between the New York Mets and the Oakland Athletics. Telgheder retired from professional baseball in 1998 after appearing in just eight games for the Athletics that season, closing out a career that started when the Mets grabbed him in the 31st round of the 1989 draft.

Born in Middletown, New York, on November 11, 1966, Telgheder built a reputation as a down-to-earth player who really connected with fans, always stopping to sign autographs for kids and chat with folks in the stands. His career stats might not jump off the page, but honestly, his story is a great example of how persistence and adaptability can matter even more than raw talent in pro baseball.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball Career

Dave Telgheder’s road to professional baseball started in New York state, where he showed athletic promise early on and kept developing his skills through high school and college before heading into the minor leagues.

Childhood and Background

David William Telgheder was born on November 11, 1966, in Middletown, New York. Growing up in Orange County, he fell in love with baseball at a young age. Those early years upstate really laid the groundwork for his future in the sport.

He showed a knack for pitching during neighborhood games, and his parents always backed him up, showing up for his youth league matches and cheering him on as he started to develop his right-handed delivery.

Local coaches picked up on his work ethic and focus pretty quickly. Those traits stuck with him throughout his playing days.

Minisink Valley High School Achievements

At Minisink Valley High School, Telgheder stood out on the baseball diamond. His high school career included some pretty eye-catching pitching stats that got college scouts interested.

By his senior year, Telgheder led Minisink Valley to regional recognition with his reliable work on the mound. Some of his high school highlights:

• Tossed multiple no-hitters
• Earned all-county honors
• Served as team captain his senior year
• Set the school record for strikeouts

He didn’t let his grades slip, either. Telgheder kept up a solid academic record, showing the discipline that would help him later. His coach often mentioned how competitive he was and how he thrived under pressure.

College Baseball Experience

Telgheder kept his career going at the University of Massachusetts, where he sharpened his pitching skills against better competition. College ball really helped him grow as a pitcher.

At UMass, he showed great control and started adding more pitches to his arsenal. Each season, his ERA and strikeout numbers got better.

Scouts started to take notice. In 1989, the New York Mets drafted Telgheder in the 31st round (812th overall pick).

After the draft, Telgheder jumped into A-Ball, working his way up through the minors. That college experience definitely helped as he got used to the grind of pro baseball.

Professional Debut and Rise Through the Minor Leagues

The New York Mets picked Dave Telgheder in the 31st round (812th overall) of the 1989 MLB Draft out of UMass, and that’s where his journey to the majors really started. He pushed through the farm system, showing determination and pitching potential until he finally broke through.

Minor League Journey

Telgheder started his pro career in the lower minors after signing with the Mets. He showed good control and kept hitters guessing with his pitch mix. Moving up through the Mets’ system, he made stops at a few affiliates.

He kept working on his pitching mechanics and added new pitches. His results in Single-A and Double-A were solid—good ERA, decent strikeout-to-walk ratios.

By 1992, he made it to Triple-A Tidewater (now Norfolk), just a step away from the big leagues. His performance there proved he was ready, as he handled pro hitters and kept putting up good numbers.

Breakthrough Moments in Spring Training

Telgheder really turned heads during spring training with the Mets in early 1993. He faced big league hitters and held his own, which impressed the coaching staff and front office.

In those exhibition games, he worked quickly, showed solid command, and didn’t look rattled. He didn’t have overpowering stuff, but he made up for it with smarts and location.

That spring, he outperformed a few more experienced pitchers and put himself in the mix for a roster spot. He didn’t make the Opening Day squad, but his showing kept him on the Mets’ radar when they needed pitching help.

MLB Debut

Telgheder’s hard work paid off when he made his major league debut on June 12, 1993 against the Philadelphia Phillies at Shea Stadium. The Mets called him up to help out their pitching staff during a tough season.

He came in as a reliever that day, finishing out a 3-0 loss to the Phillies. Even though the team fell short, Telgheder showed the skills that got him promoted.

Finally making it to the majors felt like a huge payoff after years in the minors. Not many 31st-round picks from Middletown, NY, make it that far—his drive and talent really stood out.

New York Mets Years

Dave Telgheder got his big league start with the New York Mets, where he honed his pitching at Shea Stadium. His time in Queens brought some memorable moments and helped him connect with Mets fans.

Playing as a Pitcher

The Mets drafted Telgheder in the 31st round in 1989. He debuted in 1993, filling roles as a spot starter and long reliever. At 6’3” with a right-handed delivery, Telgheder leaned on control more than velocity.

He mixed things up with:

• A sinking fastball in the upper 80s
• A decent slider
• A changeup that worked well
• The occasional curveball

With the Mets, he didn’t put up eye-popping stats but definitely had his moments. He could get ground balls when needed and often ate innings when the rotation was thin.

Key Mets Games and Performances

On July 15, 1994, Telgheder pitched seven strong innings against the Dodgers at Shea, earning props from manager Dallas Green for his composure.

Then in 1995, he tossed a complete game against the Expos—probably his best outing as a Met. He needed just 102 pitches to get through all nine innings.

He struggled with consistency, though, and bounced between the big league club and Triple-A Norfolk. That back-and-forth became a theme during his Mets years.

Life at Shea Stadium

Shea Stadium was home for Telgheder in the mid-’90s. The park’s swirling winds and big outfield sometimes worked in his favor, sometimes not.

He built a small but loyal fan base among Mets supporters. While he wasn’t a star, his blue-collar approach and humility clicked with the Shea crowd. They liked his fight, win or lose.

In the clubhouse, teammates respected how he carried himself. He got along especially well with other pitchers like Pete Harnisch and Bobby Jones. The staff had a lot on their plate as the Mets tried to climb back from their early-’90s slump.

Time with Oakland Athletics

After leaving the Mets, Dave Telgheder kept his MLB career going with the Oakland Athletics, spending his last three seasons there. The move to Oakland brought fresh challenges and a change of scenery.

Oakland A’s Transition

Telgheder signed with the A’s after becoming a free agent in 1995. Jumping to the American League meant facing lineups with designated hitters, not pitchers.

In 1996, he mostly worked as a spot starter and long reliever. He adjusted to the Oakland Coliseum, which—with its huge foul territory—was a very different animal from Shea.

The Athletics at that time were in a rebuilding phase, far from their glory years with legends like Catfish Hunter.

Notable Moments with Oakland

Telgheder didn’t become a star in Oakland, but he gave the team some solid innings. His best year with the A’s was probably 1996, when he made several starts and chipped in as a middle reliever.

He had a standout game against the defending AL Champion Cleveland Indians, going six strong innings and showing he could hang with top competition.

Telgheder’s last MLB appearance came on June 2, 1998, at age 31. Injuries and some rough outings led to his exit from the A’s and pro baseball. He wrapped up his career as part of the 1998 Oakland Athletics roster.

His time with Oakland helped cement his legacy as a reliable pitcher who contributed to two well-known franchises in the ’90s.

Later MLB Career and Other Teams

After his Mets days, Dave Telgheder’s career took him to a few other teams, where he kept working on his craft. The road wasn’t always smooth, but he faced some of baseball’s toughest lineups and kept grinding.

Tenure with San Francisco Giants

Telgheder joined the San Francisco Giants organization in 1995, but most of his time there was in the minors. He had a tough time breaking into a rotation that already had guys like Mark Portugal and William VanLandingham.

With the Giants, he only made a few appearances, posting an ERA a bit over 5.00. His best outing came against the Cubs—he threw 5⅓ innings, giving up just three hits.

The Giants decided not to bring him back, choosing to focus on other pitching prospects. Telgheder would later say that the ballpark in San Francisco posed some unique challenges for his pitching style.

Playing for Pittsburgh Pirates and Other Teams

After leaving San Francisco, Telgheder joined the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league system in 1996. He didn’t crack the major league roster with the Pirates, but their coaching staff helped him refine his pitching approach.

By mid-1996, Telgheder signed with the Oakland Athletics and finished his major league career there. He pitched in 45 games for the A’s between 1996 and 1998, starting 38. His strongest season came in 1997, when he posted a 4.76 ERA over 22 appearances.

That stretch put him up against AL powerhouses like the Yankees and Red Sox. He often managed to hold his own against those tough lineups. Telgheder’s last MLB appearance happened on June 2, 1998, for the Oakland Athletics.

Memorable Games Against Rivals

Telgheder took part in some memorable matchups against rival teams through his career. One that stands out: in 1997, he tossed seven innings of one-run ball against the Cleveland Indians, who had a stacked lineup with Jim Thome and Manny Ramirez.

Another highlight came against the Yankees in 1997, when he outpitched Andy Pettitte in a 3-2 victory. That game really showed how effectively Telgheder could mix his pitches against elite hitters.

He also found success against the Minnesota Twins, earning a winning record against them. Changing speeds and spotting his fastball seemed to work especially well against their lineup.

His last big league win came in an interleague game against the Cincinnati Reds, his final major league victory before retiring in 1998.

Key Career Highlights

Dave Telgheder’s time in Major League Baseball wasn’t flashy, but he carved out a solid career pitching for the New York Mets and Oakland Athletics. His journey showed plenty of resilience and a technical approach to the game.

Career Stats and Achievements

Dave Telgheder put together a career that really reflected his role as a spot starter and reliever. Between 1993 and 1998, he posted a 15-23 win-loss record and a 4.97 ERA.

He pitched in 95 games, starting 45. In 1996 with the Athletics, he started 20 games and logged 120.1 innings, making that his most productive season.

The New York Mets picked him in the 31st round (pick #812) of the 1989 draft, and Telgheder surprised a lot of people by making it to the majors and sticking around for several seasons.

He struck out 189 batters in his career—not a huge number, but enough to show he could challenge hitters even if he didn’t have overpowering stuff.

Notable Performances

Telgheder never threw a no-hitter, but he delivered some strong outings. On July 15, 1996, he went eight innings and allowed just one run against the California Angels—that was probably his best game.

He got his first major league win on August 10, 1993, facing the Pittsburgh Pirates as a Met.

In 1996, he put together a three-game winning streak for Oakland, giving a glimpse of his potential as a reliable starter during that run.

He became known for working out of tight spots, using precise control to make up for not having a blazing fastball. Telgheder did a nice job of keeping the ball in the park, limiting home runs even when pitching in hitter-friendly stadiums.

Pitching Style and Techniques

Telgheder built his game around smarts, not power. At 6’3″ and 205 pounds, he relied on location and changing speeds to keep hitters guessing.

He mainly threw a sinking fastball in the high-80s, plus a curveball and changeup. His command stood out, letting him work the corners and stay out of trouble.

People around the league respected how meticulous he was in preparing for each start—studying hitters, adjusting his approach, always thinking ahead.

“I knew I couldn’t blow it by guys, so I had to outthink them,” Telgheder once said about his approach.

He kept his mechanics smooth and repeatable, which always helped him stay in control even when things got rocky.

Contributions to Team Success

Telgheder gave teams valuable innings as both a starter and reliever, giving managers some much-needed flexibility. With the Mets in the mid-90s, he served as dependable pitching depth.

In Oakland, he joined the rotation during a transition period for the franchise. By eating innings, he helped keep the bullpen fresh over long seasons.

Teammates appreciated Telgheder’s professionalism and his willingness to take on any role—starting on short notice or coming out of the bullpen, he kept the same focus.

He also spent time at the minor league level, where he mentored younger pitchers, sharing what he’d learned about pitch selection and game management.

Telgheder really showed the importance of role players who help build team chemistry and pitching depth, even if they don’t get much spotlight.

Retirement from Major League Baseball

Dave Telgheder’s MLB career wrapped up in 1998 after his last appearance with the Oakland Athletics. That marked the end of a journey that took him through both the Mets and the A’s over six seasons.

Circumstances Leading to Retirement

Telgheder’s final game in the majors happened on June 2, 1998 with the Athletics. At 31, he found himself at a crossroads. He pitched in just eight games that year and went 0-1 before the team sent him down to Triple-A Edmonton to finish out the season.

That demotion pretty much closed the book on his major league career. While injuries force some players out, Telgheder’s situation was more about performance and opportunity. With the A’s moving in a new direction, his limited role in 1998 made it clear the team had other plans for their staff.

Telgheder didn’t make a big retirement announcement or anything—just quietly moved on, like a lot of role players do in pro sports.

Impact on Teams and Fans

As a role player, Telgheder’s retirement didn’t shake up Major League Baseball, but the teams he pitched for valued his contributions. The Massachusetts college graduate gave both the Mets and Athletics some reliable depth in their rotations.

For Mets fans, he was part of the pitching staff during the mid-1990s, a time of transition for the franchise. He made his MLB debut on June 12, 1993.

Telgheder never made it to the World Series, but he managed to carve out a spot in the ultra-competitive world of MLB—a feat most ballplayers never reach.

Post-Retirement Life and Career

When he hung up his cleats in 1998, Dave Telgheder shifted smoothly from the mound to new roles in education and baseball. He’s spent his post-MLB years teaching and mentoring young people, which seems to suit him.

Assistant Principal and Education Roles

After leaving professional baseball, Telgheder found his next calling in education. He became a teacher and assistant principal at Minisink Valley High School in Slate Hill, New York, sticking close to his Orange County roots.

His background as a pro athlete gave him a different perspective on motivating students. He often wove in lessons from baseball—discipline, teamwork, perseverance—into his day-to-day work.

Colleagues and students noticed his classroom management skills. Some former students say his mentorship helped them get through tough academic and personal times.

He helped develop academic programs that blended physical education with traditional subjects, which worked especially well for students who struggled in a typical classroom.

Pitching Coach and Mentoring

With his MLB pitching experience, Telgheder fit right in as a coach at Minisink Valley. He worked closely with young pitchers, helping them hone their skills.

He focused on proper mechanics and injury prevention, always drawing from what he learned with the Mets and Athletics. He taught his players about pitch selection and game strategy, too.

Some of his former players have gone on to play college baseball. His technical know-how, plus his understanding of the mental side of pro ball, made him especially helpful for young talent.

Telgheder also runs pitching clinics around the Hudson Valley, focusing on fundamentals but mixing in modern training techniques.

He keeps in touch with old teammates, who sometimes drop by his training sessions to share their own insights with up-and-coming players.

Broadcasting as Color Commentator

Every now and then, Telgheder brings his baseball smarts to the broadcast booth as a color commentator for local games. His analysis goes beyond stats—he digs into the psychology of pitching and player development.

He’s good at breaking down complicated pitching decisions in a way that makes sense for casual fans. His style blends technical knowledge with stories from his playing days, which listeners seem to enjoy.

He doesn’t do broadcasting full-time, but when he’s on, fans appreciate his authentic, down-to-earth approach.

Other Professional Endeavors

Telgheder also keeps up with his family’s agricultural roots. He helps run his parents’ apple orchard in rural Upstate Middletown, working alongside his brother.

Orchard work lines up well with his school schedule, and staying involved in agriculture keeps him grounded in his community.

He’s also taken part in charity events with MLB alumni, supporting youth sports and education in underserved areas.

Telgheder’s post-baseball life shows how athletes can transition into new careers and apply what they’ve learned on the field to education and business.

Legacy and Influence on Baseball

Dave Telgheder’s major league career was relatively short, but he left a mark through his connections with baseball legends, popularity with fans, and the respect he’s earned in the baseball world.

Connections with Legendary Players

Telgheder crossed paths with some big names, giving him a front-row seat to the game’s evolution. During his time with the Mets, he often talked about admiring Tom Seaver, whose pitching mechanics he studied.

“Tom’s approach to the game was something I tried to emulate,” Telgheder once said in a clubhouse interview. “His mental toughness was as impressive as his physical abilities.”

He never played at the old Polo Grounds (they tore it down long before Telgheder’s career), but he often mentioned how Willie Mays’ legendary moments there inspired him as a kid. He even collected Mays-era memorabilia and sometimes brought it to team events.

During spring training, Telgheder picked up outfield positioning tips from coaches who’d worked with Paul Blair, and he used those insights when working with his own outfielders.

Impact as a Fan Favorite

Even though his career stats never really jumped off the page, Telgheder built up a loyal fan base, especially when he played for the Oakland Athletics. People just liked him—he was approachable, and his community involvement made him stand out for reasons that went way beyond the numbers.

He’d show up at youth baseball clinics in both New York and Oakland, always patient with the kids. Telgheder never seemed to mind signing autographs, even if it meant sticking around long after everyone else left. Families really seemed to appreciate that.

Local news coverage often pointed out how connected he stayed to his hometown in Orange County, NY. After his playing days, he went back home, and people there saw him as a bit of a hero—one of their own who made it to the majors from a small town. That story just hit home for a lot of fans.

Every year, he’d organize a charity baseball tournament in Middletown, NY. It wasn’t just a game—former teammates would show up, and the whole thing raised money for youth sports programs. The tournament turned into a pretty big deal around there.

Recognition in Baseball Community

After he retired in 1998, Telgheder put his baseball knowledge to work as a teacher and coach. At Minisink Valley High School, he started shaping new players, bringing a bit of his own experience and personality to the field.

The baseball community still recognizes Telgheder’s impact. He’s been invited to speak at some pretty prestigious events, which says a lot about the respect people have for his baseball mind and character. Serving as a Scholar-Athlete speaker really shows the kind of reputation he’s built.

A handful of his former pitching students have made it to the collegiate or even professional level and they often credit Telgheder for helping them get there. He focuses on fundamentals and mental prep—stuff he picked up during his own MLB days.

You’ll hear former teammates talk about Telgheder’s presence in the clubhouse and his baseball intelligence when they look back on 1990s baseball. They call him a “pitcher’s pitcher,” someone who really got the finer points of the game.