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

Dave Wehrmeister’s baseball journey feels like the story of a determined pitcher who fought through the ups and downs of professional baseball. He bounced around four different teams over nearly a decade in the majors. Born in Berwyn, Illinois, in 1952, Wehrmeister landed as the third overall pick in the 1973 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. That draft spot set him up as one of the most promising arms of his generation.

Wehrmeister hung up his cleats after the 1985 season. His career spanned parts of six seasons in the majors, from 1976 to 1985.

He played everywhere—from the sunny fields in San Diego to the bright lights of New York, then Philadelphia, and finally Chicago. He actually put up his best stats with the White Sox during his last year.

Wehrmeister’s career really shows how much grit and adaptability matter in baseball. He moved between teams and roles, never pitching more than 30 games in any single season.

His story gives a peek into what it’s like for players who kept the game moving during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. That era wasn’t easy, but it had its rewards.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Dave Wehrmeister was born on November 9, 1952, in Berwyn, Illinois. He became a standout two-sport athlete at Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Illinois.

He showed off some serious pitching skills in both high school and college. That, plus his success in the Babe Ruth World Series, put him on the radar for the major leagues.

Childhood and Family Background

David Thomas Wehrmeister entered the world in Berwyn, Illinois, on November 9, 1952. He grew up in the Chicago suburbs and went to Lyons Township High School in La Grange.

During those years, Wehrmeister played both baseball and basketball. His athleticism stood out early, and his high school teams won a lot.

At 6’4″, folks called him “Worm” or “Weinie” because of his slim build. That nickname stuck around, and honestly, his frame worried some coaches, especially when he pitched in hot weather.

High School and Early Baseball Achievements

Wehrmeister’s high school years were packed with highlights in both baseball and basketball. He was the sixth man on the La Grange basketball team that grabbed the Illinois State High School Basketball Championship in 1970. That team went undefeated—31 wins, zero losses.

He also shined on the baseball field. Wehrmeister pitched in the Babe Ruth World Series for three straight years. In a 1970 tournament game, he struck out 12 batters in a row and even hit a two-run homer, though his team lost to Wellington, Kansas.

His Brookfield, Illinois, team won the World Series that year. Wehrmeister pitched them to a championship win against Ohio. He definitely knew how to handle pressure, even as a teenager.

Draft and Entry into Professional Baseball

After finishing up at Lyons Township High School in 1970, Wehrmeister went to Northwest Missouri State University. He played well enough to grab MIAA MVP honors in 1972.

His college numbers were eye-popping:

• 0.80 ERA
• 15.1 strikeouts per nine innings

Wehrmeister left school in the fall of 1972 and entered the 1973 Amateur Draft. The San Diego Padres picked him third overall in the first round. Only three other players from that round even made it to the majors: Alan Bannister, Gary Lucas, and Mike Norris.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Wehrmeister pitched in parts of six MLB seasons between 1976 and 1985. He put up a 4-9 record with a 3.43 ERA across 76 games.

His best year came with the Chicago White Sox, where he notched 2 saves and showed solid control as a reliever.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Dave Wehrmeister debuted in the big leagues on April 16, 1976, with the San Diego Padres. They’d picked him third overall in the 1973 draft.

He spent his first three seasons, from 1976 to 1978, with San Diego. During that time, he tried to make his mark in the majors.

After the Padres, Wehrmeister bounced to three more teams. He joined the New York Yankees in 1981, pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1984, and wrapped up with the Chicago White Sox in 1985.

Throughout his career, he never pitched in more than 30 games in a season. Teams usually called on him for specific situations, not as a regular starter.

Pitching Style and Strengths

Wehrmeister’s standout season was 1985 with the White Sox. That year, he went 2-2 with a 3.43 ERA and picked up 2 saves.

He earned both saves by pitching the final 4 innings in wins for Britt Burns and Tom Seaver.

He showed great control in those tough spots. In both 4-inning saves, he didn’t give up a single run.

Over his career, Wehrmeister struck out 96 batters in 76 games. His final line: 4 wins, 9 losses, and that 3.43 ERA from his best season.

San Diego Padres Tenure

Dave Wehrmeister kicked off his pro baseball career with the San Diego Padres. They picked him third overall in 1973, and he played with them from 1976 to 1978. That’s where his big-league story began.

Drafted by the Padres

The Padres grabbed Dave Wehrmeister with their first-round pick in the January 1973 draft, third overall. They clearly had high hopes for the young pitcher.

He came to the Padres after a strong high school run at Lyons Township, where he earned varsity letters in baseball. Scouts liked what they saw.

That pick was a big investment for the Padres. As a top-three selection, Wehrmeister was supposed to become a key part of their pitching staff.

Performance and Notable Moments

Wehrmeister took the mound for his MLB debut on April 16, 1976. That started his three-year stretch with the Padres.

He split his time between the majors and minors from 1976 to 1978. He never pitched more than 30 games in a season.

His ERA during his Padres years contributed to a career number of 5.65 across all teams. He worked hard to prove himself in a tough league.

His time with the Padres set the stage for what came next. Those years shaped the rest of his career.

Relationship with the Organization

The Padres put a lot of effort into developing Wehrmeister as a top pick. They gave him plenty of chances to move up and get major league experience.

In June 1979, the Padres traded Wehrmeister to the New York Yankees for outfielder Jay Johnstone. That move ended his run with San Diego.

The Padres saw value in Wehrmeister and used him to land an experienced outfielder for their roster.

Leaving San Diego opened new doors for Wehrmeister. The experience he gained there helped him at his next stops.

New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies Years

Wehrmeister’s career took a new turn in June 1979 when he went to the New York Yankees for Jay Johnstone. His time with the Yankees and Phillies was short and mostly in the background.

Trade to the New York Yankees

In June 1979, the Padres sent Wehrmeister to the Yankees for Jay Johnstone. That trade gave Wehrmeister a fresh start after three years in San Diego.

The Yankees wanted him for pitching depth. But he didn’t get called up to the majors right away.

Wehrmeister spent almost two full seasons in the Yankees’ minor league system. The team used that time to see if he could help their big-league roster.

Limited MLB Appearances

He finally got his Yankees shot in 1981. Wehrmeister pitched in just four games as a reliever.

Those brief outings came after a long stretch in the minors. The Yankees used him only in relief.

He didn’t stick with the Yankees for long. After those four games, the team moved him again.

Transition to the Philadelphia Phillies

In June 1983, the Yankees dealt Wehrmeister to the Phillies in a minor league trade. That gave him another chance to reach the majors.

The Phillies called him up in 1984. Wehrmeister pitched in seven games during June and July, then went back to the minors.

His ERA with Philadelphia showed he still struggled with consistency. After 1984, Wehrmeister became a free agent and later signed with the Chicago White Sox in January 1985.

Chicago White Sox and Peak Performance

Wehrmeister joined the Chicago White Sox in January 1985 as a free agent. He put together his best season, with a 3.43 ERA and his only two MLB saves.

That final campaign became the high point of his six-year big-league career.

Signing with the Chicago White Sox

After the 1984 season with the Phillies, Wehrmeister hit free agency. The White Sox picked him up in January 1985, giving him another shot in the majors.

At 32, Wehrmeister really needed a fresh start. He’d never posted an ERA below 5.00 before. The White Sox saw something in him and used him as a reliever.

This move turned out to be the best decision of his career. Chicago finally gave him the right role and support.

Career-Best Season in 1985

Wehrmeister’s 1985 season with the White Sox stood out. He finished with a 3.43 ERA, a 2-2 record, and two saves.

Those saves were memorable. He pitched the last four innings in wins for Britt Burns and Tom Seaver, not allowing a single run in either game.

He showed his best control and effectiveness that year. Wehrmeister picked up two of his four career wins in 1985, proving what he could do when healthy and used the right way.

Final MLB Appearances

Dave Wehrmeister took the mound for his last major league game on October 4, 1985, wearing a Chicago White Sox uniform against an opposing team. That night, he wrapped up a big-league career that started back in 1976 and lasted six seasons.

After the 1985 season, Wehrmeister decided to keep playing professionally for another year. He pitched for the Buffalo Bisons, a minor league team, in 1986 before calling it quits and stepping away from pro baseball.

Over those six seasons, he appeared in 76 games, ending up with a 4-9 record and a 5.65 ERA. The numbers might seem modest, but honestly, his 1985 season with Chicago stood out as a real highlight.

Retirement, Legacy, and Later Life

Wehrmeister finished his professional baseball career in 1986 after he didn’t make the Chicago White Sox roster. He moved into coaching for a bit, then eventually settled into private life.

He passed away in December 2023, closing a journey that started with high school championships and included ups and downs during six major league seasons.

Retirement from Professional Baseball

Wehrmeister played his final professional season in 1986 with the Buffalo Bisons, the White Sox Triple-A affiliate. He went 7-6 with a 3.94 ERA as a swingman, and at age 33, he decided it was time to retire.

His best big-league season came just before that, in 1985 with Chicago. He pitched in 23 games as a reliever, put up a 2-2 record, notched 2 saves, and finished with a 3.43 ERA. That year, he posted a career-high 127 ERA+ and showed great control, walking just 10 batters and striking out 32.

The next year, Wehrmeister took a job as pitching coach for the Prince William Yankees, a Class-A team in the Carolina League. That role gave him his first real taste of coaching after years on the mound.

He chose not to renew his coaching contract in 1988, closing the book on his professional baseball involvement. Afterward, he settled into life in Walnut Creek, California, where he’d lived since marrying Linda Autry in 1977.

Impact on Teams and Teammates

Teammates and coaches respected Wehrmeister, even though he sometimes struggled with consistency. His time with the Chicago White Sox marked his strongest stretch, including a couple of memorable four-inning saves.

On October 4, 1985, he earned his second save of the season against Seattle, protecting Tom Seaver’s 304th career win. That same game, Seaver struck out his 3,535th batter, passing Gaylord Perry for third on the all-time strikeouts list.

John D’Acquisto, a former teammate, stayed close with Wehrmeister long after their playing days. D’Acquisto shared news of Wehrmeister’s passing on Facebook in December 2023, which really shows how those old baseball friendships can last.

People remembered Wehrmeister for his personality and determination. Managers like John McNamara and Roger Craig often mentioned his work ethic and professionalism, even if he didn’t always have perfect command.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

After his baseball days, Wehrmeister made Walnut Creek, California, his permanent home. He’d moved there in 1977 after marrying Linda Autry, and kept it as his base even while playing.

He stayed connected to baseball through interviews and sharing memories. In a 1988 chat with Steve Dulas of the Martinez News Gazette, he talked about his career and swapped stories from his time with different teams.

Wehrmeister felt proud of the championship ring he got with the 1981 New York Yankees, even though he played just five games that season. “They can never take that away from you,” he once said. “Very few people can say they enjoyed a game or a lifestyle as much as I did.”

He spent over forty years in the Bay Area community. His long stay in Walnut Creek showed just how deeply he’d put down roots in Northern California, even though he’d grown up in Illinois.

Remembering Dave Wehrmeister

Dave Wehrmeister passed away on December 6, 2023, at age 71 in Walnut Creek. His death closed the chapter on a baseball journey that stretched from high school championships all the way to the major leagues over six seasons.

He pitched in 76 major league games, picking up a 4-9 record and a 5.65 ERA. When you add in his wins from the minors, he hit exactly 100 professional victories—a milestone that really shows how he stuck with the game through its highs and lows.

Wehrmeister’s story, honestly, feels familiar to anyone who’s followed pro athletes for a while. He got picked third overall in the 1973 draft, which set expectations high, but he never quite lived up to that early hype. Still, he kept competing for more than a decade.

Baseball personalities loved to talk about him. White Sox president Eddie Einhorn once joked about Wehrmeister’s long, 11-letter surname, and broadcaster Jack Buck made a quip about the Padres’ German-named pitchers. Those comments just add to his spot in baseball’s colorful history of characters and stories.