Dick Green – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Dick Green hung up his cleats in 1974, wrapping up a 12-year run with the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics. He left as one of the game’s most skilled defensive second basemen. Richard Larry Green, who always wore number 1 for the A’s, played a vital role in Oakland’s dynasty years. He never won a Gold Glove, but let’s be honest, the competition at second base was brutal back then.

Green’s career ran from 1963 to 1974. He started out as a struggling rookie and, over time, became a key part of three World Series championship teams.

People around the league respected his glove more than his bat. He could turn double plays and position himself on the field with a kind of quiet confidence that teammates and opponents both noticed.

Sure, his batting average landed at .240 and he hit 80 home runs, but Green brought value with his defense and leadership during the A’s best years. His story is really about the tough life of a defensive specialist in a sport obsessed with offense.

He fought through back injuries and made the tough call to walk away at 33, right after the A’s 1974 World Series win over the Dodgers.

Early Life and Entry Into Baseball

Dick Green’s road to Major League Baseball started in the Midwest. He moved around a lot as a kid, bouncing between towns before realizing he had some real athletic talent.

His journey to professional baseball was shaped by standout high school performances in several sports. A persistent scout also played a big role, spotting something special in him.

Childhood and Family Background

Richard Larry Green was born on April 21, 1941, in Sioux City, Iowa. His parents, Mick and Millie Green, welcomed him as their first child, followed by Patty and Mick Jr.

The Greens rarely stayed put for long. When Dick turned about five, they left Sioux City for Yankton, South Dakota, roughly an hour away. He spent much of his childhood in Yankton, and that’s where he really fell for baseball.

While in Yankton, Dick made friends that would last a lifetime. One of them was future NBC anchorman Tom Brokaw. “I always went to the games growing up in Yankton,” Green recalled. “I’d go see the Yankton Terrys play.”

During high school, the family moved again, this time to Mitchell, South Dakota. His dad’s work in the shoe business drove these moves. Mick Sr. eventually ran a North American Van Lines franchise in Rapid City, and Dick would later help out in the family moving business, which became Green’s Moving & Storage.

High School Achievements and Multi-Sport Talent

At Mitchell High, Dick Green really stood out as an athlete. He starred in football as a quarterback, and he was pretty good at basketball and track, too.

His senior year, he grabbed the title of South Dakota’s prep athlete of the year. He helped lead Mitchell’s football team to its first-ever undefeated season. “Football was probably my best sport,” he admitted later.

Colleges took notice. Green got tempting scholarship offers, like a full ride to Michigan and a chance to play at Florida State. Both schools wanted him for football and baseball.

Baseball in South Dakota was tricky:

• “We had no baseball team,” Green said about Mitchell High
• “It was too cold to play baseball during the school year”
• “Baseball is strictly a summer game in Mitchell”

Even without high school baseball, Green played in summer leagues. “So I played Babe Ruth and American Legion ball,” he said. His love for the game never faded.

Signing as an Amateur Free Agent

Green’s shot at pro baseball came through the Basin League, a solid regional league mostly in South Dakota from 1953 to 1973. After graduating high school in 1959, he joined the Mitchell Kernels as a shortstop.

“Manager Joe Lutz called me and wanted me to try out,” Green remembered. “So I tried out and provided a little hometown flavor.” The Basin League had up to three major leaguers per team, so Green got a taste of real competition.

Marv Olson, scouting for the Kansas City Athletics, kept a close eye on Green:

• Olson came from South Dakota and played in the majors in the early ’30s
• He’d played for Yankton as recently as 1956
• Olson’s persistence finally paid off

Green admitted he was “really raw” with Mitchell, making mistakes and not exactly tearing it up at the plate. Still, Olson saw something and offered him a contract with the Athletics.

The $12,000 signing bonus was enough to make Green forget about those football scholarships. “I was very fortunate to have played in the Basin League,” he said. Green stuck with the Athletics organization for his whole career.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Dick Green spent all 12 of his MLB seasons with the same franchise, starting with the Kansas City Athletics in 1963 and staying on through the move to Oakland. He became known as a defensive specialist at second base, hitting .240 with 80 home runs and 422 RBIs in 1,288 games. He was a key piece of Oakland’s championship dynasty.

Kansas City Athletics Years

Green made his big league debut on September 9, 1963, facing the New York Yankees at age 22. He played 13 games that season, picked up 10 hits, and even hit his first major league homer on September 25 against Boston.

The Athletics handed Green the starting second base job in 1964 after trading Jerry Lumpe to Detroit. They took a chance, betting on Green’s glove more than his bat.

Green showed some promise with the bat early on. In his first full season in 1964, he hit .264 with 11 homers. His best year at the plate came in 1965, when he hit a career-high 15 home runs.

Key Kansas City Stats:

• 1964: .264 average, 11 HR, 37 RBI
• 1965: .232 average, 15 HR (career high)
• 1966: .250 average, 9 HR, 62 RBI

Veterans like Phil Rizzuto and Jerry Coleman quickly noticed Green’s defensive skills. He played deeper at second base than most, relying on his arm and quickness to make plays others wouldn’t even try.

Move to Oakland Athletics

The team moved to Oakland after the 1967 season, and Green went west with them. He became the main second baseman for the up-and-coming A’s, wearing number 1 as the longest-tenured player.

Green hit a rough patch in 1972 when he needed back surgery for a herniated disc. He missed most of the regular season, but he fought back in time for the playoffs and helped Oakland win its first World Series.

Green returned to regular action in 1973 and 1974, anchoring second base as the A’s chased more titles.

Notable Oakland Achievements:

• Three straight World Series titles (1972-1974)
• Strong MVP candidate in 1974, even though he went hitless in the Series
• Anchored the infield defense during the team’s championship run

Green’s leadership made him valuable in ways the box score can’t capture. Teammate Ted Kubiak said pitchers felt comfortable with Green behind them because he was so steady with the glove.

Statistical Highlights and Milestones

Green’s numbers show his role: defense first, offense second. He finished with a .240 career average, but advanced stats back up his reputation as a top defender.

He set a franchise record for second basemen with 80 home runs, a mark that stood until Mark Ellis broke it in 2010. Not bad for a guy known more for his glove.

Career Totals:

• Games: 1,288
• Batting Average: .240
• Home Runs: 80
• RBIs: 422
• Fielding: Always above average

Green never picked up a Gold Glove, mostly because the league was packed with great second basemen. Still, everyone around the game knew he was one of the best with the glove.

His most iconic defensive moment came in the 1974 World Series clincher against the Dodgers. Green turned a huge double play in the eighth inning, helping Oakland hang on for a 3-2 win and the championship.

Teammates and opponents admired his toughness. Green played through serious back pain but kept his defense sharp during the A’s glory years.

Defensive Excellence and Double Plays

Dick Green built his reputation on defense, especially during his time with the Oakland A’s. He had incredible range, quick hands, and set a double play record in the 1974 World Series. A lot of people still consider him one of the best fielders of his time.

Fielding Skills and Range

Green just had a knack for defense. He played deeper at second than most, using his arm and lightning reflexes to make plays others couldn’t.

His positioning worked because he covered so much ground. Even from deep, he could gun runners out at first.

Ted Kubiak, his backup, said, “He was probably as surehanded an infielder as you’d find. He rarely made an error, positioned himself well and turned the double play as well as anyone.”

Green’s reliability gave pitchers confidence. They could throw strikes and trust that he’d handle anything hit his way.

His quick hands made him especially good at turning double plays. He learned the pivot at second after switching over from shortstop early in his career.

Double Play Records

Green’s most famous defensive feat came in the 1974 World Series against the Dodgers. He helped turn six double plays in five games, tying the record for a five-game Series.

That performance helped Oakland lock down their third straight championship. Green’s double play work killed Dodger rallies at just the right moments.

In Game 5, Green nailed a perfect relay throw to get Bill Buckner at third in the eighth inning. That play basically saved the game and the Series.

Key 1974 World Series Stats:

• 6 double plays turned
• 5-game series record
• Pivotal Game 5 defensive play

Green turned double plays as well as anyone throughout his career. Oakland leaned on that skill during their title runs from 1972 to 1974.

Comparison With Peers

Even with all that defensive talent, Green never won a Gold Glove. The American League was stacked with great second basemen, so the competition was always stiff.

People often compared Green to Bobby Richardson, the Yankees’ Gold Glove winner. Broadcasters and old players put Green right up there with the best.

Phil Rizzuto and Jerry Coleman, both ex-Yankees and later broadcasters, praised Green’s range and hustle after seeing him in action. They pointed out his deep positioning and sharp instincts.

Modern stats back up what people saw. Green’s fielding percentage and range factor were always among the best at his position.

Manager Alvin Dark once said, “Heck, there isn’t anything he can’t do,” talking about Green’s range and sure hands.

World Series Championships and Postseason Impact

Dick Green’s defense became the backbone of one of baseball’s greatest dynasties. He helped the Oakland Athletics win three straight World Series titles from 1972 to 1974.

His clutch defensive plays and steady leadership in big moments made him an essential part of those championship teams.

Role in the Swingin’ A’s Dynasty

Dick Green anchored the defense for the Oakland Athletics during their three straight World Series wins from 1972 to 1974. He gave the team stability at second base, which was no small feat considering the A’s wild personalities and constant internal drama.

The Swingin’ A’s leaned on Green for turning double plays and making those flashy stops that saved games. He and Bert Campaneris at shortstop? They formed one of the steadiest middle infields in baseball during those championship years.

Oakland’s pitchers trusted Green’s glove. He made quick, smart plays that helped the A’s hold onto leads in so many postseason games.

Green only hit .240 over his career, but his defense mattered way more to the team’s success. Manager Alvin Dark often pointed out how Green could pull off a game-saving play right when the A’s needed it.

Defining Moments in the 1972–1974 World Series

Green really shined in the 1974 World Series against the Dodgers. He turned six double plays in just five games, setting a record for a five-game series and showing off his defensive chops.

Back in the 1972 World Series, Green helped the A’s outlast the Cincinnati Reds in seven games. His steady glove made a difference in those tight matchups.

Against the Mets in 1973, Green kept up his defensive excellence. Handling pressure just seemed to be his thing.

In the 1974 series, Hal McRae barreled into Green at full speed, sending him flying six feet past second base. Green still held onto the ball and finished the play. That sums up his toughness pretty well.

People started to recognize Green as one of the best postseason defenders of his era. He just never seemed to let up.

Babe Ruth Award and Defensive Legacy

The Babe Ruth Award came Green’s way in 1974, thanks to the New York Baseball Writers Association. He didn’t get a single hit in 13 plate appearances that series, but his defense was impossible to ignore.

That award really showed how defense can be just as important as hitting when it comes to winning championships. Green’s six double plays and all those highlight-reel stops caught the voters’ attention more than any batting stats.

Rollie Fingers officially took home the World Series MVP, but a lot of people thought Green deserved it too. The New York chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America actually picked Green as their MVP.

During the 1974 Series, Green didn’t make an error and pulled off several game-saving plays. He proved that you can’t win titles without elite defense at key spots.

The Babe Ruth Award ended up as the crowning achievement of Green’s career and really cemented his place in the A’s dynasty.

Notable Plays: The Bill Buckner Relay

Game 5 of the 1974 World Series brought Green’s most famous play. In the eighth inning, Bill Buckner tried to stretch a single into a triple after the ball slipped past center fielder Bill North.

Buckner made a break for third after easily reaching second. Reggie Jackson scooped up the ball in center and fired it to Green at second base.

Green grabbed Jackson’s throw and quickly relayed it to Sal Bando at third. Bando tagged Buckner out, with the timing just right.

Buckner broke the old baseball rule: never make the first out at third base. Green’s fast thinking and sharp throw helped the A’s keep their lead in the clinching game.

That relay play became one of the signature moments of the 1974 World Series. Green’s poise under pressure helped the A’s lock down their third straight title.

Retirement in 1974 and Life After Baseball

Dick Green called it a career after the Oakland Athletics won the 1974 World Series. He left the game at just 33, wrapping up 12 seasons in the majors. After baseball, Green headed back to South Dakota and joined his family’s moving business.

Retirement Decision and Circumstances

Green decided to retire right after the 1974 World Series win over the Dodgers. Even though he went hitless in 13 at-bats, his defense earned him the Babe Ruth Award for his World Series performance.

The Oakland Athletics released Green after their championship win. He had thought about retiring several times before, often bringing it up during contract talks with owner Charles Finley.

Green felt things were changing after Catfish Hunter left through free agency. At 33, after three straight World Series titles, he figured he had done what he set out to do.

“I’m lucky, the caliber ballplayer I am, to get my eight or nine years in,” Green once said. He always seemed pretty realistic about his own abilities and how long he’d last in the majors.

Transition to Business Career

After baseball, Green went back to South Dakota to work full-time in his father’s business. The family ran Green’s Moving & Storage, a North American Van Lines franchise based in Rapid City.

This wasn’t totally new for Green. He’d already worked in the moving business during the off-seasons of his playing career. That job was actually why he skipped winter ball.

The business gave Green financial stability after baseball. His dad, Mick Sr., had built up the franchise, and Dick’s return helped keep it going strong.

Green stayed with the moving company for many years after retiring. The business offered him a steady life back home.

Later Recognitions and Honors

Green’s defense in the 1974 World Series got noticed all over the baseball world. He started six double plays in five games, a record for a series that short.

His Babe Ruth Award in 1974 came even though he struggled at the plate. The New York Baseball Writers honored his defense, which played a big part in Oakland’s third straight championship.

Green finished up with a .240 batting average and 80 home runs. That homer total stood as the franchise record for second basemen until Mark Ellis broke it in 2010.

The Kansas City Athletics and Oakland Athletics both recognized what Green brought to their teams. Wearing number 1, he was the senior player during those championship years.

Baseball historians and advanced stats later backed up Green’s reputation as one of the best defensive second basemen of his time, even if he never won a Gold Glove.

Legacy, Popular Culture, and Collectibles

Dick Green’s impact on baseball goes way beyond his stats. His defense earned him lasting respect from teammates and fans. His baseball cards and memorabilia, especially from the A’s title years, are still popular with collectors.

Reputation Among Fans and Peers

Green gained respect all over baseball for his glove at second base. Charlie O’Finley and Reggie Jackson both credited his defense as a big reason the Oakland Athletics pulled off their three-peat from 1972 to 1974.

His teammates and opponents noticed his contributions, even when he couldn’t get hits. That Babe Ruth Award in 1974, given after a hitless World Series, really showed how much his defense meant.

Former teammates often talked about Green’s leadership. They called him “The Little General” because he could direct the infield and come through in tight spots.

Green’s reputation somehow got even stronger after he retired. Historians and analysts still point to his 1974 World Series as one of the best defensive performances ever in a championship.

Permanent Place in Athletics History

Green stands out in Athletics history as one of only three players who stuck with the team from the Kansas City days through the Oakland championships. He, Blue Moon Odom, and Bert Campaneris were the holdovers from the Kansas City Athletics.

His defense in the 1974 World Series became legendary in Oakland. That relay to get Bill Buckner at third in Game 5 basically sealed the championship and showed how clutch he could be.

When Green retired after 1974, it really marked the end of an era for the Athletics. With Catfish Hunter leaving too, the team’s dynasty started to fade.

Baseball Cards and Memorabilia

Green’s baseball cards still draw plenty of interest from collectors. That 1974 Topps card, especially, gets attention—mostly because there’s a bit of a mix-up about who’s actually in the photo. The card shows an Oakland player with a clean-shaven face, but Green rocked a mustache back then.

Collectors really go after Green’s autographed memorabilia from those championship years. His signed baseballs and photos from the 1972-1974 World Series pop up at auctions and usually fetch some pretty impressive prices.

The 1974 Topps set with Green in it has kind of become a must-have for vintage card fans. Lots of folks chase full Oakland sets from their championship seasons, so Green’s cards end up more valuable than you’d expect, considering his offense wasn’t exactly legendary.

People pay top dollar for his memorabilia because of his defensive chops, not his stats. Stuff from those World Series years always seems to bring in the most among collectors.