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

Dick Tracewski wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1969 after eight seasons as a steady infielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Detroit Tigers. People called him “Trixie,” and he played in 614 games, earning a reputation for his solid defense and ability to fill in all over the infield.

Tracewski’s retirement closed a chapter that included four World Series championships—two with the Dodgers in 1963 and 1965, and one with the Tigers in 1968. He hit just .213, which kind of says it all about his role as more of a utility man than a slugger, but his defense and professionalism made him a real asset to every team he played for.

The Pennsylvania native’s story didn’t stop when he left the field. He moved right into coaching, sticking with the Detroit Tigers for over three decades. His journey from a small-town kid discovered by chance to a respected figure in baseball really shows the grit and adaptability it takes to stick around in the big leagues.

Early Life and Background

Dick Tracewski was born on February 3, 1935, in Eynon, Pennsylvania, a tiny town tucked in the northeast corner of the state. His Polish immigrant parents drilled a strong work ethic into him, and those values shaped his baseball career.

He showed off his athletic talents early, playing high school baseball and joining in the local sandlot games.

Family and Childhood in Eynon, Pennsylvania

Richard Joseph Tracewski came into the world as the youngest of four in a hardworking Polish-American family. His parents made the journey from Poland, bringing their dedication and persistence with them.

His dad’s story stands out—he arrived in the U.S. at 16, then turned around and went back to Europe at 18 to fight for America in World War I.

Athletic ability seemed to run in the family. Dick’s older brother played minor league ball in the Philadelphia Athletics system and even took a shot at professional football. That connection probably nudged Dick toward baseball early on.

Eynon, with its tight-knit community, gave him the perfect place to grow as a ballplayer. Tracewski dove into the wildly popular Sunday sandlot games that everyone in the area seemed to love in the 1940s and early ‘50s.

High School Baseball Achievements

At Archibald High School, Tracewski quickly became a standout, catching the eyes of major league scouts. His skills on the field made him a local favorite and a hot prospect.

He didn’t just stick to high school games—he also played for American Legion teams, which helped him get even more exposure. Those games were a big deal for young players hoping to make it to the pros.

Pittsburgh Pirates scout Ray Welsh really took notice. Welsh told Tracewski to zero in on shortstop, seeing that as his best shot at a pro career.

Heading toward his 17th birthday, Tracewski had multiple scouts following him. But things didn’t go exactly as planned—offers he expected didn’t come through, even from the Cleveland Indians, who’d seemed pretty interested before.

Signing With the Brooklyn Dodgers

Luck found Tracewski in a weird way. Brooklyn Dodgers scout Phil Weinnert got lost driving home from Binghamton, New York, to Philadelphia and ended up stumbling on a local game in Jessup, Pennsylvania.

The game featured the Peckville VFW team, and Tracewski’s play immediately grabbed Weinnert’s attention. After watching the whole game, the scout came over to ask about future games.

Weinnert tried a few times to see Tracewski again, then decided to invite him and his dad to Brooklyn for a workout. At just 17, Tracewski walked onto the field at the legendary Ebbets Field for four days of hitting and fielding.

He shared the field with Brooklyn Dodgers legends like Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider, and Gil Hodges. That tryout went well, and the Brooklyn Dodgers signed him as an amateur free agent in 1953, giving him a signing bonus of a few hundred bucks.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Dick Tracewski played eight seasons in Major League Baseball from 1962 to 1969, showing up in 614 games as a versatile infielder. He split his career between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Detroit Tigers, picking up World Series rings with both teams.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Dick Tracewski made his major league debut on April 12, 1962, with the Los Angeles Dodgers at age 27. He came in as a pinch-runner during the last game of the Dodger Stadium’s first-ever series.

Jumping from the minors wasn’t easy at first. Tracewski watched as the Dodgers lost a tough playoff series to the San Francisco Giants in 1962 after they’d been up by two games late in the season.

He got his big break in the 1963 World Series against the New York Yankees. In his first postseason at-bat, Tracewski singled off Hall of Famer Whitey Ford and scored the winning run on a John Roseboro homer. The Dodgers ended up sweeping the Yankees for the title.

His teammates started calling him “Trixie” during summer pool parties, where he’d do back flips and front flips. Reliever Ron Perranoski and others gave him the nickname, and it stuck.

Teams Played For

Los Angeles Dodgers (1962-1965)

Tracewski spent his first four years with the Dodgers, filling in as a utility infielder. He played shortstop, second, and third, backing up the regulars.

He won two World Series with Los Angeles in 1963 and 1965. During his time there, he played in three of Sandy Koufax’s four no-hitters, going 3 for 7 at the plate in those games.

Detroit Tigers (1966-1969)

The Dodgers traded Tracewski to the Detroit Tigers for pitcher Phil Regan on December 15, 1965. At first, he got frustrated by the lack of playing time and even asked general manager Jim Campbell for a trade.

Campbell turned him down and told Tracewski to stick it out. That turned out to be the right call. Tracewski became a key contributor, playing 90 games during the Tigers’ 1968 World Series championship season.

His biggest moment in Detroit came on June 23, 1968, when he hit a three-run homer against Cleveland in the nightcap of a doubleheader. Manager Mayo Smith credited that clutch hit with firing up the team’s pennant run.

Retirement in 1969

Tracewski played his last major league game on September 27, 1969, against the Boston Red Sox. He finished his eight seasons with a .213 average and eight home runs across 614 games.

His playing time dropped off in those last years. By 1969, he mostly came in as a defensive replacement or pinch-hitter instead of starting.

The Tigers saw his value off the field, too. Right after the 1969 season, general manager Jim Campbell offered him a coaching job with the team. Tracewski jumped at the chance, kicking off a 26-year coaching run with Detroit.

He finished his playing days with a .961 fielding percentage and never had a losing season as a player. He picked up three World Series rings—two with the Dodgers, one with the Tigers.

Playing Positions and Fielding Excellence

Dick Tracewski made his mark as a reliable utility infielder who could handle multiple positions during his eight-year career. His defensive flexibility and sure hands made him a real asset to both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Detroit Tigers. That .961 career fielding percentage says a lot about his steady play all over the infield.

Second Baseman Responsibilities

Tracewski shined brightest at second base when it mattered most. He started all four games at second in the 1963 World Series, helping the Dodgers sweep the Yankees with his steady glove.

He stepped up again at second in the 1965 World Series, giving the team the defensive anchor they needed.

Moving between second and other infield spots felt natural for Tracewski. He understood double-play mechanics and could turn quick pivots, which made him a real asset at second.

Key Second Base Achievements:

• Started all four 1963 World Series games at second base
• Provided crucial defensive support in 1965 World Series
• Showed consistent double-play execution

Shortstop Contributions

Shortstop was Tracewski’s main spot when he came up through the Dodgers’ minor leagues. Pittsburgh Pirates scout Ray Welsh had told him to focus on shortstop back in high school, seeing his natural fit there.

He kept those shortstop skills sharp in the majors, too. The job demanded a strong arm and quick reflexes—both things Tracewski had in spades.

His range and positioning at short complemented his teammates. He handled grounders and made accurate throws to first, which helped his teams keep runs off the board.

That experience at shortstop made him even more versatile. It gave him a foundation for reading plays and knowing where to be all over the infield.

Third Baseman Highlights

Third base gave Tracewski another way to show off his defensive chops in the majors. He handled the hot corner with confidence and awareness.

The position called for quick reactions on hard-hit balls and a strong arm for those throws across the diamond. Tracewski brought both to the table.

His steady hands and reliable glove work translated well at third. That .961 fielding percentage held up wherever he played, including the hot corner.

Multi-Position Value:

• Primary positions: Shortstop, Second Base, Third Base
• Career fielding percentage: .961
• Games played: 614 over eight seasons

His defensive work at third just added to his value. Managers knew they could put Tracewski anywhere in the infield and not lose much on defense.

Career Statistics and Batting Performance

Dick Tracewski finished his career with a .213 batting average, 262 hits, and 8 home runs over eight seasons from 1962 to 1969. His stats show a utility infielder who gave his teams solid defense and chipped in offensively when he could for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Detroit Tigers.

Batting and On-Base Metrics

Tracewski’s .213 career average was well below the league norm for his time. He put up a .289 on-base percentage, which shows he didn’t walk much—though he did draw 134 walks in 614 games.

His best year at the plate came in 1967 with Detroit, when he hit .280—his only season above .250. That year, he also posted a .325 on-base percentage, a clear step up from his usual numbers.

During his four seasons with the Dodgers (1962-1965), Tracewski hit .231. He fared better in the National League than in the American League. With Detroit (1966-1969), his average dropped to .188.

Key Batting Statistics:

• Career batting average: .213
• Career on-base percentage: .289
• Best single season: .280 (1967)
• Dodgers average: .231
• Tigers average: .188

Runs, Home Runs, and Triples

Tracewski didn’t hit for much power. He had just 8 home runs in 1,231 at-bats—four with Detroit, three with Los Angeles.

He scored 148 career runs, averaging about 18 per season. His best year for runs was 1964, when he crossed the plate 31 times for the Dodgers. That season was also his most productive at the plate, with 75 hits.

He showed a bit of speed with 9 career triples, four of them in that strong 1964 season with Los Angeles. He stole 15 bases in his career, but he got caught 14 times—so maybe not his strongest suit.

Tracewski’s 335 total bases over eight seasons tell the story of a guy who mostly hit singles. His .272 slugging percentage backs that up—he was more of a contact hitter than a power guy.

Notable Hits and Season Highlights

Tracewski really hit his stride in 1964 with Los Angeles. He racked up 75 hits in 304 at-bats, including 13 doubles and 4 triples. That year, he carved out a spot as a regular in the Dodgers’ infield rotation.

His 1967 season with Detroit turned out to be his best for batting average at .280. In 107 at-bats, he managed 30 hits and set career highs in several offensive stats. That late-career boost showed he could adjust to the American League.

World Series appearances gave him more chances at the plate. Tracewski played in three World Series (1963, 1965, 1968), picking up 4 hits in 30 at-bats across those championship runs.

He finished with 262 career hits, including 31 doubles, so he flashed some gap power here and there. Most of his offense came during his National League years, when he saw more regular playing time.

WAR and OPS Analysis

Baseball Reference lists Tracewski’s career WAR at 3.1, which mostly shows his value on defense. His top single-season WAR was 1.3 in 1964, matching up with his best offensive year.

His OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) for his career sat at .562, which is pretty low for his time. In 1967, he managed his highest OPS at .708, the only year he really reached a respectable level at the plate.

OPS+ measurements put Tracewski at 65 for his career, so he landed well below average offensively. Only in 1967 did he hit above league average, with an OPS+ of 106.

You can really see the defensive side of his WAR when you compare his time in the National League to the American League. He put up 2.2 WAR over four Dodgers seasons, compared to just 0.8 WAR in four Tigers seasons. He clearly made a bigger impact in Los Angeles.

Advanced Metrics Summary:

• Career WAR: 3.1
• Career OPS: .562
• Career OPS+: 65
• Peak season WAR: 1.3 (1964)
• Peak season OPS: .708 (1967)

World Series Appearances and Achievements

Dick Tracewski picked up three World Series rings as a player, winning with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1963 and 1965, then with the Detroit Tigers in 1968. His timely hitting and steady fielding made him a real asset to all three championship teams.

1963 and 1965 World Series With the Dodgers

Tracewski probably had his best moment as a pro during the 1963 World Series against the Yankees. In his very first postseason at bat, he singled off Hall of Famer Whitey Ford.

He came around to score the winning run on a John Roseboro homer. Sandy Koufax tossed a 2-1 victory, and the Dodgers swept the Yankees in four games.

That 1963 championship happened during Tracewski’s rookie year. Fans still talk about his diving stop in Game 4, a play that helped lock up the sweep.

Two years later, he was back with the 1965 world champion Dodgers. He filled in at second base during both the 1963 and 1965 Series, giving the team much-needed defense as a utility infielder.

1968 World Series With the Tigers

Tracewski joined the Detroit Tigers after the Dodgers traded him on December 15, 1965, for pitcher Phil Regan. He got his third World Series title with Detroit in 1968.

That season, Tracewski played in 90 games for the Tigers and hit four home runs. On June 23, in a doubleheader against Cleveland, he had his biggest moment.

He blasted a three-run homer in the nightcap that pushed Detroit to a 4-1 win. Tigers manager Mayo Smith credited that clutch hit with giving the team a spark during their pennant chase.

That home run helped flip the script for the Tigers’ 1968 season and played a part in their championship run.

Team Contributions to Championships

People called Tracewski a “good-field, no-hit” utility guy who could cover three infield spots. The Dodgers system trained him as a shortstop, but he handled second and third base just fine.

His defense and flexibility made him important to those championship teams. He never played on a losing team during his eight-year career from 1962 to 1969.

Tracewski’s professionalism and knack for big moments helped three different teams win the World Series. He could step into almost any role and deliver when it counted, which made him a key piece for winning clubs.

Transition to Coaching and Legacy

After his playing days ended in 1969, Dick Tracewski moved right into coaching and management, sticking with the Detroit Tigers for more than two decades. He became known for mentoring future stars and providing steady leadership during the team’s best years.

Coaching Years With the Detroit Tigers

When the 1969 season wrapped up, Tigers GM Jim Campbell gave Tracewski a choice. Campbell said the team would focus on younger players and offered him either a trade or a job as a minor league coach.

Tracewski took the coaching job, seeing it as a good way to keep his baseball career going. He managed the Lakeland Tigers in 1970 and then the Montgomery Rebels in 1971, both Florida State League affiliates.

His success in the minors got Billy Martin’s attention. When Martin took over as Tigers manager in 1972, he brought Tracewski up to the big league staff as first-base coach. That move kicked off a 24-year coaching run with Detroit.

The 1972 Tigers won the AL East. Tracewski’s coaching and baseball smarts quickly made him a valuable part of the staff. He built strong relationships with players and showed a real feel for the game.

Managerial Roles and Interim Positions

Tracewski stepped in as interim manager twice during his coaching years. The first time came in 1979, when he managed the team for two games while the club waited for Sparky Anderson.

The Tigers won both games with him at the helm. That brief stint showed he could handle the manager’s job when needed.

His second shot as interim manager came in 1989. Anderson took a break for exhaustion, and Tracewski managed the Tigers for three weeks. This stretch was tougher, as the team struggled on the field.

Even with the tough times in 1989, Tracewski kept things professional. His steady hand helped keep the clubhouse together while Anderson was away.

Impact Under Sparky Anderson

When Anderson arrived in 1979, Tracewski entered the most successful period of his coaching career. The two built a strong working relationship that lasted until both retired in 1995.

Anderson promoted Tracewski to bench coach and gave him more responsibilities. Tracewski mentored young players and became Anderson’s right-hand man during games. He helped put Anderson’s strategies into action and talked with players every day.

Their partnership worked. The Tigers stayed near the top of the American League throughout the 1980s. Tracewski’s work with player development and game management played a big part in that success.

Anderson trusted Tracewski’s judgment completely. Their teamwork created a stable coaching setup that helped players thrive under consistent leadership and clear expectations.

Influence on Later Generations

Tracewski made his biggest mark by mentoring young players, especially Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker.

These future stars joined the Tigers system in 1978, and they really benefited from his hands-on guidance.

He worked closely with Trammell and helped him sharpen his skills. Tracewski watched the young shortstop grow and turn into one of the best players in the game.

Even after Trammell retired, Tracewski still believed his former student deserved a spot in the Hall of Fame. You could tell he never stopped rooting for him.

The Tigers picked up Jack Morris and Dan Petry in that 1978 draft too. Tracewski played a role in shaping these guys, who later became the backbone of Detroit’s success in the 1980s.

He didn’t just focus on individuals, though. Tracewski always stressed fundamentals, a strong work ethic, and acting like a pro.

Those principles stuck around and became part of the Tigers’ culture while he was there.