Ed Halicki – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ed Halicki cut an imposing figure on the mound at 6 feet 7 inches, and he built a seven-year Major League Baseball career that wrapped up in 1980. The righty from New Jersey mostly made his mark with the San Francisco Giants, growing from a hopeful rookie into a reliable starter who, on his best days, could really shut down hitters.

Halicki’s most unforgettable moment happened on August 24, 1975, when he threw a no-hitter against the New York Mets in a 6-0 win. That day, he earned a level of respect that his size alone couldn’t buy. That performance marked the high point of a career where he piled up 55 wins, 66 losses, and 707 strikeouts in 192 games, along with 36 complete games and 13 shutouts.

He started out as a 24th-round draft pick in 1972 and managed to fight his way into the majors, pitching for both the Giants and California Angels. His story is one of perseverance and steady growth. From his New Jersey roots to his time in the big leagues, Halicki’s journey shows the ups and downs of a player who squeezed everything he could from his opportunities.

Ed Halicki’s Early Life and Education

Edward Louis Halicki was born on October 4, 1950, in Newark, New Jersey. He grew up in nearby Kearny.

His path from a tall high school athlete to pro baseball started with his standout two-sport career at Kearny High School. He kept it rolling at Monmouth College, where he continued to impress.

Family Background and Childhood in Newark and Kearny

Edward Louis Halicki arrived in Newark, New Jersey, on October 4, 1950. Not long after, his family moved to Kearny, where he spent his childhood.

Kearny gave Halicki a classic New Jersey sports upbringing. As a kid, he fell for baseball and rooted for the Yankees.

Later, as a teenager, he switched his loyalty and became a Mets supporter. Funny how that works sometimes.

Halicki’s height stood out early on. By his senior year, he had shot up to 6’6″. That size would end up being a big part of his identity on the mound.

High School Years at Kearny High

At Kearny High, Halicki made different choices than most of his classmates. While others played soccer or football, he focused on basketball and baseball.

He showed real promise in basketball. With his height and athleticism, he dominated on the court.

Those same gifts helped him in baseball, especially as a pitcher. By his senior year, pro scouts were paying attention.

The St. Louis Cardinals drafted him right out of high school, seeing his potential as a pro player.

Collegiate Experience at Monmouth College

Even though the Cardinals drafted him, Halicki decided to go to Monmouth College instead. That turned out to be a good move for his growth as both an athlete and a student.

At Monmouth, he played both baseball and basketball for the Hawks. His basketball stats were pretty wild—he racked up 1,777 points and over 1,500 rebounds.

Halicki’s Monmouth Basketball Records:

• Career rebounds: Over 1,500
• Single-game rebound record: 40 rebounds
• Total career points: 1,777

He set the school record with 40 rebounds in a single game. That record still stands, which honestly says a lot about his athleticism.

In 1969, he was part of a Hawks team that won 24 games—a big year for the program. He’s still considered one of Monmouth’s best forwards.

The San Francisco Giants picked Halicki in the 24th round of the 1972 draft. He pitched 19 games in the low minors that summer, striking out 94 batters in 69 innings. That’s where his pro baseball story really got started.

Path to Professional Baseball

Ed Halicki’s road to the majors started with strong showings in high school and college. His basketball and baseball skills at Monmouth University helped open doors.

Draft History and Amateur Achievements

Halicki went to Kearny High before making a name for himself as a two-sport athlete at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey.

He dominated on the basketball court at Monmouth, scoring 1,777 points and hauling in over 1,500 rebounds. That 40-rebound game? Still a school record.

He also pitched for the Monmouth baseball team. Scouts noticed his pitching during college, and his size and athleticism made him a solid prospect.

The San Francisco Giants drafted him, though the details from that era are a little fuzzy. He started his pro journey in the early 1970s.

Minor League Development and Progression

After signing with the Giants, Halicki moved up the minor league system. Coaches developed him as a starting pitcher, focusing on his arm strength and command.

He learned the ropes in the minors and adjusted to tougher competition. The Giants’ coaches helped him improve his mechanics and add to his pitching arsenal.

Halicki made steady progress. By 1974, he got his shot with the Giants.

He debuted in the big leagues on July 8, 1974, against the Montreal Expos at age 23. All that minor league work paid off.

Major League Career Overview

Ed Halicki pitched in the majors for seven seasons, from 1974 to 1980. He spent almost all of that time with the San Francisco Giants, wrapping up with the California Angels.

His no-hitter in 1975 stands out, but he finished with a career record of 55 wins, 66 losses, and a 3.62 ERA.

San Francisco Giants Tenure

Halicki broke into the majors with the Giants on July 8, 1974, at age 23. He quickly became a steady presence in the starting rotation.

The highlight of his career came on August 24, 1975, when he tossed a no-hitter against the New York Mets in a 6-0 win. That had to feel extra sweet since he’d grown up a Mets fan.

His no-hitter stood as the last by a Giants pitcher at home until Jonathan Sanchez did it in 2009. That’s a long time to hold a spot in the record books.

During his Giants years from 1974 to 1980, Halicki mostly started games—157 starts and just 35 relief appearances.

On August 13, 1978, he notched his only career save against the Dodgers, getting the last two outs to seal a 7-6 win.

Key Teammates and Managers

Halicki played alongside some memorable teammates in San Francisco. The Giants had veterans who brought leadership to the clubhouse.

Those years, the Giants were working to build a contender in the National League West. Halicki’s role as a starting pitcher made him a key piece of the rotation.

Coaches worked with Halicki to sharpen his skills. His steady improvement showed the team’s commitment to developing its players.

Final Season with the California Angels

In 1980, Halicki joined the California Angels for his last big league season. That move ended his long run with the Giants.

His final MLB appearance came on October 1, 1980, against the Milwaukee Brewers. He pitched 1.1 innings and gave up 7 hits and 4 earned runs.

The Angels gave him a shot to keep his career going, but 1980 turned out to be his last season in the majors.

He finished with 707 strikeouts and a 3.62 ERA. Not bad for a guy who had to battle for every opportunity.

Defining Moments and On-Field Achievements

Ed Halicki’s seven years in the majors had some big moments that shaped his legacy. That no-hitter against the Mets is the one people remember, but he put together a solid career.

Historic No-Hitter Against the New York Mets

On August 24, 1975, Edward Louis Halicki threw the game of his life against the New York Mets. He pitched a complete no-hitter as the Giants won 6-0.

That no-hitter was the peak of his pro career. In 1975, he went 9-13 with a 3.49 ERA over 24 starts.

He almost did it again on June 12, 1978, when he tossed a one-hitter against the Montreal Expos. Ellis Valentine’s single in the second inning was the only thing standing between Halicki and another no-no.

Those games showed that Halicki could really dominate when he was on. That no-hitter still stands as a highlight in Giants history from the 1970s.

Statistical Milestones and Notable Performances

Ed Halicki finished his career with 55 wins and 66 losses in 192 games. His ERA was a solid 3.62.

His best year was 1977, when he went 16-12 with a 3.32 ERA. He pitched 257.2 innings, struck out 168, and walked just 70.

Halicki collected 707 strikeouts in his career, averaging 6.0 per nine innings. In 1978, he posted his lowest ERA at 2.85, showing how good he could be.

He threw 36 complete games and 13 shutouts. That was back when pitchers finished what they started a lot more often.

Pitching Style and Physical Attributes

Halicki relied more on control and endurance than pure velocity. His strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.12 showed he could command the strike zone.

From 1975 to 1978, he kept his WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) below 1.30. His best was 1.060 in 1978, which is pretty impressive.

He averaged 207 innings per season. That kind of durability made him a valuable member of the Giants’ rotation.

Halicki’s style was more about hitting spots and mixing speeds than blowing hitters away. He found success by keeping hitters off balance.

Recognition and Impact Within Major League Baseball

Halicki spent almost all his career with the San Francisco Giants from 1974 to 1980. He finished up with the California Angels in 1980.

His no-hitter put him in rare company in Giants history. That game earned him lasting respect among fans and teammates.

After leaving the majors, Halicki played in 1989 for the Gold Coast Suns of the Senior Professional Baseball Association. Clearly, he wasn’t quite ready to hang up his glove.

At Monmouth University, he excelled in both baseball and basketball. He scored 1,777 points and grabbed over 1,500 rebounds, and that 40-rebound game still stands as a school record.

Retirement and Life After Baseball

Ed Halicki wrapped up his baseball career in 1980 after seven seasons in the majors. That last year, he clashed with team management and got traded mid-season.

After retiring at 30, he jumped into business ventures in New Jersey. He still kept in touch with the baseball community, showing up for recognition and alumni events.

Circumstances Leading to Retirement in 1980

Halicki’s final season really changed the course of his life. He spent nearly a year fighting injuries and airing his frustrations, which just made things worse between him and the San Francisco Giants.

The 6’7″ righthander started feuding with Giants management over his spot on the pitching staff. They put him in the bullpen to start 1980, not as a starter, and that move really got under his skin.

He pitched poorly and kept criticizing management in the press. That mix of bad outings and public complaints pushed the Giants to their limit.

In June 1980, the Giants sold him to the California Angels. He finished the season in Anaheim, but the struggles just kept piling up, on and off the field.

His last game was October 1, 1980, against Milwaukee. He lasted 1.1 innings, gave up 7 hits and 4 earned runs, and didn’t record a strikeout.

He tried making a comeback with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1981. They released him near the end of spring training, and that pretty much closed the book on his pro baseball days at age 30.

Post-Baseball Ventures and Personal Endeavors

After baseball, Halicki went back home to New Jersey and moved into a successful career in business. Honestly, details about what he did in business aren’t easy to find.

He popped back up in baseball for a bit in 1989-90, playing in the Senior Professional League. That league gave former big leaguers a chance to keep playing competitively.

He stayed connected to the sport through alumni events. Fans saw him often at Giants Old Timers gatherings, where he celebrated his time with the team even though things ended on a sour note.

Monmouth University honored his college achievements by inducting him into their Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. They recognized both his baseball and basketball success from his college days.

Ongoing Legacy and Public Recognition

Halicki’s biggest baseball moment, that no-hitter on August 24, 1975, still stands out in Giants history. He shut out the New York Mets 6-0 that day, and fans haven’t forgotten.

He joined other former Giants for the Candlestick Park closing ceremonies in 1999. That event showed how much he still meant to the franchise and its fans.

Looking at his career stats, Halicki posted a 55-66 record with a 3.62 ERA and 707 strikeouts over 1,063 innings. Sure, his win-loss record wasn’t great, but his ERA stayed solid during his seven years.

People remember Halicki as part of the young pitching group that gave the Giants hope in the mid-1970s. His 1977 season really stood out, since he led the team in wins, ERA, and innings pitched.

Connection to New Jersey and Lasting Influence

Halicki’s roots in Newark and Kearny, New Jersey shaped who he became. His 6’7″ frame made him hard to miss in local sports, and his rise to the majors inspired a lot of young athletes in northern New Jersey.

Relationship with Newark and Kearny Communities

Edward Louis Halicki was born October 4, 1950, in Newark. His family later settled in Kearny, New Jersey.

He grew up in Kearny and went to Kearny High School, where he played basketball and baseball. Most students there focused on soccer or football, so he definitely stood out.

Halicki’s choice of sports made him unique in school. By his senior year, he had shot up to 6’6″ and kept growing even after he turned pro.

He stayed connected to both Newark and Kearny through his life. After baseball, he moved back to New Jersey for a while, then later headed out to Reno, Nevada to get into the furniture business.

People in those towns followed his journey from local athlete to Major League pitcher with a lot of pride. Watching him go from the streets of Newark and Kearny’s fields to throwing a no-hitter against the Mets made a big impression on young athletes.

Role as a Local Sports Figure

Halicki’s success turned him into a well-known name in New Jersey sports. That no-hitter on August 24, 1975 against the Mets meant even more because he’d actually been a Mets fan as a kid.

At Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, he became a two-sport star, playing both baseball and basketball. His athletic highlights include:

• 1,777 career basketball points
• Over 1,500 rebounds
• A school record of 40 rebounds in a single game

That 40-rebound record still stands, which is pretty wild. His time at Monmouth helped cement his reputation in New Jersey college sports.

People recognized him right away because of his height, and for most of his career, he was the tallest pitcher in the majors. That, along with his New Jersey roots, made him a source of pride back home.

Inspiration for Aspiring Athletes

Halicki grew up in Kearny and made his way from high school ball all the way to the Majors. That journey? It gave a lot of young athletes in northern New Jersey something to shoot for.

He showed everyone that you don’t have to come from a big-name school to make it in pro sports. You just need real dedication and a sharp focus on building your skills.

Instead of jumping at the chance to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals right after high school, he picked Monmouth College. That move said a lot about how he valued education, not just athletic development.

A lot of parents and coaches connected with that decision, especially those who cared about academics as much as athletics.

Halicki didn’t stick to just one sport in college, either. He played both basketball and baseball, which sent a clear message to young athletes—there’s no rush to specialize.

His ability to juggle both sports made him a kind of role model for kids who wanted to try everything.

When you look at his 55 career wins and 13 shutouts over seven seasons in the Majors, it’s obvious that putting in steady work can pay off.

Youth programs around New Jersey still point to his career as proof that local athletes can really make it in professional baseball.