Eddie Solomon – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Eddie Solomon Jr., or “Buddy J” as most folks called him, spent ten years pitching in Major League Baseball before he finally hung up his cleats in 1982. Born in Perry, Georgia, this right-hander left his mark on six different teams between 1973 and 1982.

Solomon’s career spanned ten seasons in the big leagues. He put together a 36-42 record with a 4.00 ERA, appearing in 191 games for teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago White Sox. Throughout his career, teams traded him often, and he bounced between starting and relief roles, always adapting.

His journey through pro baseball really shows what a lot of players went through in the majors during the ’70s and early ’80s. Solomon’s story shines a light on the challenges and small victories of a pitcher who managed to help out several teams, building a solid career that, sadly, ended in tragedy not long after he retired.

Early Life and Background

Eddie Solomon Jr. was born on February 9, 1951, in Perry, Georgia. That little town shaped his early years before his family moved to Warner Robins.

He grew up in central Georgia, which gave him the foundation for his future in baseball. He graduated from Warner Robins High School in 1969.

Birth and Family Origins

Eddie Solomon Jr. came into the world in Perry, Georgia, on February 9, 1951. His full name carried the “Jr.” since he was named after his dad.

The Solomon family had deep roots in that part of Georgia. Perry, in Houston County, was a small town with a tight-knit community back when Eddie was a kid.

His family called him “Buddy J,” and that nickname stuck with him all the way through his baseball career. This childhood moniker followed him into the big leagues and became his official nickname.

Being from Georgia really shaped who Eddie was. When he joined the Atlanta Braves, he even asked people to call him “Buddy Jay,” because that’s what everyone back home called him.

Growing Up in Perry, Georgia

Eddie spent his early years in Perry before his family moved over to Warner Robins. Both towns sit right in the heart of Georgia’s baseball country, where the sport is just part of life.

Warner Robins became Eddie’s main hometown as he grew up. The city, close to Macon, had more opportunities for sports and school than Perry did.

He worked on his pitching as a teen on local fields, probably under the hot Georgia sun. The warm weather let him play ball almost year-round, so he got plenty of practice.

His right-handed pitching style started to take shape during these years. The local baseball scene in central Georgia gave him the competition he needed to sharpen his skills.

Education and High School Baseball

Eddie went to Warner Robins High School and graduated in 1969. The school’s baseball team gave him his first real taste of competitive pitching.

He showed enough talent in high school to catch the eye of pro scouts. Georgia high school baseball was competitive, so it prepared him for tougher levels.

After graduation, Eddie played semi-professional baseball around his hometown. That experience helped him keep his skills sharp and get noticed.

It turned out to be a big deal for his future. A Los Angeles Dodgers scout spotted him during one of those local games and signed him on July 1, 1969, just after the amateur draft.

Professional Baseball Career

Eddie Solomon Jr. pitched in the majors for a decade, working for six teams between 1973 and 1982. He started out with the Los Angeles Dodgers and got traded around the National League a lot.

Signing With the Los Angeles Dodgers

Solomon’s pro baseball story began in 1969 when the Los Angeles Dodgers signed him as an amateur free agent. A Dodgers scout saw him playing semi-pro ball in Warner Robins.

He had just graduated from Warner Robins High in 1969. The Dodgers signed him on July 1, not long after the draft.

His first minor league season was rough. Solomon started off in Ogden, Utah, and had trouble getting used to pro ball.

The Dodgers organization didn’t waste much time moving him up the ladder. By 1970, he was pitching in the Florida State League and posted a solid 2.37 ERA in 156 innings.

Solomon kept getting better in 1971 at Double-A Albuquerque in the Dixie Association. He finished with a 3.02 ERA, a bit better than the league average, and his control improved, too.

Major League Debut and Early Years

Eddie Solomon made his Major League Baseball debut with the Dodgers on September 2, 1973, at just 22 years old. That first outing was a tough one—he gave up 5 earned runs and 3 home runs in 6⅓ innings.

The right-hander didn’t get a lot of chances with the Dodgers in 1974. He pitched in just four games that year, facing the Braves, Pirates, and Giants.

His first big highlight came on October 2, 1974. He earned his first save on the last day of the season for the National League champs.

He even pitched in the National League Championship Series, tossing two scoreless innings in the Dodgers’ 7-0 loss to the Pirates.

Most of 1973 and 1974, though, he spent in Triple-A Albuquerque. He just couldn’t quite stick with the big club full-time.

Notable Trades and Team Transitions

Teams traded Solomon a lot during his career. The first big trade happened on May 2, 1975, when the Dodgers sent him and Geoff Zahn to the Chicago Cubs for Burt Hooton.

He didn’t last long with the Cubs—just 7 innings pitched. On July 22, 1975, the Cubs traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Ken Crosby.

The biggest move for him came in May 1977, when he landed with the Atlanta Braves. That trade brought him back to Georgia, and he asked to go by “Buddy Jay” again.

Key Career Trades:

• 1975: Dodgers → Cubs (with Geoff Zahn for Burt Hooton)
• 1975: Cubs → Cardinals (for Ken Crosby)
• 1977: Cardinals → Braves
• 1980: Braves → Pittsburgh Pirates
• 1982: Pirates → Chicago White Sox (for Jim Morrison)

His last trade happened in June 1982 when Pittsburgh sent him to the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox designated him for assignment in early July, which basically ended his major league days.

Over his career, Solomon picked up 36 wins and 42 losses in 191 games. He wore six different uniforms during his ten years in the majors.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Eddie Solomon’s best years came later in his career, especially with the Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates. He really hit his stride in the 1980-1981 seasons as a reliable swing pitcher.

Tenure With the Atlanta Braves

Solomon finally got a real shot as a starter with the Braves in 1977. After the Cardinals traded him in May, he got called up from Triple-A in July and made a quick impact.

His 1977 season was a turning point. He went 6-6 in 18 games, starting 16 times for a Braves team that lost 101 games.

The 1979 season was his best individual year with Atlanta. He set career highs that year:

• 30 games started
• 186 innings pitched
• 4 complete games
• 96 strikeouts

Even with those numbers, he struggled with run support and finished 7-14. He ranked fifth in the league in games lost that year.

The Braves used him both in the bullpen and as a starter. In 1978, he worked relief, but by 1979 he was back in the rotation.

Success With the Pittsburgh Pirates

Solomon really found success after joining the defending World Series champ Pittsburgh Pirates in 1980. The trade late in spring training gave him a fresh start.

He worked as a swing man, moving between starting and relieving, and thrived in Pittsburgh. His numbers over 1980 and 1981 were impressive:

Combined 1980-1981 Stats:

• 15 wins, 9 losses
• 2.93 ERA over 227⅓ innings
• 4 complete games
• 1 save

In 1981, he picked up a career-high 8 wins. He did this while bouncing between roles, filling in wherever the team needed.

The Pirates made the most of Solomon’s versatility. He started 96 games and relieved in 95, proving just how flexible he could be.

Memorable Games and Performances

Solomon had some memorable moments during his time in the majors. He debuted on September 2, 1973, with the Dodgers at just 22.

His best run came in 1980-1981 with Pittsburgh. That stretch, moving between starting and relieving, made him a valuable piece for a contending team.

Career Stats Highlights:

• 36-42 win-loss record
• 4.00 ERA in 191 games
• 337 strikeouts in 718 innings
• 8 complete games

His 1979 season with Atlanta showed how durable he could be. Throwing 186 innings and starting 30 games, he proved he could handle a full workload.

Solomon played his last MLB game on July 1, 1982, with the White Sox. He won his only decision with Chicago and was released the next day.

Playing Style and Legacy

Eddie Solomon, known as “Buddy J,” pitched right-handed and could fill in as a starter or reliever during his nine years in the majors. Teams valued his adaptability—he was the classic “swing man.”

Pitching Approach and Strengths

Solomon’s biggest strength was his ability to switch between starting and relieving. He really hit his peak with the Pirates from 1980-1982.

His best numbers came in Pittsburgh. Solomon went 15-9 with a 2.93 ERA over 227⅓ innings, which was the high point of his big league run.

He struck out 337 batters in 718 innings. His career 4.00 ERA was solid for a middle-of-the-rotation guy in that era.

Solomon’s pitching style worked well in the National League. He threw four complete games with the Pirates and picked up four career saves. Teams liked that he could eat innings or come out of the pen as needed.

Nicknamed ‘Buddy J’

Everyone around baseball seemed to know Eddie as “Buddy J.” Teammates and fans used the nickname, and it just fit his easygoing personality.

The “J” stood for “Junior” in his full name. That little detail helped set him apart and made his name more memorable.

His nickname became a real part of his baseball persona. Reporters and team PR folks used “Buddy J” more than his formal name, and honestly, it stuck.

Impact on Teams and Teammates

Solomon played for six teams: the Dodgers, Cubs, Cardinals, Braves, Pirates, and White Sox. His frequent moves showed how valuable teams found his flexibility, and also just how competitive big league rosters can be.

His biggest impact came with the Braves and Pirates. With Atlanta, he shifted from reliever to starter, going 6-6 in 1977 on a pretty rough team.

The Pirates really appreciated his flexibility. He helped them out of the bullpen and in the rotation during some strong seasons. Pittsburgh’s trade for him in 1980 paid off, as he won 15 games over two years.

Solomon’s career wrapped up when the White Sox released him in July 1982. He retired after the 1983 minor league season, closing out a career that was all about adaptability and grit across a bunch of teams.

Retirement and Life After Baseball

Eddie Solomon Jr.’s baseball career wrapped up in 1982 when the Chicago White Sox let him go, closing out a decade in Major League Baseball. After leaving the game, Solomon headed back to Georgia and started working in automotive sales. Sadly, his life ended far too soon in a car accident at just 34.

Retirement in 1982

Eddie Solomon played his final season in Major League Baseball in 1982. He struggled through 11 rough outings with the Pittsburgh Pirates up until June 2, and then got traded to the Chicago White Sox on June 14.

He pitched out of the bullpen for six games with the White Sox and managed to notch a win. It looked like he might be turning things around, but it didn’t last.

On July 2, 1982, the White Sox released Solomon unconditionally. That move ended his Major League run after 191 games with six different teams.

Solomon tried to keep his playing days alive by spending the 1983 season in the minors. After finishing that year, he decided to retire from professional baseball at 32.

Post-Baseball Career and Personal Life

Once he retired, Eddie Solomon Jr. went back home to Georgia. He settled into a quieter life and took a job selling cars.

Switching from pro sports to working in car dealerships was a big change. Solomon adjusted to his new role, helping customers find vehicles in Georgia.

A lot of players from that era made similar transitions after baseball. By staying in Georgia, Solomon kept close to his hometown of Perry, where he was born in 1951.

Not much is known about his personal life or relationships during these years. He lived a pretty low-key life in Georgia after hanging up his cleats.

Tragic Passing and Legacy

Eddie Solomon Jr. died in a single-car accident in Macon, Georgia, on January 12, 1986. He was only 34.

His death came a little over two years after his last season in professional baseball. The news stunned the baseball world and those who knew him.

Solomon pitched for six teams across almost a decade, finishing with a 36-42 record and a 4.00 ERA in 191 games.

The Miami News covered his passing, saying, “He was a good man.” Teammates and fans remembered him as “Buddy J,” a nickname that stuck with him.

He might not have put up superstar numbers, but Solomon’s willingness to keep going for six teams showed real dedication to the sport.

Statistical Overview and Net Worth

Eddie Solomon spent ten years in the Majors, putting up solid, if not flashy, numbers while bouncing among six teams. His estimated net worth reached $8 million, which lines up with the earning potential of a journeyman pitcher from that era.

Major League Baseball Career Stats

Solomon posted a 36-42 win-loss record and a 4.00 ERA across 191 games between 1973 and 1982. He struck out 337 batters and had a 1.408 WHIP over 718 innings.

His standout year came in 1981 with Pittsburgh. That season, he went 8-6 with a 3.12 ERA and notched 2.8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR).

Career Highlights:

• Played 10 seasons in Major League Baseball
• Made 95 starts out of 191 appearances
• Threw 4 complete games and earned 4 saves
• Best ERA: 1.35 (Chicago Cubs, 1975)
• Most wins in a season: 8 (Pittsburgh Pirates, 1981)

Solomon had his most productive years with the Atlanta Braves (1977-1979) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1980-1982). Atlanta used him mainly as a starter, giving him 54 starts over three seasons. Pittsburgh put him in both starting and relief roles.

Career Earnings and Net Worth Assessment

Eddie Solomon had an estimated net worth of $8 million, which lines up with what you’d expect from a Major League Baseball player in the 1970s and early 1980s. He built up this wealth through his playing career, and maybe some post-retirement investments too.

Back then, baseball salaries were a whole lot lower than they are now. In 1982, the average Major League Baseball salary sat at around $240,000, so Solomon probably maxed out his earnings somewhere in that ballpark during his last few seasons.

He played for ten years and moved between several teams, which kept his income steady. The fact that he stayed in the majors for a full decade really shows that teams saw value in keeping him around.

Players like Solomon faced different financial realities, with limited free agency and lower minimum salaries than today’s athletes. His net worth probably also factors in what he earned during his minor league years before he finally made it to the majors in 1973.