Garry Hancock – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Garry Hancock made his mark in baseball during the late 1970s and early 1980s, playing for two American League teams before he retired in 1984. This versatile outfielder and first baseman spent six seasons in Major League Baseball, mostly as a reliable reserve player for the Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics from 1978 to 1984. Born Ronald Garry Hancock on January 23, 1954, in Tampa, Florida, he got noticed for his strong arm and consistent hitting, though he never really locked down a regular starting spot.

Hancock kicked off his pro journey after a standout amateur career, getting drafted multiple times before finally signing with the Cleveland Indians in 1976. He worked his way up through several minor league teams, always putting up solid offensive stats and showing off his defensive chops.

The lefty’s biggest season came during Boston’s wild 1978 campaign. Injuries to key players opened the door, and Hancock stepped in to help during one of baseball’s most unforgettable pennant races.

Over his MLB career, Hancock hit .247 with 12 homers and 64 RBIs across 273 games. He made his name as a dependable defensive guy, racking up plenty of outfield assists.

His story shows what it’s like for talented players fighting for spots on loaded teams. He moved up through the minors, and left his mark as a role player in some pretty big baseball moments.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball Journey

Ronald Garry Hancock started his baseball path in Tampa, Florida, sharpening his skills in high school and college. He played at Brandon High School, then Hillsborough Community College, and finally the University of South Carolina, where he helped the team reach the College World Series finals.

Family Background and Childhood

Garry Hancock was born on January 23, 1954, in Tampa, Florida. His parents, Lawrence Leeman Hancock and Norma (Prine) Hancock, lived in Brandon, Florida.

His dad worked as a machine operator, while his mom stayed home to care for the family.

They lived in Brandon during Garry’s childhood. He always went by “Garry” instead of Ronald.

He played left-handed from early on, batting and throwing left, which definitely helped him later in his baseball career.

High School Baseball at Brandon HS

At Brandon High School, Hancock played baseball and quickly showed he could hit. He batted .300 in Legion ball and upped that to .350 as a senior.

Coach Jim Gunser had nothing but praise for Garry’s steady bat. “He’s real consistent,” Gunser said. “You can always count on Garry to hit the ball somewhere. I bat him third because of that.”

High School Achievements:

• Made the All-County Team as a senior
• Hit .350 his senior year
• Batted third, thanks to his reliability

The Texas Rangers drafted him in the 22nd round of the 1972 amateur draft. He passed on signing, deciding instead to keep playing and studying at the college level.

Collegiate Career at Hillsborough Community College

After high school, Hancock went to Hillsborough Community College, playing outfield for the 1973 season.

He put up a .344 batting average that year, and finished his two years at Hillsborough with a .318 average.

Hillsborough Community College Stats:

• 1973 batting average: .344
• Two-year batting average: .318
• Outfield position

The Cleveland Indians drafted him in January 1974, but again, he didn’t sign.

Texas came calling again on June 6, 1974, this time in the first round of the secondary phase of the draft. Clearly, teams saw his potential.

University of South Carolina Achievements

Just fifteen days after Texas drafted him, Hancock signed a scholarship letter on June 21 to play at the University of South Carolina for coach Bobby Richardson, a former Yankees All-Star.

He only played one season there, but it was a big one. The Gamecocks went 51-6-1 in 1975.

They made it all the way to the College World Series final, led by All-American pitcher Earl Bass and home run leader Hank Small.

1975 Season Highlights:

• Team record: 51-6-1
• Hancock batted .351
• Reached the College World Series finals
• Lost 5-1 to University of Texas in the championship

Hancock played a big part, hitting .351 and keeping a perfect fielding percentage.

The California Angels drafted him in June 1975, but he still didn’t sign. Cleveland picked him for the fifth time in January 1976, and that’s when he finally turned pro.

MLB Draft History and Minor League Development

Garry Hancock’s road to pro baseball included five draft selections over four years. That says a lot about both his talent and his careful approach to picking the right team.

He played for several minor league squads, but really shined with the Pawtucket Red Sox in the International League.

1972 MLB June Amateur Draft and Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers took Hancock in the 22nd round of the 1972 draft, straight out of Brandon High. He was just 18 and already hitting .350 as a senior.

Coach Jim Gunser kept praising Hancock’s consistency. “He’s real consistent,” Gunser said. “You can always count on Garry to hit the ball somewhere. I bat him third because of that.”

Even with the draft offer, Hancock chose college ball at Hillsborough instead. This was the first of several times he’d turn down a pro contract.

1974 MLB January Draft-Regular Phase and Cleveland Indians

After two good years at Hillsborough, the Cleveland Indians drafted Hancock in January 1974. He’d hit .318 over two years, including .344 in 1973.

Still, he didn’t sign. He wanted to move on to a four-year college, aiming for more development both on the field and in the classroom.

1974 MLB June Draft-Secondary Phase

On June 6, 1974, the Texas Rangers picked Hancock again, this time in the first round of the secondary phase. That’s a big jump from his 22nd-round selection two years earlier.

But Hancock had already committed to the University of South Carolina. On June 21, just over two weeks later, he signed his scholarship letter with the Gamecocks.

South Carolina liked what they saw from Hancock’s time at Hillsborough. His .344 average in 1973 and .318 over two years made him a strong recruit.

1975 MLB June Draft-Secondary Phase with California Angels

After his standout season at South Carolina, the California Angels picked Hancock in the June 1975 draft. He’d just hit .351 and helped the Gamecocks reach the College World Series final.

South Carolina finished 51-6-1, making it to the championship before falling to Texas. The team had stars like Earl Bass and Hank Small.

Despite the draft, Hancock stuck with college, wanting to finish his education and keep developing.

1976 MLB January Draft-Secondary Phase

Cleveland drafted Hancock again in January 1976, making it the fifth time a team had picked him. This time, he finally signed.

News reports pointed out his .351 average at South Carolina and perfect fielding percentage. The Indians were getting a player who’d proved himself at every level.

After wrapping up his college career, Hancock felt ready to go pro. The steady draft interest showed teams really believed in his skills.

Performance with Pawtucket Red Sox in AAA and the IL

In 1978, Hancock joined the Pawtucket Red Sox after a trade from Cleveland for first baseman Jack Baker. Pawtucket’s manager Joe Morgan liked what Hancock brought to the table.

“Hancock can do four things, hit for average, run, field and throw, and you sure as hell don’t see a lot of players do that,” Morgan said.

That year, Hancock hit .303 with eight homers and 44 RBIs in 310 at-bats for Pawtucket. He also had 11 outfield assists. His play got him called up to Boston on July 14.

He really dominated in 1979, winning the International League batting title with a .325 average. He added 15 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 15 outfield assists in 406 at-bats.

His consistency that year stood out. From May 27 through August 22, he hit safely in 50 of 58 games when he had more than one at-bat. The Sporting News called him “a model of consistency” for that stretch.

Major League Baseball Career Highlights

Garry Hancock played six MLB seasons from 1978 to 1984, mostly for the Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics as a versatile reserve. His career included a dramatic debut in Boston’s historic 1978 season, solid defense in several positions, and a few clutch moments before he wrapped up his pro journey in 1984.

Debut with Boston Red Sox in the AL

Hancock made his MLB debut on July 16, 1978, with the Boston Red Sox after his call-up from Pawtucket. He joined the big leagues during one of Boston’s most unforgettable seasons.

At the time, Hancock was hitting .303 with eight homers and 44 RBIs in 310 at-bats for Pawtucket. He’d also picked up 11 outfield assists in AAA.

His first MLB hit came the night after his debut, off Dave Goltz. Hancock led off the bottom of the 10th with a single to center, then scored the tying run on a Jim Rice single in a wild comeback win.

The timing of his debut put him right in the middle of Boston’s roller-coaster 1978 season. The Red Sox started with a big lead, lost it to the Yankees, then forced a one-game playoff.

Roles as Outfielder, Pinch Hitter, and First Baseman

Hancock mostly worked as a reserve outfielder in the majors, backing up Boston’s star trio of Jim Rice, Fred Lynn, and Dwight Evans. His flexibility made him a handy bench guy for manager Don Zimmer.

During his rookie season in 1978, Hancock played in 38 games in different roles:

• Outfielder: 19 games
• Designated hitter: 13 games
• Pinch runner: 3 games

He showed off his defense too, with three assists during his short 1978 stint. Manager Joe Morgan didn’t hide his appreciation: “Hancock can do four things, hit for average, run, field and throw, and you sure as hell don’t see a lot of players do that.”

After the 1982 season, Boston traded Hancock to the Oakland Athletics as part of a five-player deal. With the A’s, he kept up his utility role, playing 152 games over two seasons and holding a .263 average.

Memorable Moments and Notable Games

Garry Hancock had his most unforgettable performance on August 17, 1978, in Anaheim against the California Angels. That day, he went a perfect 3-for-3 and really showed off both his bat and his glove.

During that game, Hancock threw out Lyman Bostock at home from center field, killing a first-inning rally. He also knocked in three runs with three singles, scoring in both the second and third innings, and helped Boston take an 8-6 win.

In the wild “Boston Massacre” of September 1978, when the Yankees swept four games at Fenway Park, Hancock played in three of them. He went 2-for-6 in the series, including a double off Ken Clay in a rough 15-3 loss.

Hancock wanted to contribute during the tense one-game playoff against New York on October 2, 1978. He told reporters he hoped to pinch-hit for Jack Brohamer in the seventh inning, but manager Zimmer picked Bob Bailey instead. Bailey struck out against Rich Gossage.

Retirement in 1984

Hancock wrapped up his MLB career in 1984 with the Oakland Athletics. He played his last game on September 30, 1984, closing the book on his time in pro baseball.

His stats that final season showed the struggles of his later years. Hancock batted .217 with no home runs and eight RBIs in 60 at-bats.

Across his two seasons with Oakland from 1983-1984, Hancock hit .263 with eight home runs in 152 games. Over six MLB seasons, he played for both the Red Sox and Athletics.

After retirement, Hancock’s baseball legacy lived on through his son Justin Hancock, who played two seasons in the Anaheim Angels organization. Garry Hancock passed away in 2015 at age 61, leaving memories of a steady utility player who played a role in one of baseball’s wildest years, 1978.

Statistical Achievements and Fielding Record

Over six years in the majors, Garry Hancock posted a .247 batting average with 12 home runs and 64 RBI in 273 games. He played all over the outfield and kept a strong fielding percentage.

Batting Performance and RBI Records

Hancock drove in 64 runs during his big league career. His best year came in 1983 with Oakland, when he knocked in 30 runs in 101 games.

His RBI numbers really changed from team to team. With Boston from 1978-1982, he only managed 26 RBI over four years. But after moving to Oakland, he collected 38 RBI in just two seasons.

The 1983 season was really his peak at the plate. He set career highs in games played (101), runs scored (29), and RBI (30). That single season made up nearly half his total career RBI.

Home Runs, Hits, and Batting Average

Hancock never put up big power numbers, totaling 12 home runs in 273 games. His best power year came in 1983, when he hit eight homers with Oakland. He hit only four home runs in four years with Boston.

His career batting average of .247 showed steady, if unspectacular, production. In 1980 with Boston, he hit .287, collecting 33 hits in 115 at-bats.

In total, Hancock racked up 141 hits in 570 at-bats over six seasons. His hit total peaked in 1983 with 70 hits, which made up nearly half his career total. Hancock struck out 42 times and walked only 12, showing he liked to swing the bat.

Defensive Fielding Record

Hancock played all three outfield spots during his career, showing plenty of versatility. He posted a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in his rookie year.

In 1978, Hancock played 19 games in the outfield without an error. He handled 32 chances cleanly, with 29 putouts and three assists. His range factor of 2.87 beat the league average of 2.47 that year.

He kept up solid defense throughout his career. In 1980, Hancock played 27 outfield games with a .963 fielding percentage, making just two errors in 54 chances. He mostly played center field, but also filled in at left and right, proving he could handle whatever was needed.

Legacy, Memorials, and Post-Baseball Life

Garry Hancock’s impact went beyond stats, touching teammates and the baseball world with his steady professionalism and character. After hanging up his spikes in 1984, he moved on but kept some ties to the game. He passed away in 2015 at 61.

Influence on Teammates and the Baseball Community

Teammates and coaches respected Hancock for the way he approached the game. Joe Morgan, his manager at Pawtucket, once said, “Hancock can do four things, hit for average, run, field and throw and you sure as hell don’t see a lot of players do that.”

During Boston’s wild 1978 season, Hancock showed his team-first attitude. Even with limited playing time, he stayed involved and cheered on his teammates when it mattered most. He was right there on the bench during the famous Bucky Dent playoff game, even suggesting himself as a pinch-hitter to Don Zimmer.

Key contributions to teammates:

• Provided reliable depth when injuries hit
• Kept a positive attitude despite limited chances
• Supported younger players in the minors

Hancock set an example for other utility men and bench players trying to make their mark in the big leagues.

Life after MLB Retirement

After his last season with Oakland in 1984, Hancock stepped away from pro baseball. His son Justin picked up the torch, playing two seasons in the Anaheim Angels system and keeping the baseball legacy alive.

Like many ex-players, Hancock faced the usual challenges of moving on from pro sports. He needed to adapt his skills and find a new direction after more than a decade in organized baseball.

His time as a college player at the University of South Carolina, where he helped the team reach the 1975 College World Series finals, probably gave him a good foundation for life after baseball.

Final Years and Memorials

Hancock died on October 10, 2015, at age 61 in Valrico, Florida. His family buried him at Serenity Meadows Memorial Park in Riverview, Florida, not far from the Tampa Bay area where he learned the game.

His passing marked the end of a baseball journey that started at Brandon High School and reached the big leagues. Folks remembered him as someone who made the most of his chances even while playing alongside stars.

Memorial details:

• Date of death: October 10, 2015
• Age at death: 61 years old
• Burial location: Serenity Meadows Memorial Park, Riverview, Florida
• Survived by: His family, including son Justin who played professional baseball

Hancock’s legacy sticks around through his contributions to two franchises and his part in the unforgettable 1978 season.

Net Worth, Personal Life, and Recognition

Garry Hancock built a solid family life during his playing days, marrying in 1974 and staying close to his Florida roots. His estimated net worth at retirement reflected what reserve players typically earned in the early 1980s. Most of his recognition came from minor league achievements and his role in the Red Sox’s wild 1978 run.

Personal Details and Interests

Garry Hancock married Kathy Morello on July 6, 1974, while still in college. Kathy worked as a legal secretary and also went to Hillsborough Community College with him.

They built a life together as Hancock chased his baseball dream. Even during his playing days, they kept their ties to the Tampa Bay area.

Hancock was born to Lawrence Leeman Hancock and Norma Prine Hancock in Brandon, Florida. His dad worked as a machine operator, and his mom stayed home to raise the family.

Family Background:

• Born: January 23, 1954, in Tampa, Florida
• Parents: Lawrence (machine operator) and Norma (homemaker)
• Spouse: Kathy Morello (married 1974)
• Hometown: Brandon, Florida

He always went by “Garry” instead of his full name, Ronald. Even as a pro, he made sure to come home to Florida during the off-season.

Estimated Net Worth at Retirement

Online sources estimate Hancock’s net worth at around $8 million, but honestly, that number is probably way off. As a reserve player in the late ’70s and early ’80s, he made much less.

Most of his income came from his six MLB seasons between 1978 and 1984. Back then, reserve players usually pulled in $20,000 to $40,000 a year.

Career Earnings Context:

• MLB seasons: 6 (1978, 1980-1984)
• Position: Reserve outfielder/first baseman
• Teams: Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics

That $8 million figure is almost certainly inflated, like you see on a lot of celebrity net worth sites. Realistically, his career earnings were probably in the hundreds of thousands.

After baseball, it’s not clear what Hancock did for work. Many players from his era tried coaching or business to help make ends meet after their playing days ended.

Honors and Recognition in Baseball

Hancock picked up his biggest recognition during his minor league days. In 1979, he snagged the International League batting title with a .325 average for the Pawtucket Red Sox.

People often praised his defensive skills. Back in 1976, he led the California League with 20 outfield assists while playing for San Jose.

Notable Achievements:

• 1979: International League batting champion (.325 average)
• 1976: California League leader in outfield assists (20)
• 1975: Member of South Carolina’s College World Series runner-up team

During his senior year at Brandon High School, Hancock made the All-County Team. At Hillsborough Community College, he kept up a .344 batting average.

Although his role with the Red Sox in 1978 was limited, he still became part of one of baseball’s wildest seasons. That year, the Red Sox collapsed and lost the playoff to the Yankees, and honestly, fans still talk about it.

People recognized Hancock for his steady play and his four-tool talent. Pawtucket manager Joe Morgan once said he could “hit for average, run, field and throw.”