Gary Woods – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Gary Woods built a nine-year career in Major League Baseball during a time when the sport was changing fast. Born in Santa Barbara, California, Woods played for four teams between 1976 and 1985: the Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, and Chicago Cubs.

He wrapped up his professional baseball journey in 1985 after his last season with the Cubs, closing out nearly a decade as an outfielder in the majors.

Woods’ path took him from sunny California fields to the dazzling stadiums of North America. He joined the Toronto Blue Jays for their inaugural season in 1977 and helped with playoff pushes for the Houston Astros.

His career batting average, .243 with 13 home runs and 110 RBIs, only hints at the story of a guy who squeezed every drop out of his time at the top.

From his high school days in Santa Barbara to his last at-bat in the majors, Woods showed what perseverance can do. He made memories in postseason games, bounced between teams, and faced the challenge of holding onto a major league roster spot.

After baseball, Woods stayed active in his community and left a mark on the places he called home.

Early Life and Education

Gary Lee Woods was born July 20, 1954, in Santa Barbara, California. He fell in love with baseball early on.

He moved through the local school system, standing out at San Marcos High School before playing college ball at Santa Barbara City College.

Childhood in Santa Barbara

Growing up in Santa Barbara gave Woods the perfect weather for year-round baseball. His dad, Joe Woods, played a big part in his early days and stuck by him throughout his baseball journey.

Woods dove into baseball culture early. He collected trading cards, caught games at Dodger Stadium, and spent plenty of time in Little League.

Those early experiences in Santa Barbara’s tight-knit baseball community fueled his major league dreams.

He logged endless hours practicing and playing in local leagues. The supportive Santa Barbara scene gave him lots of chances to sharpen his skills as an outfielder and hitter.

San Marcos High School Athletic Achievements

Woods attended San Marcos High School, where he played for the Royals under Coach Joe Mueller. His time there made him one of the region’s top baseball prospects.

He picked up All-Channel League honors in 1970 and 1971. Scouts and pro teams started to notice his steady performance and athleticism.

Woods kept it going with All-Western States recognition in 1972 and 1973. These awards showed his growth as a skilled outfielder and a reliable hitter.

His success at San Marcos set the stage for his college career. The recognition he earned made it clear he could play at higher levels.

Santa Barbara City College Baseball Career

After high school, Woods stayed close to home and played at Santa Barbara City College. The junior college gave him a chance to keep improving his game.

Playing there, Woods faced tougher competition and honed his outfield skills. His performance caught the eye of pro scouts.

In 1973, the Oakland Athletics signed him as an amateur free agent, kicking off his professional career. His high school and college development made him a promising pick for teams looking for outfield talent.

Professional Baseball Career

Gary Woods put together a nine-season MLB career from 1976 to 1985, playing for four teams. He started as an undrafted free agent with the Oakland Athletics, then had memorable stops with the expansion Toronto Blue Jays and a breakout run with the Houston Astros.

Signing as an Undrafted Free Agent

On May 12, 1973, the Oakland Athletics signed Woods as a nondrafted free agent. That moment started his professional baseball adventure at just 18.

He spent his early years working through the Athletics’ minor league system. In 1973, he played outfield for the Class A Lewiston Broncs, then moved to the Class A Burlington Bees the next year.

He kept climbing, making it to Double-A Birmingham A’s in 1975, and Triple-A Tucson Toros in 1976. Those three years in the minors showed how he kept getting better.

Oakland’s faith in Woods, even though he wasn’t drafted, said a lot about their scouting department. By moving up each level, Woods proved their gamble paid off.

Major League Debut with Oakland Athletics

Woods made his MLB debut on September 14, 1976, in the second game of a doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins. The Athletics lost 4-3.

He came in as a defensive sub, playing center field, and managed a base hit in his only at-bat in the ninth inning. That moment showed he was ready for the big leagues.

He played six games for Oakland in 1976, going 1 for 8 at the plate for a .125 average. The playing time was short, but the experience was huge.

This debut happened while the Athletics were rebuilding after their championship run. Woods joined a club searching for new talent to shape its future.

Toronto Blue Jays Expansion Team Experience

On November 5, 1976, the Toronto Blue Jays selected Woods in the expansion draft. Suddenly, he had the chance to help launch a brand-new franchise.

He made the Blue Jays’ opening day lineup for their first-ever game on April 7, 1977, batting fifth. “I remember the snow on the field and I remember Doug Ault and I remember the excitement in the city,” Woods told the Toronto Star. “I was a young ballplayer very excited to be part of a building experience.”

The 1977 season wasn’t easy for Woods. He struggled at the plate and got sent down to Triple-A during the year.

The Blue Jays called him back up for more playing time, but he didn’t make the team out of spring training in 1978. He spent that season in the minors, only returning when rosters expanded in September.

By then, the Blue Jays had moved on from seeing him as a long-term piece.

Breakthrough with Houston Astros

On December 5, 1978, the Houston Astros traded for Woods, sending minor leaguer Don Pisker to Toronto. This move led to the best stretch of Woods’ career.

He spent 1979 and most of 1980 in the minors with the Triple-A Tucson Toros, now the Astros’ affiliate. Late in 1980, Woods got called up and hit .377 in 19 games.

He also went 2-for-8 in four games during the Astros’ League Championship Series that year. In the strike-shortened 1981 season, Woods platooned with Terry Puhl in the outfield and helped the Astros reach the West Division playoffs against the Dodgers.

“I really felt I was a big part of them getting there,” he told the Chicago Tribune.

Woods’ performance with Houston marked the peak of his MLB career. He showed he could step up and contribute when it mattered most.

Time with the Chicago Cubs and Later Years in MLB

Woods joined the Chicago Cubs in 1982 and spent his last four MLB seasons there. He filled the role of backup outfielder and pinch-hitter, helping the Cubs’ 1984 playoff run before retiring after 1985.

Chicago Cubs Tenure

In 1982, Gary Woods signed with the Cubs after a rough 1981 season with Houston, where he hit .209. The Cubs gave him a fresh start.

He served as a backup outfielder and pinch-hitter from 1982 to 1985, adding depth during a competitive stretch for Chicago.

Woods even filled in at second base on occasion. That flexibility made him a handy piece for the coaching staff.

Mostly, he came off the bench to give regulars a break. He played in a lot of games but didn’t often start.

His batting average improved with the Cubs compared to his last year in Houston. Chicago gave him some stability at the end of his career.

Defensive Highlights and Records

Woods played several positions for the Cubs, mostly in the outfield, but sometimes at second base. His 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame fit the outfield well.

He had the speed and range to cover ground in the outfield. During his four years with Chicago, Woods hit .243 for his career, finishing with 13 home runs and 110 RBIs in 525 games.

His defensive work often flew under the radar. Still, his reliability as a bench player helped the Cubs keep their lineups competitive.

Participation in National League Championship Series

The 1984 season was Woods’ high point with the Cubs. The team reached the National League Championship Series for the first time since 1945.

The Cubs put him on the playoff roster for the NLCS against the Padres. This was his second playoff trip, after the 1980 NLCS with Houston.

He saw action in the series but didn’t do much offensively, going 0 for 1 at the plate.

The Cubs lost the series to San Diego in five games. That ended their World Series hopes.

Woods brought playoff experience and a veteran presence to the clubhouse during that high-pressure run.

Final MLB Season in 1985

Woods played his last MLB season in 1985 with the Cubs. He kept up his backup outfielder and pinch-hitter role during this final campaign.

His final game came on September 27, 1985. That wrapped up a nine-season career that started in 1976, with a break in 1979.

He retired at age 32, having played for four different teams in the majors.

Woods finished with 251 hits in 525 games. After his playing days, he stayed involved with baseball, scouting for the Chicago White Sox in California until his death in 2015.

Retirement and Post-Baseball Career

Gary Woods ended his MLB career in 1985 after nine seasons across four teams. He moved into business and coaching, and kept his baseball ties as a scout.

Official Retirement in 1985

Woods played his last MLB game on September 27, 1985, for the Cubs. The team released him during spring training in 1986, even though he hit .286.

He tried once more to keep his playing career alive. Larry Bowa, managing in the Padres’ minor leagues, got San Diego to sign Woods to a minor league deal.

Woods spent all of 1986 with the Padres’ Triple-A Las Vegas affiliate. That turned out to be his final year as a professional player.

“I have no regrets,” Woods told the Chicago Tribune in 1986. “There are a whole lot of guys with more talent than I ever had who never got the opportunity.”

He looked back on his career with real satisfaction. “I went to the big leagues, went down, made it back and stayed for six years. I know I can look in the mirror and say I did all I could to be the best possible player I could be.”

Role in the Minor Leagues and Scouting

After he retired as a player, Woods stuck around pro baseball by getting into scouting. He took on the role of Southern California area scout for the Chicago White Sox.

During the summer, Woods jumped in as a hitting coach. He worked with the Santa Barbara Foresters, easily one of the top teams in the California Collegiate League.

Scouting let him keep an eye on young talent close to home. He leaned on his nine years of Major League Baseball experience to help the White Sox find promising prospects.

Coaching the Foresters kept him close to player development, too. He worked hands-on with college-aged players during those busy summer months.

Professional Life after Baseball

Once his playing days ended, Woods moved into the business world. He went back to school and earned an MBA from Pepperdine University.

That degree opened up new doors for him outside baseball. Before all that, he’d started at Santa Barbara City College, right before his pro baseball journey began.

He didn’t leave the sport behind entirely, though. Woods coached youth teams in his community, mixing his business work with some part-time coaching.

He settled in the Santa Ynez Valley in California during his later years. Right up until his death from a heart attack on February 19, 2015, in Solvang, he stayed active in the Southern California baseball scene.

Personal Life and Legacy

Gary Woods built strong family ties in Santa Barbara and earned a spot in local baseball history. He got inducted into the Santa Barbara Athletic Hall of Fame, which really cemented his place as one of the area’s most accomplished pro athletes.

Family and Community Connections

Woods kept deep roots in the Santa Barbara community all through his career. His dad, Joe Woods, lived in Oxnard after retiring from GTE and kept playing softball well into his later years. His mom also retired from GTE and stayed in Santa Barbara.

Woods married Susan, and together they raised three kids. At the time of his Hall of Fame induction, their kids were Kay, age 7, Randy, 11, and Ryan, 16.

After he hung up his cleats in 1986, Woods moved into the telecommunications field. He spent seven years with GTE Mobilnet and eventually made it to General Manager. This career shift let him stay close to his Santa Barbara roots while building a solid business path.

Induction into the Santa Barbara Athletic Hall of Fame

The Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table inducted Woods into their Hall of Fame. The ceremony celebrated his journey from local high school standout to Major League Baseball player.

He went to San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara, playing under coaches Joe Mueller and Rusty Fairly. He earned All-Channel League honors in 1970 and 1971, and then All-Western States recognition in 1972 and 1973.

His whole family joined him at the induction, with Susan and all three kids there beside him. It wasn’t just about his own achievements, but the family’s support through his baseball career.

Impact on Santa Barbara Baseball History

Woods became one of the most successful pro baseball players to come out of Santa Barbara. His route from Santa Barbara City College to the majors inspired plenty of local young athletes.

He played 14 years as a pro, with nine seasons in the big leagues on four different teams. Woods got to play in two National League Championship Series and started as an outfielder for the expansion Toronto Blue Jays.

In 1983, he led all National League outfielders in fielding percentage while playing for the Chicago Cubs. That year, he was the only fielder to play over 100 games without making an error, setting a defensive standard that made Santa Barbara’s baseball program proud.

Passing and Memorial

Gary Woods died on February 19, 2015, at age 61 from a heart attack at his home in the Santa Ynez Valley. Memorial services honored both his baseball accomplishments and the impact he made in his community.

Death and Tributes

Gary Woods passed away suddenly from a heart attack on February 19, 2015, at his home in the Santa Ynez Valley area of California. He was 61.

He’d been living quietly in retirement after his baseball career ended in 1985. The former outfielder spent his last years in the Santa Barbara area, not far from where he grew up and went to high school.

His passing shocked his family and the baseball community. Woods kept ties to the sport during his retirement years.

The Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table later honored Woods as a Hall of Fame inductee, recognizing his journey from Little League to the majors. His story really does feel like the classic American baseball dream.

Resting Place and Cemetery Information

You can find Gary Woods memorialized at Find a Grave. They’ve documented his entire baseball career there for anyone curious about his story.

His grave marker calls out that he played Major League Baseball and competed for four teams over his career. The memorial highlights his time with the Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, and Chicago Cubs.

Gary Lee Woods was born on July 20, 1954, in Santa Barbara, California. Joe and Esther Woods were his parents.

He rests near the Santa Barbara area, keeping a connection to the place where he grew up.

Find a Grave keeps his baseball legacy alive. Fans can visit and remember what he brought to the game.