Glenn Beckert – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Glenn Beckert played professional baseball, spending most of his career as the Chicago Cubs’ starting second baseman before retiring in 1975. He grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and played eleven seasons in Major League Baseball from 1965 to 1975. People who watched him back then would probably tell you he was one of the most reliable contact hitters of his era.

Beckert retired from professional baseball in 1975 after the San Diego Padres released him in April of that year.

Fans remember Beckert for his incredible ability to make contact at the plate. Pitchers found it nearly impossible to strike him out, and he finished with a solid .283 career batting average.

He earned four All-Star selections and picked up a Gold Glove Award in 1968. That same year, he led the National League in runs scored.

Beckert’s defensive skills at second base and his steady offense made him a key part of the Cubs’ lineup during some of the team’s most competitive years in the late 1960s and early ’70s.

From his early days at Perry High School in Pittsburgh to his last games with the Padres, Beckert’s journey through professional baseball shows what a player can do with hard work and determination.

After baseball, he worked as a commodities trader. His discipline and focus seemed to carry over from the field to his post-baseball life, and he left a lasting impact on Cubs history.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Glenn Alfred Beckert was born on October 12, 1940, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He started building his baseball skills in high school, then kept playing at Allegheny College.

Childhood and Family Background

Glenn Alfred Beckert came into the world on October 12, 1940, in Pittsburgh. Growing up in the steel city during the ’40s and ’50s, he found himself surrounded by a strong baseball culture.

Pittsburgh’s love of sports and its many baseball fields gave Beckert plenty of chances to play and get better. His family encouraged his athletic interests from a young age.

The support he got during those early years in Pittsburgh played a big part in his later success as a professional baseball player.

High School Achievements

Beckert went to Perry High School in Pittsburgh, where he made a real impact on the baseball team. His performance stood out enough that college scouts started to take notice.

He played multiple sports in high school, but baseball was always his main focus. His athletic ability showed in everything he did.

On April 12, 1965, Beckert made his Major League Baseball debut, becoming the first Perry High School graduate to reach the majors. That was a big deal for both him and the school.

His high school years set him up as a real prospect for college baseball programs.

Allegheny College Baseball Experience

After Perry High School, Beckert played baseball at Allegheny College. The college gave him a chance to keep developing his skills and get noticed by pro scouts.

At Allegheny, Beckert worked on the fundamentals that would help him succeed in professional baseball. Those years helped him get ready for tougher competition.

The Boston Red Sox saw his potential and signed him as an amateur free agent in 1962 while he was still at Allegheny. That marked the start of his pro baseball journey.

He balanced academics and athletics during college, all while playing at a level that drew attention from the pros.

Major League Baseball Debut and Rise

Glenn Beckert’s path to the big leagues started in 1965 when the Chicago Cubs called him up after a tragic loss at second base. He moved from minor league shortstop to MLB second baseman, and that kicked off a nine-season run with the Cubs.

Entry Into MLB and Chicago Cubs

The Boston Red Sox originally signed Beckert as an amateur free agent in 1962. But the Chicago Cubs selected him from the Red Sox in the First-Year Player Draft on November 26, 1962.

Beckert spent three years in the minors playing shortstop. He showed strong defensive skills, even leading the Pacific Coast League in putouts and assists in 1964.

When Cubs second baseman Ken Hubbs died suddenly in 1964, it left an opening at second base. That tragedy gave Beckert his shot at the majors, and he debuted on April 12, 1965, at age 24.

MLB Debut Stats:

• Date: April 12, 1965
• Opponent: St. Louis Cardinals
• Performance: 6 at-bats, 1 hit, 0 home runs, 0 RBIs

Beckert made an impact right away during his rookie season. He led the National League in assists as a rookie, proving his defensive skills worked at the highest level.

Transition From Shortstop to Second Baseman

Switching from shortstop to second base meant Beckert had to adjust his positioning and responsibilities. The Cubs coaches helped him learn the new angles and timing needed at second base.

He made the switch look easy. Beckert formed a strong double-play combination with shortstop Don Kessinger and third baseman Ron Santo, giving the Cubs a steady infield.

The move paid off early in his career. Beckert’s knack for turning double plays and handling grounders made him a reliable defender at second base.

He quickly became the Cubs’ regular second baseman. That allowed him to build a nine-season career in Chicago, anchoring their infield through the late ’60s and early ’70s.

Chicago Cubs Success and Accolades

Glenn Beckert became one of the top second basemen in the National League during his nine seasons with the Cubs from 1965 to 1973. He picked up four All-Star selections, a Gold Glove Award, and recognition as a key contributor to the Cubs’ competitive teams of that era.

All-Star Selections

Beckert made the All-Star team four times while playing for the Cubs. His steady batting average and defense kept him in the conversation with the league’s best second basemen.

He earned those honors during the Cubs’ most competitive years, sharing the field with stars like Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, and Billy Williams. Beckert’s ability to keep a solid batting average while playing sharp defense made him a great fit with the team’s power hitters.

His All-Star appearances showed he was valuable both at the plate and in the field. Manager Leo Durocher once called Beckert “my kind of player” and thought he could become “one of the front-line stars in the game.”

Gold Glove Award

Beckert won the Gold Glove Award in 1968, the only one of his career. The award recognized his defensive play during the “Year of the Pitcher,” when defense mattered more than ever.

That season, The Sporting News praised his “superb range in both directions” and his skill “at making the play on the slowly-hit ball.” He had great balance and could make strong throws even from tough positions.

He led National League second basemen with a 5.6 WAR in 1968. Fans remember his diving catches and quick double-play pivots that saved runs in big moments.

Notable Seasons and Highlights

Beckert’s 1968 season was probably his best. He led the National League with 98 runs scored, hit .294, and racked up 189 hits. Those numbers helped him finish ninth in NL MVP voting.

He had a knack for hitting streaks, too. In 1966, he hit safely in 20 straight games, and in 1968, he managed a 21-game streak that really showed off his contact-hitting skills.

The 1967 season was a turning point for Beckert and the Cubs. The team jumped from last place to third with an 87-74 record. Beckert set career highs in doubles (32) and home runs (5), and his partnership with Don Kessinger kept getting stronger.

Relationship With Teammates

Beckert and Don Kessinger made up one of the most dependable middle-infield duos in the National League. Radio broadcaster Lou Boudreau even compared them to some of the game’s legendary double-play combos.

He roomed with Ron Santo, and the two became good friends off the field. Santo called Beckert “a whiz” at second base and said he was the game’s most improved player in 1966.

Veterans like Ernie Banks respected Beckert’s determination and his fearless approach at the plate. Banks once said, “He doesn’t seem to be worried about who’s pitching against him,” which pretty much sums up Beckert’s attitude.

Final Playing Years and Retirement in 1975

Glenn Beckert wrapped up his career with a trade to the San Diego Padres after the 1973 season. He moved from being the Cubs’ starting second baseman to more of a utility role. His final season in 1975 ended quickly when the Padres released him in May, closing out an 11-year Major League career.

Trade to San Diego Padres

After the 1973 season, the Cubs traded Glenn Beckert and Bobby Fenwick to the Padres for Jerry Morales. That trade ended Beckert’s nine-year run with the Cubs, where he’d been one of their most dependable players.

It was a big change for Beckert, who was 33 at the time. He left behind his regular spot at second base and his longtime teammates Don Kessinger and Ron Santo.

The Padres brought him in hoping his experience and defense would help their young roster. Beckert finished his career in the National League West.

Performance With the Padres

Beckert’s role with the Padres was pretty different from what he had in Chicago. He played as a utility infielder and pinch hitter instead of starting every day. His playing time dropped, partly because of his age and partly because of what the team needed.

In the 1975 season, he saw limited action before his release. His last Major League game came on April 27, 1975.

The Padres used Beckert mostly in spot situations. His experience helped guide younger players, but his on-field numbers just weren’t what they used to be.

Retirement Decision and Impact

The Padres released Beckert in May 1975. At 34, he decided not to try for a spot with another team and retired after 13 years in pro baseball.

His final stats: 1,320 games, 1,473 hits in 5,208 at-bats. He finished with a .283 career batting average, 22 home runs, and 360 RBIs over 11 Major League seasons.

Beckert’s career included four All-Star selections and a Gold Glove Award. His steady play at second base made him a cornerstone of the Cubs’ infield during the late ’60s and early ’70s.

Career Statistics and Legacy

Glenn Beckert put up some impressive numbers over his 11 seasons. He finished with a .283 batting average, 1,473 hits, and 360 RBIs in 1,320 games. People who watched him play remember him as one of the most dependable second basemen of his time.

Batting Average and RBI

Beckert kept up a solid .283 batting average through his career. In 1971, he had his best year, hitting .342, which got him another All-Star nod and 11th place in MVP voting.

He totaled 360 RBIs over his career, with a single-season high of 59 in 1966. He wasn’t known for power, but his knack for driving in runs made him a valuable part of the Cubs’ offense.

Beckert focused on making contact, not hitting home runs. He struck out just 243 times in 5,572 plate appearances, showing off his excellent plate discipline.

Runs Scored and Other Metrics

Beckert racked up 685 runs during his career. In 1968, he crossed home plate 98 times, which was his best season.

That same year, he flashed his defensive skills and picked up a Gold Glove Award.

He posted a .318 on-base percentage, showing he could get on base regularly. Beckert drew 260 walks and rarely struck out, making him a solid choice for the top of the lineup.

He piled up 15.6 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) over his career. In 1968, he hit his peak with a 5.6 WAR, matching the year he took home the Gold Glove.

Baseball Almanac and Historical Records

Baseball Almanac notes that Beckert became the first Perry High School graduate to play in the majors, debuting on April 12, 1965. That was a huge moment for his Pittsburgh-area school.

He played from 1965 to 1975, spending nine seasons in Chicago and finishing up with two years in San Diego. During his career, Beckert made four All-Star teams and won a Gold Glove.

He showed up in over 150 games three times, proving how reliable he was. Beckert kept his production steady during his best years with the Cubs.

Post-Baseball Life and Net Worth

After retiring in 1975, Glenn Beckert jumped into a new line of work as a grain futures trader. He stayed in touch with his former teammates through Cubs fantasy camps and kept showing up at team events until health issues slowed him down.

Professional Ventures After Baseball

Beckert found success in his second career as a grain futures trader. That move paid off and showed he had business smarts outside of baseball.

He built a strong reputation in the commodities world. Beckert traded agricultural products like corn, wheat, and soybeans, and sticking around Chicago let him stay close to his old baseball home.

His trading career lasted for decades. Beckert brought the same discipline and quick thinking from his playing days to the trading floor. The pressure of the markets didn’t seem to bother him, probably because he’d already handled plenty on the field.

No one really knows his exact net worth, but his long run in trading likely brought him financial security. Add that to his baseball earnings, and it’s safe to say he enjoyed a comfortable retirement.

Public Appearances and Personal Life

For years, Beckert stayed active with Cubs events. He joined fantasy camps that his old teammate Randy Hundley started, giving fans the chance to play with their heroes.

Those camps turned into big reunion moments for the 1969 Cubs. Beckert always seemed to enjoy catching up with old friends and swapping stories with fans. People remember him for his sharp sense of humor and easygoing nature at these gatherings.

He kept showing up at Cubs conventions and Wrigley Field for a long time. But in 2001, a serious fall down fifteen concrete steps forced him into a long recovery.

Then in 2006, Beckert got diagnosed with lung cancer, which cut back his public appearances. He spent his later years in Florida with his longtime companion, Marybruce Standley.

Beckert stayed close with his old teammates all his life. He even served as best man at Ferguson Jenkins’s second wedding, nearly thirty years after they first met in the minors.

Legacy in the Baseball Community

Beckert made a real mark on the Cubs organization, and not just because of his stats. His teammates saw him as a dedicated player, someone who brought some much-needed stability to second base during those competitive years.

Ferguson Jenkins, the former pitcher, often talked about Beckert’s reliability. He said having Glenn behind him defensively always gave him a boost of confidence when he was on the mound.

Jenkins even broke in Beckert’s new gloves at spring training every year, which shows just how close they were as friends.

Billy Williams, who played alongside Beckert for a long time, valued him as both a player and a person. Williams liked Beckert’s quick wit and the way he livened up the clubhouse.

The 1969 Cubs team somehow kept strong bonds for decades after they played together. Beckert helped keep those connections alive by regularly reaching out to his old teammates.

He became part of one of the most beloved Cubs teams in franchise history. Even though they never won a championship, fans kept loving the 1969 Cubs for generations.

After Beckert passed away in 2020, Cubs management released statements to honor him. They recognized not just what he did on the field, but also the way he carried himself as a person.