Jack Lamabe – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jack Lamabe put together a solid seven-year run in Major League Baseball, moving through seven different teams between 1962 and 1968. This right-handed pitcher from Farmingdale, New York, rode the rollercoaster of pro baseball, dealing with trades and team switches that really defined the era’s player movement.

Lamabe’s most memorable moment came as part of the 1967 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals, where he played a role in one of baseball’s classic championship runs. His journey took him from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Boston Red Sox, then the Houston Astros, Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, and finally the Chicago Cubs before he retired in 1968.

After his playing days, Lamabe jumped into coaching and education. He found success in leadership roles at Jacksonville University and Louisiana State University.

Early Life and Education

Jack Lamabe’s story starts in a small New York town, with strong athletic roots and a real commitment to education. He made his mark at Farmingdale High School, then in college athletics at a couple of schools, and even served in the military.

Birth and Family Background

John Alexander Lamabe was born October 3, 1936, in Farmingdale, New York. He grew up there during the Great Depression.

The Lamabe family encouraged Jack’s sports pursuits from an early age. Growing up in Farmingdale, he got into baseball young.

Farmingdale’s tight-knit community really supported local athletes. The town’s focus on sports helped fuel Lamabe’s competitive drive.

Farmingdale High School and Athletic Development

At Farmingdale High School, Lamabe honed his baseball skills with future Major Leaguer Al Weis. Those two formed a solid partnership on the school’s team.

Weis played infield, Lamabe pitched, and they reunited as teammates with the Chicago White Sox in 1966 and 1967.

The high school program gave Lamabe his first taste of organized, competitive ball. College scouts started to notice him.

His high school success set the stage for what came next. Good coaching and tough competition got him ready for college baseball.

University of Vermont Years

Lamabe started at the University of Vermont and played both baseball and basketball for two seasons. Playing two sports showed off his overall athleticism.

He also served in the United States Marine Corps during his time at Vermont. Lamabe received an honorable discharge in 1958.

Balancing college athletics and military service shaped Lamabe’s discipline and work ethic. Those experiences got him ready for the grind of pro baseball.

He kept his Vermont connection strong, too. The university inducted him into the University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame later on.

Springfield College Experience

After Vermont, Lamabe transferred to Springfield College. He kept up his studies while playing pro baseball and earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education on June 13, 1965.

He went on to earn a master’s degree in Physical Education from Springfield in 1968. Lamabe managed this while still playing in the MLB.

During baseball off-seasons, he coached junior varsity basketball at Springfield for the 1965-66 and 1966-67 seasons. That coaching experience foreshadowed his later career in college athletics.

At Springfield, Lamabe met Janet Berta, who became his wife. She graduated in 1965, and their relationship started on campus and lasted through his baseball years.

Path to Major League Baseball

Jack Lamabe’s road to the majors started at the University of Vermont and included two different pro signings before he landed with Pittsburgh. A contract dispute made him a free agent, which eventually led to his shot with the Pirates.

Minor League Career and Development

Lamabe spent two years at Vermont, playing both baseball and basketball. Pro scouts took notice of his skills during college.

After leaving Vermont, Lamabe spent five seasons working his way up in the Pittsburgh Pirates system. He posted a 41-44 record and a 3.92 ERA in those five years in the minors.

His performance in the Pirates’ system was steady, not flashy. He proved he could handle pro competition.

By 1962, Lamabe had improved enough to get a look for the big league roster. His spring training showing convinced Pirates management to put him in the bullpen.

Philadelphia Phillies Signing

On June 26, 1956, Lamabe signed his first pro contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. This happened after his two years at the University of Vermont.

He pitched one season for the Phillies’ Carolina League team, the Wilson Tobs, finishing with a 3-7 record and a 2.75 ERA.

But then things got complicated. Commissioner Ford Frick said Lamabe wasn’t eligible to sign while still at Vermont.

The commissioner made Lamabe a free agent because of this eligibility issue. That move voided his Phillies contract.

Transition to Pittsburgh Pirates

After his release from the Phillies, Lamabe quickly signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates gave him the steady environment he needed to develop.

He spent the next five years climbing through the Pirates’ minor league system. Lamabe’s persistence paid off when he landed a bullpen job during spring training in 1962.

The Pirates saw his potential and brought him up to the majors. Lamabe made his MLB debut on April 17, 1962, against the Chicago Cubs.

He pitched four scoreless innings in relief, scattering three hits after Tom Sturdivant, the starter, struggled.

Major League Career Overview

Jack Lamabe pitched for seven different teams during his seven-year MLB career from 1962 to 1968. He started as a promising reliever with the Pittsburgh Pirates and had his best season with the Boston Red Sox before winning a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1967.

Debut and Pittsburgh Pirates Tenure

Lamabe debuted on April 17, 1962, against the Cubs after earning a bullpen spot in spring training. When Tom Sturdivant faltered, Lamabe threw four scoreless innings and gave up just three hits in his first game.

He quickly became a reliable reliever. Just two days after his debut, he picked up his first career save against the Phillies.

On June 15, 1962, Lamabe notched his first big league win against the Milwaukee Braves. His rookie season looked good: 3-1 record, two saves, and a 2.88 ERA in 17 games.

After the season, the Pirates traded Lamabe and first baseman Dick Stuart to the Boston Red Sox for Jim Pagliaroni and Don Schwall.

Boston Red Sox Achievements

Lamabe had his best year in 1963 with the Boston Red Sox. He went 7-3, notched six saves, and posted a 3.23 ERA, mostly as a reliever with a couple of spot starts.

He even hit his only career home run off Yankees pitcher Bill Stafford on August 14, 1963. That was a fun highlight in his best season.

Manager Johnny Pesky put Lamabe in the starting rotation in 1964, but it didn’t go well. Lamabe won his first three decisions but then struggled, ending up 5-11 with a 6.42 ERA as a starter.

His work out of the bullpen also slipped, with a 1-2 record and 22 earned runs over 24.1 innings.

Houston Astros and Later Moves

Lamabe’s struggles continued in 1965, going 0-3 with an 8.17 ERA before the Red Sox sent him to Triple-A Toronto. At the end of the International League season, they traded him to the Houston Astros for Bucky Brandon.

He made three appearances for the Astros, including two starts, and finished 0-2 with a 4.26 ERA. The Astros then traded Lamabe and minor leaguer Raymond Cordeiro to the Chicago White Sox for Bill Heath and Dave Nicholson at the winter meetings.

With Chicago, Lamabe split time as a starter and reliever. He threw back-to-back shutouts against Boston and Washington in 1966.

The White Sox traded him to the New York Mets early in 1967, and he went 0-3 with a 3.98 ERA there.

Things turned around when the Mets traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals between games of a July 16 doubleheader. Lamabe improved with the Cardinals, going 3-2 with four saves and a 1.99 ERA, helping them win the 1967 World Series.

Career Statistics and Highlights

Lamabe played for seven teams: the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, and Chicago Cubs. His World Series title with the Cardinals in 1967 was the high point of his career.

He pitched in all three of the Cardinals’ losses in the 1967 World Series against his old team, the Red Sox. He took the loss in Game 6, but the Cardinals still won the series in seven games.

His last year came in 1968 with the Chicago Cubs. Lamabe finished with a 3-2 record and a 4.30 ERA before wrapping up his career at age 31.

Team Transitions and Trades

Jack Lamabe’s last years in the majors were full of team changes and trades that showed how much teams valued his reliability as a pitcher. From 1966 to 1968, he moved through four organizations, ending up with a World Series ring.

Chicago White Sox Experience

Lamabe joined the Chicago White Sox in 1966 after they got him from the Houston Astros. He pitched as both a starter and reliever with Chicago.

The White Sox used Lamabe in 17 starts during the 1966 season. That was one of his biggest chances as a starting pitcher.

He showed his value by filling different roles for the team. Lamabe’s versatility was a real asset for the coaching staff.

After three appearances early in 1967, the White Sox moved Lamabe. His stint with Chicago that year only lasted through April.

New York Mets and Trade Details

The White Sox sent Lamabe to the New York Mets in a conditional deal in April 1967. That trade set him up for his best season.

With the Mets, Lamabe went 0-3 with a 3.98 ERA in 16 games. Even with the losing record, he handled right-handed batters really well.

He held right-handed hitters to a .174 average. That stat showed his value as a specialist reliever.

The Mets’ GM Bing Devine made Lamabe’s next move happen. On July 16, 1967, Devine traded Lamabe to the St. Louis Cardinals for Al Jackson.

St. Louis Cardinals: World Series Champion

The Cardinals landed Lamabe at a pretty crucial moment. They needed bullpen help after Bob Gibson took a line drive off his leg and broke it.

Lamabe’s debut for St. Louis? Not exactly the stuff of dreams. He faced his old Mets teammates the very day he got traded and ended up giving up five runs in just two innings.

August turned into Lamabe’s best stretch in the big leagues. He went 3-0 with a 0.00 ERA over nine games, even getting a start in there.

During that crazy August, Lamabe tossed 25 scoreless innings. His pitching helped the Cardinals hang on to first place.

The Cardinals grabbed the 1967 World Series title. Lamabe pitched in three games against the Red Sox, although he took the loss in Game 6.

Final Year with Chicago Cubs

After spring training cuts in 1968, the Cardinals shipped Lamabe to the Cubs. The trade sent Ron Piche to Chicago, and the Cardinals got Pete Mikkelsen and Dave Dowling in return.

This deal happened on April 22, 1968—just three days after Lamabe threw a shutout for Triple-A Tulsa. Cardinals GM Bing Devine had promised to find him another shot in the majors.

Lamabe wrapped up his big league career with the Cubs, finishing with a 3-2 record and two saves. His 4.30 ERA in 1968 closed out his seven-year MLB run.

The Cubs gave Lamabe his last chance to pitch in the majors. After the 1968 season, he decided to retire from pro baseball.

Retirement and Coaching Legacy

When his playing days ended in 1968, Jack Lamabe jumped right into coaching roles that would define his next chapter. He became the first full-time head baseball coach at Louisiana State University and later found real success at Jacksonville University, helping both schools build strong baseball programs.

Transition to Minor League and Coaching Roles

Lamabe started his coaching journey in 1969 after he didn’t make the Montreal Expos roster as a non-roster invitee. Instead of walking away from baseball, he took a job as a pitching coach in the Expos’ minor leagues.

That move actually made a lot of sense for Lamabe. He had earned both a B.S. in Science and an MA in Administration from Springfield College while still playing. His education gave him the tools he needed for coaching and leadership.

Shifting from player to instructor let Lamabe share his major league experience. He pitched for seven different teams, so he saw plenty of different approaches and styles.

Montreal Expos Minor League Coaching

Lamabe started coaching pitchers in the Montreal Expos minor league system in 1970. That job marked his first official coaching gig and set him up for later success in college baseball.

The Expos gave him a chance to learn about player development at the pro level. Working with young players helped him figure out teaching methods that would come in handy later on.

He spent several years coaching in the minors. That time really prepared him for the jump to college athletics.

Jacksonville University and LSU Coaching Success

Lamabe became head baseball coach at Jacksonville University from 1974 to 1978. He hit the ground running, and in 1976, he took the team to within a game of the College World Series—the best run in program history at the time.

Jacksonville University later inducted him into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011. That honor speaks to the impact he had during his four years there.

In 1979, Lamabe took over at Louisiana State University as their first full-time head baseball coach. Over four seasons, from 1979 to 1983, he compiled a 134-115 record and set the stage for future success.

At LSU, Lamabe helped build the infrastructure that would eventually support the Skip Bertman era. His work really laid the foundation for what became a powerhouse in college baseball.

Personal Life, Honors, and Legacy

Jack Lamabe picked up recognition for his contributions as both a player and a coach. He earned spots in two athletic halls of fame. Lamabe died at home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on December 21, 2007, at age 71.

Hall of Fame Inductions

Lamabe received posthumous honors for his achievements with inductions into two different halls of fame. The University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame recognized his standout college pitching career.

His coaching success at Jacksonville University also earned him a spot in their Athletic Hall of Fame. During his time as head coach from 1974 to 1978, Lamabe built up the program and mentored plenty of student-athletes.

Those two inductions show how much he meant to baseball at different levels. His college days at Vermont started it all, and his coaching years at Jacksonville showed his knack for teaching and developing young talent.

Family Life and Relationships

Not much is out there about Lamabe’s family life or personal relationships. Born John Alexander Lamabe on October 3, 1936, in Farmingdale, New York, he always kept ties to his Long Island roots.

During his playing days, people called him “Tomatoes”—a nickname that hints at his popularity with teammates. He seemed to get along well in the baseball community.

Lamabe’s high school connection with Al Weis turned out to matter in his career. The two Long Island guys ended up as teammates with the Chicago White Sox, which just goes to show how those early baseball bonds can last.

Passing, Memorials, and Cemetery Details

Jack Lamabe died peacefully on December 21, 2007, at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was 71 years old.

He spent his final coaching years at Louisiana State University, right there in Baton Rouge.

His obituary called him a major league pitcher and friends always remembered him as “Tomatoes.” That nickname stuck with him.

The obituary mentioned how proud he felt about pitching and coaching in two World Series. You can sense how much that meant to him.

If you want more memorial details, check out Find a Grave. That site lists his life and baseball achievements.

The memorial page shares info about his seven-season baseball career, which ran from 1962 to 1968. He actually played for seven different teams in that time.

From his college days at Vermont to the majors and coaching, Jack Lamabe really devoted his whole life to baseball.