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

Jack Perconte built a solid seven-year career in Major League Baseball during the 1980s. He played second base for four different teams before hanging up his cleats in 1986.

Born in Joliet, Illinois, Perconte made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 13, 1980, at age 26. After that, he played for the Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, and Chicago White Sox.

Perconte really embodied the steady, fundamentally sound second baseman of his era. He compiled a .270 career batting average with exceptional plate discipline and reliable defense over 433 games.

His best seasons happened with the Seattle Mariners. There, he hit .281 and swiped 60 bases in 68 tries, showing off the speed and baseball IQ that made him a valuable piece.

He worked his way up from the minor leagues and, after retiring, spent years as a youth baseball instructor and author. Perconte’s story feels like a snapshot of his generation’s dedication and versatility.

His career stats, playing style, and later work with young players offer a window into both 1980s baseball and how players can keep impacting the game long after they stop playing.

Early Life and Education

John Patrick “Jack” Perconte was born on August 31, 1954, in Joliet, Illinois. That’s where he built the foundation for his future in baseball.

Growing up in the Chicago area gave him strong family ties and plenty of athletic opportunities. Those early years shaped his path to professional baseball.

Family Background

Jack Perconte’s family had a notable military tradition. His uncle, Frank Perconte, served in Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division during World War II.

The miniseries Band of Brothers later portrayed Frank Perconte’s military service. That kind of family legacy probably influenced Jack’s own discipline and approach to sports.

The Perconte family lived in Joliet, Illinois. That Chicago suburb gave Jack access to organized sports and baseball programs, which proved essential as he grew up.

Growing Up in Joliet

Joliet turned out to be the perfect place for Jack Perconte to hone his baseball skills. The city’s proximity to Chicago meant he could join quality youth baseball programs and play in competitive leagues.

As a young player, Perconte started to show the speed and athleticism that would define his pro career. The local baseball community picked up on his potential pretty quickly.

The Chicago area’s deep baseball tradition surrounded Jack while he was growing up. That environment fostered his love for the game and gave him role models from the Cubs and White Sox.

High School Years

Jack Perconte went to Joliet Catholic Academy, where he kept developing his baseball talents. The school’s athletic program gave him structure and competitive opportunities.

During high school, he sharpened the skills that would catch the eye of college scouts. His speed and glove work at second base became his trademarks.

Joliet Catholic Academy’s baseball program helped get Perconte ready for the next level. His performance there earned him attention from college recruiters.

College at Murray State University

Perconte decided to attend Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, where he played college baseball. That choice turned out to be huge for his baseball development.

At Murray State, he honed his skills as a second baseman and developed his signature speed on the bases. The program gave him tough competition and solid coaching.

His college performance at Murray State caught the eyes of pro scouts. The Los Angeles Dodgers picked Perconte in the 16th round of the 1976 MLB June Amateur Draft.

Murray State University gave Perconte the stage he needed to show off for pro teams. His college career set up his major league debut in 1980.

Path to the Major Leagues

Jack Perconte’s journey to the majors started at Murray State University and continued through the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ farm system. The Dodgers picked him in the 16th round of the 1976 amateur draft, kicking off a four-year minor league grind.

Amateur Career and Draft

Perconte played at Joliet Catholic Academy in Illinois, then moved on to Murray State University in Kentucky. His college numbers drew the attention of MLB scouts, especially those with the Dodgers.

Draft Details:

• Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
• Round: 16th round
• Year: 1976
• Age at Draft: 21 years old

The Dodgers’ scouts liked the 5’10”, 160-pound second baseman. His left-handed swing and reliable glove made him an attractive fit for the NL club.

At Murray State, Perconte built the fundamentals he’d rely on as a pro. His speed and contact hitting already stood out in college.

Minor League Development

After signing, Perconte spent four seasons working his way through the minors from 1976 to 1980. His best minor league year came in 1981 with the Albuquerque Dukes, when he hit .346.

He moved steadily through the Dodgers’ system. Perconte focused on his base-stealing and sharpened his defense at second base.

His minor league career took patience. The Dodgers valued his steady play and baseball smarts over raw power.

By 1980, Perconte had shown he was ready for the big leagues. His run with Albuquerque in 1981 proved he could handle upper-level pitching and keep producing at the plate.

Major League Career Highlights

Jack Perconte played seven seasons in MLB from 1980 to 1986, suiting up for four different teams and building a reputation as a dependable second baseman.

His journey took him from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Cleveland Indians, then to the Seattle Mariners, and finally the Chicago White Sox.

Debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers

Perconte debuted on September 13, 1980, with the Dodgers at age 26. The Dodgers had drafted him in the 16th round out of Murray State.

He didn’t get many chances early on. Most of his time went to bouncing between the big club and their Triple-A team in Albuquerque.

In 1981, Perconte barely saw action in the majors. The Dodgers won the World Series that year, but he didn’t play in the postseason.

He made his biggest mark in the minors during this stretch. That 1981 season in Albuquerque, he hit .346 and showed off the skills that would later help him in the majors.

Stint with the Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians picked up Perconte for the 1982 season, giving him a real shot at regular playing time. That move to the AL let him settle in at 2B.

His time with Cleveland marked his shift from prospect to everyday big leaguer. He passed rookie limits in 1982 and officially lost his rookie status.

The Indians gave Perconte valuable experience as a regular in the American League. He adjusted well to the league and started building a reputation as a steady defender.

During his two seasons in Cleveland (1982-1983), Perconte picked up the confidence and experience he’d need for his next moves.

Breakthrough Years with the Seattle Mariners

Perconte put up his best numbers with the Seattle Mariners from 1984 to 1985. Those years really marked the peak of his major league career.

In Seattle, he hit .281 and flashed top-notch base-running. He stole 60 bases in 68 tries, showing not just speed but also sharp instincts.

His play with the Mariners cemented his reputation as a classic 1980s second baseman. He mixed solid contact hitting with great base-stealing and reliable defense.

The Seattle years showed Perconte could help in all sorts of ways. His high success rate stealing bases pointed to his intelligence and prep as a runner.

Final Season with the Chicago White Sox

Perconte wrapped up his MLB career with the Chicago White Sox in 1986. He played his last big league game on October 4, 1986, against the Minnesota Twins.

Signing with the White Sox brought him back to Illinois, close to home. It felt like a fitting way to finish things, playing near Joliet.

His numbers dipped a bit that last year, but he still brought leadership and steady defense. After the 1986 season, Perconte tried a comeback.

He signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers in early 1987. After one more year in Albuquerque, he called it a career.

Playing Style and Key Statistics

Jack Perconte really fit the mold of the 1980s contact hitter, pairing solid batting skills with sharp fielding at second base.

He hit .270 over seven seasons—nothing flashy, but always reliable. His steady glove made him a solid piece for four MLB teams.

Batting and Offensive Contributions

Perconte’s approach at the plate was all about contact and getting on base. He wrapped up his career with a .270 average in 433 games, tallying 389 hits in 1,441 at-bats.

He showed off great plate discipline. Perconte drew 149 walks and struck out only 123 times in his career. That patience helped him keep a .340 on-base percentage.

Key Offensive Statistics:

• Career batting average: .270
• On-base percentage: .340
• Slugging percentage: .329
• Total hits: 389
• RBIs: 76

He never really hit for power, with just 2 home runs in 1,630 plate appearances. But that wasn’t his role—he focused on getting on base and setting the table.

His speed made a big difference. Perconte stole 78 bases in his career, including 31 in 1985 with Seattle. That ability to swipe 30 bags in a season added another layer to his game.

Fielding Excellence at Second Base

Perconte’s defensive skills at second base (2B) stood out as his biggest asset. His fielding stats show he was consistently reliable and had good range throughout his MLB career.

In 1984 with Seattle, he really shined on defense. He played 150 games at second, handled 755 total chances, and posted a .981 fielding percentage. He also turned 90 double plays that year.

Notable Defensive Achievements:

• Career fielding percentage: .978
• Total games at 2B: 381
• Double plays turned: 131
• Range factor close to league average

He gave every team steady defense. In Cleveland in 1982, he played 82 games at second and still posted solid fielding numbers, even in a tough season.

His range factor numbers show Perconte covered ground well. He made the routine plays and rarely made mistakes, so managers could count on him in the middle infield.

Career Achievements and Milestones

Perconte’s MLB career lasted from 1980 to 1986, and he played for four different teams. His best years came with the Seattle Mariners, where he posted 5.4 WAR over two seasons.

His 1984 season in Seattle was the high point. He played 155 games, hit .294 with 180 hits, and put up 3.0 WAR. That year really showed what he could do with regular playing time.

Career Highlights:

• 433 total MLB games
• 1,630 career plate appearances
• 78 stolen bases
• Played for LAD, CLE, SEA, and CHW

His career rOBA (runs above average based on on-base percentage) of .328 matched up well with league standards. That stat shows he contributed to team offense even without much power.

He stayed consistent across different teams and roles. Whether he was a part-timer with the Dodgers or an everyday guy in Seattle, Perconte stuck to his approach and got results.

Retirement and Post-Baseball Endeavors

Jack Perconte retired from professional baseball in 1987 at age 33. He chose family life over more minor league seasons.

After baseball, he threw himself into coaching youth baseball and became an author. He’s spent decades helping young athletes develop through his academy and independent coaching.

Reasons for Retirement in 1986

Perconte decided to retire after the 1986 season when he turned 33. He spent his last year as a player back in the Los Angeles Dodgers minor league system, after bouncing around with several major league teams before that.

Family responsibilities weighed heavily on his mind. “At age 33 and with a family, I knew it was time,” Perconte said, thinking of his wife Linda and their three kids.

By 1986, he’d put in seven years in Major League Baseball. He realized that if he kept playing, he’d probably spend more time in the minors, which just didn’t seem worth it anymore with his family and age.

So, he made a practical call about his career path. Instead of chasing baseball forever, Perconte wanted a steadier life, something closer to home, so he could actually be there for his family.

Transition to Life After Baseball

After retiring in 1987, Perconte moved back to Illinois and opened Jack Perconte’s Sports Academy in Naperville. The baseball school trained players of all ages and skill levels.

He ran the academy for 19 years and built a strong reputation as a hitting instructor. During the late 1980s and 1990s, the academy became his main focus.

In 2006, Perconte sold the academy but kept coaching on his own. These days, he works with young baseball and softball players as a hitting coach.

Perconte dove into writing too, publishing five books about sports. His books include hitting guides, advice for parents in youth sports, and coaching handbooks.

His latest, “365 Peak Sports Mentality Quotes: Daily Winning Words of Wisdom,” came out in April 2025. The book digs into mental strength for athletes.

Contributions to Youth Sports and Community

For over thirty years, Perconte has worked with young athletes around Chicago’s suburbs. Right now, he gives hitting lessons at places like the Willowbrook-Burr Ridge Performance Center.

He really believes in positive instruction and mental prep. “I consider myself a coach first,” Perconte said. “My books are just an extension of coaching.”

Key Contributions:

• Ran a youth baseball academy for 19 years
• Wrote multiple instructional books for players, parents, and coaches
• Keeps coaching independently, nearly 40 years after retiring
• Answers about one fan letter every day

After selling his academy, Perconte got into marathon running. He finished 17 marathons and wrote “The Success Trail: Learn to Win with a Marathon Runner’s Mindset” to help athletes reach their potential.

He still lives in Lisle and stays close to baseball through his coaching. Every day, he gets about one autograph request and answers every fan letter, showing how much he still cares about the baseball community.

Legacy and Personal Life

Jack Perconte’s impact goes way beyond his seven years in MLB. He shifted from player to educator and mentor, and his work in coaching and business has shaped youth baseball for more than thirty years.

Impact on the Game

Perconte made his biggest mark on baseball after hanging up his cleats in 1986. He moved back to suburban Chicago and launched Jack Perconte’s Sports Academy in Naperville, Illinois.

The academy ran for 19 years and became a huge part of youth baseball development. Perconte gave roughly 80,000 individual lessons during this time. He also ran tons of camps and clinics for players of all levels.

He sticks to positive coaching methods. Perconte thinks the best way to help young athletes is by teaching their coaches and parents, which keeps the game fun and less stressful.

Now, he’s coaching in his 33rd year since retiring. He runs a YouTube channel and offers hitting classes for ballplayers of all ages. Thousands of young players in the Midwest have learned from his work.

Family and Personal Interests

Outside of baseball, Perconte got hooked on long-distance running. He has finished 18 marathons since leaving the game, which says a lot about his drive and mental grit.

He turned into a pretty prolific author, too, writing several books about sports and success. His newest, “The Success Trail,” shares his marathon stories and lessons from those races.

For a decade, he wrote for Baseball the Magazine. His articles cover playing, coaching, parenting, and running. Through his writing, Perconte passes on strategies for both athletic and personal growth.

He went to Murray State University and later joined their Athletics Hall of Fame.

Net Worth and Business Ventures

Perconte built his financial success mostly through his Sports Academy and a handful of business ventures. For 19 years, he ran the academy, bringing in solid revenue from lessons, camps, and clinics.

He also earns money from book sales, speaking gigs, and online coaching programs. Perconte calls himself a motivational speaker and youth sports consultant.

No one really knows his exact net worth. Still, when you look at his long-running businesses and all those income sources, it’s pretty clear he’s financially stable well beyond what he made in the MLB.

Perconte belongs to several halls of fame, like the Joliet Area Sports Hall of Fame and the Albuquerque Sports Hall of Fame. These honors show he’s stayed active in baseball communities.