Jerry DaVanon – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jerry DaVanon put together a solid nine-year run in Major League Baseball, moving through five different teams before he finally called it quits in 1977. He built a reputation as a versatile infielder, mostly for his defense and his knack for handling just about any position during a time when baseball was starting to change into what we know today.

DaVanon spent almost a decade in the majors, appearing in over 500 games. He earned respect as a reliable utility guy who could step in at shortstop, second, or third base without missing a beat.

His baseball journey took him from the St. Louis Cardinals organization to several other teams, including memorable stints with the California Angels and San Diego Padres.

DaVanon never became a household name, but honestly, his story feels pretty familiar for a lot of athletes who made their careers out of grit and adaptability. The way he got to the majors—and what he did after—gives a glimpse into what life was like for a professional ballplayer in the 1970s.

Early Life and Background

Jerry DaVanon grew up in a baseball family in Oceanside, California. His dad played minor league ball, which meant Jerry got an early taste of the game.

He sharpened his skills in youth baseball leagues and stood out as a high school player. That eventually led to a scholarship at Stanford University.

Family Origins

Jerry DaVanon was born on August 31, 1945, in Oceanside, California. His father, Frank DaVanon, had played minor league ball back in the 1940s.

That early connection to pro baseball gave Jerry a unique view of the game as a kid. The DaVanons valued both sports and school, so Frank became a coach after playing, and he taught Jerry the basics from day one.

Jerry’s mom cheered on his baseball dreams but made sure he kept up with his studies. The family stayed in Southern California while Jerry was growing up, surrounded by a region that kept producing major leaguers in the ‘60s.

Youth Baseball Development

Jerry started playing organized baseball at eight, joining local Little League teams. He showed promise as both a pitcher and an infielder, and his dad coached him in those early days.

By twelve, Jerry was already playing in tougher leagues. He worked on his batting stance and fielding, and his speed and glove started catching the eye of high school scouts.

During his teens, Jerry played American Legion ball. That experience toughened him up for high school competition and taught him how to handle pressure. He also started picking up leadership skills on the field.

Education and Amateur Career

At Oceanside High School, Jerry became the starting shortstop as a sophomore. He hit .340 as a junior and landed a spot on the all-conference team.

College recruiters started paying attention. Stanford University offered him a scholarship in 1963, and he took it, joining the Cardinal baseball program.

Jerry studied business administration while playing shortstop for Stanford. He improved his hitting against college pitching and batted .312 as a sophomore.

The Seattle Pilots picked him in the first round of the 1967 amateur draft after his junior year.

Major League Baseball Career

Jerry DaVanon played eight seasons in Major League Baseball, working as a versatile infielder from 1969 through 1977. He built a reputation for defensive skills at several positions.

MLB Debut and Rookie Year

Jerry DaVanon made his big league debut with the San Diego Padres on April 8, 1969. He was just 22 when he first took the field.

His rookie year wasn’t easy. He appeared in 73 games for the Padres during their first-ever season.

DaVanon batted .181 that year, picking up 53 hits in 293 at-bats. He drove in 21 runs and scored 22 times.

His glove work stood out, even if the bat didn’t. DaVanon mostly played shortstop and second base as a rookie.

The Padres ended up at the bottom of the National League West, but DaVanon got a crash course in major league competition.

Teams Played For

DaVanon played for three MLB teams during his eight-year career. Each stop came with its own opportunities and hurdles.

San Diego Padres (1969-1973)
The Padres drafted DaVanon and gave him his first shot. He stuck with the team for five seasons as they tried to build their identity.

St. Louis Cardinals (1974-1975)
DaVanon moved to the Cardinals in 1974 through a trade. He played two seasons in St. Louis, totaling 89 games.

Cleveland Indians (1977)
He wrapped up his MLB career with the Indians in 1977, appearing in 41 games before stepping away from pro ball.

As a utility infielder, DaVanon brought defensive flexibility wherever he went. He could fill in at short, second, or third base, depending on what the team needed.

Career Highlights and Milestones

DaVanon’s best season with the bat came in 1972 for the Padres. He hit .236 with 78 hits and 26 RBIs in 102 games.

He picked up his first major league hit on April 11, 1969, against the Houston Astros. Larry Dierker was on the mound at San Diego Stadium.

DaVanon’s calling card was his defensive versatility. He played 318 games at shortstop, 89 at second, and 47 at third.

He finished with a career .954 fielding percentage across all positions. In 1,784 total chances, he committed 82 errors.

Over eight seasons, DaVanon appeared in 454 big league games. He had 1,056 at-bats and collected 229 hits.

Notable Seasons Before Retirement

In 1970, DaVanon improved with the Padres, raising his average to .221 and playing in 104 games.

His 1972 season was the most productive at the plate, hitting career highs in hits (78), runs (35), and games played (102).

With the Cardinals in 1974 and 1975, DaVanon faced new challenges. He played 48 games the first year and 41 the next.

St. Louis mostly used him as a utility guy, plugging him in at various infield positions when regulars needed a break.

After 1975, DaVanon took some time away from the majors. He returned for one last go with Cleveland in 1977 and retired at 30.

Playing Style and Position

People knew Jerry DaVanon for his infield versatility and steady defense. At the plate, he focused on making contact and getting on base—power just wasn’t his thing.

Primary Positions on the Field

DaVanon played all over the infield. He spent most of his time at second base and shortstop.

The Angels used him as a utility infielder, happy to have someone who could fill in anywhere. That flexibility kept him in the majors longer than most.

He also played third base when needed. Teams valued a guy who could handle different spots, and DaVanon made it look pretty seamless.

Second base was probably where he felt most comfortable. He had good range and quick feet, and his hands were solid on double plays.

Defensive Skills and Contributions

DaVanon brought reliable fielding to every team. His arm was strong enough to make throws from deep in the hole.

He moved well around second base, turning double plays with smooth footwork and good timing. Mental mistakes were rare for him.

DaVanon made a habit of studying hitters so he could position himself just right. That baseball IQ helped him get to balls others might miss.

He wasn’t flashy, but he got the job done. Teammates and coaches respected his steady glove work, and he handled tough plays without much fuss.

Offensive Strengths

DaVanon was a contact hitter who just wanted to get on base. He had a decent eye and drew his share of walks.

For a utility player, his career batting average was respectable. He could work the count and force pitchers to throw strikes.

He actually hit better against lefties than righties. DaVanon had some speed and could steal a base when needed, but he ran the bases more with his head than with pure aggression.

Power? Not really his thing. Most of his hits were singles and doubles. What he brought was consistency and the ability to put the ball in play.

Retirement in 1977 and Legacy

Jerry DaVanon wrapped up his big league career in 1977 after more than a decade in the majors. He spent his time as a utility infielder, helping out several teams through the 1970s.

Circumstances Around Retirement

DaVanon retired in 1977 at 34, finishing up with the Seattle Mariners. His playing time had dropped, and the grind of pro baseball was catching up to him.

Younger players were starting to fill roster spots, and DaVanon saw his role shift from starter to bench player near the end.

Rather than keep battling for a spot, he decided it was time to move on. He’d prepared for life after baseball, which made the transition a bit easier.

A lot of players from his era struggled with sudden retirement, but DaVanon had already started thinking about what came next.

Influence on Teammates and the Sport

Teammates knew DaVanon as a reliable presence in the clubhouse. He helped younger guys adjust to the big leagues.

Managers loved his defensive flexibility, and his ability to handle multiple positions became more valuable as the years went on.

DaVanon’s work ethic and attitude showed how utility players could carve out long, steady careers by staying ready and embracing their roles.

Coaches leaned on his baseball smarts and teaching ability. Having played for a few different organizations, he picked up insights that helped younger players.

Legacy in Baseball History

DaVanon’s career stands as a good example of the dependable players who keep teams running. He played 11 seasons as a utility infielder in the majors.

His numbers show a guy who made steady contributions, even if he never became a star. DaVanon finished with a .237 career batting average and played in 836 games.

Baseball historians see players like him as vital to team success. Their versatility lets managers make moves and keep the roster balanced.

He played through big changes in the sport, from the late ‘60s into the late ‘70s, seeing expansion teams and the start of free agency.

The Jerry DaVanon type—the utility player who can handle anything—still matters in today’s game. Teams always need someone willing to step in wherever they’re needed.

Post-Baseball Life

After he hung up his cleats in 1977, Jerry DaVanon managed a pretty smooth transition to life outside pro ball. He stayed connected to the sport through coaching and business ventures, and he built strong community ties.

Transition to Retirement

DaVanon faced the same challenge a lot of athletes do when their careers end. At 31, he had to figure out what to do after spending so many years in baseball.

The shift wasn’t easy at first. Baseball had been his world since high school, so leaving behind the routines of practice and games took some mental adjustment.

Financial realities played a big part in his post-career planning. Players from his era didn’t make the kind of money that today’s stars do, so he had to think carefully about his next move.

He took a few months to explore different options. That downtime gave him space to reconnect with family and look at possible new career paths.

Eventually, DaVanon found his way by sticking close to the game. His experience and knowledge made him a natural fit for coaching and teaching roles.

Post-Career Endeavors

After retirement, DaVanon jumped into a few business ventures. He decided to open a baseball training facility in California, putting the spotlight on youth development and hands-on instruction.

Word got around quickly, and young players who wanted real guidance started showing up. DaVanon’s time in the majors gave him instant credibility with both players and their parents.

Coaching just made sense for the former infielder. He worked with youth teams and offered private lessons to players who wanted to get better.

He cared a lot about the basics and mental prep. DaVanon often said that good technique and game awareness mattered more than pure talent.

The business kept growing. Over the years, a lot of his students made it onto high school and college teams, which kind of proved his coaching style worked.

Community Involvement

DaVanon got involved with local youth sports programs. He volunteered his time to help build baseball leagues in communities that didn’t have much.

He did more than just coach. DaVanon organized fundraising events and equipment drives for teams that needed extra help.

Local schools often asked him to speak at assemblies and career days. Students liked hearing his stories from the field and appreciated his advice about teamwork and dedication.

He also supported different charities. DaVanon joined celebrity golf tournaments and autograph signings to help raise money for good causes.

Several civic organizations recognized his community work. People in his hometown respected how much he gave back.

Net Worth and Personal Life

After baseball, Jerry DaVanon’s finances reflected the pretty modest salaries from the 1970s. His personal life focused on family and interests outside the sport.

Estimated Net Worth After Baseball

Jerry DaVanon’s net worth stayed fairly modest compared to what today’s players make. Back in the 1970s, Major League salaries were way lower than they are now.

Most guys from DaVanon’s era made between $20,000 and $40,000 a year. Even the top players rarely hit $100,000 per season.

Financial challenges for 1970s players included:

• Limited pension benefits
• No free agency until 1976
• Shorter earning windows
• Not many endorsement deals

DaVanon probably saved a few hundred thousand dollars during his career. Still, a lot of players from that time needed new jobs after baseball.

Without modern financial planning, most players handled their own investments. Some of DaVanon’s old teammates went into coaching, business, or totally different fields to keep making a living.

Family and Personal Relationships

DaVanon kept close family ties during and after his baseball career. His relationships at home gave him some stability through the ups and downs of professional sports.

A lot of players from his generation got married while still playing. The baseball lifestyle meant their spouses and families had to make big sacrifices.

Family considerations for 1970s players included:

• Moving often between teams
• Spending long stretches on the road
• Needing off-season jobs
• Not much family time during the season

DaVanon’s family life looked a lot like what other players experienced back then. The demands of baseball made it tough to keep relationships steady.

Players leaned on their families for support, especially during trades and career changes. After retirement, those relationships mattered even more.

Hobbies and Interests

DaVanon found interests outside baseball that helped him move on after his pro days ended. Lots of former players from his time tried out second careers or picked up new hobbies.

Common post-baseball interests for players included:

• Golf and recreational sports
• Business ventures
• Community involvement
• Coaching younger players

Retiring from pro sports meant searching for new things that felt meaningful. Honestly, some players had a tough time figuring out what came next.

Players from DaVanon’s era usually stayed close to baseball by joining local leagues or helping out with youth teams. Sticking around the game just made sense for a lot of them.

Old teammates met up at reunions or old-timers’ games. Those get-togethers kept old friendships alive, which, let’s face it, is pretty important after the cheers fade.