Jerry McNertney isn’t exactly a household name for most baseball fans, but his career paints a picture of a gritty, dedicated pro who left a mark during one of baseball’s more fascinating eras. Born in Iowa, he played nine seasons in Major League Baseball from 1964 to 1973, putting on the gear for five different teams: the Chicago White Sox, Seattle Pilots, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
McNertney hung up his cleats in 1973 after his last game with the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 15. Nearly a decade behind the plate—pretty impressive, right? What really sets him apart is his status as the last player to bat for the Seattle Pilots before the franchise packed up and moved to Milwaukee.
His road from Iowa State University to major league regular shows the kind of determination you need to make it at the sport’s highest level. McNertney’s career statistics, memorable seasons, and move into coaching give us a window into the life of a professional athlete who saw the game change a lot during the 1960s and early 1970s.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Gerald Edward McNertney was born on August 7, 1936, in Boone, Iowa. He built his baseball chops through high school and college before signing with the Chicago White Sox in 1958.
His journey to professional baseball started at Iowa State University, where he played as a first baseman in the mid-1950s.
Birthplace and Family Background
Gerald Edward McNertney came into the world on August 7, 1936, in Boone, Iowa. That small Iowa town set the stage for his early years during the Great Depression.
Growing up in Iowa in the 1940s and early ‘50s, McNertney found himself in the heart of a strong Midwest baseball culture. Boone, right in central Iowa, was just like so many American towns where baseball was the go-to for fun and community.
His family got behind his athletic dreams early on. That Iowa upbringing really shaped his work ethic and attitude toward the game.
Education at Iowa State University
McNertney attended Gilbert High School, then headed to Iowa State University in the mid-1950s. At Iowa State, he played first base and showed off the skills that would eventually put him on scouts’ radars.
Playing college ball at Iowa State gave him the experience he needed to move up. The baseball program there helped him polish his hitting and fielding.
During his college days, McNertney’s dedication and athleticism stood out. Those years set the stage for his shot at the majors.
Transition to Professional Baseball
The Chicago White Sox signed McNertney in 1958, right after he wrapped up his college career. That moment kicked off his climb through the minor leagues.
Jumping from college to pro ball wasn’t easy. The White Sox saw something in the young Iowan and decided to invest in his growth.
Signing with Chicago in 1958 was a huge step. It was the payoff for all his hard work at Gilbert High and Iowa State, opening the door to a long professional career.
Professional Baseball Career Overview
Jerry McNertney played nine seasons in Major League Baseball from 1964 to 1973. He spent most of his time as a backup catcher in both the American League and National League.
He made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox at 27, after switching from first base to catcher in the minors.
MLB Debut and Initial Years
McNertney stepped onto a major league field for the first time on April 16, 1964, with the Chicago White Sox. He was already 27, which isn’t exactly young for a rookie catcher.
He spent his early years mostly as a backup for the White Sox. McNertney played a bit in 1964, then made it back to the big leagues in 1966.
He stuck with Chicago through 1968, focusing on sharpening his defense behind the plate. During that stretch, he built a reputation as a reliable defensive catcher.
In 1967, he led American League catchers with a 54.8% caught stealing percentage. That’s no small feat and really speaks to his skills as a defender.
Conversion to Catcher
McNertney started out as a first baseman and outfielder during his first three minor league seasons after signing with Chicago in 1958. He came from Gilbert High and Iowa State University before turning pro.
In 1961, while playing for the Charleston White Sox in the Class A South Atlantic League, he made the switch to catcher. That was his fourth year in pro ball.
Even though he made the move late, McNertney picked up the position fast. He adapted well and turned himself into a solid defensive catcher.
Switching to catcher definitely helped his professional career. It gave him a much clearer path to the majors than sticking with his old spots.
Teams Played For
McNertney suited up for four different teams in both leagues during his career. He played for the Chicago White Sox (1964, 1966-1968), Seattle Pilots/Milwaukee Brewers (1969-1970), St. Louis Cardinals (1971-1972), and Pittsburgh Pirates (1973).
He saw his most action with the Seattle Pilots in 1969, working as their regular catcher. That year, he set career highs: 410 at-bats, 8 home runs, and 55 RBIs.
McNertney holds a quirky spot in baseball lore as the last player to bat for the Seattle Pilots. He struck out for the final out of their last game on October 2, 1969.
The Pilots moved and became the Milwaukee Brewers in 1970, and McNertney stuck with them. His final MLB appearance came on June 15, 1973, with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Notable Seasons and Achievements
McNertney’s career had some big moments, especially his breakout in 1969 with the Seattle Pilots. That year, he set personal bests in several offensive categories.
His defense got him some American League recognition, and he made history as the last batter in Seattle Pilots franchise history.
Breakout with the Seattle Pilots
The 1969 season really was McNertney’s best year as a pro. He served as the regular catcher for the Pilots during their only season in Seattle.
That year, he hit career highs:
- At bats: 410
- Home runs: 8
- Runs batted in: 55
He was just as good on defense. McNertney led all American League catchers in base runners caught stealing. He finished second among catchers in assists and putouts.
But the season meant more than just stats. McNertney became the last batter in Seattle Pilots history, striking out to end the team’s final game on October 2, 1969.
His teammate Jim Bouton told the story of that wild 1969 Pilots season in Ball Four. That gave McNertney a small but memorable spot in baseball literature.
Career Highs and Achievements
McNertney’s defense got him noticed throughout his career. In 1967, he led American League catchers with a 54.8% caught stealing percentage while playing for the White Sox.
He played nine seasons from 1964 to 1973. Here’s how his numbers stack up:
Category | Career Total |
---|---|
Games | 590 |
Hits | 337 |
Home runs | 27 |
RBI | 163 |
Batting average | .237 |
Fielding percentage | .987 |
He played for five different teams: the White Sox, Pilots, Brewers, Cardinals, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
McNertney’s versatility stood out. He started as a first baseman and outfielder in the minors, then switched to catcher in 1961.
Final MLB Appearance in 1973
McNertney wrapped up his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1973. He joined them after spending some time with the Oakland Athletics’ Triple-A affiliate earlier that year.
His last run with Pittsburgh was short but kind of cool. He played in nine games and managed one hit in four at-bats.
The Pirates released him on July 5, 1973, when he was 36. His final MLB game happened on June 15, 1973, against the Cincinnati Reds.
Before Pittsburgh, McNertney spent two seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1971 to 1972. Folks in St. Louis called him the “Weekend Warrior.”
His career started with the Chicago White Sox in 1958 and ended 15 years later after stops with several teams in both leagues.
Career Statistics and Performance
Over nine years in the majors, Jerry McNertney put up a .237 batting average, 27 home runs, and 163 RBIs in 590 games. His defensive skills behind the plate were his bread and butter, and his numbers lined up with what you’d expect from a catcher in the ‘60s and early ‘70s.
Batting Metrics and Offensive Performance
McNertney’s offensive numbers were steady, though not flashy. He picked up 337 hits in 1,423 at-bats, keeping a .237 batting average over nine seasons.
His power was about average for a catcher of his time. He hit 27 home runs and drove in 163 RBIs. He also had 51 doubles and 6 triples, ending up with a .338 slugging percentage.
His OPS (on-base plus slugging) was .636 for his career. That’s a mix of his .298 on-base percentage and .338 slugging. McNertney drew 119 walks and struck out 199 times, showing decent patience at the plate.
His best year at the plate came in 1971 with St. Louis. He hit .289 with a .788 OPS, 4 home runs, and 22 RBIs in just 128 at-bats. That’s pretty solid for a backup catcher.
Defensive Contributions and Fielding
McNertney made his biggest impact with his defense. He played 590 games, most of them as a catcher for different teams.
His fielding percentage in his rookie year, 1964, was .987—just a tick below the league average of .990. He handled 395 chances that year, with 360 putouts, 30 assists, and 5 errors.
He knew how to call a game and work with pitchers. McNertney caught 492.1 innings in his first season and finished 30 games behind the plate.
His defensive range factor was 7.13 per nine innings, a bit higher than the league average of 7.07. He threw out 36.4% of base stealers in 1964, which was right around the league’s 37.0%. He also notched 5 pickoffs that season, showing off his awareness and quick thinking.
Career Batting Average and Advanced Stats
McNertney hit for a .237 career batting average, which honestly, just fits right in with most catchers from his era. You’ll notice his numbers bounced around a bit—he batted .233 in the American League, but when he played in the National League, that average jumped to .267.
He produced 129 runs over nine seasons. In 1969 with Seattle, he crossed the plate 39 times, which was his best single-season mark.
McNertney only stole 3 bases in his whole career. That’s pretty typical for a catcher who didn’t exactly have blazing speed.
When you look at advanced stats, he put together 4.0 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) in total. His OPS+ landed at 81, so he performed 19% below league average after you adjust for ballparks.
Most of his hits were singles, but he did smack 51 doubles, which stood out as his main extra-base hit. Across his career, McNertney racked up 481 total bases, averaging about 53 per season.
Comparison with League Peers
If you compare McNertney to other catchers from the 1960s and early ’70s, his numbers just kind of blend in. That .237 batting average really sums up what teams expected from a defensive-minded catcher back then.
According to Baseball Reference, his 81 OPS+ put him below the league’s offensive average. But let’s be real—catchers usually didn’t crush the ball, since teams leaned on them so much for defense.
He played 590 games in the majors, which is a decent run for a backup catcher. The fact that he suited up for six different teams says a lot about how managers trusted him behind the plate.
His fielding skills basically kept him in the big leagues, even though his bat didn’t always deliver. A .237 career batting average was just par for the course for catchers who focused on defense during the pitcher-dominated late ’60s.
Impact as a Catcher and Legacy
Jerry McNertney spent nine years in the majors, and honestly, he made a real difference for the teams he joined. He stood out for his defense and the way he led from behind the plate.
He had a knack for handling knuckleball pitchers and guiding younger teammates, which made him a big asset in both leagues.
Defensive Prowess and Leadership
McNertney didn’t even start out as a catcher. He spent his first three minor league seasons at first base and in the outfield. Then he switched to catcher and, surprisingly, picked up the position pretty quickly.
His defensive abilities really popped in 1969 with the Seattle Pilots. That year, he set team records with 12 putouts in a game (he actually did this twice) and 3 assists in a single game.
Those numbers show he controlled the running game and worked well with pitchers. But if you ask people who watched him, they’ll probably tell you his best skill was catching knuckleballers.
McNertney caught both Jim Bouton and Hoyt Wilhelm, two of the trickiest knuckleball pitchers ever. Not everyone can handle that pitch, but McNertney had the reflexes and patience for it.
He led in ways stats can’t always show. Teams leaned on him to call games and keep pitching staffs steady when things got rough.
Role on Various Teams
McNertney bounced around, playing for five different franchises. He started out with the Chicago White Sox in 1964.
The Seattle Pilots picked him up in the 1969 expansion draft as their fourth overall pick. When the Pilots moved to Milwaukee and became the Brewers, McNertney made a bit of history—he was the second player to touch the ball in a real major league game for the Brewers.
His best season came with the 1969 Seattle Pilots, where he set career highs in several offensive stats. He even drove in 5 RBIs in a single game, which became a team record.
Later, he played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Wherever he went, McNertney brought veteran leadership and a steady glove.
Influence on the Catcher Position
McNertney showed how valuable a defensive catcher could be, even when offense was becoming a bigger deal in baseball. His .237 average made it clear: teams wanted his glove more than his bat.
He became a go-to guy for catching knuckleballers. The way he worked with Bouton and Wilhelm set an example for other catchers facing the same challenge.
Switching to catcher late in his minor league days, McNertney proved that with enough work, players could pull off a position change. His move from first base and outfield to catcher inspired others to try it, too.
He spent nine years in the majors, moving from team to team, and showed how much clubs valued a veteran catcher who could fit into different systems and leagues.
Post-Playing Career and Life After Baseball
After he retired in 1973, Jerry McNertney didn’t just disappear from baseball. He moved into coaching roles with major league teams and eventually went back to his Iowa roots.
He worked as a bullpen instructor for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Then he spent eight years coaching at Iowa State University.
Coaching Roles and Contributions
McNertney jumped into coaching right after his playing days. He worked as a bullpen instructor with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
But his biggest impact probably came at Iowa State University. From 1989 to 1996, he served as an assistant coach for the Cyclones, focusing mostly on catchers.
He used his major league experience to help develop young players. His insights made a real difference for Iowa State’s baseball program.
Personal Life and Community Involvement
After the Pirates released him in July 1973, McNertney went back to Ames, Iowa. He finished his bachelor’s degree at Iowa State University when he was 36.
He always kept close ties to Iowa. McNertney returned to the same university where he’d starred as a first baseman in 1957, when the team won the Big Seven Championship and finished third in the College World Series.
By finishing his education, McNertney showed he cared about life outside baseball. That degree helped him start his coaching career at Iowa State.
Recognition and Honors
Iowa State University inducted McNertney into their Hall of Fame in 2006. They wanted to recognize both his playing achievements and his work as a coach.
The induction highlighted his big impact on Iowa State baseball. Back in 1957, he helped push the team onto the national stage.
Later on, he spent eight years mentoring catchers. That kind of dedication really stands out.
Getting into the Hall of Fame cemented his legacy at Iowa State. They saw his 10-year major league career and his commitment to helping future players.
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s