Jim Fairey – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jim Fairey put together a solid six-year run in Major League Baseball during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He played as an outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Montreal Expos.

Born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, on September 22, 1944, Fairey really embodied that steady, dependable player who helped shape pro baseball during a time of big changes.

Fairey officially retired from professional baseball in 1973 after spending his final season back with the Dodgers, the club where he kicked off his MLB journey in 1968. Over 399 games, he posted a .235 batting average, hit 7 home runs, and drove in 75 runs.

Those numbers might not leap off the stat sheet, but they tell the story of a dedicated professional who earned his spot in the majors with consistent effort and a willingness to adapt.

The lefty batter and thrower took an interesting path through baseball’s shifting landscape. Montreal selected him in their first-ever expansion draft in 1969.

He went from a small college in South Carolina to the bright lights of the majors. That journey says a lot about the grit it took to make it in baseball during a transformative period in the sport’s history.

Jim Fairey’s Professional Baseball Career

Jim Fairey played six seasons in Major League Baseball from 1968 to 1973. He split his time between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Montreal Expos.

He started with the Dodgers, spent four seasons with the Expos, and finished his career back in Los Angeles.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Jim Fairey made his MLB debut on April 14, 1968, with the Dodgers. He was just 23 when he broke into the big leagues after signing as a non-drafted free agent in 1965.

The left-handed outfielder from Orangeburg, South Carolina, worked his way up through the Dodgers’ minor league system. He debuted while the Dodgers were still a strong National League contender.

Fairey’s rookie season in 1968 marked the start of his six-year MLB career. He batted and threw left-handed, stood 5’10”, and weighed 190 pounds.

Before joining the Dodgers, he played ball at Erskine College. That’s pretty notable, since only three major leaguers have ever played at Erskine.

Tenure with Los Angeles Dodgers

Fairey’s first stint with the Dodgers lasted just one season in 1968. During that year, he got valuable experience with one of baseball’s most storied teams.

The Dodgers mostly used Fairey as an outfielder, though he saw some time at first base too. His left-handed bat added depth to their lineup.

The Dodgers lost Fairey to the expansion draft. Montreal picked him 52nd overall on October 14, 1968.

That pick brought both opportunity and challenge. Fairey left an established team for a brand-new franchise trying to build from scratch.

Montreal Expos Years

Fairey spent most of his MLB career with the Montreal Expos from 1969 to 1972. Those four seasons were his most impactful.

In Montreal, Fairey built a reputation as a pinch-hitter. In 1972, he led the National League with 55 pinch-hit appearances, showing his value as a utility guy.

The Expos used his versatility, playing him in the outfield and sometimes at first base. His left-handed bat gave the young team some needed experience.

Fairey dealt with some injuries in Montreal. The team put him on the disabled list on April 6, 1970, but he returned to action by April 17.

His Expos run ended when they released him on March 27, 1973. That move set up his return to the Dodgers.

Final MLB Season and Retirement

The Dodgers brought Fairey back on April 14, 1973, exactly five years after his MLB debut. This homecoming marked the final chapter of his career.

Fairey played his last MLB game on September 26, 1973, against the Atlanta Braves. In that game, he had one at-bat and didn’t record a hit.

His career stats included a .235 average, 7 home runs, and 75 RBIs over 399 games. He mostly served as a utility player and pinch-hitter, not a regular starter.

Fairey retired from Major League Baseball at 29. His time in the majors spanned two teams and six seasons.

Playing Style and Position

Jim Fairey was a left-handed outfielder who played all three outfield positions during his MLB career. He combined solid defense with a lefty swing that produced modest numbers at the plate.

Defensive Role as Outfielder

Fairey showed versatility in the outfield. He played center, left, and right field, though left field was his main spot.

During his time with the Dodgers and Expos, Fairey proved to be a reliable defender. His fielding percentage held up well for that era.

In 1971, he handled 86 chances in left field and posted a .965 fielding percentage. His range and positioning let him cover a lot of ground.

He racked up 76 putouts in left field that year, making 1971 his best defensive season. Managers valued his ability to play all over the outfield.

Fairey kept his errors low most seasons. He showed good hands and solid fundamentals in the field.

Batting and Throwing Abilities

Fairey hit and threw left-handed, so he matched up well against righties. His career batting average of .235 reflected his utility role more than anything.

At 5-10 and 190 pounds, Fairey had decent pop for his size. He hit 7 home runs in his career, with his best power year coming in 1970 when he hit 3.

He walked 47 times and struck out 122 times in 399 games. His best offensive season was 1970, when he hit .242 with 25 RBIs in 92 games.

Fairey flashed some offensive potential here and there. In 1969, he hit .286 in limited action with Montreal, though that was only 49 at-bats.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Jim Fairey’s six years in the majors featured solid defense and clutch pinch-hitting, especially his National League-leading 55 pinch-hit appearances in 1972. His most productive season came in 1970 with a .242 average and 3 homers for Montreal.

Notable Games and Performances

Fairey’s best year was 1970 with the Expos. He played in 92 games and collected 51 hits, including 9 doubles and 3 triples.

That season, he drove in 25 runs and scored 35 times. In 1972, he led the league in pinch-hit appearances, proving his value as a reliable bench player.

In 1969, Fairey posted his highest average—.286—in 20 games. He managed 14 hits in 49 at-bats, showing he could hit for contact when given the chance.

Statistical Milestones

Fairey finished with a .235 average over 399 games. He collected 180 hits, including 28 doubles and 7 triples.

His power numbers were modest, with 7 home runs and 75 RBIs. His best single-season average was .286 in 1969, though in limited at-bats.

Career Totals:

• Games: 399
• Batting Average: .235
• Hits: 180
• Home Runs: 7
• RBIs: 75

Fairey actually hit better as a pinch-hitter. In 189 pinch-hit at-bats, he posted a .258 average and a .303 on-base percentage.

Statistical Overview

Jim Fairey ended up with a .235 batting average, 7 home runs, and 75 RBIs over six seasons from 1968 to 1973. His numbers fluctuated between his time with the Dodgers and Expos, but his best years were in Montreal.

Season-by-Season Performance

Fairey’s rookie year in 1968 with the Dodgers was tough. He batted just .199 over 99 games, which is pretty common for young players getting used to big-league pitching.

In 1969 with Montreal, he showed improvement, batting .286 in 20 games. That year, he collected 14 hits and displayed better plate discipline.

His most productive season came in 1970. He played 92 games for the Expos, hit .242, and launched 3 home runs. He also scored a career-high 35 runs.

In 1971, he stayed steady at .245 with 49 hits in 92 games. He added 19 RBIs to the Expos’ offense.

Fairey’s average dipped to .234 in 86 games during 1972. His final year with the Dodgers in 1973 saw him play just 10 games, batting .222.

Career Batting Statistics

Fairey’s career totals show a utility player who provided depth rather than star power. He posted a .235 average from 180 hits in 766 at-bats over 399 games.

He didn’t hit for much power—7 home runs and 28 doubles across his career, plus 7 triples in six seasons.

Key Offensive Numbers:

• Batting Average: .235
• On-Base Percentage: .279
• Slugging Percentage: .317
• RBIs: 75
• Runs Scored: 86

Fairey hit better during his Montreal years, with a .245 average, compared to .200 with the Dodgers.

He struck out 122 times and walked just 47 times, which suggests he liked to swing the bat. That low walk total kept his on-base percentage down.

Fielding Records

Fairey mostly played the outfield, appearing in 293 games defensively across all three spots. His versatility let managers move him around as needed.

His fielding stats were mixed. He finished with a .968 career fielding percentage, which was a bit below league average for outfielders at the time.

Defensive Breakdown:

• Total Games: 293 (outfield)
• Putouts: 258
• Assists: 13
• Errors: 15
• Double Plays: 2

He played 187 games in left field, making that his main position. His range factor there was 1.88, almost identical to the league average.

Center field was tougher for him. In 56 games at that spot, he posted a .950 fielding percentage, which shows just how demanding that position can be.

He also played a little at first base and right field, adding even more flexibility. That versatility definitely helped keep him in the majors, even if his bat wasn’t the loudest.

Early Life and Amateur Career

James Burke Fairey was born on September 22, 1944, in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

He started honing his baseball skills at Erskine College. Out of everyone who went there, only three made it to Major League Baseball—including him.

Background and Education

Jim Fairey grew up in Orangeburg, South Carolina, during the 1940s and 1950s.

The town felt small and close-knit, and it gave young athletes like him a good shot at developing their skills.

Born in 1944, Fairey grew up during what many call baseball’s golden era.

He showed real promise as a left-handed hitter pretty early on. Local scouts noticed his natural athleticism.

He started his journey to professional baseball right there in South Carolina.

The state had a reputation for producing talented players. The warm weather meant he could play and practice baseball all year.

His family always supported his baseball dreams. That encouragement helped him stick with the sport while pursuing college.

Collegiate Baseball at Erskine College

Fairey went to Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina.

It’s a small liberal arts school, but it offered him both academic and athletic opportunities.

He joined a pretty exclusive group—only three Erskine College players have ever reached the majors.

Fairey joined Erskine Thomason and Eric Moody in that select group. Not many can say they pulled that off.

Professional scouts liked what they saw from him in college. His left-handed batting and his defensive work stood out.

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed him in 1968.

He kept in touch with Erskine College after he went pro. At one point, he even helped Eric Moody negotiate a contract with the Texas Rangers. That kind of loyalty says a lot about him.

Post-Retirement Life and Legacy

Jim Fairey left baseball in 1973 after six seasons in Major League Baseball.

He moved on to a quieter life, away from the spotlight. As a left-handed pinch hitter, he didn’t become a superstar, but he left a mark that fans still remember.

Life After Baseball

People don’t know a whole lot about what Jim Fairey did after he retired.

Unlike some major leaguers who go into coaching or broadcasting, Fairey seems to have chosen a more private life.

Since he was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, maybe he returned home after his playing days. A lot of players from his era started new careers or business ventures once they left baseball, but the details about what Fairey did next just aren’t out there.

Back in the 1970s, athletes who retired didn’t always get much media attention. Opportunities to stay connected to the sport were pretty limited, especially for players like Fairey who had more specialized roles than star power.

Recognition and Lasting Impact

Jim Fairey’s baseball legacy really comes down to how effective he was as a specialized pinch hitter, especially in those early Montreal Expos years.

In 1972, he stepped up to the plate 55 times as a pinch hitter, leading the National League. That alone shows you how much managers trusted him in tight spots.

Fairey hit .254 as a pinch hitter over his career, which is pretty solid considering the pressure. Managers liked having his left-handed bat ready on the bench, always hoping for that perfect matchup.

He never became a household name, but his six-year run in the majors meant a lot to all those minor leaguers chasing the same dream.

Fairey moved from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the brand-new Montreal Expos, and his journey kind of sums up what a lot of players went through as baseball changed in the late ’60s and early ’70s.

He played in 399 games and drove in 75 runs. Sure, those numbers might look small now, but back then, they mattered—a lot—to two growing franchises during baseball’s expansion era.