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

Jim Lefebvre made his mark in baseball history during his eight-year run with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1965 to 1972. The switch-hitting infielder from Inglewood, California, jumped into the major leagues and helped anchor one of baseball’s top franchises in the 1960s.

His journey started as a determined 10-year-old with big league dreams. Eventually, he became a World Series champion, which feels like a classic story of grit and sticking with it in pro sports.

Lefebvre hit his peak in 1965, snagging the National League Rookie of the Year award and playing a huge role in the Dodgers’ World Series win. That year, he joined Wes Parker, Maury Wills, and Jim Gilliam to create the first all switch-hitting infield in major league history.

He came up big in September, batting .333 with 10 RBIs, including four game-winners. That hot streak pushed Los Angeles ahead of the San Francisco Giants for the pennant.

After Major League Baseball, Lefebvre didn’t just walk away. He played four more years in Japan and later managed the Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs, and Milwaukee Brewers.

This look at his life covers his rise through the minors, his stats, his international career, and the mark he left as both player and manager.

Early Life and Path to Professional Baseball

Jim Lefebvre’s story started in California, where he grew up with a strong family behind him and plenty of natural ability. His dad coached baseball, and Jim’s own drive at Morningside High School set him up for a pro career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Childhood and Family Background

James Kenneth Lefebvre was born January 7, 1942, in Inglewood, California. He was the second of four kids born to Ben and Virginia (Girard) Lefebvre.

He had an older sister, Yvonne, and two younger brothers, Cliff and Gil. The Lefebvre family lived and breathed baseball, thanks to their dad.

Ben Lefebvre worked as a well-known hitting instructor and coach in American Legion and college baseball, including at Pepperdine University. He helped shape several future major leaguers, like Don Buford, Sparky Anderson, and Billy Consolo.

From age ten, Jim put in long hours with his dad, working on his skills. Ben pushed him to become a switch-hitter, and that move turned out to be a game-changer.

Their training sessions could get pretty intense. They spent hours drilling the double play pivot, and Jim often kept practicing even after his dad called it a night.

All three Lefebvre brothers ended up playing pro baseball. That family commitment to the game gave Jim the chance to grow his talents early on.

High School and Amateur Achievements

At Morningside High, Lefebvre stood out as a baseball player. He earned all-league honors three times.

His senior year, he got named player of the league, showing he was one of the top players in the area.

Besides high school ball, Lefebvre played for the Dodger Juniors against semipro teams. That helped him face tougher competition and get ready for pro ball.

During his senior year, he worked as the visiting team’s batboy at Dodgers games in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. That gave him a close-up view of the big leagues.

“Being batboy was a great experience,” Lefebvre said. “The players, especially Don Zimmer and Dick Schofield, talked baseball and worked with me on the field before games.”

That experience taught him a lot about bouncing back from tough times in baseball. “The main thing I learned is that when a good ballplayer is down, he always bounces back,” he said.

Signing as an Amateur Free Agent

After graduating high school in 1961, Lefebvre drew interest from several Major League teams. The Los Angeles Angels reportedly offered him $25,000 to sign.

Even with the bigger offer from the Angels, Lefebvre signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in early 1962. His signing bonus was $11,000, a lot less than what the Angels put on the table.

Dodgers scouts Kenny Myers and Lefty Phillips signed the 6-foot, 180-pound infielder. Myers had already discovered Willie Davis and would later sign Wes Parker.

Lefebvre’s decision to join the Dodgers as an amateur free agent worked out for his development. The Dodgers had a strong system for growing young talent.

He picked the Dodgers organization over more money, and that choice led to his major league career and the 1965 Rookie of the Year Award.

MLB Career with the Los Angeles Dodgers

Jim Lefebvre spent his entire eight-year major league career with the Dodgers from 1965 to 1972. He jumped in as a rookie second baseman, won the 1965 National League Rookie of the Year, and helped the Dodgers win the World Series.

Major League Debut

Lefebvre made his big league debut on April 12, 1965, at 23. He’d signed with the Dodgers in 1962 for $11,000.

The switch-hitter earned his roster spot with a strong spring training. Most people expected him to head back to Triple-A Spokane for more time.

By winning the second base job, Lefebvre joined Wes Parker, Maury Wills, and Jim Gilliam to form the first all switch-hitting infield in the majors.

He capped his rookie season by winning the 1965 NL Rookie of the Year. He got 14 votes, while Houston’s Joe Morgan had four and San Francisco’s Frank Linzy had three.

Position and Playing Style

Lefebvre mostly played second base, but he also saw plenty of time at third. He developed his switch-hitting skill with help from his dad, Ben Lefebvre, who was a respected hitting coach.

His flexibility made him a key part of the Dodgers’ infield. In 1966, he opened the season at third base, the first Dodger to do so in back-to-back years in Los Angeles.

Lefebvre was known for working hard and grinding it out. On road trips, he’d sometimes swing a bat in his hotel room to keep his timing sharp.

He had some trouble fielding at times, but he kept working to get better. Coach Preston Gomez would hit slow rollers to his right before games to help him shore up his defense.

Season by Season Highlights

1965-1966: Peak Performance

Lefebvre’s first two seasons were the best of his MLB career. In 1965, he hit .250 with 12 home runs and 69 RBIs, and the Dodgers won the World Series.

His 1966 season was his top offensive year. He led the team with 24 home runs and 74 RBIs and batted .274, all career highs.

1967-1972: Injury-Plagued Years

Injuries really took a toll on Lefebvre after that. He averaged only 102 games per year from 1967 to 1972, compared to 155 in his first two seasons.

After hitting 24 home runs in 1966, he managed just 38 more in his final 613 games. Shoulder problems, heel injuries, and other issues slowed him down.

The Dodgers let him go on November 27, 1972, ending his MLB career. He finished with a .251 average, 74 home runs, and 404 RBIs in 922 games.

Rookie of the Year Season and Awards

Jim Lefebvre made a splash in 1965 with a rookie season that earned him the National League Rookie of the Year. That debut included an All-Star nod and helped cement his role in the Dodgers’ championship run.

1965 National League Rookie of the Year

Lefebvre took home the 1965 National League Rookie of the Year Award after a strong first season with the Dodgers. He batted .250 with 12 home runs and 69 RBIs in 157 games, helping the team win the World Series.

The Baseball Writers’ Association of America gave him 14 votes. Houston’s Joe Morgan finished second with four votes, while San Francisco’s Frank Linzy had three.

Lefebvre’s biggest impact came during a crucial September stretch. When the Dodgers trailed the Giants by four and a half games, he led them on a 13-game winning streak. He hit .333 with 10 RBIs and four game-winning hits during that run.

He tied Chicago Cubs outfielder Billy Williams for the league lead with 14 game-winning hits. Lefebvre’s clutch play helped the Dodgers finish 97-65 and edge the Giants by two games.

All-Star Recognition

Lefebvre earned his first All-Star selection in 1966, his second year. He started at second base for the National League in their 2-1 win over the American League at Busch Stadium.

He replaced Houston’s injured Joe Morgan on the roster. Lefebvre had finished second to Morgan in the All-Star voting by NL players, coaches, and managers.

During the game, he went 0-for-2 against Denny McLain, the AL starter. Even without a hit, his selection showed he was making an impact in the league.

Other Major Accolades

Along with his rookie award, Lefebvre picked up a few other honors early in his career. In 1962, he won the Win Clark Award as Southern California’s Most Outstanding First-Year Man in Pro Baseball.

The Los Angeles Baseball Writers gave him that award after his strong debut with the Reno Silver Sox. He hit .327 with 39 home runs and 130 RBIs in the California League.

The Sporting News named Lefebvre to their Class C Minor League All-Star Team at second base. These early honors hinted at his future success in the majors and showed how quickly he advanced through the Dodgers’ system.

Statistical Achievements and Performance Analysis

Jim Lefebvre played eight years with the Dodgers, hitting .251 with 74 home runs and 404 RBIs in 922 games. His 17.1 career WAR shows he brought solid value, especially from 1965 to 1967.

Career Batting Stats

Lefebvre’s numbers show a steady contributor who hit his stride early. In 1965, his rookie year, he batted .250 and drove in 69 runs.

The 1966 season was his offensive high point. He hit .274 with 24 home runs and 74 RBIs, posted a .793 OPS, and made his only All-Star team.

He kept up decent power for his first four seasons. From 1965 to 1968, he averaged 12 home runs a year and put up solid RBI totals.

Key Career Batting Statistics:

• Batting Average: .251 (756 hits in 3,014 at-bats)
• Home Runs: 74
• RBIs: 404
• On-Base Percentage: .323
• Slugging Percentage: .378
• OPS: .701

Lefebvre’s switch-hitting made him a flexible threat at the plate. He drew 322 walks in his career, which helped boost his on-base percentage.

Fielding and Defensive Impact

Lefebvre showed real defensive versatility for the Dodgers throughout his career. He mostly played second base, but he also spent plenty of time at third and even made a few appearances at first.

His fielding stats back up his reputation as a solid defender at multiple spots. At second, he finished with a .976 career fielding percentage, which sat just a hair under the league average of .978 during his playing days.

In 1965, Lefebvre really put his defensive skills on display at second base. He handled 802 total chances and posted a .970 fielding percentage, turning 91 double plays that year.

When he switched to third base in 1967, he showed he could adapt. He played 92 games at third, notched a .955 fielding percentage, and racked up 205 assists.

Defensive Highlights:

• Primary Position: Second Base (most of his career)
• Secondary Position: Third Base (lots of playing time)
• Career Fielding Percentage: .976 at 2B, .952 at 3B
• Double Plays: 91 in his rookie year

If you look at his range factor stats, you’ll see he had good positioning and quick reactions. Lefebvre’s ability to handle different infield spots made him a valuable utility player during his later years.

WAR and Advanced Metrics

Baseball Reference credits Lefebvre with 17.1 career WAR, which sums up his contributions over eight seasons. He really peaked during his first three years in the majors.

His best year came in 1966, when he put up a 5.3 WAR. That season, he combined his top offensive numbers with steady defense, even earning some MVP buzz.

As a rookie, he racked up 4.6 WAR—so he made an impact from the start. His mix of offense and defensive flexibility gave the Dodgers a lot of value.

The advanced stats paint Lefebvre as a bit better than average overall. His 104 OPS+ means he hit about 4% better than the league average for his career.

Advanced Statistical Summary:

• Career WAR: 17.1 (Baseball Reference)
• Peak Season WAR: 5.3 (1966)
• OPS+: 104 (4% above league average)
• Average Annual WAR: 2.1

After 1967, his WAR numbers dropped off as he played less and didn’t hit as much. Over his last three seasons, he only managed 2.8 combined WAR.

Sites like Baseball Reference show Lefebvre as a solid everyday player, not a superstar. He made his biggest mark in the mid-1960s.

International Career and Success in Japan

When he wrapped up his MLB career in 1972, Jim Lefebvre wasn’t done with baseball. He headed to Japan and played four more seasons there. He actually became the first player to win both a World Series and a Japan Series title.

Transition to Japanese Baseball

Lefebvre joined Japanese pro baseball in 1973. At the time, not many Americans took that route.

He brought his MLB experience to a league that focused more on fundamentals and team play. Japanese baseball suited his work ethic and approach.

Deciding to play in Japan turned out to be a big move for his legacy. He got to keep playing at a high level and experienced a whole different baseball culture.

Playing for the Lotte Orions

Lefebvre signed with the Lotte Orions in the Japanese Pacific League for the 1973 season. The team gave him a new stage to show what he could do.

He stuck around for four seasons, from 1973 to 1976. During that time, he adjusted to the different style and training methods in Japan.

Bringing his veteran presence, Lefebvre helped guide younger Japanese teammates. Eight years in the majors gave him a ton of experience to share.

His time with Lotte showed that he could succeed internationally. He proved that American players could absolutely thrive in Japanese pro baseball.

Japan Series Champion

In 1974, Lefebvre hit a career milestone by winning the Japan Series with the Lotte Orions. That made him the first player to win both a World Series and a Japan Series.

The Japan Series win came nine years after his 1965 championship with the Dodgers. Not many players can say they’ve done both.

His success with the Orions in Japan’s top series proved how adaptable he was. He showed he could play at the highest level, no matter where.

That distinction became a big part of Lefebvre’s baseball story. At the time, nobody else had pulled off that feat.

Coaching and Managerial Career After Retiring as a Player

After hanging up his spikes in 1972, Jim Lefebvre jumped right into a coaching and managerial career that lasted over twenty years. He managed three MLB teams between 1989 and 1999, finishing with a record of 589 wins and 573 losses, and also worked as a hitting coach for clubs like the Dodgers and Reds.

Transition from Player to Manager

Lefebvre started managing in the minors after his playing career ended. He began in 1978 with the Lethbridge Dodgers, a rookie-level team in the Pioneer League.

His early success got the Dodgers’ attention. He later managed the Phoenix Giants and Phoenix Firebirds, where he developed young players.

The move to managing worked out well for him. As a former Rookie of the Year, he connected with players at all stages.

Seattle Mariners Leadership

In the winter of 1988, the Seattle Mariners hired Lefebvre as manager. He’d earned respect as the Dodgers’ hitting coach under Tommy Lasorda for two years.

He managed the Mariners from 1989 to 1991, helping a young franchise find its footing. The team struggled at times, but he started building a foundation.

His background as a switch-hitter came in handy with Seattle’s hitters. Lefebvre focused on fundamentals and plate discipline while he was there.

Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers Tenure

After Seattle, Lefebvre headed to the National League to manage the Chicago Cubs. His time with the Dodgers gave him a strong sense of NL baseball.

Later, he took over the Milwaukee Brewers in 1999. That was his last big league managing job, capping off a decade as a skipper.

He always emphasized player development and situational baseball. Lefebvre’s experience with different teams gave him a wide perspective on building a roster.

Major League Coaching Roles

After his managing days, Lefebvre jumped into coaching, focusing on hitting for several teams.

He worked with the San Francisco Giants and spent time with the San Diego Padres too.

But it was his stint as hitting coach for the Cincinnati Reds that really stands out. He played a big part in shaping a few successful hitters there.

Lefebvre brought his switch-hitting know-how to the table, and players trying to bat from both sides definitely leaned on him.

Coaching let him pass along his knowledge without the stress of running a whole team. People in baseball circles knew him as a sharp instructor, and that reputation opened doors for him with different organizations after his playing days.