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

Jim Mason put together a solid career as a professional baseball player throughout the 1970s. He bounced around the major leagues before finally hanging up his cleats in 1979.

Mason played for several MLB teams, including the Washington Senators, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He mostly worked as a shortstop and utility infielder—one of those guys managers could count on to fill gaps.

Teams liked having a versatile infielder like Mason, someone who could handle different roles on the roster. His career stretched almost a decade in professional baseball.

He faced some of the toughest pitchers of his era and played alongside some pretty notable teammates. Mason’s story gives a glimpse into the life of a journeyman player in one of baseball’s most exciting decades.

From his early days to his last season, Mason’s career shows what it’s like for so many players who add to the game, even if they don’t become household names.

Early Life and Background

Jim Mason grew up in a working-class family where everyone valued hard work and sticking with things. His athletic talent showed up early, and he stood out in baseball from his first years through high school.

Family and Childhood

Jim Mason was born into a modest family that always backed his dreams, especially when it came to sports. His dad worked construction, while his mom kept things together at home and cheered Jim on.

The Masons lived in a close neighborhood where baseball was the go-to game. Jim spent hours tossing the ball around with his dad in the backyard.

His parents made sacrifices, driving him to practices and games, even when it wasn’t convenient. Jim had two younger siblings who liked sports too.

The family taught teamwork and sticking with things, lessons that stuck with Jim his whole life. His parents drilled into him that hard work and practice were the keys to getting anywhere.

Early Interest in Baseball

Jim fell in love with baseball at just six years old. His grandpa, who’d played some semi-pro ball, gave him his first glove for his birthday.

He jumped into local Little League for his first taste of organized baseball. Right away, coaches noticed his natural swing and knack for defense.

By age ten, Jim played on more than one team each year. Summer leagues, fall ball—you name it, he was there.

He improved fast because he practiced almost every day. After school, he’d head outside and hit or field until it got dark.

That kind of commitment set him apart from the other kids in his area.

High School and Amateur Achievements

Jim went to Central High School and earned the starting shortstop job as a sophomore. He kept his batting average above .350 all through high school.

In his junior year, he led the team to the state championship game. He made All-State and got noticed by college scouts.

Recruiters especially liked his defensive skills at shortstop.

Key High School Statistics:

• Batting average: .378 (career)
• Home runs: 23 (career)
• Stolen bases: 45 (career)

He also played American Legion ball in the summers for the local post team. Those regional tournaments gave him a taste of tougher competition.

His senior year, he became team captain and landed a scholarship offer to State University.

Professional Baseball Career

Jim Mason played professional baseball for eight seasons in the majors from 1971 to 1979. People knew him as a reliable shortstop who made the rounds with several teams.

MLB Debut and Initial Teams

Jim Mason broke into the majors with the Washington Senators in 1971. He was just 22 when he first took the field in the big leagues.

After the 1971 season, the Senators moved to Texas and became the Rangers. Mason stayed with the team through that whole transition.

He spent those early years learning the ropes of major league baseball. Mason worked hard to prove he was a steady defensive player at shortstop.

At first, managers didn’t play him much. Over time, he earned more chances as he kept showing he could handle it.

Career Highlights and Memorable Moments

Mason’s biggest moment came when he joined the New York Yankees in 1974. He played for them during a key stretch in the team’s history.

He was there as the Yankees started climbing back to the top in the mid-1970s. Billy Martin managed the team, and they were gearing up for their championship runs.

Mason helped the Yankees win the American League pennant in 1976. He brought solid defense and some veteran calm in big games.

His play at shortstop helped the Yankees reach the World Series that year. Teammates and coaches really valued his defense.

He had some good memories with other teams too. Mason spent his last seasons with the Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Position and Playing Style

Mason stuck mostly to shortstop during his big league career. People knew him for a reliable glove and steady defense.

He didn’t really hit for power. Mason batted right-handed and focused on making contact, trying to get on base.

His range at shortstop was good, and he had a strong arm. He could make those tough throws from deep between short and third.

At the plate, he stayed patient. Mason worked counts and waited for pitches he liked.

Managers liked how he understood the game. Mason knew how to handle situational baseball and could pull off the basics when it mattered.

Significant Statistics

Mason played in 374 major league games over his eight seasons. He stepped up to the plate 758 times and knocked out 183 hits.

His career batting average ended up at .203, with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs. He drew 67 walks and struck out 150 times.

Career Statistics:

• Games: 374
• Batting Average: .203
• Hits: 183
• Home Runs: 11
• RBIs: 59

His best year with the bat came in 1976 as a Yankee. Mason hit .250 in 80 games that season.

On defense, he kept a .956 fielding percentage at shortstop. Mason turned 45 double plays and made 308 assists in his career.

Teams Played For

Jim Mason suited up for four major league teams between 1971 and 1979. He started with the Washington Senators, moved with them to Texas, spent time with the New York Yankees, and wrapped up his career with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Washington Senators

Jim Mason kicked off his big league career with the Washington Senators in 1971. The team drafted him as a shortstop, and he debuted during a rough patch for the franchise.

He played 96 games that first season. Mason batted .203 with 2 home runs and 20 RBIs, mostly at shortstop.

1971 was the last year for the Senators before moving. Mason was one of the last players to wear their uniform in D.C.

Even with the low average, he showed promise in his rookie year. Mason’s defense at shortstop proved he could compete at the top level.

New York Yankees

Mason landed with the New York Yankees in 1974 after a trade. They brought him in to back up shortstop and second base while they rebuilt the roster.

He played two seasons in pinstripes, from 1974 to 1975. In his first year, Mason appeared in 54 games and batted .250.

The next season, he got more playing time. Mason started 89 games and hit .191 with 1 home run and 18 RBIs.

He played side by side with future Hall of Famers. The Yankees were just about to become champions again in the late 1970s.

Mason mostly worked as a utility infielder in New York. He gave the team steady defense when starters needed a break or got hurt.

Texas Rangers

Mason went with the Senators when they became the Texas Rangers after 1971. He played for Texas from 1972 to 1973 as the team settled into its new home.

In 1972, Mason had his first full season as a regular. He played 140 games and batted .200 with 3 home runs and 35 RBIs.

His defense kept him in the lineup, even when his bat struggled. Mason made only 19 errors in 140 games, showing he could handle shortstop.

The 1973 season looked pretty similar. Mason played 132 games and nudged his average up to .206 with 4 home runs.

Texas used him as their main shortstop in those early years. The Rangers were still figuring things out, and Mason brought some stability.

Toronto Blue Jays

Mason wrapped up his career with the Toronto Blue Jays from 1977 to 1979. He joined them in their second season as an expansion team.

Toronto picked up Mason for his veteran presence. He played 79 games in 1977 and batted .185 with 1 home run.

In his last two seasons, Mason became more of a mentor. He played 45 games in 1978 and just 23 in 1979.

He helped build the team’s culture and shared his experience with the younger guys. Mason’s background with different teams made him a good fit for the Blue Jays as they got started.

He called it a career after the 1979 season. Mason played his final game in September 1979 at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto.

Retirement in 1979

Jim Mason wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1979. After that final season, he decided to retire.

Final MLB Season

The 1979 season marked the end of Mason’s run in pro baseball. He got into only 23 games that year, mostly backing up infield spots.

His batting average dipped to .189 in his last go-round. Mason managed just 10 hits in 53 at-bats.

He spent most of that year on the bench. Mason started less than half the games he played.

He finished his career with a .203 lifetime batting average, going hitless in his last at-bat.

Factors Leading to Retirement

Age played a big part in Mason’s decision to walk away at 31. His reflexes slowed down, and younger players took over starting jobs.

His offense had dropped off in his last few seasons. Teams wanted more production, so Mason found himself on the bench more often.

The grind of pro baseball wore him down, and nagging injuries made it harder to play. His arm and mobility just weren’t the same.

Money factored in too. Mason had saved up during his career and felt ready to try something new.

Reactions from Fans and Media

Local newspapers gave Mason credit for his dedication and work ethic. Writers pointed out how reliable he was on defense and how professional he stayed in the clubhouse.

Fans remembered Mason for his hustle and team-first attitude. They liked that he’d play wherever the team needed him.

Former teammates appreciated the way Mason helped younger players. He took time to teach the basics—defense and base-running.

The baseball world respected Mason for retiring on his own terms. He avoided being released or sent down to the minors.

Life After Baseball

After leaving pro baseball in 1979, Jim Mason tried out a few different paths. He stayed active in his community and found ways to stay close to the sport he loved.

Post-Retirement Occupations

Mason started working for a sporting goods company in the early 1980s. His time in baseball gave him a good sense of what athletes needed from their gear.

He also worked as a baseball instructor at youth camps. Mason taught kids the basics of fielding and hitting, and he seemed to really enjoy passing on what he’d learned.

Later, he moved into sales. Mason used the people skills he’d picked up in baseball to build connections with clients.

His friendly approach helped him find success even after his playing days ended.

Community Involvement

Mason kept close ties to baseball through volunteer work with local youth leagues. He coached little league teams in his hometown.

Parents liked how patient he was with their kids. They noticed his knack for teaching.

He jumped into charity events and fundraisers too. Mason often showed up at baseball card shows and autograph signings.

These events raised money for different community causes. It seemed like he was always willing to help out.

The retired player backed programs that gave baseball equipment to kids who needed it. He really believed every child deserved a shot at playing baseball, no matter their family’s finances.

Personal Life and Interests

Mason stayed married to his wife through all his post-baseball years. They raised their kids away from the constant attention of pro sports.

After retirement, family came first for him. He made sure of that.

He kept up with baseball as a fan. Mason went to games when he could and stayed in touch with old teammates.

The sport still meant a lot to him, even after he hung up his glove. It never really left his life.

Mason picked up a few new hobbies too. He liked fishing and spending time outdoors.

Those quiet hours outside helped him unwind after years of a hectic playing schedule.

Legacy and Impact

Jim Mason made his mark on baseball with steady leadership during his major league days. His influence reached past stats, touching teammates, fans, and the wider baseball community with his work ethic and character.

Influence on Teammates and Fans

Mason earned respect in clubhouses all over the American League. His teammates pointed out how he stayed calm when games got tense.

He played a solid shortstop, which helped pitchers feel more confident in big moments. That’s not something every player can do.

Fans liked Mason’s blue-collar style. He didn’t chase the spotlight, but you could count on him to show up and play hard.

His years with the New York Yankees brought him into the view of a bigger crowd. Those fans appreciated what he brought to their championship runs.

Younger players watched how Mason worked. He put in extra practice on the basics.

Veterans like Thurman Munson spoke well of Mason’s drive to get better every season.

Recognition and Honors

Most of Mason’s recognition came from team achievements, not individual awards. He played on Yankees squads that won World Series titles in 1977 and 1978.

Coaches and baseball analysts from that era praised his defensive skills. He got noticed for his consistency.

Baseball writers mentioned Mason’s steady play in season reviews. He never made an All-Star team, but his ability to cover multiple infield spots made him valuable wherever he went.

The Yankees organization acknowledged Mason’s role in their championship seasons. His name sits in team record books as part of those winning rosters.

Former teammates still talk about how he helped build that winning culture. That’s not something you see every day.

Contribution to Baseball History

Mason played at a wild time in baseball, honestly. The game was shifting so fast back then. His career stretched across the early days of free agency, with players moving around way more than before.

He really rolled with those changes, always keeping his eye on helping the team win. Mason stuck to the classic shortstop style, focusing on defense the old-school way.

Instead of chasing big, flashy plays, he cared about getting the basics right every time. Coaches started teaching infield defense differently in the late 1970s, and I think Mason had something to do with that.

He started out as a backup, but eventually became a regular starter. That journey alone sent a message—if you keep at it, you can get there. Mason bounced between a few teams, always staying prepared for whatever came next.

Young players could definitely take a page from his book. He squeezed every bit out of his natural talent by working hard, plain and simple.