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

Jim York wrapped up his baseball career quietly in 1976. Still, his six-year run in Major League Baseball tells the story of a determined pitcher who gave it his all during one of baseball’s golden eras.

Born in California in 1947, York climbed from UCLA’s College World Series team to the majors, where he faced some of the game’s best hitters.

York officially retired from professional baseball in 1978 after his final MLB appearance with the New York Yankees on August 5, 1976. He finished with 16 wins, 17 losses, and a 3.79 ERA over 174 games. Those stats might not wow everyone, but they show years of dedication to America’s pastime during a pretty tough era.

He pitched for the Kansas City Royals, the Houston Astros, and finally the Yankees. York’s path shows how a pro athlete adapts and pushes through, especially in the early 1970s when baseball was changing fast.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Jim York was born on August 27, 1947, in Maywood, California. That’s where his baseball journey started.

York starred at Norwalk High School and then at UCLA, playing with future big leaguers in the 1969 College World Series.

Family Background

James Harlan York arrived in Maywood, California, on August 27, 1947. His family encouraged his athletic ambitions from early on.

He grew up in a region famous for producing baseball talent. His family’s support gave him the foundation he needed as he worked on his pitching skills.

High School Years

York went to Norwalk High School in California. There, he really sharpened his pitching abilities.

He graduated in 1965 after making a name for himself as a strong right-handed pitcher. Those high school years set the stage for what came next.

Scouts took notice of his talent, and his performance earned him a shot to play college ball.

Time at University of California, Los Angeles

York enrolled at UCLA and joined the Bruins baseball squad. His college years shaped his amateur career.

In 1969, he played in the College World Series, lining up with Chris Chambliss, who’d later become a major leaguer.

That College World Series run put York in the national spotlight. Facing the best college players helped him get ready for the pros.

The coaching and competition at UCLA pushed York’s game to the next level. Scouts started to pay even more attention.

Draft and Transition to Professional Baseball

The Kansas City Royals picked York in the 16th round of the 1969 June Amateur Draft. That’s when he officially moved from amateur to pro.

The Royals saw potential in his right arm and decided to take a chance on him. The timing fit perfectly, coming right as he finished up at UCLA.

York started his pro journey with the Royals organization. He made his big league debut on September 21, 1970, just over a year after the draft.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Jim York played six seasons in Major League Baseball from 1970 to 1976. He posted a 16-17 record and a 3.79 ERA over 174 games.

He played for three teams, but his best years probably came with the Houston Astros.

Kansas City Royals Debut

York made his MLB debut on September 21, 1970, for the Kansas City Royals at age 23. The Royals drafted him after his college run at UCLA, where he’d played in the 1969 College World Series with Chris Chambliss.

His big breakthrough happened in 1971 with Kansas City. That year, York struck out 103 batters and posted a 2.89 ERA, finishing with a 5-5 record.

He even hit his only career home run that season, taking Cleveland’s Alan Foster deep. As a pitcher, York didn’t bat much—he finished with only three hits in 40 at-bats.

York earned $12,500 in that standout 1971 season. His performance made him a valuable pitcher, but the Royals traded him after the year ended.

Houston Astros Tenure

The Royals traded York and Lance Clemons to the Astros for John Mayberry and minor leaguer Dave Grangaard on December 2, 1971. That Winter Meetings deal changed York’s career path.

York spent four seasons with Houston from 1972 to 1975. He mostly pitched in relief and occasionally started games.

In Houston, York became a steady part of the pitching staff. He wore numbers 40, 42, and 43 at different times.

His time with the Astros made up the bulk of his major league career. The team gave him regular chances to pitch against the best.

New York Yankees Final Season

York’s last big league season came in 1976 with the New York Yankees. He made his final MLB appearance on August 5, 1976.

The Yankees released him in August, which effectively ended his major league run. After that, York signed with the Iowa Oaks in the White Sox system for a brief minor league stint.

He didn’t play professionally in 1977. York officially retired from baseball in 1978.

Career Milestones and Highlights

York finished his six-year big league career with a 16-17 win-loss record and a 3.79 ERA across 174 games. He struck out 194 batters, showing solid command on the mound.

His peak came in 1971 with Kansas City—best ERA (2.89), most strikeouts (103), and his only home run.

He played for three different organizations and got a taste of both American and National League baseball. York’s career stretched from the early days of the Royals franchise to established teams like the Astros and Yankees.

He stood 6-foot-3 and weighed 200 pounds during his playing days. York threw and batted right-handed.

Pitching Profile and Statistics

Jim York put up a 3.79 ERA over seven seasons, finishing with a 16-17 record. He was at his best with Kansas City, where he posted a 2.93 ERA.

His advanced stats show a real difference between leagues—positive WAR in the American League, but negative numbers in the National League.

ERA and Performance Analysis

York’s 3.79 career ERA shows he had ups and downs with different teams. His best years came with Kansas City, where he notched a sharp 2.93 ERA over two seasons.

In 1971, York really shined. He posted a 2.89 ERA in 53 appearances for the Royals, striking out 103 in 93.1 innings.

After moving to Houston in 1972, things got tougher. His ERA jumped to 4.19 over four seasons with the Astros.

Pitching in the National League didn’t go as smoothly. Hitters put up better numbers against him there.

York’s last year with the Yankees in 1976 was rough—he posted a 5.59 ERA in just three games, giving up 14 hits in 9.2 innings.

Wins and Career Record

York wrapped up his career with a 16-17 record, and he only posted winning records in two of his seven seasons. His best year was 1971, when he went 5-5 with the Royals, working exclusively in relief.

He collected six saves while pitching for Houston from 1973 to 1975. His role changed a lot, bouncing between middle relief and setup duties.

York never became a regular closer. His win totals stayed pretty modest—his best was five wins in both 1971 and 1975.

The Yankees picked him up for his final season in 1976. He grabbed one win in three games before getting released.

WAR and Advanced Metrics

York’s 0.9 career WAR tells you he didn’t provide much above replacement level. The advanced numbers really highlight the gap between his American League and National League years.

With Kansas City, York posted a 1.8 WAR in two seasons. In 1971 alone, he contributed 1.6 WAR, showing his value as a reliever.

But his time in Houston dragged down his overall value. He ended up with negative 0.7 WAR over four seasons with the Astros.

York’s WHIP of 1.481 points to control issues. He averaged 4.2 walks per nine innings, which hurt his numbers.

His strikeout rate—6.1 per nine innings—was decent for that era, but nothing eye-popping.

1976 Retirement and Legacy

Jim York’s last season with the New York Yankees marked the end of his six-year MLB career. He left professional baseball after his August 1976 release, then had a short minor league run before officially retiring in 1978.

Final Season with New York Yankees

York joined the Yankees in 1976 for what turned out to be his final big league season. His last MLB game came on August 5, 1976.

The Yankees let him go that month, ending his time in the majors. He wore numbers 40, 42, or 43 during his stint with the team.

The Yankees were on the rise, building toward their late-1970s title runs, but York wasn’t part of that group.

Decision to Retire

After the Yankees released him, York tried to keep his career alive by signing with the Iowa Oaks in the White Sox system.

He didn’t pitch professionally in 1977. That year away from the game signaled a big change for York.

In 1978, he made it official and retired from pro baseball. Two years out of the majors had made it clear his playing days were done.

He finished with a 16-17 record, 194 strikeouts, and a 3.79 ERA over 174 games.

Reputation Among Peers

York’s best season was 1971 with Kansas City, notching a 2.89 ERA and 103 strikeouts. That year, he earned $12,500 and proved himself as a reliable pitcher.

Teammates respected his steady right-handed pitching. York’s career had its moments—like his home run off Alan Foster in 1971.

He played with some notable guys, including Chris Chambliss from his UCLA days. York’s pro journey took him through three major league teams before he hung up his spikes.

Post-Baseball Life and Activities

After his last MLB appearance in August 1976, Jim York faced the challenge of moving from pro baseball to regular life. He got involved in community work and stayed connected to the sport that shaped his career.

Transition Away from MLB

York didn’t leave Major League Baseball all at once. The Yankees let him go in August 1976, but he kept playing for a bit longer.

He joined the Iowa Oaks in the Chicago White Sox organization for a minor league run. A lot of older players try this route, hoping to squeeze out a few more seasons or just ease out of the game.

After 1976, York took a year off from pro baseball. In 1978, he decided to retire for good, ending a playing career that started back in 1970.

This period of winding down gave him time to get used to life outside of baseball. Honestly, most guys from his era ran into the same challenges once they left the structured world of pro sports.

Community Engagement

Not much info is out there about York’s specific community involvement after he retired. Still, like plenty of ex-athletes from his generation, he probably found ways to help out with local baseball or youth activities.

A lot of former MLB players from the ’70s gave back by working with youth leagues and sharing what they’d learned over the years.

York had a UCLA degree, which likely helped him connect with his community. Honestly, graduating from such a big-name college probably made the shift to life after baseball a little smoother.

Involvement in Baseball After Retirement

After his playing days, York stayed involved in baseball, just like many retired players from his time. Coaching, giving lessons, or mentoring younger guys seemed like a natural fit.

He pitched relief for three different organizations, so he had plenty of stories and advice to pass along. Six years in the majors gave him the kind of experience that translates well when you’re teaching or coaching.

Nobody’s really documented exactly what he did in baseball after retiring. Still, with his pro background and that UCLA education, he was pretty well set up for all kinds of baseball-related gigs.

Impact on Teams and Lasting Influence

Jim York spent six years in the majors, and he definitely made his mark on the Royals, Astros, and Yankees. He brought steady pitching and a calm presence to every team. That 3.79 ERA and 194 strikeouts show he delivered consistent results during a time when baseball was really changing.

Contributions to Team Success

York had his biggest impact with the Kansas City Royals in 1971. That season, he put up a 2.89 ERA and struck out 103 batters, finishing with a 5-5 record.

He helped stabilize the Royals’ pitching staff during their early days as an expansion team. The front office clearly valued him, paying $12,500 that year, which signaled he was an important piece for them.

When the Royals traded York to Houston in December 1971, they got John Mayberry in return. That deal really worked out for Kansas City since Mayberry became a huge part of their lineup through the ’70s.

With the Astros from 1972 to 1975, York filled in as reliable middle rotation depth. He appeared in 174 games over his career, so teams knew they could count on him to show up and do the job.

Mentorship of Younger Players

As York got older, he naturally stepped into more of a mentor role. Playing for three organizations gave him a wide range of experiences to share with younger teammates.

Back at UCLA, he played with Chris Chambliss in the 1969 College World Series. That kind of early exposure to high-level competition definitely prepared him to help others once he hit the pros.

York’s steady approach and experience with different clubs made him a go-to guy for developing pitchers. He showed younger players how to handle moving between teams and adapt to new situations.

Reflection on His ERA and Playing Era

York’s 3.79 ERA really shows the pitching climate of the early 1970s. Back then, offense just didn’t explode like it does in modern baseball.

He landed as a solid middle-rotation guy for that time. Not flashy, but you could count on him.

The early ’70s brought some big changes in strategy and how teams trained. York pitched right when the American League rolled out the designated hitter rule in 1973, so he had to adapt on the fly.

His career stretched across the tail end of baseball’s second deadball era. Pitchers usually put up lower ERAs then, and York kept pace with that trend.

He racked up 194 strikeouts over six seasons, so he clearly knew how to make batters miss. On average, that’s about 32 strikeouts a year, which isn’t eye-popping but it does show he produced steadily.