Joe Beckwith – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Joe Beckwith wrapped up his baseball career on September 30, 1986, when he pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers for the last time. He’d spent seven seasons in Major League Baseball, splitting those years between the Dodgers and the Kansas City Royals from 1979 to 1986.

Beckwith put together an 18-19 record with a 3.54 earned run average and racked up 319 strikeouts over 229 career games. He mainly worked as a relief pitcher throughout his MLB run.

His road through pro baseball had its ups and downs. He won a World Series with the Royals in 1985, but he also had to battle back from a nasty eye injury that kept him out for an entire season.

Growing up in Alabama, Beckwith went from Auburn University standout to major league pitcher. That journey took grit, no doubt. He set college baseball records, worked his way through the minors, faced the grind of pro competition, and eventually had to figure out what comes after baseball—like every player does.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Joseph Beckwith was born January 28, 1955, in Opelika, Alabama, and grew up just down the road in Auburn. His family had deep Auburn roots, and his standout high school career set the stage for his later success at Auburn University, where he broke several records before turning pro.

Family Background and Auburn Roots

Joe Beckwith grew up in a family that loved sports and had strong ties to Auburn University. His dad, Bill Beckwith, worked at Auburn for over forty years in public relations and as director of ticket sales. His mom was Marjorie Beckwith.

The Beckwiths were true Auburn people. With Bill’s long career at the university, baseball was always a big deal in their house. That kind of environment definitely helped spark Joe’s early love for the game.

Living in Auburn gave Joe a front-row seat to college baseball. He even served as a batboy for Auburn University’s baseball team as a kid. That put him close to the action and helped him learn the game early on.

His dad’s job at Auburn meant Joe was always surrounded by college sports. Those connections would play a big part in his development as a player.

Auburn High School Achievements

Joe attended Auburn High School and pitched for the school’s baseball team. His high school years helped him build a reputation as a promising pitcher in Alabama.

While at Auburn High, Beckwith sharpened his pitching and started catching the eye of college scouts. The way he threw on the mound showed he had the tools to succeed at the next level.

Playing for Auburn High was a big deal for his development. He got to face some of the best talent in Alabama while staying close to home.

His success in high school made Auburn University the obvious next step for his baseball journey. With local ties and a growing reputation, heading to Auburn just made sense.

Auburn University Baseball Career

Beckwith pitched for the Auburn Tigers from 1974 to 1977 and became one of the best in the program’s history. He set records that stood for decades after he left.

Probably his most memorable moment came in 1976 when he threw a no-hitter against the University of Houston. That game really showed off his dominance and caught the attention of pro scouts.

Career Records at Auburn:

• Most career wins: 31 (a conference record back then)
• Most complete games in a season: 10
• Most complete games in a career: 20
• Most shutouts all-time: 6
• Most shutouts in a single season: 3

He made the All-SEC team in both 1976 and 1977, earning recognition as one of the conference’s top pitchers during his last two years.

In 1975, he played summer ball with the Cotuit Kettleers in the Cape Cod Baseball League and made the league all-star team, facing off against some of the best college players in the country.

The Cleveland Indians picked him in the 12th round of the 1976 MLB draft, but he decided to stick around Auburn for his senior year. The Los Angeles Dodgers grabbed him in the second round of the 1977 draft, and that’s when he turned pro.

Path to Professional Baseball

Beckwith’s move from Auburn University to the big leagues blended college success, the draft, and a climb through the Dodgers’ minor league system. Switching from starter to reliever ended up shaping his pro career.

College Baseball Highlights and Draft

At Auburn, Beckwith honed his pitching skills and pitched alongside future major leaguer Terry Leach. Together, they anchored Auburn’s staff in the mid-1970s.

His strong college numbers got pro scouts interested. The Cleveland Indians picked him in the 12th round of the 1976 MLB June Amateur Draft.

But Beckwith chose to stay at Auburn instead of signing with Cleveland. That extra year in college helped his game.

The next year, the Los Angeles Dodgers picked him in the 2nd round of the 1977 draft. That higher draft spot showed how much his stock had risen.

Draft History:

• 1976: Cleveland Indians, 12th round (didn’t sign)
• 1977: Los Angeles Dodgers, 2nd round (signed)

Minor League Progression

After signing with the Dodgers, Beckwith started his pro journey in their minor league system. He spent two seasons developing before his major league debut.

From 1977 to 1979, he moved through several levels in the Dodgers’ farm system. The coaches worked with him on his mechanics and taught him the ins and outs of pro ball.

He impressed enough in the minors to earn a shot at the majors. The Dodgers called him up during the 1979 season.

Beckwith made his MLB debut on July 21, 1979, showing that his time in the minors had paid off.

Transition from Starter to Reliever

Beckwith’s role changed a lot once he turned pro. He might’ve started games in college and the minors, but in the majors, he settled in as a reliever.

His pitching style fit the bullpen. At 6’3″ and 200 pounds, he had the size teams wanted in a relief arm.

Moving to the bullpen helped him stick around longer. As a reliever, he focused on shorter outings and could stay sharp over more appearances.

In 1980, he really shined in this role, posting a 1.96 ERA over 38 appearances. That year, he became a reliable option out of the Dodgers’ bullpen.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Joe Beckwith pitched seven seasons in the majors from 1979 to 1986. He finished with an 18-19 record, a 3.54 ERA, and 319 strikeouts in 229 games. He made big contributions to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Kansas City Royals, and he got a World Series ring with the Royals in 1985.

MLB Debut and Initial Impact

Beckwith debuted in the majors on July 21, 1979, at age 24 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He came in after Don Sutton in a 7-2 loss to the Montreal Expos, giving up two earned runs and striking out one in two innings.

Even though his debut was rough, Beckwith quickly proved he could be a reliable reliever. In 1980, he went 3-3 with a stellar 1.96 ERA.

He struck out 40 batters in 59⅔ innings that rookie year. It was a strong start and showed he could help the bullpen.

Beckwith adjusted fast to the big leagues. His right-handed delivery and steady relief work made him a solid asset for the Dodgers.

Role with the Los Angeles Dodgers

Beckwith spent most of his career with the Dodgers, pitching for them from 1979 to 1983, and then coming back in 1986. But he lost the entire 1981 season to a serious injury.

During spring training in 1981, Jack Perconte hit a line drive during batting practice. Beckwith dodged the ball, but the scare caused double vision that needed two surgeries.

He missed the Dodgers’ 1981 World Series run because of that injury. Beckwith returned to the mound in mid-1982 and kept working as a dependable reliever.

While with the Dodgers, he mainly came out of the bullpen. He helped steady the team’s relief corps, even if he never quite matched his rookie stats again.

Contributions to the Kansas City Royals

The Dodgers traded Beckwith to the Kansas City Royals in 1984. His two years in Kansas City turned out to be the highlight of his career.

In 1985, Beckwith reached the top—he and the Royals won the World Series. He pitched two innings in Game 4, one of just two relievers the Royals used in the series.

His role with the Royals wasn’t huge, but it was important. He gave the bullpen some depth behind closer Dan Quisenberry during their championship season.

The Royals let him go on March 28, 1986, before the next season. After a short time with the Toronto Blue Jays’ organization, Beckwith rejoined the Dodgers and pitched his last major league game on September 30, 1986.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Joe Beckwith’s seven years in the majors brought him a World Series ring with the Royals in 1985. He helped Kansas City win their first title and put up solid numbers as a reliever.

World Series Championships

Beckwith’s biggest moment came in 1985 when the Kansas City Royals won the World Series. He played a key part as one of just two relievers used in the series.

The Royals leaned on Beckwith during the playoffs. He made his only World Series appearance in Game 4, pitching two innings against the St. Louis Cardinals. His work helped the team win that game—a big step toward their historic championship.

That was the first championship in Royals history. Beckwith’s contribution as a reliever made him part of that story. The title came during his second year in Kansas City after the Dodgers traded him.

Memorable Performances and Milestones

Beckwith’s big league debut was July 21, 1979, when he relieved Don Sutton for the Dodgers. He threw two innings against the Expos, struck out one, and took the loss, but it was the start of his MLB career.

His rookie season in 1980 was a standout. He went 3-3 with a 1.96 ERA over 59⅔ innings and struck out 40 batters.

Career Statistics:

• Win-Loss Record: 18-19
• Earned Run Average: 3.54
• Strikeouts: 319
• Games Played: 229

Beckwith had to overcome real adversity. That eye injury in spring training cost him the entire 1981 season, but he fought back and kept pitching for both the Dodgers and Royals through 1986.

Final Season and Retirement in 1986

Joe Beckwith finished up his Major League Baseball career in 1986 after returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers for his last season. He played his final game on September 30, 1986, closing out a seven-year career that ran from 1979 to 1986.

1986 MLB Season Overview

Beckwith came back to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1986 after spending two seasons with the Kansas City Royals. That year marked his return to the Dodgers, where he’d already played from 1979 to 1983.

For Beckwith, the 1986 season felt like things had come full circle. He started his major league career with Los Angeles back in 1979, making his debut on July 21.

During his last campaign, Beckwith pitched in relief for the Dodgers. He wrapped up his career with 18 wins and 19 losses across 229 Major League games.

On September 30, 1986, Beckwith took the mound for the last time in his professional career. That date closed the book on his time in the big leagues.

Retirement Decision and Reflections

After the 1986 season, Joe Beckwith decided to retire from professional baseball. Over seven seasons in the majors, he built a reputation as a reliable pitcher.

He enjoyed some memorable moments, especially as a member of the Kansas City Royals team that won the World Series in 1985. That championship came just a year before he retired.

People called him “Smokey Joe” because of his powerful fastball. Beckwith played for two franchises, and his stats showed steady work as a relief pitcher.

The Auburn, Alabama native finished his career having played in both the National and American Leagues.

Legacy, Later Life, and Community Impact

Joe Beckwith’s impact didn’t stop when his playing days ended. He got involved in youth baseball coaching and earned a lot of respect in Alabama sports circles. His bond with Auburn University stayed strong, and he influenced plenty of young players along the way.

Honors and Recognitions

The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame inducted Beckwith in 2004. They recognized what he brought to baseball in college and the pros, putting him alongside the state’s top athletes.

In 2021, Auburn, Alabama named April 21st as Joe Beckwith Day. The city wanted to honor his lifetime of service and his status as a local baseball legend.

The Joe Beckwith Scholarship Fund carries on his legacy, set up through the Community Foundation of East Alabama. This fund helps aspiring baseball players pay for opportunities, so his name keeps supporting young athletes.

His two World Series rings and standout pitching at Auburn University earned him a permanent spot in Alabama sports history.

Connection with Auburn Community

Beckwith stayed close to Auburn for his whole life, living there until he passed away in 2021. He showed up at local baseball events and kept in touch with Auburn University’s baseball program.

Auburn Baseball head coach Butch Thompson spoke about Beckwith’s impact, saying, “Auburn University, Auburn baseball and the Auburn community lost a legend in Joe Beckwith.” Thompson pointed out how well Beckwith represented the university over the years.

Beckwith often attended community events, including speaking at Joe Beckwith Day at the Auburn High baseball field. His faith and character made him a respected figure in Auburn, and he left a real mark on local youth sports.

Influence on Future Generations

After he retired in 1986, Beckwith jumped into coaching youth baseball and softball. He brought all his professional experience to the young players in Alabama.

Beckwith always focused on building character, not just baseball skills. As a former Major League pitcher, he inspired and motivated the kids he coached.

The Joe Beckwith Scholarship Fund keeps his impact alive. Young players who get scholarships in his name take his spirit of excellence and community service with them.

He fought cancer for two and a half years, showing the same determination he had on the field. Beckwith passed away on May 22, 2021, at age 66.