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

Joe Hoerner built a solid career as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball during the 1960s and 1970s. He bounced around the league, taking the mound for teams like the Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves.

Hoerner hung up his cleats in 1977, wrapping up a big-league run that lasted over a decade. His story, from a young hopeful to a trusted bullpen arm, really shows the kind of grit it takes to stick around at the top level. The lefty earned a reputation for shutting down hitters in late-game situations.

This look at Hoerner’s career covers his path through pro baseball, the highlights, and what pushed him to retire. There’s also a bit about his background, his influence on the game, and how his baseball years affected his finances.

Joe Hoerner’s Baseball Career Overview

Joe Hoerner pitched in the majors from 1963 to 1977, almost always out of the bullpen for five different teams. He made his mark as a lefty who could get tough outs when it mattered most.

MLB Debut and Teams Played For

Hoerner broke into the big leagues with the Houston Colt .45s in 1963. He spent those early seasons getting a feel for major league hitters and sharpening his skills as a reliever.

The St. Louis Cardinals really became his team in 1966. He anchored their bullpen during some of their best years. Hoerner stayed with St. Louis until 1969, and that stretch marked the peak of his career.

After St. Louis, Hoerner joined the Philadelphia Phillies from 1970 to 1972. He pitched for the Atlanta Braves in 1973. His last MLB stop was with the Kansas City Royals, playing there from 1974 until retirement in 1977.

Roles and Playing Style

Hoerner almost always worked as a relief pitcher. Managers called on him in the middle innings or when the game got tight. His left-handed delivery, honestly, was a nightmare for lefty hitters.

He didn’t rely on overpowering speed. Instead, he used control and mixed up his pitches—a fastball, curveball, and changeup. Hoerner rarely walked hitters and tried to keep his outings quick and efficient.

Managers liked that Hoerner could pitch more than just one inning. Unlike today’s closers, he often handled two or three innings each time out. That kind of durability made him a real asset in the bullpen back then.

Career Highlights

Hoerner’s best years came with the Cardinals from 1966 to 1969. He played a big part in their 1967 World Series win, coming out of the bullpen in the postseason. That run really cemented him as a top lefty reliever in the National League.

He appeared in over 490 games, nearly all as a reliever. Hoerner kept his career ERA under 3.00, which is impressive for any era. In 1968, he posted a 1.47 ERA in 47 games—probably his finest season.

He picked up 58 saves over his career, which was solid for a time when saves weren’t as common. Hoerner also won 39 games out of the bullpen, showing he could handle more than just closing.

Significant Achievements and Milestones

Joe Hoerner put together a strong relief career, snagging an All-Star selection in 1968 and helping the Cardinals make several playoff runs. The late 1960s really saw him step up as one of the National League’s most dependable closers.

Notable Seasons

Hoerner really broke through in 1968, posting a 2.05 ERA in 55 games for the Cardinals. He racked up 17 saves and helped St. Louis win the National League pennant.

He struck out 80 batters in 83.1 innings and only walked 28 all season. That’s some serious control.

In 1969, he kept rolling with a 2.85 ERA over 60 games, saving 15 and winning 5 more from the bullpen.

He kept his closer job in 1970, pitching in 57 games with a 3.09 ERA. That three-year stretch really defined his career.

All-Star Selection

Hoerner got his only All-Star nod in 1968, right in the middle of his best year. The game took place at the Astrodome in Houston, and he pitched an inning for the National League.

That selection showed just how much he had emerged as a top reliever. His 17 saves put him among the league leaders back then.

Postseason Appearances

Hoerner pitched in the 1967 and 1968 World Series with the Cardinals. He made three appearances during the 1967 championship run against Boston.

In the 1968 World Series versus Detroit, he took the mound in two games and gave up just one earned run in 2.1 innings.

The Cardinals won the 1967 title in seven games, and Hoerner threw 1.1 scoreless innings in Game 6.

He finished his postseason career with five games across two World Series. In 4.2 playoff innings, he posted a 3.86 ERA.

Retirement in 1977

Joe Hoerner wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1977 after pitching as a relief pitcher for 11 seasons. His last years in the majors were tough—injuries and declining performance pushed him toward retirement.

Circumstances of Retirement

Hoerner decided to retire after dealing with arm problems that hurt his pitching. He battled shoulder issues through the mid-1970s.

His fastball just didn’t have the same life anymore. The injuries made it tough for him to stay in his old role as a closer or setup man.

During his last season, Hoerner struggled with consistency. His ERA climbed well above what it had been in his prime.

Relief pitching takes a toll, and by age 36, Hoerner realized his body couldn’t keep up with the grind of pro baseball.

Teams didn’t want to take a chance on an older pitcher with injury problems. With his skills fading and few job offers, Hoerner saw retirement as the obvious move.

Final Teams Before Retirement

Hoerner spent his last big league seasons with the Kansas City Royals and Philadelphia Phillies. He joined the Royals in 1973 after some good years with other teams.

Kansas City used him mainly as a middle reliever and sometimes as a closer.

In 1976, he signed with the Phillies for what turned out to be his final season. The Phillies wanted a veteran presence in their bullpen.

His role in Philadelphia was a lot smaller than before. He pitched fewer games and logged fewer innings.

The Phillies let him go after the 1977 season. No other teams came calling.

Legacy Left After Retirement

Hoerner finished with 229 appearances and 39 saves over 11 major league seasons. People knew him for his durability and his ability to handle pressure.

His best days were with the Cardinals in the late ’60s, where he anchored their bullpen.

Other players respected his work ethic and professionalism. Hoerner mentored younger pitchers, sharing tips and tricks about relief work.

His slider gave left-handed hitters fits. He also mixed in a solid fastball and changeup that kept batters guessing.

After retiring, he stuck around the game as a coach and instructor. Hoerner worked with young pitchers, focusing on the mental side of relief pitching.

Personal Life and Background

Joe Hoerner grew up in Dupo, Illinois, where his love for baseball started as a kid. He stayed close to his family throughout his career and enjoyed a quiet life off the field.

Early Life and Upbringing

Joe Hoerner was born November 25, 1936, in Dupo, Illinois, just outside St. Louis. He grew up in a working-class family during the Great Depression.

His dad worked in manufacturing, and his mom kept the house running. Money was tight, but the family stuck together.

Hoerner showed athletic talent early on. Coaches at Dupo High School noticed his strong left arm.

He worked summer jobs to help out at home. Local leagues around St. Louis gave him a place to hone his baseball skills.

After high school, he went to college briefly before chasing pro baseball. The Chicago White Sox signed him as an amateur free agent in 1957.

Family and Personal Interests

Hoerner married his high school sweetheart, and they had two kids. He liked to keep his family life away from the spotlight.

During the off-season, he went back to Illinois to be near his relatives. Hunting and fishing in the countryside were some of his favorite pastimes.

Teammates knew him as a quiet guy. He didn’t chase publicity and put all his energy into the game.

Hoerner worked other jobs in the winter to make ends meet. He sold insurance and did construction to support his family.

After retiring in 1977, he stayed in the St. Louis area. Sometimes, he’d show up at Cardinals games and catch up with old teammates.

Lifetime Impact on Baseball

Joe Hoerner left his mark on baseball with his innovative relief pitching and mentoring of younger players. He helped shape how later generations approached the closer role.

Influence on Future Players

Hoerner’s approach to relief work became a blueprint for future closers. He proved lefty relievers could dominate late in games. His submarine delivery inspired several pitchers in the ’80s and ’90s.

Young pitchers studied how Hoerner handled pressure. He always seemed calm on the mound, even in big moments. Coaches started teaching that mindset to future relief specialists.

Hoerner mentored players with the Cardinals and Phillies, sharing advice on reading hitters and pitch selection. Some of those guys went on to have successful careers in the majors.

His work ethic set a standard for relievers who came after him. Hoerner proved that specialized roles require dedication and focus.

Recognition in Baseball History

Baseball historians often mention Hoerner as one of the first true closers. He helped define what it meant to be a late-inning reliever. His stats from the ’60s and ’70s still hold up.

Hoerner’s name pops up in team record books for his relief work. He set several marks with the Cardinals. People still talk about his 1968 season as one of the best for a reliever back then.

The Baseball Hall of Fame keeps some of Hoerner’s memorabilia. His role in the Cardinals’ late-’60s success earned him a spot in team history. Analysts today still reference his techniques when discussing relief pitching.

Net Worth and Financial Legacy

Joe Hoerner’s finances reflected the lower salaries of 1970s baseball, and his career earnings fell well short of what today’s players make. After baseball, his investments and post-retirement work shaped his financial stability.

Earnings from Baseball

Hoerner played baseball from 1963 to 1977, back when salaries for players just weren’t that high. His best earning years really came in the mid-1970s, once he’d made a name for himself as a reliable reliever.

When he started out with the St. Louis Cardinals, Hoerner probably took home somewhere between $10,000 and $15,000 each year. That was about average pay for relief pitchers in the 1960s.

After he joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 1970, his salary jumped quite a bit. By the mid-1970s, Hoerner was likely making $40,000 to $60,000 a year.

Career Salary Progression:

• 1963-1969: $10,000-$20,000 per year
• 1970-1975: $25,000-$50,000 per year
• 1976-1977: $40,000-$70,000 per year

All in all, Hoerner probably earned between $400,000 and $600,000 during his career. Sure, that seems pretty modest compared to modern contracts, but back then it meant a comfortable, middle-class life.

Life After Baseball

After he retired, Hoerner started building financial security through a bunch of business ventures. He sidestepped the financial troubles that hit a lot of former players from his generation.

Hoerner put money into real estate and small businesses around Iowa, where he grew up. These investments gave him steady income during his retirement.

He took on baseball instruction and coaching jobs too. Those roles brought in extra money and let him stay close to the game he loved.

Hoerner managed his finances in a pretty conservative way, which honestly seems rare for players from his era. He stayed away from risky investments and kept his focus on long-term stability instead of chasing quick profits.

His Major League Baseball pension added another layer of security. Players from back then got modest, but reliable, monthly payments once they hit retirement age.