John Stephenson – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

John Stephenson put together a solid nine-year run in Major League Baseball as a catcher and pinch hitter from 1964 to 1973. He played 451 games with four teams: the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and California Angels, before hanging up his gear after the 1973 season.

Born in South Portsmouth, Kentucky, Stephenson became a valuable utility player. People knew him for his steady work behind the plate and his knack for clutch hitting off the bench.

His .216 career batting average might not impress at first glance, but Stephenson’s value went well beyond the stats. He experienced both the highs and lows of the majors, even finding himself part of baseball history in a way he probably never expected.

His journey from a small Kentucky town to the big leagues really feels like that classic American baseball story—full of determination and grit.

Let’s take a look at Stephenson’s path, from his early days through his years in the majors. We’ll highlight the moments that shaped his baseball life.

From his college days to his post-playing coaching gigs, Stephenson’s story gives us a glimpse into what it’s like to be a journeyman player during a period of big changes in pro baseball.

Early Life and Education

John Herman Stephenson was born on April 13, 1941, in South Portsmouth, Kentucky.

He attended William Carey College in Mississippi and earned his degree before turning pro in 1963.

Birthplace and Family Background

Stephenson arrived in the world on April 13, 1941, in South Portsmouth, Kentucky. This little spot in Greenup County sits by the Ohio River.

He grew up in a place where baseball was more than just a game—it was part of the local fabric. South Portsmouth gave young athletes like Stephenson the chance to develop their skills.

He went to South High School in Portsmouth, Kentucky. There, he got to play organized baseball as a teenager.

His family roots in Kentucky helped spark his love for the game. The area had a reputation for producing baseball talent.

College Baseball at William Carey College

Stephenson headed south to Mississippi for college. He enrolled at William Carey College in Hattiesburg.

The school gave him a shot at both academics and baseball. Their program let him sharpen his catching skills.

He finished his degree at William Carey College. That education would come in handy later in his life.

College ball helped him get ready for the grind of pro baseball. It also gave him tools he’d use later as a coach.

Pathway to Professional Baseball

The New York Mets signed Stephenson on May 30, 1963. That deal officially launched his pro career.

He spent time in the Mets’ minor league system, working on his game. The organization liked his approach at the plate and his work as a catcher.

His lefty swing and right-handed throws made him stand out as a prospect. Those traits became a big part of his style.

Moving from college to the pros forced Stephenson to adjust fast. He worked hard to fine-tune his skills and keep up with better competition.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

John Herman Stephenson played nine seasons in the majors from 1964 to 1973, showing up in 451 games for four teams. He mostly worked as a catcher and pinch hitter, finishing with a .216 average, 12 home runs, and 93 RBIs.

MLB Debut and Teams Played For

Stephenson made his MLB debut on April 14, 1964, with the New York Mets at 23 years old. He entered the Mets’ system in May 1963 and reached the big leagues just a year later.

Over his nine-year run, Stephenson suited up for four teams:

• New York Mets (1964-1966)
• Chicago Cubs (1967-1968)
• San Francisco Giants (1969-1970)
• California Angels (1971-1973)

He stuck with the Mets the longest, playing three seasons there. Stephenson played his last game on September 29, 1973, with the California Angels.

Primary Positions and Playing Style

Stephenson mostly caught games during his career and often pinch hit. He batted left and threw right, stood 5’11”, and weighed 180 pounds.

Teams counted on him as a reliable backup catcher and a situational hitter. Later in his career, he really found his groove as a pinch hitter.

In 1972 with the Angels, Stephenson hit .381 as a pinch hitter, collecting eight hits in 21 at-bats. He added a homer and six RBIs, helping him post a career-best .274 batting average that season.

Notable Career Highlights

Stephenson had his share of memorable moments. On June 21, 1964, while playing for the Mets, he struck out to end Jim Bunning’s perfect game, landing him a spot in baseball history.

His best year came in 1971 with the Angels, where he set career highs in games (98), hits (61), homers (3), and RBIs (25).

Career Stats:

• Games played: 451
• Batting average: .216
• Hits: 214
• Doubles: 37
• Triples: 3
• Home runs: 12
• RBIs: 93

His 1972 season with the Angels really showed off his skills as a pinch hitter. He came through in clutch moments, making a real impact.

Season-by-Season Performance

Stephenson’s MLB career lasted 10 seasons, from 1964 to 1973. He finished with a .216 average, 12 home runs, and 93 RBIs in 451 games. He started out with the New York Mets and later played for the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and California Angels.

Early Years With New York Mets

Stephenson debuted in the majors on April 14, 1964, at Connie Mack Stadium. He pinch-hit for Larry Burright in the ninth, becoming the first Met to wear number 49 in a regular season game.

He established himself as a backup catcher with the Mets. In 1965, he played enough to lose his rookie status.

Stephenson mostly served as a reserve catcher and pinch hitter. His steady glove behind the plate made him a trusted part of the pitching staff.

On September 11, 1966, Stephenson caught for Dennis Ribant. That game stands out as one of his more notable starts with the Mets.

Tenure With Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants

After leaving the Mets, Stephenson joined the Chicago Cubs. He kept his backup catcher role, providing depth for the team.

The Cubs leaned on Stephenson’s experience and defense. He gave the starting catcher a break when needed.

Then Stephenson moved to the San Francisco Giants. Playing in the National League West gave him a fresh start with a new club.

With the Giants, he continued to show his versatility as a catcher and pinch hitter. Teams liked having him on the roster because he could handle multiple roles.

Peak Years and California Angels

Stephenson’s last big league stop was with the California Angels. The American League club gave him his final shot at the majors.

With the Angels, he kept up his reputation as a dependable backup. His experience helped younger players on the team.

The Angels valued Stephenson’s knowledge of the game and his steady presence. He contributed both on and off the field.

His offensive numbers stayed pretty much in line with his career averages. Stephenson focused on defense and came through in key hitting situations.

Final MLB Season and Retirement

Stephenson played his last major league game on September 29, 1973, against the Minnesota Twins. He had one at-bat that day but didn’t reach base.

At 32, he wrapped up his decade-long pro career. His final stats reflected his role as a defensive specialist and bench contributor.

The 1973 season closed the book on his time with four MLB teams. Stephenson finished with 214 hits, 83 runs, and a .216 batting average.

His retirement came as baseball was changing fast during the 1960s and early ’70s.

Memorable Moments and Significant Games

Stephenson’s career had one unforgettable moment: he made the last out in Jim Bunning’s perfect game in 1964. Over his ten years in the majors, he put up solid numbers across 451 games with four teams.

Final Out of Jim Bunning’s Perfect Game

On June 21, 1964, Stephenson ended up in the record books—though probably not in the way he’d hoped. Playing for the Mets, he struck out to finish Jim Bunning’s perfect game at Shea Stadium.

Bunning, pitching for the Phillies, threw the first National League perfect game in 84 years. Stephenson, pinch hitting, was the Mets’ final shot to spoil the party.

That moment forever tied Stephenson’s name to baseball history. Nobody wants to be the last out in a perfect game, but it’s a link to one of the game’s rarest feats.

The game happened on Father’s Day, adding to the occasion for Bunning. Stephenson’s strikeout locked in the historic day in front of 32,026 fans.

Career Statistics and Records

Stephenson played in 451 Major League games between 1964 and 1973. He mainly worked as a catcher and pinch hitter for four clubs.

He spent time with:

• New York Mets (1964-1967)
• Chicago Cubs (1967-1968)
• San Francisco Giants (1969-1971)
• California Angels (1972-1973)

Stephenson swung left-handed and threw right-handed. He stood 5’11” and weighed 180 pounds during his playing days.

In 1973, he played 60 games for the Angels. He first appeared in the majors on April 14, 1964, just after his 23rd birthday.

Recognitions and Unique Achievements

Stephenson earned his degree from William Carey College in Hattiesburg. That set him apart from a lot of players in his era.

The moment that stands out most is his part in Bunning’s perfect game. That single at-bat keeps his name in the baseball record books.

The Mets picked up Stephenson in 1963. He later joined the Cubs in a June 1967 trade that sent him and Rob Gardner to Chicago for Bob Hendley.

You could find Stephenson on baseball cards during his career and even years later, like the 1992 Kahn’s card as a Met. He spent almost a full decade in the pros.

Post-Playing Career and Coaching

After he retired in 1973, John Stephenson moved into coaching and spent over twenty years helping develop young players. He worked in college baseball and the minors, including a return to the New York Mets system.

Coaching Roles in Minor Leagues

Stephenson came back to pro baseball as a coach and manager in the minors. He rejoined the Mets organization in the mid-1990s, taking on several important roles.

Mets Minor League Positions:

• Gulf Coast Mets (1995, 1998-1999) – A-level affiliate
• Kingsport Mets (1996) – Led the team to first place
• Capitol City Bombers (1997, 2000) – Mets affiliate

His biggest coaching success came with the Kingsport Mets in 1996. The team finished first with him at the helm.

Stephenson’s years as a major league catcher really paid off in the minors. He understood what young players were going through. His big league experience meant a lot to prospects trying to make it.

Major League and College Coaching Contributions

Stephenson jumped right into college baseball coaching after he wrapped up his playing days. He started at William Carey College, his alma mater in Mississippi, and coached there from 1974 to 1985.

He spent eleven years at William Carey. During that time, he worked with college players and brought his professional experience to the field. Coaching at his old school definitely meant a lot to him.

In 1985, Stephenson took a new challenge at Southeastern Louisiana University. He spent five years with their baseball program, broadening his experience beyond his alma mater.

College Coaching Timeline:

• 1974-1985: William Carey College (11 years)
• 1985-1990: Southeastern Louisiana University (5 years)

Altogether, Stephenson coached college baseball for 16 years. Working at different schools gave him a real sense of how to help players grow at various stages.

Impact and Influence on Baseball

Stephenson stuck with baseball long after he stopped playing. He spent over 20 years coaching, showing real dedication to helping new generations of players. He worked in both college and pro baseball, picking up experience in all kinds of environments.

Because he’d caught in the majors, Stephenson brought insights most coaches couldn’t. Imagine learning from someone who caught Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan—players definitely listened when he spoke. That background gave him real authority, especially with young catchers.

When the Kingsport Mets finished first in 1996, that stood out as his biggest coaching achievement. He took what he’d learned as a player and made it work as a manager. The fact that he held coaching jobs for so long says a lot about the respect he earned in baseball.

His coaching career actually lasted longer than his playing days. He stayed involved in baseball into the 1990s and 2000s, always finding ways to contribute.

Legacy and Personal Life

John Herman Stephenson left a legacy as a reliable backup catcher and as a part of one of baseball’s most famous games. His life after baseball—and the collectibles market for his memorabilia—shows how he’s remembered in the sport.

Influence on Teams and Players

Stephenson’s most famous moment came on June 21, 1964. He struck out for the final out of Jim Bunning’s perfect game with the New York Mets. That single at-bat made him part of baseball history—how many players can say that?

As a backup catcher, Stephenson gave four teams some much-needed depth. He played in 451 games over ten seasons. Most of the time, he backed up the starter and filled in as a pinch hitter.

His career numbers: a .216 batting average, 12 home runs, and 93 RBIs. Not flashy, but he played a key role supporting starting catchers and offering steady leadership.

Stephenson batted left-handed and threw right-handed. At 5’11” and 180 pounds, he brought a steady, experienced presence to clubhouses in both leagues.

Life After Baseball

After he retired in 1973, Stephenson moved into coaching roles in pro baseball. He worked with several minor league teams, including the New York Mets organization where he’d started out.

He coached the Kingsport Mets, Capital City Bombers, and St. Lucie Mets. There’s even a 1992 Kahn’s card that shows him as a Mets coach, a little reminder of his ongoing role there.

Stephenson’s years as a coach showed how much he understood the game and how well he could guide younger players. His journey as a player across different teams gave him insights that helped him develop new catchers.

Stephenson was born in South Portsmouth, Kentucky, and he kept close ties to his home state. Those small-town roots shaped how he approached the game and how he connected with teammates.

Collectibles and Memorabilia

Collectors really value Stephenson’s baseball cards and memorabilia, especially stuff from his New York Mets days. That 1966 Topps card (#17) still stands out as a favorite among fans.

Notable collectible items include:

• 1966 Topps #17 (rookie card)
• 1967 Topps #522
• 1968 Topps #83
• 1967 Coca-Cola bottle cap #V26

Modern collectors go after his coaching cards from the 1990s and 2000s too. Cards like the 1992 Kahn’s Mets (#51) and some minor league coaching cards show off his later career.

His connection to Bunning’s perfect game definitely boosts the historical appeal of his memorabilia. Items from his 1964 Mets season seem to fetch higher prices, probably because of that iconic baseball moment.

You’ll sometimes spot autographed items or game-used memorabilia from Stephenson’s career at auctions or card shows. Since he played for four teams over a decade, collectors have a bunch of team-specific options to chase down.