Johnny O’Brien – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Johnny O’Brien made his mark in baseball history as both a second baseman and a pitcher. He played his final major league game on July 19, 1959, with the Milwaukee Braves.

Born in South Amboy, New Jersey, O’Brien didn’t just stick to baseball—his athletic skills stretched far beyond the diamond. He became one of the most versatile athletes of his time. His twin brother Eddie also played pro baseball, so the O’Briens built a family legacy that stuck around for generations.

O’Brien spent six seasons in the MLB, from 1953 to 1959, playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and Milwaukee Braves. He put together a .250 batting average, hit 4 home runs, and drove in 59 runs over 339 games. What set O’Brien apart was his ability to play both infield and pitch relief, especially during his Pittsburgh years from 1956 to 1958. He really embodied that era’s love for players who could do a bit of everything.

Before he went pro, O’Brien found huge success as a college basketball player at Seattle University. He became the first NCAA player to score 1,000 points in a season. His skills across sports, his family’s baseball roots, and his later work in Seattle’s sports scene all make his story more interesting than just his stats or retirement in 1959.

Key Facts and Early Life

John Thomas O’Brien was born on December 11, 1930, in South Amboy, New Jersey, just a few minutes before his identical twin brother Eddie. The O’Brien twins grew up during the Great Depression in a working-class railroad family.

Birth and Background

Full Name: John Thomas O’Brien
Birth Date: December 11, 1930
Birth Place: South Amboy, New Jersey
Death: June 13, 2025 (age 94)

Johnny O’Brien was the oldest of five kids born to Edward James and Margaret (Smith) O’Brien. His dad worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad, which barely kept the big family afloat.

Life at home was crowded but warm. Johnny and Eddie bunked together in one small bedroom, while their parents had another. Their sister had to sleep on the couch.

Their dad was both caring and strict. “He never patted us on the back, no matter what we did,” the brothers said. “He’d point out our mistakes, but we always knew he was rooting for us.”

South Amboy Roots

South Amboy turned out to be a surprising hotbed for baseball talent. The little New Jersey town later celebrated several Major League alums from St. Mary’s High School.

Johnny went to St. Mary’s with future big league managers Tom Kelly and Jack McKeon. McKeon, who caught for their high school team, eventually became a Manager of the Year.

The three practiced together in the winter. McKeon’s dad owned a garage, so they’d move out the snowplows, cover the windows, turn on the lights, and take batting practice for hours. McKeon remembered those days fondly.

St. Mary’s High School Notable Alumni:

• Allie Clark (1948 World Series champion)
• Tom Kelly (Manager of the Year)
• Jack McKeon (Manager of the Year)
• Johnny and Eddie O’Brien

Family and Twin Brother

The O’Brien twins stuck together everywhere, on and off the field. Eddie was born just minutes after Johnny that same December morning in 1930.

Their family had a tough time making ends meet during the Depression. “Sports were our life,” Johnny said. “We made our own baseball, grabbed a brakeman stick from the railroad, and played all the time because nobody had any money.”

Even though they were small, both brothers excelled in different sports. Johnny played infield and sometimes pitched. Eddie covered the outfield. Both batted and threw right-handed.

Their dad, who only finished fifth grade, insisted his sons go to college. That decision changed everything for their athletic careers. After high school in 1948, 14 major league teams wanted to sign them, but their father said no unless they got degrees first.

Collegiate Sports Stardom

Johnny O’Brien shined in both basketball and baseball at Seattle University from 1949 to 1953. He set records that lasted for years and led his teams to national tournaments. He also put up some wild batting averages.

Seattle University Basketball Achievements

Johnny O’Brien became a scoring machine at Seattle University. He racked up 3,302 points in four years, more than anyone else at the time.

He was the first college player to ever score over 1,000 points in a season. That was a pretty big deal in college hoops history.

People doubted him because of his size. “No one would take Ed and me for a basketball scholarship,” Johnny said. “Who’s going to go for two 5-foot-9 guys from New Jersey? Seattle U. took a chance on us.”

His senior year, he got national attention. Johnny made first-team All-American with both the Associated Press and United Press.

The O’Brien twins led Seattle University to some impressive wins. Over three years, their teams went 90-17 and made it to both the 1952 National Invitational Tournament and the 1953 NCAA Tournament.

Record-Setting Baseball Performance

Johnny’s baseball stats at Seattle U. were off the charts. As a freshman, he hit .350, which was a strong start.

His sophomore year, he went wild—batting .566 with 22 extra-base hits out of 47 total hits, and a slugging percentage of 1.110.

He pitched too, mostly in relief. Johnny struck out seven batters in just three innings during his sophomore year.

His junior year, he “cooled off” to a .433 average. Still, he posted a .784 slugging percentage and stole 13 bases as the cleanup hitter.

The O’Brien twins ran the show for Seattle University baseball. Over three seasons, they led the team to a 61-14 record and a spot in the 1952 NCAA tournament.

Harlem Globetrotters Game

Johnny’s most famous basketball game came against the Harlem Globetrotters on January 21, 1952. The game raised money for the US Olympic Committee in Seattle.

The Globetrotters showed up looking for their 4,000th win, with only 253 losses. They usually beat college teams and had even knocked off the NBA champion Minneapolis Lakers twice.

Johnny, giving up six inches to his defenders, still dominated. “With my first three shots, I hit a right-handed hook, then a left-handed hook, and a jumper,” he said. “After that, they didn’t know what I was going to do.”

He scored 43 points in the upset win. Eddie added 13 as Seattle University beat the Globetrotters 84-81.

That David vs. Goliath win put Seattle University on the national map. Johnny was later voted “Man of the Year” at Seattle’s big sports banquet.

NBA Draft Selection

The Milwaukee Hawks picked Johnny O’Brien in the 1953 NBA draft. His college hoops numbers got the attention of pro scouts.

Johnny went with baseball instead. The Pittsburgh Pirates offered a big signing bonus, and that sealed the deal.

Eddie also got drafted by the NBA that year. Both turned down pro basketball to focus on their baseball careers.

Getting drafted by the NBA just proved Johnny’s college basketball career was something special. It showed that his scoring and court sense impressed even the pros.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Johnny O’Brien put together a six-year MLB career, from 1953 to 1959, showing off his versatility as a second baseman and pitcher. He played for three National League teams, and his career got interrupted by military service during the Korean War.

MLB Debut and Early Years

O’Brien made his MLB debut on April 19, 1953, with the Pittsburgh Pirates at age 22. He and Eddie signed with the Pirates after the Milwaukee Hawks drafted them in the 1953 NBA Draft, but they picked baseball.

His rookie season showed promise as he learned to handle major league pitching. The Pirates liked his athleticism and baseball smarts. O’Brien’s jump from college basketball star to pro baseball player showed just how athletic he was.

The O’Brien twins made history as the second set of twins to play for the same team in the same game. They also joined a rare group—one of only four brother combos to play second base and shortstop together in the majors.

Positional Versatility: Second Baseman and Pitcher

O’Brien stood out because he could handle multiple positions. He mostly played second base but also pitched from 1956 to 1958.

As a second baseman, O’Brien showed solid defense and built a strong middle infield duo with Eddie. His 5-foot-9 frame and quick reflexes helped him turn double plays.

Pitching stats show O’Brien pitched in 25 games over three seasons, almost all in relief. He threw 61 innings, struck out 35, and walked 30. His ERA was 5.61, and he went 1-3, so he brought more value as a position player than a pitcher.

Statistical Highlights and Achievements

O’Brien finished with a .250 batting average, which fit his role as a utility guy more than a power hitter. Over 339 games, he picked up 204 hits in 815 at-bats.

His offensive stats included:

• 4 home runs
• 59 RBI
• 204 career hits

He brought value as a reliable bench player and defensive specialist. His main strength was versatility, not power. Being able to play multiple spots made him a real asset.

He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1953, 1955-1958), St. Louis Cardinals (1958), and Milwaukee Braves (1959).

Military Service Impact

Military service changed the course of O’Brien’s career. Both Johnny and Eddie missed all of 1954 because of military obligations during the Korean War.

That break came at a key time in his development as a big leaguer. Missing a whole season at age 23-24 probably hurt his long-term numbers and career growth.

The military service gap explains why his career timeline looks a bit odd—debut in 1953, then a return in 1955. Plenty of players from his era dealt with the same thing.

Even after that setback, O’Brien came back to pro baseball and played four more seasons.

Notable Teams and Seasons

O’Brien played six MLB seasons with three teams from 1953 to 1959. He spent most of his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates alongside his twin Eddie. He also had brief stints with the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Braves, shifting from infielder to a player who could handle both pitching and fielding.

Pittsburgh Pirates Era

O’Brien started his pro career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1953, signing right out of Seattle University. He made his MLB debut on April 19, 1953, at 22.

His time with the Pirates spanned 1953 and 1955-1958, covering most of his big league years. O’Brien became known as a utility player, mostly at second base.

Career highlights with Pittsburgh:

• Held a .250 batting average over several seasons
• Switched to a dual role as pitcher and position player from 1956-1958
• Made 25 pitching appearances, mainly in relief
• Made history with Eddie as the second set of twins to play for the same team in the same game

The O’Brien brothers became one of just four brother pairs to play middle infield together in the majors. O’Brien’s flexibility helped the Pirates during his years with the team.

St. Louis Cardinals Stint

O’Brien joined the St. Louis Cardinals partway through the 1958 season. That stretch turned out to be a brief but memorable chapter in his career.

He spent just a short time in St. Louis, using it as a bridge between his long Pittsburgh run and his last stop elsewhere. The Cardinals put O’Brien’s skills to work, letting him pitch and play infield as needed.

O’Brien kept pitching for the Cardinals, building on what he’d started in Pittsburgh. His background as a utility player made him a handy addition for a team looking for depth.

Switching to St. Louis marked O’Brien’s only mid-career team change. It broke up his long connection with the Pittsburgh organization.

Milwaukee Braves Final Season

O’Brien wrapped up his MLB career with the Milwaukee Braves in 1959. His last big league appearance came on July 19, 1959, against the St. Louis Cardinals.

That final year with Milwaukee closed out his six-year journey in the majors. The Braves gave O’Brien one last shot to play at the top level.

Final career statistics:

• Overall batting average: .250
• Total games played: 339
• Career home runs: 4
• RBIs: 59
• Pitching record: 1-3 with 5.61 ERA

After his last MLB season, O’Brien played in 1960 for the Seattle Rainiers, the Cincinnati Reds’ Triple-A affiliate. That move brought his pro career full circle, right back to his college city.

Family Legacy and Unique Records

Johnny O’Brien made baseball history with his twin brother Eddie. They became the first twins to play together for the same major league team.

The O’Brien family legacy stretches three generations now. Johnny’s grandson Riley has kept the tradition alive in the majors.

Double Play Partnerships with Eddie O’Brien

Johnny and Eddie O’Brien formed one of the most unusual double play duos in baseball. They became the first twins in MLB history to suit up for the same team in the same game, doing it on June 7, 1953.

The brothers anchored Pittsburgh’s double play combo from June through September of their rookie season. Johnny played second and Eddie handled shortstop.

Their partnership really stood out in baseball history. The O’Briens are just one of four brother pairs who’ve played second base and shortstop together on a major league team.

Manager Fred Haney spoke highly of their defense. Umpire Babe Pinelli once said, “Those kids make the double play better than some veterans in the league,” which is pretty high praise.

Twin Brothers in MLB History

The O’Brien twins broke new ground when they both signed with Pittsburgh in 1953. Before Johnny and Eddie, no twins had played for the same big league club since Red Shannon and Joe Shannon took the field together in 1915.

Fans and collectors really took to their story. Topps even made a special card featuring both brothers, and it turned into one of the most wanted cards from the 1954 set.

The twins shared more than just a baseball career. Growing up in South Amboy, New Jersey, they slept in bunk beds and played ball with homemade gear during the Depression.

Both excelled in several sports at Seattle University before joining the Pirates. Their athleticism wasn’t limited to baseball—they helped put Seattle University on the map in basketball, too.

The Next Generation: Riley O’Brien

Johnny O’Brien got to see his family’s baseball story reach a third generation. His grandson Riley O’Brien made it to the majors as a pitcher in 2021.

Riley now pitches for the St. Louis Cardinals, the same team his grandfather played for back in 1958. That connection just feels special, doesn’t it?

The O’Brien baseball journey has lasted over 70 years, from Johnny’s debut in 1953 to Riley’s career now. Johnny watched his grandson climb through the minors and break into the big leagues before he passed away in 2025.

Not many families manage this kind of multi-generational success in pro baseball. The O’Brien name still pops up on major league rosters, carrying on what Johnny and Eddie started way back in the 1950s.

Post-Baseball Life and Lasting Impact

After leaving Major League Baseball in 1959, Johnny O’Brien stayed close to Seattle’s sports scene. He got involved in civic service and stadium operations, keeping his love for sports alive.

His life after playing included important roles in public service and professional baseball organizations. O’Brien never really left the game behind.

Seattle Rainiers and Minor League Involvement

After stepping away from MLB, O’Brien kept his ties to baseball strong. He worked closely with Seattle’s minor league teams during the 1960s.

With his experience as a former major leaguer, he gave younger players valuable advice. O’Brien mentored and guided athletes moving from amateur to pro ball.

The Seattle Rainiers benefited from his deep knowledge of the Pacific Coast League and the majors. His background in basketball and baseball helped him spot versatile talent.

O’Brien also got involved in community outreach programs, connecting pro baseball with youth leagues across Seattle.

Public Service: King County Commissioner

O’Brien moved into public service and became a King County Commissioner in the 1970s. His athletic background gave him a real appreciation for sports facilities and recreation programs.

While in office, he pushed for better athletic facilities throughout King County. Being a former pro athlete shaped the way he looked at public recreation investments.

The Kingdome project became a big focus for him during those years. O’Brien worked on stadium planning and checked into how the new facility would affect the community.

Later, he took on the roles of head of security, sales, and promotions at the Kingdome. That position let him blend his public service experience with his deep understanding of the sports world.

Recognition and Memorials

O’Brien’s legacy goes way beyond just his playing stats in the Baseball Reference and Retrosheet databases.

Seattle University honors both Johnny and his twin brother Eddie with several commemorative programs.

The O’Brien brothers pulled off something pretty rare—twins playing together on the same MLB team. That milestone still stands out in baseball history.

Their story keeps inspiring college athletes who want to play more than one sport.

Johnny set the NCAA basketball scoring record in 1952 while also juggling baseball. That kind of athletic versatility really defined who he was.

His success in both sports ended up shaping how Seattle University recruits multi-talented athletes.

He passed away in June 2025 at age 94, closing a chapter in Seattle sports.

Local media outlets shared stories about his impact on professional athletics and his dedication to community service across the Pacific Northwest.