Keith Moreland – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Keith Moreland put together a solid 12-year run in Major League Baseball before finally hanging up his cleats in 1989. His road to retirement definitely wasn’t the usual story. Folks knew him as “Zonk,” a guy who bounced around the diamond and between teams, always finding ways to stick around thanks to his adaptability.

Moreland wrapped up his career on September 24, 1989, playing his final game as a Baltimore Oriole against the New York Yankees. The Dallas native split his last season between the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles, after spending most of his big league years in the National League with the Phillies, Cubs, and Padres.

What really set Moreland apart was his knack for playing all over the field. He moved from catcher to outfield to infield and still managed to put up solid offensive numbers. His journey from University of Texas star to World Series champ with the 1980 Phillies, through his best years with the Cubs, and then a brief run as a designated hitter in the American League, shows a guy who squeezed every bit out of his talent.

Overview of Keith Moreland’s Baseball Career

Keith Moreland put together a 12-year major league career from 1978 to 1989, playing for five teams in both leagues. His ability to play multiple positions and hit consistently made him a real asset, especially during his six seasons with the Chicago Cubs. That’s where he put up his best numbers.

Career Timeline and Teams

Keith Moreland started out with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1978. He made his debut on October 1, 1978, at age 24.

He spent four years in Philadelphia from 1978-1981, mostly catching and playing third base while getting used to the majors.

In 1982, Moreland headed to the Chicago Cubs. He spent six seasons there from 1982-1987, becoming a reliable everyday player.

The Cubs traded him to the San Diego Padres in 1988 for Hall of Fame closer Goose Gossage. Moreland played one season in San Diego before heading to the American League.

In 1989, he played for two teams. He started with the Detroit Tigers and finished with the Baltimore Orioles.

Notable Career Highlights

Moreland’s best years came with the Chicago Cubs. In 1983, he led the team with a .302 batting average and put up career-high numbers in several categories.

His most productive season came in 1985, when he hit .307 with 14 home runs and 106 RBIs. That year, he even got some MVP votes, finishing 17th in National League MVP voting.

In 1987, Moreland blasted a career-high 27 home runs. He struggled defensively at third base, but his bat kept him in the lineup.

Throughout his career, Moreland played catcher, first base, third base, and outfield. His flexibility made him a valuable piece for every team he joined.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Over 12 seasons, Moreland put up solid numbers in 1,306 games. He hit .279 for his career, with 121 home runs and 674 RBIs.

He was at his best in Chicago, batting .281 with 100 home runs over six years. That Cubs stretch was easily his statistical peak.

He finished his career with 1,279 hits and 3.5 WAR. Teams valued his steady bat and willingness to play wherever needed in Major League Baseball.

Key Positions and Versatility

Keith Moreland’s ability to adapt made him a real asset, playing all over the field during his 12-season career. He started out catching for the Phillies, then shifted to the outfield and infield with the Cubs and later teams.

Catcher Role and Performance

Moreland broke into the majors in 1978 as a catcher for the Phillies. He backed up Bob Boone, who was known for his defense but not much for hitting.

In 1980, Moreland batted an impressive .314 as a catcher. His hitting gave the Phillies a solid alternative when they needed offense.

During the 1980 World Series, he hit .333 as a designated hitter. Manager Dallas Green put Moreland in the starting lineup during the 1981 Division Series to get more offense.

He slugged .692 in the 1981 Division Series, showing he could handle pressure while catching.

Catching helped Moreland understand the game on a deeper level. That knowledge helped him as he moved to other spots on the field later.

Infield Contributions

Moreland got most of his infield experience at third base with the Cubs. In 1987, he played 150 games at third base after Ron Cey was traded away.

Playing third was a big challenge. It takes quick reflexes and a strong arm.

His defense at third base wasn’t great. The move from catcher and outfield to the hot corner didn’t come easy for Moreland.

Still, he kept hitting. In 1987, he launched a career-high 27 home runs while playing third every day.

The Cubs kept him in the lineup for his bat, even if his glove was shaky. He drove in runs and that mattered more than fielding for the team at the time.

Outfield Experience

Moreland spent most of his time in the outfield, especially right field. After joining the Cubs in 1981, he played more outfield than catcher.

From 1982 to 1987, he became a regular outfielder. By 1985, people called him a “respectable, if slow, right fielder.”

His defense in the outfield sometimes got called “an adventure.” Steve Goodman even joked about his fielding in the song “A Dying Cubs Fan’s Last Request,” mentioning dropped fly balls.

Despite those issues, Moreland’s bat kept him in right field. In 1985, he hit .307 with 14 home runs and 106 RBIs.

He could run a bit, too. In 1985, he stole 12 bases and only got caught three times, which was a surprise for a guy his size.

Chicago Cubs Years (1982-1987)

Keith Moreland’s trade to Chicago really changed his career. He went from a backup catcher to an everyday player and quickly became a fan favorite at Wrigley Field.

His six seasons with the Cubs brought steady offense and some big moments, especially during the team’s 1984 division championship run.

Transition from Philadelphia Phillies

After the 1981 season, the Phillies traded Moreland to the Cubs. Dallas Green, his old manager, made the move after becoming the Cubs’ GM.

Chicago gave Moreland a fresh start. He got out from behind Bob Boone’s shadow and started playing all over the field, not just catching.

His ability to handle different positions helped the Cubs. Sure, people questioned his defense sometimes, especially in the outfield.

The Cubs focused on his offense and didn’t worry too much about his glove. That approach let Moreland finally become a regular starter.

Offensive Production in Chicago

Between 1982 and 1987, Moreland hit double-digit home runs every year. His bat really came alive in Chicago, with a few seasons that stood out.

In 1985, he drove in 106 runs, good for fourth in the National League. He often brought home Ryne Sandberg, forming a strong duo in the lineup.

In 1987, he hit a career-high 27 home runs while mostly playing third base. That season, he took over at third after Ron Cey was traded, playing 150 games at the hot corner.

Key Stats (1982-1987):

• Batting average: Twice finished top ten in the National League
• Home runs: Double digits every season
• RBIs: Peaked at 106 in 1985
• Stolen bases: 12 in 1985 (caught just 3 times)

Wrigley Field’s hitter-friendly setup definitely helped his numbers. The ballpark seemed to fit his swing perfectly and boosted his power.

Division Title and Playoff Contributions

The 1984 season was the highlight of Moreland’s Cubs career. The team finally won the National League East and broke a 39-year playoff drought.

Moreland earned a reputation for clutch hitting. Gary Matthews said he’d never seen a better hitter in pressure situations than Keith Moreland.

Even though the Cubs fell short in the playoffs, Moreland’s regular season was a big reason they got there. His steady bat gave the lineup some much-needed stability.

Fans really embraced his “Zonk” nickname during these years. Chicago loved his blue-collar style and reliable hitting, even if his defense sometimes made folks nervous.

Final MLB Seasons and Retirement in 1989

Keith Moreland bounced between three teams in his final two Major League Baseball seasons. He finished up with the Baltimore Orioles in September 1989 after a tough last year.

Stints with San Diego Padres and Detroit Tigers

Moreland joined the San Diego Padres in 1988 after the Cubs traded him and Mike Brumley for Goose Gossage and Ray Hayward.

He actually became the last Padre to wear number 6 before they retired it for Steve Garvey.

His time in San Diego lasted just that one season. The Padres didn’t bring him back for 1989.

He then signed with the Detroit Tigers for the 1989 season, making his first move to the American League.

With the Tigers, he mostly served as a designated hitter. He played 80 games in that role, enjoying the AL’s DH rule for the first time.

Baltimore Orioles and Final Games

The Baltimore Orioles picked up Moreland from the Tigers on July 28, 1989, trading Brian Dubois to Detroit for him.

The Orioles wanted a power bat for their playoff push. They had hoped for Harold Baines but turned to Moreland after that didn’t work out.

Moreland struggled with the Orioles. He hit just one home run and drove in 10 runs in 104 at-bats over 30 games. His average dropped to .212 with Baltimore.

Things boiled over on September 12 before an 11-1 loss to the White Sox. “I’m not going to hit anymore. My career is over,” Moreland told reporters.

Manager Frank Robinson didn’t mince words: “If he wants to retire, retire now. If he’s not going to retire, he should be here keeping himself ready to go out and do whatever I ask.”

They cleared up the misunderstanding before it became a bigger issue. Moreland played his last MLB game on September 24, 1989, against the Yankees.

Reasons for Retirement

Moreland retired after 12 seasons in Major League Baseball. His final season showed his skills slipping at age 35.

That September, he clashed with manager Frank Robinson, showing just how frustrated he felt with less playing time and his own poor performance. He hit just .212 with Baltimore, a big drop from his career .279 average.

By this point, Moreland had put up 121 home runs and 674 RBIs in 1,306 games. His best years were already in the rearview mirror, especially his impressive 1985 season when he batted .307 with 14 homers and 106 RBIs.

The physical grind of playing multiple positions probably took a toll on him. He caught, played infield, and even spent time in the outfield during his big league run.

He decided to walk away from baseball rather than keep struggling in the majors. Moreland made that choice at the end of the 1989 season, closing the book on his pro playing days.

Minor League and College Foundations

Keith Moreland built his baseball chops with the Reading Phillies and Oklahoma City 89ers, all while earning a degree from the University of Texas at Austin. His minor league career saw him hit .293 with 49 home runs and 358 RBIs over 579 games.

Reading Phillies and Oklahoma City 89ers

Moreland worked his way up through the Philadelphia Phillies’ minor league system. He spent time with both the Reading Phillies and Oklahoma City 89ers.

His numbers in the minors stood out. He finished with a .293 career batting average there.

He knocked 49 home runs and drove in 358 runs across those 579 games. Not bad for someone still trying to make a name for himself.

He also played for the Spartanburg Phillies and Peninsula Pilots. Getting time at different levels helped him get ready for the majors.

He passed rookie limits during the 1980 season. That year, he officially moved from prospect to big leaguer.

University of Texas Achievements

Moreland went to the University of Texas at Austin, where he played both football and baseball. He lined up as a defensive back on the football team and handled third base for the baseball squad.

The Philadelphia Phillies picked him in the 7th round of the 1975 June Amateur Draft. They liked what they saw from his college days at Texas.

After hanging up his spikes, Moreland headed back to Austin. He finished his degree at the University of Texas.

In 1994-95, he joined the Longhorn Sports Network. Moreland called games as a color commentator for Texas baseball broadcasts.

Playing two sports at Texas gave him the flexibility he needed in the majors. That versatility helped him handle different positions throughout his MLB career.

Post-Playing Career and Media Involvement

After he retired in 1989, Keith Moreland jumped into broadcasting and media. He became known for covering the Chicago Cubs on the radio and worked as a color analyst for several networks, including ESPN.

Broadcasting Career with Chicago Cubs Media

Moreland signed on with the Chicago Cubs broadcasting team as a full-time radio color analyst on WGN-AM and the Cubs Radio Network. He held that job for three seasons, from 2011 to 2013.

He didn’t just stick to radio. Moreland filled in as an analyst for Cubs TV broadcasts on WGN-TV, WCIU-TV, and Comcast SportsNet Chicago when Bob Brenly was out.

He brought his playing background to the booth, drawing on his experience as an outfielder, catcher, and infielder. That gave him a different perspective on the game.

Moreland’s broadcasting career included work at his alma mater too. He served as a color analyst for KVET radio broadcasts of Texas Longhorn football and baseball games.

Coaching and Other Roles

After his Cubs broadcasting days, Moreland expanded his media presence and got involved with national coverage. In 2004, he joined ESPN as a college baseball analyst for the network’s postseason coverage.

At ESPN, he focused mainly on college baseball. You could often catch Moreland on the Longhorn Network’s live baseball coverage, which made sense given his background as a former Texas Longhorn player.

Switching from player to analyst let Moreland stay close to the game he loved. His 12 years in MLB gave him a ton of credibility whenever he was behind the mic.

Moreland’s post-playing career really shows how he could adapt his baseball knowledge to all sorts of media formats. He didn’t just stick to one network—he took his insights from the field right into the broadcast booth, covering the game at different levels.