Kelly Paris – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Kelly Paris really embodied the classic journeyman baseball player of the 1980s. He spent parts of five seasons in the majors as a utility infielder, bouncing between four different teams. Born on October 17, 1957, Paris put together a modest but respectable career in professional baseball before hanging up his cleats in 1988.

Paris appeared in 92 games during his major league career from 1982 to 1988, suiting up for the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago White Sox. The Cardinals drafted him in the second round of the 1975 draft straight out of Taft High School in Woodland Hills, California. That pick kicked off a professional career that lasted over a decade.

What makes Paris’s story stand out is his comeback after a near-fatal car accident in December 1986. That crash almost ended both his career and his life. His path from amateur ball through the minors, his time with several big league teams, and the way he bounced back from personal adversity really show what pro athletes go through both on and off the field.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Kelly Jay Paris was born on October 17, 1957, in Encino, California. He grew into a standout athlete at William Howard Taft High School.

His amateur career peaked when the St. Louis Cardinals picked him in the second round of the 1975 MLB Draft.

Family Background and Athletic Roots

Kelly Jay Paris arrived in Encino, California, on October 17, 1957. His family put a big emphasis on sports, and his older brother Bret also played baseball.

The Paris family’s love for athletics showed up early in Kelly’s life. Both brothers ended up playing professional baseball, which is pretty rare.

Their shared passion led to a cool moment in baseball history. In 1976, while playing for the Johnson City Cardinals, both Kelly and Bret hit home runs for the same team in the same inning—a first in pro baseball, or so people say.

High School Achievements at Taft

Paris went to William Howard Taft Charter High School in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. Those high school years really shaped his baseball journey and helped him build important connections.

At Taft, Paris played with future Hall of Famer Robin Yount. The team also included NFL player and coach Jeff Fisher and NBA referee Bill Spooner.

That roster was stacked with talent, and Paris had the chance to show what he could do as an infielder. He played several infield spots, including third and first base, and that versatility would stick with him all through his career.

His play at Taft caught the eye of major league scouts. Paris’s ability to play multiple positions set him apart.

Draft Selection and Decision to Turn Professional

The St. Louis Cardinals picked Paris in the second round of the 1975 MLB Draft on June 3. That early selection showed the team really believed in his potential.

At just 17, Paris had to decide whether to turn pro right out of high school. The Cardinals’ investment in him was significant.

Paris chose to sign with St. Louis instead of playing college ball. That decision sent him straight into the Cardinals’ minor league system.

The draft pick marked the start of his professional journey. Paris spent seven years in the minors before finally making his major league debut with the Cardinals on September 1, 1982.

Minor League Development

Kelly Paris spent more than a decade sharpening his game in the minor leagues before finally sticking as a major league utility player. His time in the St. Louis Cardinals system showed off both his versatility and his determination to make it to the big leagues.

Progression Through the Cardinals System

The Cardinals took Kelly Paris in the second round of the 1975 MLB Draft out of William Howard Taft Charter High School. That was a big vote of confidence in the young infielder.

Paris started his pro career at 17, working his way through the Cardinals’ farm system. He focused on three main positions: shortstop, third base, and first base. That flexibility would become one of his calling cards.

The Cardinals spent years developing Paris, seeing his athleticism and baseball instincts. He played at several minor league levels before getting his shot with the big club on September 1, 1982.

Key Minor League Performances

Paris put up solid numbers during his 13 years in the minors. He hit .270, knocked 90 home runs, and drove in 616 runs across 1,327 games.

He could run, too, swiping 170 bases during his minor league career. That mix of power and speed made him an appealing prospect for several teams.

Career Minor League Statistics:

• Batting Average: .270
• Home Runs: 90
• RBIs: 616
• Stolen Bases: 170
• Runs Scored: 668
• Games Played: 1,327

Those performances in the minors opened doors for him with four major league organizations.

Challenges and Injuries in the Minors

Paris ran into plenty of adversity while climbing the minor league ladder. He just kept pushing through.

Reports say he overcame “unbelievable amounts of adversity” on his way to the majors. Even with the setbacks, Paris kept working and performing.

He stayed in pro baseball from 1977 through 1989, which is honestly impressive. His persistence finally paid off with appearances in the majors over six seasons.

MLB Career Overview

Kelly Paris played in the big leagues for five seasons from 1982 to 1988. He appeared in 92 games for four different teams.

Paris mainly served as a utility infielder, playing third base, first base, and second base. He batted .217 with 3 home runs and 14 RBIs in his career.

Major League Debut and First Teams

Paris made his MLB debut on September 1, 1982, with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals had drafted him in the second round back in 1975.

His rookie year with St. Louis was short. He didn’t see much action before moving to the Cincinnati Reds in 1983.

The 1983 season with Cincinnati turned out to be Paris’s best in the majors. He got 138 plate appearances in 56 games, hitting .250/.336/.300. That was the most playing time he’d ever get in one MLB season.

Utility Infield Role and Team Transitions

Paris spent 1984 back in the minors, then joined the Baltimore Orioles in 1985. He played sparingly for Baltimore during 1985 and 1986, only getting into a few games each year.

His ability to play third, first, and second base made him valuable as a bench guy. Teams needing depth often turned to players like Paris.

On the day after Christmas in 1986, Paris was in a serious car accident. He’d been driving under the influence and ended up with a bruised sternum, a broken back, and broken ribs. That crash sidelined him for all of 1987.

Final MLB Season and Retirement

Paris made it back to the majors in 1988 with the Chicago White Sox after getting sober and rehabbing his injuries. While recovering in 1987, he even worked in a dental lab.

His return in 1988 was a bit of a surprise, honestly. Paris hit all three of his career home runs that year with Chicago.

On August 13, 1988, he had a day to remember, blasting two homers in a single game against the Seattle Mariners. Both came off pitcher Mark Langston, with Paris hitting sixth and playing third base.

His last MLB game came on August 18, 1988. That wrapped up a career that spanned parts of six seasons with four teams.

Team Contributions and Notable Seasons

Paris played for four major league teams between 1982 and 1988. His best year came with the Cincinnati Reds in 1983.

He had short runs with each club, but his final season with the White Sox was especially memorable. That’s when he hit all three of his career home runs.

St. Louis Cardinals Tenure

Paris debuted with the St. Louis Cardinals on September 1, 1982. The team had drafted him out of Taft High School back in 1975.

He didn’t get much playing time with the Cardinals. Paris filled in as a utility infielder and mostly rode the bench.

During his time there, the Cardinals were in the NL Central division. Paris backed up at third, second, and shortstop.

His numbers with St. Louis were pretty minimal. The organization gave him a look, but he didn’t get many chances to make an impact.

Cincinnati Reds Performance

Paris got his most playing time with the Cincinnati Reds in 1983. He played in 56 games and racked up 138 plate appearances—both career highs.

With the Reds, Paris posted a .250/.336/.300 batting line. That was his best offensive output in the majors.

The Reds used Paris as a utility infielder, moving him around as needed. His flexibility helped the team cover injuries and rest starters.

That 1983 season was the highlight of his big league career. He finally got to show what he could do over an extended stretch.

After 1983, Paris returned to the minors for 1984. That move was a setback for him.

Baltimore Orioles Appearances

Paris joined the Baltimore Orioles for the 1985 and 1986 seasons. He didn’t get many opportunities at the big league level.

Most of his time with Baltimore was spent in the minors. The Orioles used him as a bench player when he was up.

Paris served as organizational depth rather than a regular contributor. He was there if they needed a fill-in.

On December 26, 1986, Paris got into a bad car accident while driving drunk. He suffered serious injuries, including a bruised sternum, broken back, and broken ribs.

That crash forced him to miss all of 1987. While recovering, Paris worked in a dental lab and focused on getting sober.

Chicago White Sox Highlights

Paris returned to the majors with the Chicago White Sox in 1988 after missing the previous season. That comeback was a big deal for him personally and professionally.

On August 13, 1988, Paris had the best game of his career. He hit two home runs against the Seattle Mariners, both off Mark Langston.

Paris started that game hitting sixth and playing third base. For a guy who wasn’t known for power, that two-homer game was something special.

He hit his first career home run on August 7, 1988, against the California Angels. Chuck Finley gave up that one.

All three of Paris’s home runs came during his 1988 season with the White Sox. That sudden power surge was a surprise, considering his previous big league numbers.

The White Sox gave Paris his final shot in the majors. His last game was August 18, 1988, capping a six-year career.

Statistical Highlights and Playing Style

Kelly Paris put together modest but solid numbers during his five years in the majors. He batted .217 with 46 hits and 3 home runs in 92 games.

His ability to play all over the infield made him a valuable role player. Paris’s most productive season came in 1983 with the Cincinnati Reds.

Key Batting Metrics: Hits, Runs, RBI

Paris put together his best offensive performance in 1983 with Cincinnati.

He picked up 30 hits in 120 at-bats, landing at a .250 batting average and a .336 on-base percentage.

That year gave him his only real shot in the Majors, with 138 plate appearances across 56 games.

Paris scored 13 runs and drove in 7 RBIs. He also swiped 8 bases, showing off some speed.

Over his career, Paris totaled 46 hits, 20 runs, and 14 RBIs.

He hit 3 home runs, all in 1988 with the Chicago White Sox. That last season, he posted a .455 slugging percentage, which was his best.

Paris often struggled to find consistency at the plate.

His overall OPS sat at .557, which really shows how tough Major League pitching can be.

He finished with a career WAR of -1.0, so his offensive numbers landed below replacement level.

Fielding Skills and Positions Played

Paris showed off some real versatility as a defender.

He played six different positions during his career.

Mostly, he spent time at third base and shortstop. He also played first base, second base, and even served as a designated hitter.

Third base was where he got the most field time. In 1983 with Cincinnati, he handled 40 chances over 16 games and didn’t make a single error, ending up with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.

At shortstop, Paris showed solid range and a strong arm.

With St. Louis in 1982, he converted 21 out of 23 chances, posting a .913 fielding percentage.

He turned several double plays, which definitely helped his teams.

Paris also played some first base, though it didn’t go as smoothly. His .917 fielding percentage there was below league average.

Still, his ability to cover so many spots made him a valuable utility infielder, even if he wasn’t perfect everywhere.

Notable Games and On-Field Moments

Paris made his Major League debut on September 1, 1982, with the St. Louis Cardinals.

He joined the team during their championship season, but only played a small part in their World Series run.

His best stretch at the plate came in 1988 with Chicago.

Paris delivered clutch hits that year, including all three of his career home runs. Those flashes of power stood out in his short time in the Majors.

The 1983 season in Cincinnati gave Paris his best shot to stick as a regular.

He started several games at third base and looked promising early on with both his bat and glove.

Paris found it tough to keep steady playing time during his career.

He played his final Major League game in 1988 with the White Sox, capping a journey that took him through four teams and six seasons.

Legacy and Life After Baseball

Kelly Paris faced some tough personal struggles after his playing days.

He eventually became a respected coach and instructor, leaving a real mark on young players before his death in 2019.

Personal Adversity and Overcoming Challenges

Paris’s life took a sudden turn on December 26, 1986.

He got into a car accident while driving from Charlotte to Gastonia, North Carolina. It was 2 a.m., the roads were slick with dew, and he nearly lost his life.

Later, Paris admitted he’d been drinking before the crash.

That moment forced him to face his alcoholism and make some big changes.

“I’ve made a lot of changes in my life,” Paris told The Los Angeles Times in August 1988. “I realized for one I’m an alcoholic and that I had to cut that out of my life.”

The injuries kept him out for the entire 1987 season.

When he came back in 1988 with the Chicago White Sox, Paris had a new outlook.

“Now I wake up every morning sober and can smell the roses,” he told The Chicago Tribune. “I got a new lease on life, and now I’ve got a new lease on baseball.”

Impact on Teammates and the Baseball Community

After he finished playing, Paris poured his energy into coaching and working with young players.

He coached American Legion teams and served as an assistant at the high school level.

In 1994, Paris took over as head coach at Montclair Prep in California.

He also worked as a baseball instructor, earning a solid reputation for his effort and the way he cared about his students.

Mike Dow, who worked with Paris at the complex, said in 1995, “Kelly is an excellent instructor, not so much because he played major league baseball but because he genuinely likes kids and they like him,” as quoted in The Los Angeles Times.

Paris built his coaching business through hard work and became known for the positive impact he had on young players’ growth.

Passing and Tributes

Kelly Paris died on May 27, 2019, at age 61. That day marked the end of a life that changed course from personal struggle to meaningful service in baseball instruction.

After he passed, former students and their parents shared tributes. They remembered how Paris shaped their lives through his work with young players.

People really saw how Paris used his baseball experience and personal growth to help the next generation. His influence reached far beyond his major league stats with the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago White Sox.