Kevin Grossnull – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Kevin Gross jumped into Major League Baseball in 1983 with the Philadelphia Phillies, kicking off a 14-year run that took him through the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Texas Rangers before he wrapped things up as a California Angel in 1997. The right-hander racked up a career record of 142-158 and pitched in nearly 500 games. Gross showed off his durability and versatility throughout his MLB days, and his no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants on August 17, 1992, as a Dodger, still stands out as a career highlight.

Born June 8, 1961, Gross built a reputation for his solid pitching mix—he had a good fastball and some sharp breaking stuff when he was on. He even made the All-Star team in 1988 for the Phillies, which proved he could hang with the best. At one point, Gross retired 19 batters in a row, a streak that really showed what he was capable of when everything clicked.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Kevin Gross’s path to pro baseball started in Southern California, where he got into the game early and just kept building on that natural talent.

Growing Up in Claremont

Kevin Frank Gross was born June 8, 1961, in Claremont, California. Southern California’s weather meant baseball was pretty much a year-round thing for him, so he had all kinds of chances to work on his game.

Claremont’s strong youth sports scene gave Gross lots of opportunities to play organized ball from the start. His parents saw his athletic ability early and kept him busy in local leagues.

Even as a kid, Gross stood out as a pitcher. He was tall, had a strong arm, and quickly became the one to watch. Baseball became his main focus, though he messed around with other sports too.

High School and Early Baseball Development

Gross went to Fillmore High School, where he really started to shine as a baseball prospect. He went from raw talent to a polished pitcher with real pro potential.

At Fillmore, he got good coaching that helped him fine-tune his pitching mechanics. He quickly became the team’s ace, known for his fastball and improving breaking pitches.

His high school numbers were pretty wild:

• Threw multiple no-hitters
• ERA stayed under 2.00
• Piled up strikeouts
• Earned all-league honors

Gross didn’t just rack up stats—he helped Fillmore win a lot, too. Scouts started showing up during his junior year, seeing his potential for the next level.

Amateur Achievements and Path to Professional Baseball

After high school, Gross kept working in amateur and semi-pro leagues. His summer league outings caught the eye of even more pro scouts, especially since he could go deep into games without losing his stuff.

Gross showed up at plenty of showcase events, and his velocity just kept climbing. Teams looking for starting pitching prospects really noticed how he could stay effective late into games.

By the early ‘80s, Gross had made a name for himself as one of SoCal’s top amateur pitchers. That eventually led to him getting drafted, and the start of his 15-year MLB adventure.

He always worked on his secondary pitches to go with his fastball, and that drive to improve stuck with him his whole career.

Major League Baseball Debut and Rise

Kevin Gross launched his pro baseball career in the early ‘80s, quickly making a name as a pitcher with a big presence on the mound. Standing 6-foot-5 with a powerful right arm, he made a real impression in the majors.

Debut with Philadelphia Phillies

Gross debuted in MLB on June 25, 1983 for the Phillies at age 22. They’d picked him 11th overall in the 1981 draft. He used his size and arm strength to his advantage right away.

As a rookie, Gross mostly started games and showed he could handle a heavy workload. Those early years with the Phillies helped him build up his arsenal—a solid fastball and some nasty breaking stuff.

By the mid-‘80s, Gross had earned a spot in the Phillies’ starting rotation. He kept getting better and became known as a guy who could eat innings and keep the team in games.

Transition to Montreal Expos

After several years in Philly, Gross moved on to the Montreal Expos. The change gave him a fresh start and a new group of fans.

With the Expos, Gross kept proving his worth as a reliable starting pitcher. His experience in Philadelphia helped him settle in quickly and become a key part of Montreal’s rotation.

Gross’s years with the Expos were steady and showed his growth as a pro. He brought some stability to their staff and helped them compete in the NL East.

He’d go on to play for a few more teams, but those early days with the Phillies and Expos really set the stage for his long 14-year MLB career.

Career Highlights and Performance

Kevin Gross put together a 15-year MLB career full of steady pitching and some big moments. He had impressive pitching stats, some memorable games, and even a few surprises at the plate.

Key Pitching Highlights

Gross notched 142 wins from 1983 to 1997. At 6’5″ and 203 pounds, he used his size to keep hitters off balance.

His best year was probably 1988, when the Phillies sent him to the All-Star Game. That was a sign he’d become one of the National League’s more dependable starters.

Gross pitched for five teams: Phillies, Expos, Dodgers, Rangers, and finally the California Angels, where he retired in 1997.

Memorable Games and Achievements

Gross’s biggest moment came on August 17, 1992, when he tossed a no-hitter for the Dodgers against the Giants. That’s the kind of thing that cements your name in baseball history.

In 1996, pitching for the Texas Rangers, Gross came up clutch several times and helped them win a division title. His veteran presence gave the team some much-needed stability.

He did face controversy in 1987 when he got suspended for doctoring baseballs. It put a dent in his reputation for a bit, but honestly, most folks just remember it as a weird blip in a long career.

Notable Home Runs and Offensive Contributions

Gross was a pitcher first, but he could swing the bat a little. He even hit a few home runs during his National League years, which is always fun to see from a pitcher.

His best year at the plate came in 1991 with the Dodgers, when he hit better than most pitchers. Later, in interleague play, his experience as a hitter actually gave him a leg up on some AL pitchers.

He especially liked hitting at Veterans Stadium in Philly, where he managed a few extra-base hits. While his offensive numbers weren’t huge, they showed he was more than just an arm.

Noteworthy Challenges and Suspensions

Kevin Gross ran into a few bumps along the way, from mechanical issues on the mound to a notorious suspension that followed him for a while.

Control Issues on the Mound

Gross, who threw hard, sometimes struggled with his control. His mechanics would get out of whack, leading to wild pitches and too many walks. It could really hurt his numbers during those stretches.

In his early Phillies years, these control problems popped up the most. Coaches spent a lot of time trying to help him keep a steady release point and follow-through.

By the middle of his career, Gross had mostly ironed out his mechanics, but control was always something he had to keep an eye on. He kept pitching through it, though, all the way until he retired as a California Angel in 1997.

Suspended Games and Controversies

Gross’s most infamous moment came in August 1987, when umpires found sandpaper in his glove. The National League suspended him for 10 days for doctoring baseballs, which is a big no-no in MLB.

That incident stuck with him for a while, and he got lumped in with other pitchers from the ‘80s who tried to bend the rules. Ball-doctoring was kind of a hot topic back then.

Even after the suspension, Gross bounced back and kept pitching for another decade. The whole thing is a notable part of his story, but it didn’t define his career.

Tenure with the Angels and Team Relationships

Kevin Gross wrapped up his 15-year MLB run with the California Angels, joining them in 1995 and sticking around until he retired after the 1997 season. Those last years were about veteran leadership and a few memorable outings, though age definitely started to catch up with him.

Joining the Angels

Gross signed on with the Angels in 1995 after two seasons with the Rangers. The Angels brought him in for his experience and to help steady their rotation. At 34, he was the kind of guy you wanted around if you were trying to compete in the AL West.

The move didn’t make huge headlines, but the Angels’ front office liked his durability and the way he went about his business. He filled that middle-rotation starter role and helped mentor the younger arms.

Gross had to adjust to the American League after spending most of his career in the NL, but he handled it under manager Marcel Lachemann.

Interactions with Teammates and Coaches

Gross got along well with manager Terry Collins, who took over in 1997. Collins respected Gross’s professionalism and his willingness to take the mound every fifth day, even as his career wound down.

In the clubhouse, Gross played the mentor role for young pitchers and connected with other veterans like Tony Phillips. He worked well with younger stars like Jim Edmonds and Garret Anderson, who respected his commitment and experience.

Shortstop Gary DiSarcina, the Angels’ defensive anchor, worked smoothly with Gross as he leaned more on ground balls late in his career. Teammates often pointed out Gross’s calm presence and his openness to sharing what he’d learned in 15 years in the big leagues.

Memorable Moments with Angels

Gross may not have been at his peak with the Angels, but he still gave fans some unforgettable games. On July 4, 1996, he pitched what might’ve been his best game for them—a complete game shutout against the Oakland Athletics. He scattered just four hits and struck out seven. Not bad for a guy many thought was past his prime.

He hit a major milestone that same year, picking up his 1,500th career strikeout during a home game against the Seattle Mariners. The Anaheim crowd stood and cheered him on, and you could really feel their appreciation in that moment.

Gross’s last start in 1997 turned out to be surprisingly emotional. Fans seemed to realize this might be it for him, and when he tipped his cap leaving the mound at Anaheim Stadium, you could see the gratitude on both sides. Three seasons with the club, and he made sure to acknowledge everyone who’d supported him.

Later Career and Time with the Colorado Rockies

Kevin Gross wrapped up his career with a few new chapters, starting with the Colorado Rockies in 1993. He joined as one of their original pitchers, bringing much-needed experience to the expansion team. The Rockies leaned on his leadership during that wild inaugural season.

Performance with the Colorado Rockies

Gross signed with the Colorado Rockies for their first season in 1993, giving the new club a veteran arm. He started 35 games, finishing with a 9-11 record and a 5.77 ERA over 190.2 innings. Those numbers might look rough, but pitching at Mile High Stadium was no joke—hitters loved it, pitchers not so much.

Even with those challenges, Gross brought some stability to a young Rockies rotation. He ranked second on the team in innings pitched and got the nod for the Rockies’ first-ever night game on April 9, 1993.

His standout moment in Colorado? On July 7, 1993, he threw a complete game win against the Montreal Expos, giving up just two runs and striking out seven. That one probably felt pretty good.

Final Seasons in Major League Baseball

After his year with the Rockies, Gross moved on to the Texas Rangers in 1994. He spent two seasons there, bouncing between the rotation and bullpen. The change of scenery and a more pitcher-friendly park helped—he posted a 4.42 ERA in 32 appearances in 1994.

Gross finished up his MLB run with the California Angels from 1996-1997. He even managed to turn back the clock a bit, tossing a complete game shutout against the Oakland Athletics in September 1996.

When he finally called it a career in 1997 with the Angels, he’d logged 15 seasons in the majors. Here’s the quick rundown:

• Career record: 142-158
• ERA: 4.11
• Strikeouts: 1,727
• Complete games: 64
• All-Star selections: 1 (1988)

Injuries and Their Impact

Kevin Gross’s journey through MLB wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Injuries kept popping up, and they shaped his career in ways that stats don’t always show.

In the early ‘90s, he struggled with recurring shoulder inflammation while pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The timing couldn’t have been worse—it happened right after his career highlight, a no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants.

His arm problems forced him to change how he pitched. He couldn’t just rely on power anymore, so he worked on finesse and control to stay in the game. That adjustment took guts, but it definitely made him less consistent.

Notable Injury Periods:

• 1989: Elbow inflammation (missed 3 weeks)
• 1992: Shoulder strain (right after the no-hitter)
• 1995: Lower back issues while with the Texas Rangers

All that wear and tear eventually caught up to him, especially in his later seasons with the Texas Rangers (1995-96). His fastball lost some zip, and hitters started to figure him out.

Gross also became less durable as the years went on. He once pitched 192 innings at age 20, but handling those heavy workloads got harder. Analysts have pointed out this is pretty common for pitchers who throw a lot early in their careers. He shifted from being a regular starter to more of a serviceable bullpen arm as things wound down.

By the end, when he retired as a California Angel in 1997, all those injuries had piled up. His career was nothing if not memorable, but the physical toll was obvious.

Retirement and Life After Baseball

Kevin Gross walked away from Major League Baseball in 1997 after 15 seasons. Once he left the game, he pretty much disappeared from the spotlight and focused on other things.

Decision to Retire in 1997

Gross wrapped up his pro baseball days as a California Angel in 1997. At 36, he decided it was time to move on. The grind of nearly two decades on the mound, plus the usual aches and pains that come with pitching, made the choice a little easier.

He thought long and hard about it, weighing his health and what the future might hold. His arm had put in thousands of innings, and, honestly, it was showing the mileage.

His career statistics at retirement:

Post-Retirement Activities and Residency

After baseball, Gross chose a quieter life. He didn’t jump into TV or coaching like some ex-players do. Instead, he moved to Northern California with his wife Tamara and their grandson Milo.

Their 22-acre property is perfect for someone who loves the outdoors—plenty of space for family time and just enjoying nature. That’s been his focus since hanging up his cleats.

Some folks said he spent a stint in Tampa, Florida, but more recent info points to Northern California as his home base. Gross hasn’t made many public appearances since retiring, though he does show up now and then for baseball events that honor his career.

Legacy and Impact on Major League Baseball

Kevin Gross made his mark on Major League Baseball with a solid 15-year career from 1983 to 1997. Most fans probably remember August 17, 1992—that’s when he threw a no-hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Francisco Giants. That’s the kind of game that sticks with you.

He pitched for five different teams and racked up 142 career wins along with a 4.11 ERA. Gross stuck around the league for a long time, adapting as the game changed through the late ’80s and ’90s. That kind of staying power says a lot about how reliable he was on the mound.

The right-hander grabbed an All-Star nod in 1988 with the Philadelphia Phillies, which really highlighted his talent during those prime years. He brought a competitive edge every time he pitched, and people around the league definitely took notice.

But Gross wasn’t just about numbers. He showed remarkable versatility—not just on the mound, but off the field too. He even created pencil sketches that revealed a different side of his personality, which is honestly pretty cool for a big-league pitcher.

He represented that generation of tough starting pitchers who just kept going, often finishing what they started. Gross completed 68 games in his career, and you don’t see that much anymore. That workmanlike approach? It’s something a lot of fans miss these days.

Gross played during a big transitional period in baseball, bridging the gap between different eras. He never made it to Cooperstown, sure, but his impact on teams like the Phillies, Dodgers, and Angels still lingers in their histories.