Larry Owen – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Most baseball fans remember the superstars who ruled the 1980s, but honestly, the sport’s real backbone was made up of guys like Lawrence Thomas Owen. He was a journeyman catcher who quietly carved out a six-season career in the major leagues.

Larry Owen played professional baseball from 1981 to 1988. He spent time with both the Atlanta Braves and Kansas City Royals before retiring at 33. Sure, his .193 career batting average doesn’t exactly jump off the page, but Owen’s story is the reality for countless players who dedicated themselves to America’s pastime.

Owen’s path to the majors started at Bowling Green State University. He broke a conference home run record that future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt once held.

The California Angels showed interest in him in 1976. Owen decided to finish college, and the Atlanta Braves picked him up in 1977.

He battled through the minor leagues, struggling at times to keep his offense steady while sharpening his skills behind the plate.

Owen, born in Cleveland, made his major league debut on August 14, 1981, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. That marked the start of a career that would span parts of six seasons.

His best year came in 1987 with Kansas City. He appeared in 76 games and set personal bests in home runs and RBIs.

His story really shows the dedication it takes to compete at baseball’s highest level, especially when you’re always facing roster uncertainty and the pressure to perform.

Early Life and Education

Lawrence Thomas Owen was born on May 31, 1955, in Cleveland, Ohio. He honed his baseball skills through high school and college before entering professional baseball.

His journey to the major leagues started at Tecumseh High School in New Carlisle, Ohio, and continued at Bowling Green State University.

Family Background and Childhood

Lawrence Thomas Owen was born on May 31, 1955, in Cleveland, Ohio. Under the sign of Gemini, he would later become known as Larry throughout his baseball career.

His family moved to New Carlisle, Ohio, where he spent his formative years. That move turned out to be pretty important for his future in baseball, since it put him in the community where he’d attend high school and really start to stand out in organized ball.

Growing up in Ohio in the 1960s and early 1970s, Owen found himself surrounded by a strong baseball culture. The state’s tradition in high school and college baseball gave him a great environment to develop his talent.

High School Baseball Experience

Owen attended Tecumseh High School in New Carlisle, Ohio, where he made local baseball history. He became the first player from Tecumseh High School to reach the major leagues, setting a milestone that would inspire future players at the school.

His high school years laid the groundwork for his future as a catcher. The skills he developed at Tecumseh caught the eye of college scouts and pro organizations.

Owen’s performance in high school earned him opportunities at the collegiate level. His dedication and abilities behind the plate made him a sought-after prospect for college programs.

Bowling Green State University Athletics

Owen continued playing at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. There, he grew as a catcher while also focusing on his education.

His time at the university was a bit of a milestone. Owen became the first catcher from Bowling Green State University to make it to the majors. He was also the tenth player overall from the school to reach baseball’s highest level.

The university’s program gave Owen the competition and coaching he needed to get ready for pro baseball. His success at Bowling Green State put him on the radar for major league scouts.

In 1976, the California Angels drafted him in the MLB June Amateur Draft. One year later, in 1977, another organization picked him in the 17th round (420th overall), and that’s when his pro career really began.

Path to the Major Leagues

Larry Owen’s journey to pro baseball started with the amateur draft and continued with several years of minor league development. He played college ball and then made steady progress through the Atlanta Braves’ farm system before reaching the majors in 1981.

Draft History and Selection Process

The Atlanta Braves picked Larry Owen in the amateur draft, although the exact round and year came a few seasons before his pro debut. Owen had already played college baseball and developed his skills as a catcher before going pro.

Back in the mid-1970s, teams scouted amateur talent from high schools and colleges all over the country. Catchers like Owen were especially valuable for their defense and ability to handle pitching staffs.

The Braves chose Owen because they needed catching depth. Scouts liked his potential behind the plate and thought he could become a contributor with the right development.

Minor League Development

Owen spent a few seasons in the Braves’ minor league system before making his major league debut on August 14, 1981. At 26, he was a bit older than most rookies.

He focused on improving his offense in the minors while keeping his defensive skills sharp. Catching demanded a lot—game-calling, pitch framing, and throwing out runners.

Owen’s time in the minors prepared him for the grind of major league baseball. That experience helped him understand pro pitching and game situations.

The Braves’ player development staff worked closely with Owen to refine his hitting and defense. That work ended up being crucial for his six-season MLB career.

MLB Career and Performance

Larry Owen played six seasons in Major League Baseball from 1981 to 1988. He became known as a reliable backup catcher.

He put together a .193 batting average with 8 home runs and 30 RBI over 171 games with two teams.

Debut with Atlanta Braves

Owen debuted in the majors on August 14, 1981, with the Atlanta Braves. The organization had drafted him in the 17th round of the 1977 amateur draft.

His first season was tough at the plate. Owen played in 13 games but went hitless in 16 at-bats, finishing with a .000 average. He drew just one walk and struck out four times.

In 1982, he only saw action in two games. Still, he managed a .333 average in just three at-bats and notched his first career hit, a double.

Owen’s most notable early season came in 1985, when he played 26 games for Atlanta. He hit .239 with 17 hits, including 3 doubles and 2 home runs. That year, he drove in 12 runs, his highest total with the Braves.

Trade and Tenure with Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals brought Owen in for the 1987 and 1988 seasons, giving him his most regular playing time. His 1987 campaign was the busiest of his career.

Owen played in 76 games for Kansas City in 1987, starting 59 of them behind the plate. He picked up 31 hits in 164 at-bats for a .189 average. He also hit 5 home runs and 6 doubles, driving in 14 RBI.

In 1988, Owen played his final year of pro baseball. He got into 37 games with 31 starts, keeping similar offensive numbers with a .210 average. That season, he collected 17 hits, including 1 home run, and drove in 3 runs.

He kept his defense sharp for Kansas City, posting a .983 fielding percentage in 1987 and .989 in 1988.

Statistical Overview and Key Achievements

Owen’s numbers show his role as a defensive specialist and backup catcher. Over 171 games, he picked up 68 hits in 352 at-bats, finishing with a .193 average, 8 home runs, and 30 RBI.

His defense mattered more than his offense. Owen caught 171 games behind the plate over six seasons, showing he could be counted on in his position.

He threw out 63 baserunners trying to steal, while 72 managed to succeed.

Career Highlights:

• 6 MLB seasons (1981-1988)
• 171 games played
• .193 career batting average
• 8 home runs, 30 RBI
• Played for Atlanta Braves (1981-1985) and Kansas City Royals (1987-1988)

His best offensive year came in 1985 with Atlanta, when he had career highs in games (26), hits (17), and RBI (12). In 1987 with Kansas City, he played the most games of his career—76—and had 188 plate appearances.

Notable Moments and Highlights

Larry Owen’s career included several memorable moments with the Braves and Royals. His major league debut and final game neatly bookend a career built on steady defense behind the plate.

Memorable Games and Milestones

Owen made his MLB debut on August 14, 1981, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He came in as a late defensive replacement for Bruce Benedict at catcher.

He went hitless in the 5-0 loss, but it was the start of his six-season big league run.

His last major league appearance was on September 25, 1988, playing for the Royals against the White Sox. Owen got a hit in his only at-bat, a nice way to end things.

The 1987 season was tough for Owen and the Royals. The team lost manager Dick Howser to brain cancer. Owen worked as a backup catcher during this rough time, helping the team through managerial changes as Billy Gardner took over and was later fired.

Unique Defensive Contributions

Owen made his biggest mark with his defensive skills as a catcher for both Atlanta and Kansas City. He often entered games late as a defensive sub, showing he could be trusted behind the plate in tight spots.

During his time with Kansas City in 1987 and 1988, Owen provided veteran leadership backing up Jamie Quirk and Ed Hearn. His experience helped steady the catching position during a rocky stretch for the team.

Pitchers relied on Owen in high-pressure moments. His defensive contributions went beyond stats—he worked closely with pitching staffs to manage games from behind the plate.

Retirement and Later Life

Larry Owen wrapped up his baseball career in 1988 after the Royals released him to make room for prospect Mike MacFarlane. Owen passed away in 2018 at age 63 in Westerville, Ohio, and received posthumous recognition for his impact on the game.

Decision to Retire in 1988

The 1988 season marked the end of Owen’s professional journey. He bounced back and forth between Kansas City and their Triple-A club in Omaha that year.

The Royals decided to release Owen at the end of the season. They needed to open up a roster spot for Mike MacFarlane, a top catching prospect who would go on to have a solid big league career.

Owen’s last MLB appearance came on September 25, 1988, against the White Sox. He got a hit in his only at-bat, which is a pretty nice way to go out.

At 33, Owen had played parts of six seasons in the majors. His career numbers included a .193 batting average, 8 home runs, and 30 RBIs over 171 games.

His release came at a time when his baseball abilities were naturally winding down. Owen had struggled to keep his average up throughout his career, often hovering near the Mendoza Line.

Life After Baseball

Owen went back to Ohio after his playing days ended. He chose to settle in Westerville, Ohio, and stayed there until he passed away in 2018.

People in the baseball community noticed what Owen did for the sport in 2002. They elected him to the Springfield/Clark County Baseball Hall of Fame, which honored his professional career and the impact he had locally.

Owen kept in touch with his college days at Bowling Green State University. Back then, he set a conference record with 27 home runs, breaking a mark that belonged to future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt.

After baseball, Owen mostly kept to himself. He spent about thirty years living quietly in central Ohio.

Larry Owen died on June 6, 2018, at 63. Born in Cleveland, he spent his last years in Westerville, always staying close to his Ohio roots.

Legacy and Impact

Lawrence Thomas Owen definitely left his mark on the baseball community with his dedication and the way he mentored others. His influence went beyond just stats, shaping how people around him thought about professionalism in the game.

Reputation Among Teammates and Coaches

Owen built respect throughout his career because of his work ethic and leadership behind the plate. He managed pitching staffs with the Atlanta Braves and Kansas City Royals, which made him valuable to both teams.

Teammates liked Owen’s knowledge of the game and how he’d share what he knew. He was strong defensively as a catcher, and that helped younger pitchers feel more confident on the mound.

Coaches counted on Owen’s understanding of game situations and his knack for calling a smart game. The way he prepared for each matchup set a standard for the rest of the clubhouse.

He struggled with his batting average, sure, but Owen’s defensive contributions and leadership kept him in the majors for six seasons. He bounced between the minors and majors, always showing just how committed he was to the sport.

Influence on Future Generations

Owen started out at Bowling Green State University and made it all the way to the major leagues. That journey inspired plenty of college players from smaller programs. He actually became the first catcher from Bowling Green to reach the majors, and honestly, that kind of dedication really shows how you can push past early setbacks.

He set a college record with 27 home runs at Bowling Green. That broke a conference record once held by Mike Schmidt, who ended up in the Hall of Fame. Young players saw that and realized how important it is to leave your mark, no matter the level.

In 2002, the Springfield/Clark County Baseball Hall of Fame recognized Owen for what he brought to local baseball. His story turned into a real example of perseverance, especially for catchers dealing with low batting averages or too many strikeouts.