Leo Foster – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Leonard Norris Foster, a utility infielder who played five seasons in Major League Baseball, represents the journey of countless players who carved out careers as versatile role players during the 1970s.

Born in Covington, Kentucky, Foster showed off his athletic abilities in several sports during high school. Eventually, he focused on baseball and landed in the Atlanta Braves organization after the 1969 draft.

Foster played in the majors from 1971 to 1977, appearing in 144 games for the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets. He batted .198 with 2 home runs and 26 RBIs, but really made his mark as a dependable fielder at shortstop, second base, and third base. His first MLB game stands out for all the wrong reasons—he hit into a triple play—but he stuck with it and became a reliable utility guy.

Foster’s story is all about the ups and downs of a player who got to witness some historic moments in baseball, like Hank Aaron’s 715th home run in 1974. He moved from the Braves to the Mets, had some clutch performances, and retired after the 1977 season. His career gives you a glimpse into the life of a pro ballplayer who made the most of his chances, even when things got tough.

Early Life and Background

Leonard Norris Foster was born in Covington, Kentucky on February 2, 1951. He grew up as a multi-sport athlete before the Atlanta Braves picked him in the 1969 amateur draft.

Birth and Hometown

Leo Foster was born on February 2, 1951, in Covington, Kentucky.

This northern Kentucky city is just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati.

Foster’s hometown really valued sports. The community helped lay the groundwork for his future in baseball.

He showed athletic promise early on. Locals started calling him “Bananas” after the dessert Bananas Foster, but no one seems totally sure where the nickname came from.

Early Interest in Baseball

Foster was one of those kids who played everything in high school—basketball, football, baseball, and track. He did well in all of them.

Still, baseball ended up being his main thing. Scouts noticed his natural ability on the field.

He stood at five feet eleven inches and earned a reputation as a solid fielder. Coaches and scouts liked what they saw from him at shortstop, second base, and third base.

His steady play in high school baseball made him a legit draft prospect.

Draft and Entry Into Professional Baseball

The Atlanta Braves picked Foster in the second round of the 1969 amateur draft. That was the start of his pro baseball journey.

He signed with the Braves at 18. The team saw him as a utility infielder who could handle multiple defensive spots.

Foster spent two years working his way up through the minors. The Braves called him up to the big leagues on July 9, 1971, when he was just 20.

Getting drafted and making it to pro ball was the result of years of hard work back in Kentucky.

Major League Debut and Atlanta Braves Years

Leo Foster started his MLB career with the Atlanta Braves in 1971 at age 20. That kicked off a five-season run in professional baseball.

He spent three seasons with the Braves (1971, 1973-1974), mostly as a utility infielder. He covered shortstop, second base, and third base for Atlanta.

MLB Debut with Atlanta Braves

Foster made his MLB debut on July 9, 1971, against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium. The 20-year-old from Covington, Kentucky stepped up to the plate for the first time in a game that, honestly, didn’t go his way.

The Braves lost 11-2 to the Pirates. Foster went 0-for-3, flying out to center in his first at-bat with Atlanta already down 3-0.

He got another chance in the fifth inning with two men on and one out—a big spot for a rookie. He grounded into an inning-ending double play, which pretty much killed the Braves’ rally.

Even though it was a tough start, Foster had officially made it to the majors. The Braves drafted him in the second round, 36th overall, because they liked his glove.

Role as a Utility Infielder

Foster carved out a spot as a versatile utility infielder in Atlanta. He mainly played shortstop, second base, and third base, which gave the Braves a lot of options off the bench.

His busiest year was 1974, when he played in 72 games. He started 21 at shortstop, showing off his defense. That year, he posted a .977 fielding percentage at short, which is pretty solid.

Position Breakdown (1974 Season):

• Shortstop: 43 games, 21 starts
• Second Base: 10 games, 1 start
• Third Base: 3 games, 1 start
• Outfield: 1 game (just a quick appearance)

He hit .196 in 1974, which wasn’t great, but that’s kind of the life of a utility guy. He managed 22 hits in 112 at-bats, including two doubles and a home run. He drove in 5 runs and scored 16.

Foster’s ability to play anywhere in the infield made him valuable for manager Eddie Mathews. He could step in when starters needed a break or someone got hurt.

Memorable Moments and Milestones

Foster’s Atlanta years had some highlights beyond his rough debut. The nickname “Bananas” stuck with him, adding a bit of fun to his career.

In 1973, he played one game at shortstop and didn’t make an error, finishing with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. It’s a small sample, but still, not bad.

His 1974 season was his most productive with the Braves. He hit his first big league home run and became a steady defensive sub. He turned 13 double plays from short, showing he could handle pressure on defense.

The numbers from his Atlanta stint tell the story: he was better with the glove than the bat. Foster hit .180 over 84 games for the Braves, but his defense kept him around.

After 1974, his time with Atlanta ended and he moved on to the New York Mets. Those three seasons gave him crucial big league experience and built his reputation as a solid National League utility infielder.

Transition to New York Mets and Final MLB Seasons

Leo Foster’s baseball journey changed course in April 1975 when the Braves traded him to the New York Mets for minor league player Joe Nolan.

He spent his last two MLB seasons with the Mets, filling in as a utility infielder and helping out in important games.

Trade to New York Mets

The Braves sent Foster to the Mets on April 4, 1975, in exchange for Joe Nolan. For Foster, it was a chance to start fresh after struggling to find a regular role in Atlanta.

He spent all of 1975 at AAA Tidewater, the Mets’ top farm club. He played mostly second base for manager Joe Frazier and hit .247 for the year.

In 1976, things picked up. Foster batted a career-best .287 at Tidewater while playing all over the infield. That performance got him called up to the Mets in August 1976.

Joe Frazier, who managed him in the minors, was now running the big league club. That connection probably helped Foster get another shot.

Playing Positions and Contributions

Foster showed his usual versatility with the Mets. He played all over the infield, stepping in wherever the team needed him.

In 1976, Foster appeared in 24 games. He played nine at third base, seven at short, and three at second. That flexibility made him a useful bench piece for Frazier.

His 1977 season was split between AAA and the majors. He started out in the minors but got called up in late April, though he struggled with a .133 average.

After another stint in AAA, Foster returned to the Mets in late August. He filled in at second base during September after Felix Millan got hurt in a brawl with Ed Ott of the Pirates.

Notable Games and Highlights

Foster made his Mets debut on August 1, 1976, in a 7-6 loss to the Phillies at Shea Stadium. He drew a walk in his first at-bat and singled in his second, driving in Felix Millan.

His best day as a Met came on September 7, 1976, against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Foster racked up three hits and five RBIs in an 11-0 win. He hit his only Mets home run, a two-run shot off Joe Coleman in the ninth.

Earlier in that game, Foster knocked in two runs with a single in the first and added another RBI single off Paul Reuschel in the fifth. That five-RBI day was definitely the high point of his MLB career.

In 1977, Foster contributed during his September call-up. He hit safely in nine of fifteen games and finished the season with an RBI double. On September 2, he drove in a run during Pat Zachry’s 4-0 shutout of the Braves.

Career Statistics and Fielding Analysis

Leo Foster’s five-year MLB career, from 1971 to 1977, didn’t produce big offensive numbers. Still, he stood out for his versatility as a utility infielder.

His defensive skills at multiple spots made him a valuable bench player for both the Braves and Mets.

Batting Records and Offensive Stats

Foster finished with a .198 career batting average over 144 games. He never really got it going with the bat in the majors.

The Kentucky native picked up 52 hits in five seasons. He scored 35 runs and drove in 26.

He hit just 2 home runs in his MLB career. Offense wasn’t his strong suit, so he mostly played as a backup.

His best year at the plate came in 1974 with Atlanta, which was also when he saw the most action.

Fielding Positions and Defensive Performance

Foster’s defensive versatility really defined his MLB career. He played 62 games at shortstop, which ended up being his main position.

He logged 33 games at second base over three seasons. He showed solid fundamentals at that spot, especially with the Mets in 1977.

At third base, Foster played 14 games in three years. His fielding percentage at third was lower than at the other infield spots.

Fielding breakdown by position:

• Shortstop: 62 games (.964 fielding percentage)
• Second base: 33 games (.964 fielding percentage)
• Third base: 14 games (.879 fielding percentage)
• Outfield: 2 games (not much experience)

Foster’s steady defense kept him on MLB rosters, even though his bat didn’t do much. Managers liked having a guy who could cover several infield positions.

RBI Highlights and Key Achievements

Foster drove in 26 career RBIs over his five seasons in the majors. He really found his stride with the Braves during his most active years, especially when it came to run production.

The 1974 season stands out as his best year for RBIs. That year, Foster got more playing time and chipped in more often for Atlanta’s offense.

He usually played as a bench guy, not a regular starter. Most of the time, Foster came into games as a defensive replacement or pinch-hitter.

Even though he didn’t put up big numbers with the bat, Foster stuck around for five seasons, which says a lot about how teams valued him. Coaches liked his defensive skills and his steady, professional attitude.

Foster wrapped up his big league career after the 1977 season with the New York Mets. He spent his last pro season playing for AAA Pawtucket, then decided to hang up his cleats.

Career Highlights and Unique Anecdotes

Leo Foster’s five years in MLB with the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets had some moments that went way beyond his stats. He got a front-row seat to baseball history, and his debut was, well, unforgettable in its own way.

Teammate of Hank Aaron During Historic 715th Home Run

On April 8, 1974, Foster was right there when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record. As a Brave, he watched Aaron’s 715th homer from the dugout at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.

Being from Kentucky, Foster saw up close the insane pressure Aaron faced chasing that record. He noticed the hate mail and death threats arriving almost daily. He couldn’t help but feel amazed that Aaron kept performing at such a high level, given all that chaos.

Foster called Aaron both talented and approachable, though Aaron wasn’t the type to hand out advice unless someone asked for it. Foster never saw him as a father figure, but he definitely respected Aaron for handling all that scrutiny with such calm.

That night gave Foster a rare view of baseball history. Not many players can say they were there for a moment that changed the game.

Major League Debut Triple Play Story

Foster’s MLB debut on July 9, 1971, against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium, turned out to be one of the roughest first games you’ll ever hear about. The 20-year-old shortstop made an impression, but probably not the one he wanted.

In the third inning, with the Braves down 3-0, Foster flew out to center in his first at-bat. His second chance came in the fifth, with the Braves trailing 5-0 and two runners aboard.

Instead of sparking a rally, Foster grounded into a triple play, ending the inning on the spot. That’s rare enough, but to do it in your first game? He might be the only player in MLB history to pull that off.

Looking back, Foster joked about the experience instead of feeling embarrassed. That story stuck with him, and honestly, it’s kind of legendary in its own right. He kept playing for the Braves, undeterred by that rocky start.

Impact Moments and Memorable Experiences

Beyond his debut and Aaron’s big night, Foster had a handful of memorable moments in the majors. As a utility infielder for Atlanta, he bounced around different positions and made himself useful.

In 1974, his busiest year, Foster played 72 games and hit .196. His career average was .198, nothing flashy, but he held his own defensively at shortstop, second, and third.

He spent parts of five big league seasons between 1971 and 1977. The Braves traded him to the New York Mets in 1976, and he finished his MLB run in 1977. After that, he played one last season in AAA Pawtucket.

Foster often thought about how salaries have changed. Sure, his MLB paychecks seemed big at the time, but compared to what players make now? It’s a whole different world.

Retirement, Legacy, and Recognition

Leo Foster’s run in Major League Baseball ended in 1977, when he was just 26. His retirement closed the book on a career that, while modest, included a front-row seat to one of baseball’s greatest moments.

Retirement in 1977

Foster played his last Major League game on October 2, 1977, against the St. Louis Cardinals. He got five at-bats and picked up two hits in his final appearance.

The 1977 season was his second with the New York Mets after coming over from Atlanta. Some say he broke down in tears when he heard about the trade, which says a lot about how much the team meant to him.

After his time in the majors, Foster spent one final season in AAA Pawtucket before stepping away from pro baseball for good. He probably made the call to retire because of limited playing time and struggles at the plate.

Foster’s retirement in 1977 put him among the National League players who finished their careers that year, ending his six-year journey through pro baseball.

Post-Baseball Life and Career

After baseball, Foster headed back to Covington, Kentucky, where he grew up. There’s not much out there about what he did for work after his playing days.

He’s popped up in interviews and podcasts in recent years, talking about his baseball memories. He even went on Kentucky Sports Memories to share stories about being Hank Aaron’s teammate during that epic 715th home run.

In those chats, Foster often brings up how much salaries have changed since his time. He admits his pay was good for the era, but it’s nothing compared to what players earn now.

Foster’s openness about his career shows he still feels connected to the game, even decades after he retired.

Recognition in Baseball Databases and Almanacs

You’ll find Foster’s professional baseball career in a bunch of baseball databases and reference books. Baseball Almanac keeps a pretty detailed record of his stats and background.

He played 111 games over five seasons, with a .198 lifetime batting average. Baseball Reference lists him as a shortstop, second baseman, and third baseman.

Foster stands out in baseball history because he might be the only player to hit into a triple play during his Major League debut. That happened on July 9, 1971, against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium.

But honestly, most people remember him for being there when Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run on April 8, 1974. That moment alone kind of cements Foster’s spot in baseball lore as someone who witnessed one of the sport’s biggest achievements.