Lerrin LaGrow – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Lerrin LaGrow’s name might not echo through baseball history like some of his contemporaries, but his decade-long career in Major League Baseball tells a pretty compelling story of perseverance and a handful of memorable moments.

The 6-foot-5 right-hander from Phoenix, Arizona, carved out a solid career as both a starter and reliever across five different teams from 1970 to 1980. His journey through the majors had everything from playoff drama to World Series glory, making him a pretty interesting figure in 1970s baseball.

LaGrow wrapped up his final season with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980. He contributed to their first World Series championship, but the team released him in July, which ended his professional playing days.

Most folks remember him for the infamous bat-throwing incident with Bert Campaneris during the 1972 American League Championship Series. Still, there’s so much more to LaGrow’s career than just that wild moment.

His path from Arizona State University standout to major league veteran shows the challenges and triumphs that shape so many professional athletes.

If you look closer at LaGrow’s career, you’ll see a pitcher who faced adversity, pushed through setbacks, and found some real success at baseball’s highest level.

From his early struggles in the minors to his role on a championship team, LaGrow’s decade in the majors gives us a glimpse into the realities of pro baseball during one of the sport’s most competitive eras.

Early Life and Education

Lerrin Harris LaGrow was born on July 8, 1948, in Phoenix, Arizona. His parents, Forrest “Jack” and Elta (Harris) LaGrow, raised him there.

His athletic talents popped up early during his high school years in Glendale. He stood out in both baseball and basketball before he earned a scholarship to Arizona State University.

Childhood in Phoenix, Arizona

Lerrin grew up in Phoenix with his parents and his older brother Steve. Jack, his dad, worked as a mechanic, and Elta, his mom, taught in the public school system.

The LaGrow family had roots that stretched beyond Arizona. Both parents came from Illinois, married in Iowa, and eventually settled in the Grand Canyon State.

Lerrin’s paternal side traced their heritage back to France, where the family name was originally spelled “LaGreaux.” This diverse background definitely helped shape him.

The mix of his dad’s practical skills and his mom’s educational influence gave Lerrin a pretty stable foundation for what was to come.

High School Athletics at Glendale

At Glendale High School, LaGrow showed off some serious athletic ability in multiple sports. He earned four-year letters in both baseball and basketball.

His grades matched his athletic achievements. He joined the National Honor Society, proving he could handle the classroom just as well as the field.

During his senior year, LaGrow’s baseball skills started to get noticed around the region. He made the all-tournament team at an American Legion baseball competition in Roswell, New Mexico.

That honor helped build his reputation as a promising pitcher. At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, he was an intimidating presence on the mound.

His size and athleticism caught the attention of college scouts.

College Baseball at Arizona State University

LaGrow accepted a scholarship to Arizona State University and joined one of the country’s top college baseball programs. The Sun Devils had just won their second national championship in three years during his freshman season in 1967.

Coach Bobby Winkles led the program while LaGrow was there. LaGrow later called Winkles “the best coach I had at any level,” which says a lot about his college experience.

He didn’t play for ASU as a freshman, but he spent the summer of 1967 with the semipro Wichita Cessna club. He picked up All-Kansas honors and landed on the National Baseball Congress All-American team with future big leaguers like Bob Boone, Doug Griffin, and Frank Duffy.

As a sophomore in 1968, LaGrow went 5-0 before a pulled muscle cut his season short. That injury kept him from helping the Sun Devils reach the NCAA tournament that year.

LaGrow’s junior year in 1969 turned out to be his breakout. He put together a 14-1 record, including some clutch wins in the College World Series.

His 2-1, 11-inning victory over UCLA helped Arizona State reach the championship. In the title game against New York University, LaGrow delivered both on the mound and at the plate.

He scattered five hits and struck out nine, but he also went 3-for-3 with a key two-run single in the sixth inning.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Lerrin LaGrow played 10 seasons in the majors from 1970 to 1980, appearing in 309 games for five different teams. The Detroit Tigers drafted him in 1969, which led to his debut at age 22.

He bounced between starting and relief roles throughout his career.

Draft by Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers picked Lerrin LaGrow in the sixth round of the 1969 MLB June Amateur Draft. He was the 137th overall pick that year.

The Tigers chose him after his excellent college career at Arizona State. LaGrow had just finished a 14-1 season during Arizona State’s College World Series title run.

After signing with Detroit, LaGrow reported to the Montgomery Rebels in the Double-A Southern League. His first pro season was a rough one—he went 2-10 with a 3.64 ERA in 14 starts.

Even so, he showed enough promise to catch the organization’s attention.

The next year, LaGrow made big improvements. He went 11-4 with a 2.10 ERA in 19 starts at Montgomery.

He even tied the Southern League record with a 16-strikeout game against Savannah on May 9, 1970.

Major League Debut and Initial Seasons

LaGrow made his major league debut on July 28, 1970, at Tiger Stadium against the Kansas City Royals. He was 22 when he faced his first big league batter.

The Detroit Tigers called him up to replace Bob Reed, who was finishing up military duty. His debut lasted just one batter—Paul Schaal of Kansas City singled off him in the eighth inning of a tie game.

Six days later, LaGrow picked up his first major league strikeout against Washington’s Tom Grieve.

He stayed with Detroit for the rest of the 1970 season. LaGrow appeared in 10 relief games and threw 12 1/3 innings.

His ERA was 7.30 in that first stint, but manager Mayo Smith liked his attitude and said he wouldn’t be intimidated.

For the next two years, LaGrow mostly worked on his craft in the minor leagues. He spent most of 1971 and 1972 with the Toledo Mud Hens in Triple-A.

His strikeouts went up a lot during this time, though he still struggled with control.

Roles: Starter and Reliever

LaGrow’s big league career included both starting and relief pitching over his 10 seasons. He showed the kind of versatility teams like to have.

His career totals were 34 wins, 55 losses, and 375 strikeouts.

As a starter, LaGrow made 34 starts for Detroit in 1974. He even completed games of 10 and 11 innings early that year.

On June 30, he had a career-high 10 strikeouts in a complete game win over Milwaukee.

Later in his career, LaGrow found more success as a reliever. He saved 25 games for the Chicago White Sox in 1977.

His last season with Philadelphia in 1980 included three saves for the World Series champs.

LaGrow finished with a 4.11 ERA across 309 major league appearances. He pitched for the Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies.

He wrapped up his career after the 1980 season at age 32.

Notable Teams and Career Highlights

LaGrow made meaningful contributions to several big league teams. His standout 1977 season with the Chicago White Sox, where he recorded 25 saves, really stands out.

He also played roles with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox during his decade in the majors.

Chicago White Sox and the ‘South Side Hit Men’

LaGrow’s best year came in 1977 with the Chicago White Sox. He saved 25 games that season, ranking third in the American League.

That made him a key part of the bullpen. The White Sox called themselves the “South Side Hit Men” because of their offense.

LaGrow’s steady relief work backed up that high-scoring lineup. His 25 saves were a career high and showed he could finish games under pressure.

The 1977 season marked his shift from mostly starting to becoming a successful reliever. His fastball and better control fit the closer role.

That year with Chicago proved he could handle the heat when it mattered.

Los Angeles Dodgers Tenure

LaGrow spent some time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, though his stay there was pretty short. He mostly worked out of the bullpen.

The Dodgers leaned on his experience and big presence in their relief corps. At 6-foot-5, with a hard fastball, he fit their pitching style.

He didn’t put up huge numbers with the Dodgers, but he added depth to their bullpen. His experience from other teams helped mentor younger pitchers.

Stint with Philadelphia Phillies

LaGrow hit the high point of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980. He notched three saves for the team that won the World Series that year.

That championship was the biggest moment of his career.

The Phillies used him as a setup man and occasional closer during the 1980 season. His veteran presence was a real asset during their title run.

LaGrow appeared in key games throughout the season and postseason.

His last big league appearance came on July 14, 1980, with Philadelphia. Retiring as a World Series champ felt like a fitting way to close out his career.

His three saves helped the franchise win its first championship.

Brief Time with Boston Red Sox

LaGrow also spent a little time with the Boston Red Sox, adding another storied franchise to his resume. His stint in Boston was short but gave him more experience.

The Red Sox used him mostly in relief. His hard fastball and veteran presence helped stabilize their bullpen.

He pitched at Fenway Park and got a taste of life in the tough American League East.

His time in Boston just added to his overall big league experience.

The 1980 Season and Retirement

LaGrow played his last major league season with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980. He helped them during their World Series run before stepping away from the game.

His last game came on July 14, 1980, capping off a 10-year career that took him to five different teams.

Performance with the Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies signed LaGrow as a free agent after the 1979 season. They brought him in to boost a bullpen that had struggled the year before.

LaGrow pitched in 25 games during the 1980 regular season. His results depended a lot on where he pitched.

At home, he was more effective. He appeared in 14 games with a 2.82 ERA over 22.1 innings, allowing 28 hits and 7 earned runs.

On the road, things got tougher. He pitched 11 games with a 6.11 ERA over 16.2 innings, giving up 14 hits and 11 earned runs.

LaGrow recorded 3 saves for the 1980 World Series champion Phillies. He threw 3 wild pitches and had 2 balks that season.

He walked 17 batters, including 2 intentional passes, and allowed 5 home runs along the way.

Final Major League Appearances

LaGrow wrapped up his career in the summer of 1980. His final major league game happened on July 14, 1980, just six days after he turned 32.

He took the mound at age 32 for that last appearance. By debut date, he became the 13,027th player in major league history.

LaGrow’s stats in his final season told the story of a pitcher running out of gas. You could see the wear from a decade in the big leagues in his 1980 numbers.

The Phillies brought in the veteran reliever hoping he’d steady their bullpen. While his stats weren’t flashy, he still chipped in for a team that would eventually win the 1980 World Series.

Retirement Announcement

LaGrow called it a career after the 1980 season. He could retire knowing he played a part on a championship squad.

Over 10 years in the majors, he finished with a record of 34 wins and 55 losses. He got into 309 games, suiting up for five different teams.

He notched 25 saves, most of those coming with the Chicago White Sox in 1977. His career stats showed he was a reliable reliever who helped out wherever he landed.

LaGrow grew up in Phoenix, and his retirement closed the chapter on a journey that started when the Detroit Tigers drafted him in 1969. He made his big league debut on July 28, 1970, at just 22.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Lerrin LaGrow put together a 34-55 record with a 4.11 ERA over 309 games from 1970 to 1980. He really shined as a relief pitcher with the Chicago White Sox, racking up 25 saves in 1977 and tallying 375 strikeouts across several teams.

Win–Loss Record and ERA

LaGrow ended up with a 34-55 win-loss record and a 4.11 ERA over 779 innings. His best year came in 1977 with the White Sox, when he went 7-3 and posted a 2.46 ERA.

He struggled as a starter early on with Detroit. In 1974, he went 8-19 with a 4.66 ERA in 37 games, 34 of them starts. That season, he logged his heaviest workload with 216.1 innings.

Things got better for him once he moved to the bullpen. His ERA dropped once he started pitching in relief. With St. Louis in 1976, he put up a 1.48 ERA in just eight appearances.

Saves and Strikeouts

LaGrow picked up 54 saves during his career, with 25 of them coming in that stellar 1977 season for Chicago. He added 16 more saves the next year, cementing his role as a go-to closer.

He struck out 375 batters at a rate of 4.3 per nine innings. His strikeouts peaked during his relief years—he fanned 63 hitters in 98.2 innings in 1977.

He averaged 1.20 strikeouts per walk over his career. In 1977, he struck out 63 and walked just 35, showing off much better control in his relief role.

Notable Game Performances

LaGrow made his MLB debut on July 28, 1970, against Kansas City at 22. He didn’t record an out in that first game but did give up a hit.

His most reliable stretch came in 1977 with Chicago. He pitched in 66 games, all as a reliever. That year, he finished 49 games and posted a 4.2 WAR, his best single-season mark.

LaGrow’s last big league appearance came on July 14, 1980, with Philadelphia—almost exactly 10 years after his debut. He spent time with five different teams in both leagues.

Challenges, Injuries, and Memorable Incidents

LaGrow’s decade in pro baseball wasn’t easy. He faced injuries, control issues, and even got caught up in a famous playoff moment. The wildest moment? The 1972 ALCS, when Bert Campaneris threw a bat at him after taking a pitch to the ankle.

Bone Spur Surgery and Disabled List

LaGrow had his share of physical setbacks. In 1973, he broke his pitching wrist after colliding with teammate John Hiller during batting practice.

That injury happened during the Tigers’ annual exhibition in Toledo on June 14. Hiller only missed a week with a sprained ankle, but LaGrow’s wrist kept him out for much longer.

He spent time on the disabled list to heal up. The fracture forced him to miss a big chunk of the 1973 season.

When he finally got back, he had to pitch in the minors for the Toledo Mud Hens before returning to the majors. His next big league outing wasn’t until September 5, when he picked up his first big league win against Cleveland.

Wild Pitches and On-Field Incidents

Control issues haunted LaGrow, especially early on. In the minors with Montgomery, he threw five wild pitches in one game, even after earning his first pro win.

Those command problems followed him to the majors. In 1971 with Toledo, he walked 60 batters in just 69 innings, though he did strike out 65.

He also took a nasty line drive to the back his rookie season, ending up in the hospital overnight with a badly bruised spine.

LaGrow often linked his control problems to his emotions. “I’d make a bad pitch, and instead of saying, ‘Forget it,’ I’d get mad and lose all my concentration,” he said about his struggles in 1974.

1972 ALCS: Bert Campaneris Bat Throwing

The incident everyone remembers happened in Game Two of the 1972 ALCS. Detroit trailed Oakland 5-0 when LaGrow came in for the sixth.

Bert Campaneris led off the seventh, and LaGrow’s first pitch hit him in the left ankle. Campaneris already had three hits, two stolen bases, and two runs in the game.

Campaneris, furious, stood up and chucked his bat toward the mound. If LaGrow hadn’t ducked, the bat might have hit him in the head.

Billy Martin called it “the dirtiest thing I ever saw in my whole life in baseball. He could have killed my man.” The benches cleared, and Martin and Willie Horton had to be held back.

Umpires tossed both LaGrow and Campaneris, and they got suspended for the rest of the series. Years later, Martin admitted he told LaGrow to go after Campaneris’s ankle.

Relationships with Managers and Teammates

LaGrow often clashed with managers over his up-and-down performances. Manager Ralph Houk once said about him, “The harder he’d get hit, the harder he’d throw.”

Houk couldn’t quite figure LaGrow out. “Lerrin is a guy I just can’t figure out. It seems like when the hits start, they don’t stop getting hits,” he said after the 1975 season.

LaGrow admitted he picked up a “bad attitude” during his Detroit days. “The Tiger organization treated me well, but I developed a bad attitude there,” he later said.

Most of his teammate relationships were solid, though that collision with Hiller in batting practice showed how easily things could go sideways. Playing winter ball with Tigers like Hiller, Joe Niekro, and Bob Strampe helped keep the team vibe strong in the offseason.

Legacy and Life After Baseball

After baseball, LaGrow focused on business and kept connected to the sport. The 1972 playoff incident with Campaneris stuck with him, shaping how a lot of people remembered his career.

Real Estate Ventures and Personal Interests

Once he retired in 1980, LaGrow jumped into real estate development in Arizona. He leaned on old connections from his playing days to build a property investment business.

He stuck close to his Phoenix roots, working mainly in the metro area where he grew up. His height and presence—great on the mound—also helped him in business meetings.

He got into coaching at local high schools too. LaGrow passed along pitching tips he learned from mentors like Detroit’s John Grodzicki.

He stayed involved with Arizona State University alumni events, often talking about playing alongside future stars like Larry Gura during ASU’s 1969 College World Series title run.

His business ventures let him stay close to the baseball scene while building financial security beyond what he earned as a player.

Impact on Teammates and the Game

LaGrow left his mark through his relationships on five major league teams. With experience as both a starter and reliever, he became a resource for younger pitchers figuring out their roles.

Former teammate Clay Carroll praised LaGrow’s work ethic when they played together. Carroll said LaGrow’s persistence through tough seasons in Detroit showed others how to handle adversity.

The 1972 playoff moment with Campaneris became one of those odd bits of playoff lore. LaGrow kept his cool when Campaneris threw the bat, showing real professionalism in a wild spot.

He liked to joke that Louisville Sluggers were his toughest opponent, a nod to both the bat-throwing incident and the challenge all pitchers face against good hitters.

LaGrow’s journey—from college standout to big league veteran—continues to inspire young Arizona pitchers. His story proves you can fight through early struggles and still carve out a solid career.

Recognition in Baseball Circles

LaGrow definitely made a name for himself with the 1980 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies. He notched just three saves, but his veteran presence really steadied the bullpen when it mattered most.

Baseball historians still mention LaGrow when they talk about the 1972 American League Championship Series. The Campaneris incident? People still call it one of the wildest playoff moments ever.

Arizona State keeps celebrating his college achievements. That 14-1 record he put up in the 1969 championship season, well, it’s still a big deal in ASU baseball history.

The Society for American Baseball Research featured LaGrow in their biographical project. They spotlighted his decade-long career and all the different roles he took on with various teams.

You’ll even find LaGrow’s name in Louisville Slugger company materials when they talk about memorable moments in baseball. His quick-witted remark about the bat manufacturer kind of became a quirky bit of baseball folklore.

His 25 saves for the 1977 Chicago White Sox stand out as his best individual season. That year, he really showed what he could do in a relief role.