Mike Epstein – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Michael Peter Epstein made his mark during nine seasons in Major League Baseball, playing first base for five American League teams from 1966 to 1974. He grew up in the Bronx and earned the nickname “Super Jew” from a rival minor league manager. People noticed Epstein for his power hitting and the way he could draw walks, especially in an era when pitchers seemed to rule the game.

Epstein retired from professional baseball on April 28, 1974, after his last game with the California Angels. By then, he had racked up 130 home runs, 380 RBIs, and a World Series championship with the Oakland Athletics in 1972.

His baseball journey took him from the Baltimore Orioles organization to Washington, Oakland, Texas, and finally California. He wrapped up his playing days at age 31.

Epstein, who once starred at the University of California-Berkeley, found both individual and team success. His best season came in 1969 when he blasted 30 home runs for the Washington Senators.

His story includes the tough climb to the majors, the mentorship of legendary hitting instructor Ted Williams, and the unique experience of being one of baseball’s most visible Jewish players in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Michael Peter Epstein was born on April 4, 1943, in the Bronx, New York. He grew into one of baseball’s most distinctive power hitters during his early years.

His path from a struggling high school pitcher to a college All-American really showed the grit that would shape his pro career.

Birthplace and Family Background

Epstein came into the world on April 4, 1943, in the Bronx, New York. His parents, Jack and Evelyn Epstein, always put education and opportunity first for their family.

The Epsteins moved to Hartsdale, New York, in Westchester County when Mike was still young. They wanted better schools for Mike and his two sisters, Linda and Carole.

Mike’s uncle Irving played a big part in inspiring his baseball dreams. Irving took him to Yankees games, planting the idea that he could make it to the big leagues too.

In 1957, the family packed up and moved to Los Angeles when Jack Epstein opened a new office for his business. Mike remembered the long two-week drive across the country and the palm trees that greeted them in California.

California’s sunshine gave Mike his first chance to play sports year-round. He spent hours at La Cienega Park near his house, building the foundation for his athletic career.

High School and College Achievements

At Fairfax High School, Epstein played several sports, even though his teams didn’t win much. His football team only won two games in three years, but Epstein stood out as a fullback and defensive player.

Baseball seemed like his ticket to the pros at first. He pitched for coach Frank Schaffer, who had coached future big leaguers Larry and Norm Sherry, Chuck Essegian, and Barry Latman.

During his sophomore year, Epstein’s arm gave out, and that ended his pitching dream. His football skills, though, landed him a scholarship to the University of California at Berkeley.

At Berkeley, Epstein played running back for coach Marv Levy, who would later coach in the NFL. As a sophomore, he was the second-leading ground gainer in a backfield with future All-American quarterback Craig Morton.

One day, while walking past the baseball field after football practice, freshman coach Al Mathews challenged the football players about their athleticism. Epstein took the challenge and started launching balls over the fence.

Epstein quit football the next fall to focus on baseball, worried about getting injured on the football field. During his junior season, he became a college all-star, hitting .384 in a stadium where the right-field wall stood 420 feet away and 80 feet high.

Nickname: Superjew and Jewish Heritage

The nickname “Superjew” popped up during Epstein’s minor league days at Stockton. Manager Rocky Bridges gave him the name after Epstein crushed a massive home run.

Some might see the term as negative, but Epstein wore it proudly. When someone asked if it was one word or two, Epstein replied, “Well, you spell Superman with one word.”

His Jewish heritage meant a lot to him throughout his career. While playing in Stockton, he met his future wife Barbara Gluskin at the local synagogue, where her dad was president.

Epstein’s faith and cultural identity became part of his baseball persona. Later, The Baseball Talmud would call him the second-best Jewish first baseman ever, right after Hank Greenberg.

The nickname stuck with him through his pro career, and fans still remember it. Epstein carried it with pride, representing his heritage in America’s pastime.

Major League Debut and Early Career

Mike Epstein started his professional baseball journey with the Baltimore Orioles in 1964. He made a quick impression as a power-hitting prospect. His fast rise through the minor leagues earned him a reputation as one of the game’s most promising young sluggers before he joined the Washington Senators.

Baltimore Orioles Signing and Debut

The Baltimore Orioles signed Epstein in 1964 after he finished his impressive college career at Berkeley. The team paid him a bonus of over $20,000, which was a big deal back then.

Orioles general manager Harry Dalton showed real faith in his new prospect. “He’s a kid who could hit 50 home runs,” Dalton said when he announced the signing.

Epstein made his MLB debut on September 16, 1966, at age 23 against the Chicago White Sox. The lefty first baseman got his first taste of the majors after a standout minor league season that year.

He got called up in September after dominating Triple-A Rochester. Still, his chances were limited because Boog Powell already held down first base for Baltimore.

Minor League Success and Awards

Epstein’s minor league numbers were eye-popping. In 1965, his first pro season with the Class A Stockton Ports, he batted .338 with 30 home runs, earning the California League’s MVP award.

His 30 homers tied a league record set by Vince DiMaggio. The next season, at Triple-A Rochester, Epstein kept mashing. He hit .309 with 29 home runs and 102 RBIs in 1966.

The Sporting News named him Minor League Player of the Year in 1966. That award made it clear he was one of the game’s top prospects heading into the majors.

Transition to Washington Senators

Boog Powell blocked Epstein’s path to regular playing time in Baltimore. The Orioles tried moving him to the outfield, but he struggled tracking fly balls, so that experiment didn’t last.

In May 1967, the Orioles traded Epstein and pitcher Frank Bertaina to the Washington Senators for Pete Richert. Finally, Epstein got the shot at regular big league action he’d been waiting for.

Washington manager Gil Hodges put Epstein at first base right away. In his first season with the Senators, Epstein hit a memorable grand slam against his former team, the Orioles.

The Senators gave Epstein the steady playing time he needed to develop his skills. As a rookie, he hit .226 with nine home runs in 297 at-bats, laying the groundwork for what was to come.

Peak MLB Years and Accomplishments

Mike Epstein hit his stride with the Washington Senators under manager Ted Williams, then won a World Series with the Oakland Athletics. His best years featured consistent home run power, including a career-high 30 homers in 1969 and several seasons with 19 or more.

Career With Washington Senators

Epstein broke out in 1969 under first-year manager Ted Williams with the Senators. That season, he blasted 30 home runs and established himself as a real power hitter in the American League.

Williams worked closely with Epstein, helping him refine his hitting approach. The Hall of Famer could spot what players did right or wrong just by watching them swing.

For four straight years, Epstein hit 30, 20, 19, and 26 home runs. That steady power made him one of the more reliable first basemen in the league during those years.

After the 1971 season, the Senators moved to Texas and became the Rangers. Epstein played briefly for the Rangers in 1972 before heading to Oakland in a trade.

Oakland Athletics and the 1972 World Series

Epstein joined the Oakland Athletics partway through the 1972 season. The A’s were building a championship team and needed a steady hand at first base.

The team won the 1972 World Series, giving Epstein his only championship ring. Oakland beat the Cincinnati Reds in seven games that October.

In September 1972, Epstein and teammate Ken Holtzman wore black armbands to honor the 11 Israeli athletes killed at the Munich Olympics.

“We were shocked,” Epstein recalled about the Munich tragedy. “We were both bar mitzvah’ed and came from families with religious roots, so we just took that to heart.”

Memorable Games and Individual Records

Epstein hit four home runs in four straight at-bats during the 1971 season while with Oakland. He almost made it five in a row.

The umpire, Bill Kunkel, called the fifth one foul. Epstein insisted the ball was fair, saying it sailed over the right-field foul pole before curving.

“In later years with Ted, I said, ‘You know that ball was fair,'” Epstein remembered. “He sort of smiled and said, ‘Doesn’t make any difference now.'”

Epstein also hit three home runs in a single game once. He could take over a game with his bat when he got hot.

By the end, Epstein had 130 home runs and 380 RBIs over nine seasons. He finished with a .244 batting average in 907 games.

Final Seasons and Retirement

Mike Epstein’s last years in the majors brought a lot of trades and a dip in performance. After his World Series win with Oakland in 1972, he bounced between the Texas Rangers and California Angels before hanging up his spikes in 1974.

Stints With Texas Rangers and California Angels

After a clubhouse fight with Reggie Jackson and some run-ins with manager Dick Williams, the Athletics traded Epstein to the Texas Rangers for Horacio Piña on December 1, 1972. Oakland wanted to open up first base for Gene Tenace, who’d starred in the World Series.

Epstein’s stint in Texas didn’t go well. He started the 1973 season hitting just .188 with one home run and six RBIs. His struggles led to another quick trade.

On May 20, 1973, the Rangers sent Epstein, Rich Hand, and Rick Stelmaszek to the California Angels for Jim Spencer and Lloyd Allen. Even with a new team, Epstein couldn’t get his bat going.

In 1973, he ranked seventh in the league in hit by pitches with eight, but his overall production just wasn’t there anymore. The Angels kept him through the 1974 season, though his playing time dropped off a lot.

Notable Statistics and Final Games

Epstein played his final MLB game on April 28, 1974, for the California Angels. His career stats reflected both his power and his limitations as a hitter.

In nine seasons and 907 games, Epstein hit .244 with 695 hits in 2,854 at-bats. He finished with 130 home runs, 380 RBIs, and 362 runs scored. His .358 on-base percentage and .424 slugging percentage showed he could draw walks and slug the ball.

Career Highlights:

• Home runs: 130 (30 in 1969)
• RBI: 380
• Walks: 448
• Fielding percentage: .991 at first base

His postseason numbers were rough, just .108 (4-for-37) in 13 games with one home run and nine walks. In the 1972 World Series, he went hitless in 16 at-bats.

Retirement in 1974

The California Angels released Epstein on May 4, 1974, ending his MLB career at 31. The Athletics thought about bringing him back, but decided not to.

Epstein’s career had moments of brilliance but also plenty of ups and downs, not to mention some clubhouse drama. His 1969 season with the Senators, when he hit 30 homers and batted .278 under Ted Williams, stood out as his best.

After retiring, Epstein stayed in the game by running a hitting school, teaching what he’d learned from Williams. In 1993, he managed the Helena Brewers in the Pioneer League for 11 games, though his hitting philosophy clashed with newer trends.

He later worked as a private hitting consultant. Through 2010, he ranked sixth all-time in career home runs among Jewish major league players.

Player Profile and Playing Style

Mike Epstein really stood out as a powerful left-handed first baseman who mixed impressive plate discipline with solid home run power during his nine-year MLB career.

His 6’4″ frame and patient approach at the plate made him a tough offensive threat, especially during his best years in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

First Baseman Role and Left-Handed Batting

Epstein played first base exclusively in the big leagues, showing up in 823 games at that spot.

His left-handed batting stance really fit his first base role. The Baltimore Orioles tried to move him to the outfield since Boog Powell already played first, but that just didn’t work out.

At 6’4″ and 230 pounds, Epstein brought serious physical presence to first base.

His size and natural left-handed swing helped him handle right-handed pitching well. First base just made sense for his skills, letting him focus on what he did best—hit.

Epstein’s left-handed bat mattered a lot when teams built their lineups.

Managers often used him against right-handed pitchers, where his power could really show up.

Skills, Strengths, and On-Field Reputation

Epstein’s biggest strength? Probably his sharp eye and power at the plate.

He drew a lot of walks, finishing with 448 bases on balls in 907 games. His on-base percentage hit .358, a clear sign of his patience.

Ted Williams took time to work with Epstein while they were both with the Washington Senators.

Williams taught him to only swing at strikes. That lesson paid off—Epstein’s 1969 season saw a big jump in batting average (.278), home runs (30), and on-base percentage (.414).

His power numbers stood out too. In 1969, he hit a home run every 13.4 at bats, which put him among the league leaders.

Epstein also led the American League in hit-by-pitch several times, showing he wasn’t afraid to crowd the plate.

Defensive and Offensive Stats

Epstein wrapped up his career with a .991 fielding percentage at first base, which shows he handled his job reliably.

In 1970, he led all AL first basemen in range factor (10.08), proving he could do more than just catch what was hit right at him.

Career Offensive Statistics:

• Batting Average: .244
• Home Runs: 130
• RBI: 380
• On-Base Percentage: .358
• Slugging Percentage: .424

His top offensive year came in 1969. He hit 30 home runs with 85 RBIs in only 403 at-bats.

That season, he finished ninth in the American League in home runs and posted a .551 slugging percentage.

In 1972 with Oakland, Epstein hit 26 home runs (third in the league) and posted a .490 slugging percentage (fifth in AL).

His steady power made him a dependable middle-of-the-order bat throughout his career.

Legacy, Collectibles, and Post-Baseball Life

Mike Epstein’s impact on baseball goes way beyond his playing days. People still remember his “Super Jew” nickname, and his teaching career left a mark on a lot of hitters.

His baseball cards are still pretty popular, and as a hitting instructor, he influenced plenty of players after he retired.

Baseball Cards and Memorabilia

Collectors really value Mike Epstein’s cards from the 1960s and 1970s.

His 1967 Topps rookie card and the 1970 Topps card with Ted Williams are especially in demand. That card with Williams says “Ted Shows How,” which nods to their famous hitting lessons.

Memorabilia with Epstein’s “Super Jew” nickname has only gotten more valuable.

Signed baseballs, bats, and photos go for premium prices. At autograph sessions, fans often ask him to sign with his full nickname, and he’s happy to do it.

The Baseball Talmud ranked him as the second-best Jewish first baseman ever, right after Hank Greenberg.

That recognition boosted interest in his collectibles among Jewish fans and baseball historians.

Reputation and Influence

Manager Rocky Bridges gave Epstein the “Super Jew” nickname, and it stuck as one of baseball’s more memorable monikers.

In 1972, he wore black armbands with teammate Ken Holtzman to honor the Israeli Olympians murdered at Munich. That move really showed how much pride he took in his heritage.

Epstein nearly hit five home runs in a row—a legendary story. The fifth one was called foul, stopping him from setting a major league record.

Years later, Ted Williams admitted the ball might have been fair.

Epstein’s influence on Jewish baseball fans ran deep.

Plenty of parents named their sons after him, and fans followed him from team to team, not just sticking with one franchise.

Life After Baseball

After he retired in 1974, Epstein jumped into the business world and found a good bit of success. Later, he decided to return to baseball as an instructor.

He really focused on “rotational hitting,” which uses the whole body—not just the arms and legs. That approach became his signature method for teaching.

Mike runs Mike Epstein Hitting with his son Jake out in suburban Denver. Jake, who was an All-American at the University of Missouri, handles most of the daily work.

Their father-son dynamic gives the business a unique feel.

Epstein often shows up at baseball events and autograph sessions. He bases his teaching philosophy on Ted Williams’ ideas, and he’s helped a lot of players improve their hitting mechanics with his drills and techniques.