Nate Colbert – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Nathan Colbert Jr. made his mark in Major League Baseball over a decade, playing from 1966 to 1976 as a power-hitting first baseman. He became the San Diego Padres’ first franchise star.

Born in St. Louis in 1946, Colbert played for five different teams, including the Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, Montreal Expos, and Oakland Athletics. He wrapped up his pro career in 1976, playing his last game for the Oakland Athletics on October 1. By then, he’d racked up 173 home runs and 520 RBIs.

His best years came with the San Diego Padres from 1969 to 1974. He became a three-time All-Star and the team’s main offensive weapon.

San Diego fans knew Colbert’s name, especially after his unforgettable five-homer doubleheader. He played through baseball’s expansion in the late ’60s and early ’70s, right as the sport was changing.

Let’s dig into Colbert’s story, from his St. Louis roots to his rise in the majors and the legacy he left in San Diego. He went from watching legends as a kid to making his own mark, like that five-home-run game in 1972. But it wasn’t all easy—injuries and the challenges of baseball’s expansion era were part of his journey too.

Early Life and Background

Nathan Colbert Jr. was born April 9, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri. Baseball ran in his family.

His dad played semi-pro ball in the Negro leagues as a catcher and sometimes pitched. He even caught for Satchel Paige, which is just wild to think about.

Growing Up in St. Louis

Colbert grew up in 1950s and early ’60s St. Louis, a city that lived and breathed baseball thanks to the Cardinals.

His father, Nate Sr., had real experience in the Negro leagues as both a catcher and pitcher. That gave young Nathan a front-row seat to pro-level baseball skills.

The Colberts lived in a community where baseball mattered. St. Louis’s baseball culture shaped Nathan’s early years in ways that stuck with him.

He went to Charles H. Sumner High School in St. Louis. There, he got the chance to hone his baseball skills as a teenager.

Amateur Baseball Journey

Nathan showed a knack for baseball early on. His dad’s experience helped guide him.

In high school, he stood out for his hitting. He batted right-handed and had a strong, compact swing, something that would serve him well later against big-league pitching.

The St. Louis Cardinals scouted him during his amateur days. He ended up joining their farm system, which paved his way to the pros.

His amateur success led to his MLB debut on April 14, 1966, at just 20. That was the start of his professional journey.

Inspiration from Stan Musial

Stan Musial inspired Nathan in a big way. Growing up in St. Louis, he watched Musial play for the Cardinals.

In 1954, when Nathan was eight, he saw Musial hit five home runs in a doubleheader. That memory stuck.

Fast forward to August 1, 1972—Colbert tied Musial’s record, smashing five home runs in a doubleheader for the Padres. He also drove in 13 runs, setting a new record for RBIs in a twin bill.

That connection between Musial and Colbert? It shows how seeing greatness as a kid can push you to chase it yourself.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Nate Colbert’s road to Major League Baseball really started in 1964 when he signed with his hometown Cardinals. He faced some early struggles with the Houston Astros before landing with the San Diego Padres in 1969.

Minor League Development

Colbert signed with the Cardinals as an amateur free agent in 1964. He turned down 16 major league bonus offers and 30 college scholarships, picking St. Louis because that was Stan Musial’s team.

Back then, there wasn’t even an MLB draft yet. Players like Colbert could pick their own teams, which seems almost unthinkable now.

His time with the Cardinals didn’t last long. The Houston Astros picked him up in the Rule 5 draft in 1965, pulling him away from his dream team and putting him in a new system to start his big-league career.

Debut with Houston Astros

Colbert made his MLB debut on April 14, 1966, with the Houston Astros at age 20. His early years in Houston were rough, with limited playing time and no real shot at a regular spot.

He played briefly with the Astros in 1966, then spent more time in the minors. He got another shot in Houston in 1968 but still struggled to break into the starting lineup.

While in Houston, Colbert flashed some potential, but he never got consistent opportunities. The Astros organization had other plans for first base, leaving Colbert looking for a team that would give him a real chance.

Expansion Draft to San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres picked Colbert ninth in the 1968 expansion draft. That move changed everything for both him and the new franchise.

During the draft, teams could only protect 15 players. The Padres grabbed Ollie Brown first, then went after Colbert, who was a promising 22-year-old first baseman.

San Diego gave Colbert the shot he needed to show what he could do. As an expansion team, the Padres needed players who could contribute right away.

This move kicked off Colbert’s most productive years and made him the Padres’ first real star.

San Diego Padres Legacy

Nate Colbert became the Padres’ first true star during his six seasons with the team, from 1969 to 1974. He set the team’s home run record, held it for over 50 years, and made three straight All-Star teams while anchoring first base.

Role as Franchise First Baseman

Colbert joined the Padres in 1969 after the expansion draft. The team started Bill Davis at first base, and Colbert played in just four of the first 15 games.

After Davis got traded midseason, Colbert took over at first and quickly became the team’s main offensive threat, even though the Padres finished last in the NL West for their first six years.

The team averaged 101 losses each season while Colbert was there. They always finished at least 28.5 games out of first place, sometimes as much as 42 games back.

Colbert did more than just play first base. In 1974, when the Padres acquired Willie McCovey, Colbert moved to left field to make room for the Hall of Famer.

Franchise Records

Colbert held the Padres’ career home run record with 163 home runs until 2024, when Manny Machado finally broke it. That record stood for 50 years, which is pretty incredible.

He also ranks in the Padres’ top 10 all-time for:

• 481 RBIs
• .469 slugging percentage
• 866 games played
• 442 runs scored
• 350 walks

Colbert’s biggest day came on August 1, 1972, against the Braves. He hit five home runs in a doubleheader, matching Stan Musial’s legendary record.

He drove in 13 runs that day, breaking the old doubleheader RBI record of 11. He also racked up 22 total bases, topping Musial’s mark in that category too.

All-Star Game Appearances

Colbert made three straight All-Star teams from 1971 to 1973. He represented the National League at the height of his powers.

His first All-Star nod came in 1971 after leading the Padres with 27 homers and 84 RBIs.

The 1972 All-Star Game was especially memorable for Colbert. He scored the winning run in the tenth inning, capping off his best season.

In 1972, Colbert finished second in the NL with 38 home runs, just behind Johnny Bench. His 111 RBIs made up nearly 23% of the team’s total runs, which is still a major league record.

In 1999, the Padres inducted Colbert into their Hall of Fame. He deserved it, honestly—he was the franchise’s first star and helped put baseball on the map in San Diego.

1972 Historic Doubleheader Performance

On August 1, 1972, Nate Colbert put on one of the greatest shows in baseball history during a doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves. The Padres’ first baseman hit five home runs and drove in 13 runs, setting records that still stand.

Five Home Runs in a Single Day

Colbert matched Stan Musial’s record by smashing five home runs in a doubleheader at Atlanta Stadium. He did it against five different pitchers, which is just wild.

In game one, Colbert went 4-for-5 with two homers. He kicked things off with a three-run shot off Ron Schueler in the first inning. His second homer came in the seventh off Mike McQueen.

The second game was even crazier. Colbert went 3-for-4 and hit three more home runs.

He blasted a grand slam off Pat Jarvis in the second inning. Then, in the seventh, he hit a two-run homer off Jim Hardin.

He capped it off with a ninth-inning homer against Cecil Upshaw. Later, Colbert said he felt “unreal” after that last one.

Setting the RBI Record

Colbert’s 13 RBIs in the doubleheader broke the previous major league record of 11. Earl Averill (1930), Jim Tabor (1939), and Boog Powell (1966) had shared the old mark in the American League.

Before Colbert, the National League record was 10 RBIs, set by Enos Slaughter in 1947. Colbert blew past that by three.

In game one, he drove in five runs with his two homers and a single. The second game brought eight more RBIs, including that grand slam.

Colbert also set a new record for total bases in a doubleheader with 22, breaking Musial’s old mark.

His 13 RBIs also broke the National League record for consecutive games, beating Jim Bottomley’s 12 RBIs in two straight games from 1924.

Impact on Padres History

The Padres swept both games, winning 9-0 and 11-7. For a team that finished 58-95 that year, it was a rare highlight.

Colbert’s historic day came during a personal slump. His average had dipped close to .200, and he had missed some games the week before with a knee injury.

He specifically asked to play at Atlanta Stadium, telling manager Don Zimmer that “someone was going to pay” for his recent struggles.

That performance became the signature moment of Colbert’s career and one of the greatest feats in Padres history. And, get this—it happened exactly 18 years after eight-year-old Colbert had watched Musial’s five-homer game in 1954.

Statistical Achievements and Career Highlights

Nate Colbert played 10 seasons and put up impressive power numbers, even though injuries cut his career short. He finished with 173 home runs and 520 RBIs over 1,004 games.

His best years, from 1969 to 1973, showed off his consistency and power, making him the Padres’ first real franchise star.

Career Home Runs and Power Numbers

Colbert’s 173 career home runs showed off his power, especially for his era. His best seasons were 1970 and 1972, when he hit 38 home runs each year.

In 1970, those 38 homers tied him for fifth in the National League with Hank Aaron. In 1972, he finished second, just behind Johnny Bench’s 40.

With 520 career RBIs, Colbert was a steady run producer. From 1969 to 1973, he averaged 30 homers and 85 RBIs each season.

He held the Padres’ franchise record for career home runs with 163 until Manny Machado broke it in 2024. That record lasted 50 years, which says a lot about Colbert’s impact in San Diego.

Notable Seasons and Awards

Colbert grabbed three All-Star selections from 1971 to 1973, which really marked the high point of his major league career. In 1972, he pulled off his most unforgettable feat and earned some MVP consideration.

On August 1, 1972, Colbert tied Stan Musial’s record by smashing five home runs in a doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves. That day, he drove in 13 runs, breaking the old doubleheader RBI record of 11.

He also racked up 22 total bases in that doubleheader, beating Musial’s previous mark. That performance helped him finish eighth in the National League MVP voting for the season.

Colbert’s 1972 season included a .508 slugging percentage and 111 RBIs. Those RBIs accounted for 22.75% of his team’s total runs, which stands as a major league record for an individual player’s share.

Career Slugging and Batting Metrics

Colbert posted a .243 career batting average over 1,004 MLB games. With the Padres, his .469 slugging percentage still ranks among the franchise’s top 10 ever.

In 1973, he reached career highs in batting average (.270) and on-base percentage (.343). That year really showed off his most complete offensive game before injuries started to slow him down.

Over 10 seasons, Colbert tallied 833 career hits and crossed the plate 481 times. He drew 350 walks as a Padre, showing off his patience at the plate alongside his power.

He piled up 3,863 career plate appearances and notched 14.3 Wins Above Replacement, according to advanced stats. His offense really stood out, especially since the Padres struggled so much during his years there.

Defensive Versatility

Colbert mostly played first base, but he handled other positions when the team needed him to. The Padres moved him to left field in 1974 after they brought in Willie McCovey at first.

He willingly changed positions, putting the team first over his own comfort. Colbert also slid down from cleanup to the fifth spot in the lineup to make room for McCovey.

That shuffle between left field and first base, mixed with back problems, made 1974 a tough year for him. His batting average sank to .207.

Early on, Colbert sometimes played third base and spent time in other outfield spots. This flexibility helped him hang onto roster spots, even though he played for teams that rarely won.

Later Playing Years and Retirement in 1976

Nate Colbert’s final years in the majors were pretty rough, with team changes and nagging physical issues. After his run with the Padres, he landed with the Detroit Tigers and Montreal Expos before wrapping things up with the Oakland Athletics in 1976.

Stints with Detroit Tigers and Montreal Expos

The Detroit Tigers traded for Colbert in November 1974. That move marked a big change for a first baseman who had become so closely tied to the Padres.

While he played for Detroit, his numbers started to slide. His power just didn’t match what he’d done in San Diego.

Colbert also spent parts of 1975 and 1976 with the Montreal Expos. The Expos gave him chances, but honestly, his prime had passed.

As younger guys took over, Colbert’s playing time shrank. All the bouncing between teams showed just how tough things can get for an aging player trying to hang on.

Final MLB Season with Oakland Athletics

Colbert finished up in the majors with a short stint on the Oakland Athletics at the end of 1976. He’d spent much of that season in the minors before getting one last shot.

His final game came on October 1, 1976, against the California Angels. He got one at-bat as a 30-year-old veteran in that last appearance.

The A’s let Colbert close out his career in the majors instead of the minors. That brief chance gave him a proper send-off as an MLB player.

Retirement from Professional Baseball

Colbert retired at age 30 in 1976, mostly because of his ongoing back problems. Those injuries had really started to limit what he could do on the field.

The Toronto Blue Jays picked him up for spring training in 1977, hoping he’d make the squad. Unfortunately, his back issues didn’t go away and he couldn’t stick with the team.

His career stats show a .243 batting average, 173 home runs, and 520 RBIs in 1,004 games. He played for five teams over his 11-year career, from 1966 to 1976.

Really, Colbert’s best years came in San Diego, where he hit 163 home runs and became the team’s first real star.

Legacy, Honors, and Personal Life

Nate Colbert’s impact on Major League Baseball went way beyond just his playing days, especially with the San Diego Padres, where he became the franchise’s first true star. His 163 home runs still stand as a Padres record, and his post-baseball ministry work showed his drive to help others.

San Diego Padres Hall of Fame Induction

In 1999, Colbert got one of baseball’s biggest honors when he became part of the very first class to join the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame. He went in alongside lefty pitcher Randy Jones and former owner Ray Kroc.

That honor really cemented his place as the Padres’ original superstar. The team recognized just how much he meant to San Diego sports history.

Key accomplishments leading to his induction:

• Franchise record 163 home runs (1969-1974)
• Three-time National League All-Star as a Padre
• Five straight seasons with 20-plus home runs
• Averaged 30 home runs per year from 1969 to 1973

The Padres didn’t just celebrate his stats—they highlighted how important he was in getting the franchise off the ground.

Influence on Padres Franchise

Colbert’s influence on the Padres can’t be overstated. As a member of the very first 1969 team, he gave the young franchise instant credibility and some much-needed star power.

His 163 home runs in a Padres uniform still top the franchise record books after 54 seasons. Adrian González came close at 161, followed by Phil Nevin (156), Dave Winfield (154), and Tony Gwynn (135).

Colbert did all that while playing home games at San Diego Stadium, which made hitting home runs tougher than most parks. That makes his power numbers stand out even more.

Only González has matched Colbert’s five straight 20-homer seasons for the Padres. That kind of consistency helped set a winning tone for the team in its early years.

Life After Baseball

After retiring in 1976, Colbert threw himself into community service through his ministry work. He focused on helping disadvantaged youth and used his baseball fame to make a real difference.

He and his wife Kasey settled down in Las Vegas. Colbert stayed connected to baseball, but his religious calling became his main focus.

The same commitment he brought to the field showed up in his post-baseball life. Ministry work really became the heart of who he was.

Community involvement included:

• Youth mentorship programs
• Religious ministry work
• Support for disadvantaged children
• Local community engagement in Las Vegas

Passing and Tributes

Nate Colbert passed away on January 5, 2023, at age 76 in his Las Vegas home. His wife Kasey and their children were there with him.

Padres chairman Peter Seidler called him “a trailblazer in the San Diego sports community,” and he praised Colbert’s devotion to helping others. The organization pointed out not just his baseball achievements but also his character.

Tributes emphasized:

• He became the Padres’ first true star
• His record-setting home run total still stands
• He earned three All-Star selections in brown and gold
• He served the community through ministry work

Major League Baseball and the San Diego community felt the loss of a player who helped establish professional baseball in Southern California. Colbert’s magnetic personality and dedication to others left a lasting impression that went far beyond his stats.