Paul Popovich – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Paul Popovich made his mark during an 11-year run in Major League Baseball, playing for three teams from 1964 to 1975. The versatile infielder from West Virginia built a reputation for his utility work, moving around the infield with ease.

He started with the Chicago Cubs, then played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and finally wrapped up his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Popovich retired from Major League Baseball on July 21, 1975, after playing in 25 games during his last season with the Pirates. As a switch-hitting infielder, he spent over ten years helping teams as a steady backup, earning the nickname “Supersub” while with the Cubs.

His career batting average sat at .233, with 14 home runs and 134 RBIs over 682 games. He never chased stats but always seemed to put the team first.

Let’s take a look at Popovich’s story, from his small-town West Virginia beginnings to his days as a major league veteran. He went from college ball at West Virginia University to key roles on division-winning teams.

His story really shows how crucial role players are in pro baseball, and it gives you a glimpse into what it’s like for guys who built a career on dedication, not stardom.

Early Life and Education

Paul Edward Popovich was born August 18, 1940, in Flemington, West Virginia. He grew up in that small town before earning a scholarship to West Virginia University, where he played college baseball for the Mountaineers in 1960.

Family Background in West Virginia

Popovich spent his childhood in Flemington, West Virginia. Born in 1940, he grew up during World War II and the years that followed.

Flemington was a tight-knit place. That small-town environment shaped his character and work ethic.

He went to Flemington High School, where he played his first organized baseball. Those early years in his hometown really stuck with him throughout his career.

The values he picked up in that community influenced his approach to both baseball and life.

College Baseball with the Mountaineers

After high school, Popovich attended West Virginia University. In 1960, he joined the Mountaineers baseball team.

He worked on his skills as an infielder there. That college experience gave him the foundation he’d need for professional baseball.

His time with the Mountaineers was short but meaningful. The 1960 season let him compete at a higher level and catch the eyes of pro scouts.

Not many college stats exist from his time at West Virginia, but he played well enough to get noticed. By 2009, only Charlie “Piano Legs” Hickman had more major league at-bats among WVU players.

Multi-Sport Athlete at West Virginia University

While baseball was his main thing, Popovich probably played other sports at West Virginia University. Back then, it wasn’t unusual for athletes to try out a couple different sports.

He didn’t just have baseball skills—he had real athleticism. That versatility set him up to become a utility player later on.

The multi-sport approach of the early 1960s helped him develop all-around athletic skills. That paid off when he had to learn various infield positions.

West Virginia’s program back then focused on well-rounded athletes. That fit Popovich’s natural abilities and competitive drive.

His time at WVU laid the groundwork for his pro career. The discipline and skills he picked up there served him well in the majors.

Professional Career Overview

Paul Edward Popovich played 11 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1964 to 1975, suiting up for three National League teams. His knack for playing all over the infield made him a valuable “Supersub,” especially with the Cubs in 1969.

Major League Debut and Early Years

Popovich made his major league debut on April 19, 1964, with the Chicago Cubs at age 23. He arrived after playing college ball at West Virginia University.

Early on, he mostly played second base. The Cubs sent him to winter instructional camp in 1966, where he learned third base, shortstop, and even worked on switch-hitting.

That versatility training really changed his career. He went from a single-position guy to a utility infielder ready for anything. His adaptability helped him find a place as a reliable backup in the National League.

Chicago Cubs: First and Second Stints

Popovich had two runs with the Chicago Cubs, carving out a spot as a dependable utility player. His first stint ran from 1964 to 1967, learning the ropes behind veterans like Glenn Beckert.

The Cubs liked his work ethic and flexibility. By 1969, fans and teammates called him “Supersub” for his ability to move all over the field—second, third, short, even center field in a pinch.

He returned to the Cubs from 1969 to 1973. During that time, he embraced the backup role. He once told Baseball Digest in 1975 that he was “glad that he was a back-up,” showing his team-first attitude.

Los Angeles Dodgers Period

Popovich joined the Los Angeles Dodgers and got to play behind pitcher Don Drysdale. He was there when Drysdale set his famous scoreless innings streak, which Popovich later called one of his favorite baseball memories.

The Dodgers used him all over the infield. His ability to switch-hit made him a handy pinch-hitter and a solid option in different situations.

Playing with stars like Drysdale helped him grow as a player. That stretch with the Dodgers showed he could fit into any team system.

Pittsburgh Pirates and Retirement

Popovich finished his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1974 to 1975. He joined Pirates teams that won the 1974 and 1975 National League Eastern Division titles, bringing some veteran leadership to the clubhouse.

His last game came on July 21, 1975, capping an 11-year run. He retired with a .233 average, 14 homers, and 134 RBIs in 682 games.

The Pirates leaned on his experience and flexibility during those successful seasons. He racked up 1,732 at-bats, staying ready to contribute whenever the team needed him.

Playing Style and Positions

Paul Popovich built his career by playing all over the infield and keeping things steady on defense. He could switch-hit and always seemed to be ready for whatever the team needed.

Second Baseman and Backup Infielder Roles

Popovich mainly played as a second baseman for the Cubs and Dodgers. He brought steady, dependable defense every night.

He spent most of his career as a backup infielder. That job meant he had to be ready for action at any moment.

His backup role really mattered during his time with the Dodgers in 1968. He played in 134 games that year, the most of his career.

The Cubs counted on Popovich as their main supersub for several seasons. He could move between positions without missing a beat. That kind of flexibility kept him in the big leagues for over a decade.

Shortstop and Third Base Capabilities

Besides second base, Popovich handled shortstop and third base just fine. At six feet tall, he had decent range and could make the basic plays.

At shortstop, he showed good hands and a solid arm. His throws were accurate, and he could step in when the starter was out.

Later in his career, he picked up more time at third base. The position demands quick reflexes, and he managed to adjust to the different angles.

His ability to play several spots made managers’ lives easier. With Popovich on the roster, teams didn’t need to carry as many backup infielders.

Switch Hitter Characteristics

Popovich’s switch-hitting set him apart from a lot of utility players of his time. He could bat from either side, giving managers more options in late-game matchups.

He wasn’t known for his bat, finishing with a .233 average, but switch-hitting helped him get more playing time. Managers could plug him in against lefties or righties as needed.

He showed a bit more pop from the left side. All 14 of his career home runs came from both sides of the plate. That extra skill helped him stay in the lineup more often.

His best season at the plate came in 1969, when he hit .284 in 88 games. That year, he proved he could contribute with the bat when he got regular at-bats.

Significant Achievements and Memorable Moments

Paul Popovich picked up the nickname “Supersub” for his utility work, especially during the Cubs’ 1969 season when he turned in his best offensive numbers. He later helped the Pittsburgh Pirates win back-to-back National League Eastern Division titles in 1974 and 1975.

Contribution to Cubs’ 1969 Season

Popovich’s best year came when he returned to the Cubs in 1969. He hit .312 with a .387 on-base percentage in 60 games after getting traded back from the Dodgers.

That was his top batting average for any season. He collected 48 hits in 154 at-bats, scored 26 runs, and drove in 14.

His ability to play all over the infield really helped the Cubs stay in contention. Manager Leo Durocher had more options with Popovich on the roster.

The 1969 season was the high point of his offensive career. His flexibility at second, short, and third gave the team a boost.

Notable Games and Highlights

Popovich’s busiest season was 1968 with the Dodgers, when he played in 134 games. He filled in for injured Jim Lefebvre at second and Zoilo Versalles at shortstop.

He even became a bit of a local celebrity in LA. The 1969 Dodgers yearbook ran a photo of Popovich surrounded by 21 fans who shared his last name.

He built a reputation as a sure-handed fielder and a steady switch-hitter. He never hit for much power, but he finished with 14 home runs and a solid defensive record.

Role in Division Title with the Pirates

Popovich wrapped up his career with the Pirates, helping them win the 1974 and 1975 National League Eastern Division titles. He didn’t play a ton in Pittsburgh, but his veteran presence mattered.

In 1974, he appeared in 59 games and hit .217, filling in at different infield spots. His experience and glove work helped the Pirates keep their roster deep.

The 1975 season was his last. He only played in 25 games, but he still made an impact in the clubhouse as the team repeated as division champs.

His time with the Pirates really showed how much teams can rely on veteran utility guys. Even as his offense faded, he stayed respected for his defense and attitude.

Career Statistics and Legacy

Paul Popovich hit .233 with 14 home runs and 134 RBIs over 682 games in his 11-year career. He racked up 1,732 at-bats, which put him among the reliable utility players of his time, and folks started calling him “Supersub” when he played for the Cubs.

Batting Average and Offensive Metrics

From 1964 to 1975, Popovich stuck with a .233 batting average. His best year at the plate came in 1969, when he hit .312 for the Cubs after a mid-season trade from the Dodgers.

Key Offensive Statistics:

• Career batting average: .233
• Home runs: 14
• RBIs: 134
• Runs scored: 176
• Total hits: 403

He posted a .286 on-base percentage and a .292 slugging percentage, so he was more of a contact hitter than a power guy. Over his career, he notched 42 doubles and 9 triples.

In 1968, when he played for the Dodgers, Popovich had what was probably his busiest season. He played in 134 games and picked up 97 hits, finishing with a .232 average.

Fielding Performance

Popovich’s defensive versatility made him a handy addition to three different teams. He covered second base, shortstop, third, and even outfield spots.

Second base was his main gig, and he showed solid defensive skills. The Cubs leaned on his flexibility, especially in 1969, and that’s when “Supersub” really stuck.

According to Baseball-Reference, he played multiple positions in single seasons. Managers could count on him to fill in pretty much anywhere, which definitely helped him stick around in the majors.

His defensive stats don’t jump off the page, but he gave teams steady, dependable play. He might not have had the flashiest arm, but he got the job done wherever they needed him.

Total At-Bats and Historical Standing

Popovich finished with 1,732 at-bats over his 11 seasons. That shows his main role was as a utility guy, not a regular starter.

He split his playing time among three teams:

• Chicago Cubs: 1,141 at-bats (8 seasons)
• Los Angeles Dodgers: 468 at-bats (2 seasons)
• Pittsburgh Pirates: 123 at-bats (2 seasons)

The Cubs gave him the most chances, and he picked up 270 hits there with a .237 average. In Pittsburgh, he got to play on some division-winning teams in 1974 and 1975.

Baseball-Reference lists his last game as July 21, 1975, against the Giants. He actually got a hit in his final at-bat, which is a pretty cool way to go out at age 34.

Notable Relationships and Off-Field Contributions

Paul Popovich’s career got a boost from relationships with established players and his willingness to adapt through special training. His nickname “Popo” started popping up in baseball media, especially in Baseball Digest.

Influence of Glenn Beckert and Don Drysdale

Glenn Beckert really shaped Popovich’s path with the Cubs. When Beckert locked down second base, Popovich decided to accept a backup role instead of fighting for the starting job.

Popovich later said he felt grateful for that setup. He told Baseball Digest he was “glad that he was a back-up” player, which probably helped him stick around longer.

Beckert’s impact on Popovich’s career:

• Made Popovich embrace a utility role
• Pushed him to learn more positions
• Popovich, interestingly, ended up playing longer than Beckert

Don Drysdale gave Popovich one of his best baseball memories. Popovich played behind Drysdale during the famous scoreless inning streak, and he always talked about how thrilling that was.

That streak became a highlight Popovich looked back on often. It tied him to a pretty legendary moment in baseball history.

Impact of Winter Instructional Camp

In 1966, the Cubs sent Popovich to winter instructional camp. That move really changed things for him and kept his big-league career going.

Up until then, Popovich played only second base. The camp taught him how to handle third base and shortstop, and he picked up switch-hitting during that stretch.

Skills he picked up at camp:

• Third base – Learned a new spot
• Shortstop – Covered more of the infield
• Switch-hitting – Started batting from both sides

That versatility is what earned him the “Supersub” tag with the Cubs in 1969. Being able to move around made him a lot more valuable, and teams found more ways to use him.

The time he spent at camp paid off for both him and his teams. He managed to stay in the majors for another nine seasons after that.

Media Coverage and Nickname ‘Popo’

Baseball Digest put Popovich in the spotlight in their August 1975 article “Bench Warmers Aren’t Meant to be Heroes.” They spent several paragraphs on his career and approach to the game.

The magazine pointed out his upbeat attitude about being a backup. Popovich’s quotes really showed how realistic and grounded he was about his place in baseball.

His “Popo” nickname caught on with players and fans. The short version of his name showed up in records and media, and baseball reference sites used both his real name and nickname.

The 1969 Dodgers yearbook even put together a fun tribute. They got 21 fans with the Popovich surname together for a photo with him. It was quirky, but it showed how approachable he was and how much fans liked him.

Life After Baseball and Personal Reflections

Paul Edward Popovich wrapped up his Major League career on July 21, 1975, with the Pirates after 11 seasons as a utility infielder. His retirement ended a run across three teams and made him a notable figure in West Virginia sports circles.

Retirement in 1975

Popovich played his last game in 1975 with the Pirates. He’d been part of the Pirates’ division-winning squads in both 1974 and 1975.

He finished with a .233 batting average, 403 hits, 14 home runs, and 134 RBIs in 682 games over 11 years.

Leaving baseball after more than a decade brought a big change for Popovich. He’d spent years bouncing between Chicago, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh.

Teams valued his ability to play all over the infield. The Cubs, especially in 1969, called him “Supersub” for his utility work.

Legacy in West Virginia Sports

Popovich’s ties to West Virginia University stayed important in his baseball story. He played college ball for the Mountaineers in 1960 before going pro.

He left a mark on West Virginia baseball, too. By 2009, Paul Popovich still held the second-highest number of total at-bats among all Major Leaguers from West Virginia University.

Only Charlie “Piano Legs” Hickman had more at-bats among WVU alumni in MLB history. That says a lot about Popovich’s staying power in the pros.

He also made his mark at Flemington High School in West Virginia. Born in Flemington on August 18, 1940, Popovich carried his home state’s flag throughout his career.

Recognition in Baseball Literature

Baseball Digest ran a piece on Popovich in August 1975 called “Bench Warmers Aren’t Meant to be Heroes.” They included a photo of him, too, since he was about to retire.

In that article, Popovich said he was satisfied with being a backup player. He talked about how he ended up in that role after the Chicago Cubs picked Glenn Beckert for second base.

Interestingly, Popovich’s big league career actually lasted longer than Beckert’s, even though he was the backup. That really says something about how much teams valued him as a utility guy.

Popovich opened up about a special memory from his days with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He remembered the excitement of playing behind Don Drysdale when Drysdale broke the record for consecutive scoreless innings.

The Cubs sent Popovich to winter instructional camp in 1966 to help him pick up more skills. He learned to play third base and shortstop there, not just second, and he also worked on becoming a switch-hitter.