Pete Ladd – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Peter Linwood Ladd put together a solid six-year stint in Major League Baseball as a relief pitcher, suiting up for three teams from 1979 to 1986. Born in Portland, Maine, on July 17, 1956, Ladd came out of the University of Mississippi and turned into a dependable bullpen arm, stepping up in some of the sport’s biggest moments during the early 1980s.

Ladd’s most unforgettable moment happened during the Milwaukee Brewers‘ 1982 postseason, when he locked down two massive saves in the American League Championship Series against the California Angels, including the clincher in Game 5. His clutch pitching pushed Milwaukee to their first—and still only—World Series, though the Brewers lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.

Let’s take a look at Pete Ladd’s baseball career, tracing his path from a small-town Maine kid to big-league reliever. We’ll check out his amateur days, his start with the Houston Astros, his best years in Milwaukee, and his final season with the Seattle Mariners.

We’ll also touch on his life after baseball and the mark he left when he passed away in 2023 at age 67.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Peter Linwood Ladd came into the world on July 17, 1956, in Portland, Maine. He fell in love with baseball by listening to Red Sox games on the radio.

His family moved to Atlanta while he was in high school. That move ended up being a big deal for his future.

Childhood in Portland, Maine

Pete Ladd spent his early years in Portland, Maine, with his parents, William E. and Ruth Ladd. They were high school sweethearts and tied the knot in 1941.

As a kid, Ladd really got hooked on baseball. He would sit for hours with his transistor radio, tuning in to Boston Red Sox games.

“I was like any kid who listened to the Red Sox a little bit past my bedtime,” Ladd once said in an interview after his playing days. He’d stay up late, following every pitch.

Those radio nights definitely fueled his dreams. Hearing the games gave him his first taste of the sport that would shape his life.

High School Through Oxford

Ladd’s baseball journey shifted gears when his family moved to Atlanta for his parents’ jobs. That’s where things started to happen.

He went to Henderson High School in Atlanta, and his baseball skills really began to stand out. Georgia turned out to be the right place for his growth as a player.

At Henderson, college scouts began to notice him. His pitching caught the eye of recruiters from all over the country.

Jake Gibbs, who used to catch for the New York Yankees, saw Ladd’s potential. Gibbs was recruiting for the University of Mississippi baseball program at the time.

Ladd decided to take a scholarship offer from Ole Miss. That choice sent him to Oxford, Mississippi, for his college career.

University of Mississippi Baseball

Ladd pitched three seasons for the University of Mississippi, from 1975 to 1977. He worked as a starter in the Rebels’ rotation.

The 1977 season was a big one for Ole Miss. The team went 39-19, setting a school record for wins.

That same season, the Rebels nabbed the Southeastern Conference Championship and moved on to the NCAA Southern Regional tournament in Miami, Florida.

During his college run, Ladd put together a 10-7 record. As a sophomore, he put up a sharp 1.74 ERA as the team’s number-three starter.

His last college game came in a 5-2 loss to the University of Miami at the regional tournament. He took the loss in the game that ended Ole Miss’s season.

Even though his college career ended on a tough note, pro scouts were interested. The Boston Red Sox picked him in the 25th round of the 1977 MLB draft.

Draft and Entry Into Professional Baseball

Pete Ladd’s shot at the majors started in 1977 when the Boston Red Sox picked him in the 25th round of the amateur draft. After college, Ladd wasted no time switching from starting pitcher to reliever in the Red Sox minor league system.

1977 Major League Baseball Draft

The Boston Red Sox took Pete Ladd in the 25th round of the 1977 MLB June Amateur Draft. The pick came right after he wrapped up his junior year at Ole Miss.

That year, Ladd helped Ole Miss rack up a school-record 39 wins and a conference title. The team made it to the NCAA Southern Regional in Miami.

As a college starter, Ladd finished with a 10-7 record over three years. He put together a 1.74 ERA as a sophomore and went 4-3 as the number-three starter in 1977.

Boston Red Sox Selection and Early Minor League Play

Once Boston drafted him, 20-year-old Ladd started his pro career with the Winter Haven Red Sox in the Class A Florida State League. The Red Sox shifted him right away from starting to a relief role. Honestly, he adapted quickly.

In his first pro season, Ladd went 4-1, notched 5 saves, and pitched 27 innings. He struck out 27 hitters and posted a 1.67 ERA. That earned him another shot at Winter Haven in 1978.

The next year, Ladd really stood out in the Florida State League. He led the league with 18 saves and kept sharpening his skills as a reliever. That performance helped him move up the Red Sox system.

Major League Debut and Houston Astros Years

Pete Ladd’s road to the big leagues picked up speed after a key trade landed him with Houston in June 1979. He made his MLB debut for the Astros just a couple months later, becoming the first Henderson High School grad to reach the majors.

Trade Involving Bob Watson

On June 13, 1979, the Boston Red Sox shipped Pete Ladd to the Houston Astros in a deal that brought slugger Bob Watson to Boston. Both teams got what they needed.

Ladd had put up good numbers in the Red Sox farm system, tallying 15 wins and 27 saves.

The trade opened the door for Ladd to reach the majors faster. Houston needed pitching depth, and Ladd’s stats made him an attractive piece.

Watson, a proven MLB veteran, gave the Red Sox some instant offense. The deal worked out for everyone that year.

MLB Debut With Houston Astros

After the trade, Ladd played just 13 games for Houston’s AA team in Columbus, Georgia. Then he got the call to the majors.

Ladd made his MLB debut on August 17, 1979, at home against the Philadelphia Phillies. He was 23, and he became the 14,219th player in big league history.

In his debut, Ladd pitched one inning, gave up no hits or runs, and walked just one.

He wrapped up his rookie year with a 2.92 ERA, four saves, and one win in ten games.

His first major league win came on August 26, 1979, in Philadelphia. That was a huge milestone for him.

Time in Minor Leagues and Notable Teammates

After his promising 1979 debut, Ladd spent the next two seasons back in the minors. Houston wanted him to polish his game a bit more.

While in the Astros’ system, Ladd played with future Hall of Famer Wade Boggs in the minors. That experience definitely helped him grow.

Ladd kept putting up strong numbers as a reliever during this stretch. He was finding his niche.

Those Houston years taught him a lot about the game. He learned how to handle pressure and added new pitches to his mix.

By 1981, other teams were taking notice. The Milwaukee Brewers, in particular, liked his 34 saves for the AAA Tucson Toros that season.

Milwaukee Brewers: Career Highlights

When Pete Ladd landed in Milwaukee, he went from minor league journeyman to postseason hero. His clutch pitching in the 1982 playoffs and steady work as closer made him a key part of the Brewers’ first World Series trip.

Trade to Milwaukee Brewers

On October 23, 1981, the Houston Astros traded Pete Ladd to the Milwaukee Brewers for pitcher Rickey Keeton. This move changed Ladd’s career and gave the Brewers a boost for their championship run.

The Brewers sent Ladd to their Triple-A team, the Vancouver Canadians. Unlike Houston, Milwaukee really needed bullpen help. That opened the door for Ladd, who was 25, to finally stick in the majors.

At Vancouver, he dominated Pacific Coast League hitters. By the 1982 All-Star break, he had a 10-2 record, 8 saves, and a 2.91 ERA. He’d picked up a better slider, thanks to pitching coach Eli Grba, and started getting both lefties and righties out.

When injuries hit Milwaukee’s pitching staff, Ladd got the call-up on July 17, 1982. He made his American League debut on his 26th birthday, throwing 1⅔ scoreless innings against the Chicago White Sox. Manager Harvey Kuenn liked what he saw, saying Ladd “did everything they told us he could do.”

1982 Postseason and ALCS Performance

Ladd’s postseason work against the California Angels became the highlight of his career. The ALCS was tied 2-2 when he got the ball in the crucial Game 5.

In Game 3, Ladd nailed down Milwaukee’s 5-3 win with some dominant pitching. He struck out two and got two groundouts to finish it off. His presence and fastball kept the Angels off balance all series.

The biggest moment came in Game 5, with the pennant at stake. Ladd faced Hall of Famer Rod Carew, the tying run on second, two outs in the ninth. On a 1-2 count, he fired a fastball that Carew grounded to shortstop Robin Yount.

Yount threw to first baseman Cecil Cooper, ending the game and sending Milwaukee to its first World Series. Ladd later said, “When I saw the umpire raise his arm, that’s when I lost my mind.”

His ALCS line was flawless: 10 batters up, 10 down, with five strikeouts and two saves. He finished just behind Darrell Porter for Championship Series MVP.

Replacing Rollie Fingers as Closer

Ladd faced his toughest test when All-Star closer Rollie Fingers went down with a season-ending arm injury on September 2, 1982. Suddenly, the rookie had to close out games during the stretch run.

He got thrown into the fire during a doubleheader against Cleveland. Fingers left mid-at-bat, and Ladd came in cold, with an 0-2 count on Andre Thornton. He struck out Thornton with a sinking fastball, then fanned Von Hayes to end it.

Fingers praised Ladd’s nerves: “That was outstanding. If he can handle that kind of pressure, he can handle anything.” That meant a lot coming from a Hall of Famer.

Ladd had some rough outings in September, but he helped Milwaukee hold off the Orioles’ late push. The Brewers clinched the AL East on the last day of the season with a 10-2 win over Detroit.

Statistical Achievements With The Brewers

Ladd found his groove with Milwaukee between 1982 and 1985. In 1983, he really hit his stride, saving 25 games and posting a 2.85 ERA over 56 appearances.

Year	Games	Saves	ERA	Strikeouts	Record
1982	34	8	3.63	50	2-1
1983	56	25	2.85	55	5-7
1984	62	5	3.69	73	5-8
1985	37	2	4.61	33	2-4

In 1984, he showed just how durable he was as a setup man, taking the mound in 62 games and racking up 73 strikeouts.

People around the league started calling him “Big Foot” because of his 6-foot-3 frame and those massive size 15EEE shoes.

While pitching for Milwaukee, Ladd appeared in 189 games and picked up 40 saves.

His postseason heroics often stole the show, but he stayed steady and reliable in the bullpen for four seasons.

Final MLB Season With Seattle Mariners

Pete Ladd wrapped up his Major League career with the Seattle Mariners in 1986. He managed to notch 8 wins and 6 saves that year.

After Milwaukee let him go, he found a new home with the Mariners.

Joining The Seattle Mariners

Ladd signed on with Seattle for the 1986 season, looking for another shot after Milwaukee released him.

The Mariners valued his experience, especially since he’d once saved 25 games for the Brewers back in 1983.

He also brought playoff experience, having notched big saves during Milwaukee’s 1982 ALCS win.

At 29, Ladd joined Seattle with 205 major league games already under his belt, having played for three different teams.

1986 Season Overview

Ladd did pretty well in Seattle in 1986, picking up 8 wins and saving 6 more games for the Mariners.

He got into plenty of games and his experience helped steady the bullpen that season.

His last MLB appearance came on October 3, 1986, wearing a Mariners uniform.

He finished his major league run with a 17-23 record and 39 saves over 205 games.

Retirement From Major League Baseball

Ladd’s MLB journey ended after that 1986 season with Seattle.

He pitched in the majors for six seasons, from 1979 to 1986.

After leaving the Mariners, he played one more year of pro ball with the Albuquerque Dukes in the Pacific Coast League in 1987.

With Albuquerque, he earned 4 wins and 4 saves before deciding to walk away from pro baseball for good.

His MLB career saw him play with the Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, and Seattle Mariners.

The Portland, Maine native wrapped up his big league days with a 4.14 ERA and 209 strikeouts.

Career Overview and Legacy

Pete Ladd put together a respectable six-year MLB career as a reliable reliever, earning 39 saves and making a name for himself during Milwaukee’s wild 1982 World Series run.

He had a powerful fastball and wasn’t afraid to show it, especially in big playoff moments.

Pitching Style and Role as Relief Pitcher

Ladd started out as a college starter but eventually became a force out of the bullpen.

Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 228 pounds, he picked up the “Big Foot” nickname thanks to those massive shoes.

He leaned on a heavy fastball, but his slider started to shine after working with pitching coach Eli Grba and adviser Pat Dobson in 1982.

Ladd liked to mess with hitters’ heads. He’d miss the strike zone on purpose during warm-ups, just to rattle them a bit.

He once said, “A big part of my game is intimidation,” reflecting on his 1981 season.

That presence mattered most when the pressure was on.

Across 205 career games, he started just once, focusing entirely on relief work.

Career Statistics and Notable Records

Ladd finished with a 17-23 record and a 4.14 ERA over 287 innings pitched.

He saved 39 games in his career, with a personal best of 25 saves in 1983.

His biggest moments came in the 1982 ALCS.

Ladd saved two games against California, retiring all 10 batters he faced and striking out five.

He nearly took home the Championship Series MVP.

Career Statistics:

• Games: 205
• Wins: 17
• Losses: 23
• Saves: 39
• ERA: 4.14
• WHIP: 1.293

In his short 1979 rookie stint with Houston, Ladd posted a 2.92 ERA in 10 games.

But 1983 was his statistical high point, with those 25 Milwaukee saves.

Legacy in Major League Baseball

Ladd’s legacy really centers on his heroic role in Milwaukee’s 1982 postseason run.

When Rollie Fingers went down with an injury, Ladd took over as closer during the pennant chase.

His most famous moment? Game 5 of the 1982 ALCS.

With the tying run on second and Rod Carew at the plate, Ladd got him to ground out to Robin Yount, clinching Milwaukee’s first World Series trip.

He got to play alongside legends like Wade Boggs, Don Sutton, Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, and Rollie Fingers.

That had to be a huge boost for his development.

After hanging up his cleats, Ladd stayed close to the game by working Milwaukee’s fantasy camps in Arizona.

His journey from college starter to major league closer shows just how much adaptability matters in pro baseball.

Post-Baseball Life and Remembrance

After stepping away from baseball in 1987, Peter Linwood Ladd moved into education and community work.

He worked as a guidance counselor, helping at-risk high school students.

When he passed away in October 2023 after a brief fight with cancer, tributes poured in, especially from Brewers fans who still remembered his 1982 postseason heroics.

Life After Baseball

After his last season with Albuquerque in 1987, Ladd settled in Tucson, Arizona.

He found a new purpose working as a guidance counselor for high schoolers at risk of dropping out.

“What the school authorities wanted me to do was play a role model,” Ladd said about his job.

But he didn’t care for the whole “look at me, I made it!” routine.

He wanted to connect with students in a real way, not just sit stiffly in a chair with a sign around his neck.

Ladd’s commitment to helping young people went beyond his day job.

The Brewers even nominated him for the Roberto Clemente Award in 1985 for his sportsmanship and community service.

During his playing days, Ladd worked as a prison guard back in Portland, Maine, during the offseason.

He once taught an illiterate inmate basic English and the alphabet—just another example of how he liked helping others.

Passing and Community Tributes

Pete Ladd died on October 20, 2023, in New Gloucester, Maine, after a short battle with cancer.

He was 67.

His passing sparked a wave of remembrance from the baseball world.

Fans especially celebrated his surprise heroics in Milwaukee’s 1982 playoff run, when he stepped up after Rollie Fingers got hurt.

In the 1982 ALCS against California, Ladd pitched in three games, didn’t allow a single hit or walk, struck out five in 3⅓ innings, and saved Games 3 and 5.

People remembered Ladd not just for his pitching, but also for his colorful personality and sense of humor.

He loved a good self-deprecating joke and always seemed to connect with fans and teammates alike.

Impact on Baseball Community

Ladd’s legacy goes way beyond his playing stats. He inspired small-market teams and reminded everyone that unexpected heroes can pop up anywhere.

His 1982 postseason run? That became a huge moment in Milwaukee Brewers history.

He stood out as one of just 78 major leaguers born in Maine. Ladd really put his home state on the map. Since Ryan Flaherty in 2019, no one else from Maine has made it to the majors, which honestly makes what Ladd did feel even bigger.

Baseball fans connected with his story. It’s a great example of how unpredictable the sport can be.

He didn’t have the best regular season in 1982, posting a 4.00 ERA. But when the playoffs rolled around and the team needed him, he delivered.

People in Milwaukee especially loved what he brought to their most successful season in decades.

He handled pressure with a smile and a quick joke, and that made him a fan favorite. He managed to go beyond the usual kind of baseball stardom.