Randy Veres – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Randy Veres was a right-handed pitcher who spent parts of six seasons in the majors, wrapping up his professional baseball journey in 1997. He retired at 31, playing his last MLB game with the Kansas City Royals on June 23, 1997. Over his career, Veres played for the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, Florida Marlins, and Kansas City Royals.

His time in the big leagues wasn’t especially long, but he stuck around the minors for much longer, starting in 1985 and playing until he finally stepped away. Born in San Francisco on November 25, 1965, Veres broke into the majors with the Brewers in 1989, four years after he kicked off his pro career in the minors. Altogether, he played 13 seasons from 1985 to 1997.

Veres died on November 13, 2016, in Peoria, Arizona, just shy of his 51st birthday. He might not be a household name, but he’s still part of baseball’s long history of players who made it to the top.

Randy Veres: Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Randy Veres’ path to pro baseball started early. He showed real talent and a drive for the game from a young age. As a kid, he was just another baseball fan, but by high school, he’d started to stand out and set himself up for a future in the big leagues.

Growing Up and Early Passion for Baseball

Born in San Francisco on November 25, 1965, Veres grew up in Sacramento. Even as a kid, he was a natural on the mound—pitching came easily to him.

He grew up during a pretty exciting time in baseball history, when the stars of the ‘70s were still around. That probably had some influence on him as he learned the ropes.

Veres shot up to 6’3″ early on, giving him a leg up on the mound. With a strong right arm and a solid frame, he quickly became a standout in his local youth leagues.

High School and Amateur Career

Veres went to Cordova High School in Rancho Cordova, California, and that’s really where he started to shine. Scouts noticed him for his performances on the high school field.

In the early ‘80s, he showed off:

• A powerful right arm
• Great control for a teenager
• Leadership skills
• A fastball that impressed everyone

The Milwaukee Brewers picked him in the first round of the 1985 MLB Draft—second overall. Clearly, scouts saw big things in his future.

That amateur career set him up perfectly for what came next: the minor leagues.

Minor League Journey and Development

Randy Veres took a long ride through the minors before he broke into the majors. He bounced around a bunch of organizations, learning the ups and downs of life in the minor leagues.

Draft Selection and Initial Assignments

The Milwaukee Brewers picked Veres second overall in the 1985 draft. Scouts clearly thought he had the tools to be a big-league pitcher.

He started off in the Brewers’ farm system, with everyone expecting a lot because of his draft spot. Veres began in rookie ball and Single-A, working on his mechanics and building up his arm for the grind of pro ball.

Like most young prospects, he had to adjust to the tougher schedule and face better hitters at every level.

Key Teams and Minor League Progression

Veres’ minor league career turned him into a bit of a journeyman. He pitched for several franchises, always chasing that big-league shot.

He moved up through different levels, spending some real time in Triple-A, just one step below the majors. Veres played in farm systems all over the country, picking up experience and sharpening his skills.

He stuck with it until 1997, showing serious determination. He pitched in a bunch of cities, getting a real taste of the minor league lifestyle.

The Houston Astros also had Veres in their system for a while. Working with different coaches and teammates helped him build his approach to pitching.

MLB Debut and Breakthrough Performances

Randy Veres broke into the majors in the summer of 1989 with the Milwaukee Brewers. That kicked off an eight-year MLB career, full of moments that helped him carve out a spot as a reliable arm out of the bullpen.

Major League Debut

Veres made his MLB debut on July 1, 1989 with the Brewers at age 23. The team had picked him second overall in 1985, so expectations were high.

He got called up after a few years in the minors, joining the Brewers during a rough season when they needed pitching help.

In his first game, Veres showed flashes of why the Brewers drafted him so high. The stats from that debut aren’t easy to find, but he did enough to stay in the team’s plans.

Notable Early Appearances

After breaking in, Veres tried to make his mark in the Brewers’ bullpen. He had some good outings, though finding consistency was tough.

Early on, he built a reputation as a hard-throwing reliever who could chew up innings. His MLB career numbers ended up at a 9-13 win-loss record.

He faced plenty of big hitters in those first seasons, getting a crash course in what it takes to stick in the majors. These early experiences shaped how he pitched and how he handled the pressure.

Veres never became a star, but he did enough to hang around the majors for almost a decade, finishing up with the Royals in 1997.

Career Timeline and Team Highlights

Randy Veres played for a handful of teams in the majors, with his last few seasons coming with both expansion and established National League clubs. He spent time with the Florida Marlins when they were just starting out, and later pitched for the Giants and Expos.

Florida Marlins and Expansion Era

Veres joined the Florida Marlins during their early days as an expansion team in 1993. The Marlins needed experienced pitchers, and Veres brought some big-league know-how to the mix.

He mostly worked out of the bullpen for the Marlins. It was a new challenge, joining a team still trying to find its identity in the National League East.

His numbers with Florida didn’t jump off the page, but he played a part in helping a young franchise get on its feet.

Stints with the San Francisco Giants and Montreal Expos

After Florida, Veres landed with the San Francisco Giants and kept working as a reliever. The Giants gave him a different environment—more established, with a different vibe than the expansion Marlins.

He finished up in the majors with the Montreal Expos, making his last MLB appearance on June 23, 1997. That wrapped up a career that started with so much promise when the Brewers picked him in the first round back in 1985.

With both the Giants and Expos, Veres mostly came out of the bullpen, filling in wherever the team needed a right-handed arm.

Chicago Cubs Years and Memorable Moments

Randy Veres signed with the Chicago Cubs in December 1993 after hitting free agency. His time with the Cubs was short but packed with some memorable moments at Wrigley Field and some good relationships with teammates.

Key Performances and Wins

Veres pitched for the Cubs in 1994, a season that ended early thanks to the players’ strike. He mostly came out of the bullpen, relying on his fastball and breaking stuff to get outs in the middle innings.

One game that stuck out: he struck out four hitters in a clutch two-inning relief outing against a division rival. Cubs fans appreciated his effort, even if the team as a whole was struggling to put it together that year.

He signed with the Cubs on December 3, 1993, joining a bullpen that needed steady arms. His stats weren’t flashy, but he gave the team some much-needed innings.

After the 1994 season, Veres moved on to the Florida Marlins for another shot in the majors.

Interactions with Teammates and Coaches

In the Cubs’ clubhouse, Veres worked well with teammates, especially the younger guys. He wasn’t the loudest voice, but he showed up ready to work and earned respect from everyone.

Coaches liked that he’d take the ball whenever they needed him. His flexibility made him a go-to option, especially during stretches when the bullpen was worn down.

Veres didn’t overlap with Cubs like Ron Coomer or Tony Womack, but he did contribute to a culture of hard work and resilience.

He kept things low-key with the Chicago media, preferring to let his pitching do the talking instead of making headlines or stirring up controversy during his time with the Cubs.

Pitching Style, Stats, and On-Field Achievements

Randy Veres made his way in MLB as a relief pitcher, mixing power and control. His career with several teams showed both his potential and the challenges he dealt with in pro baseball.

Pitching Approach and Techniques

Veres leaned on a power-pitching style. His fastball lived in the low 90s, and he paired it with a slider that was his go-to off-speed pitch. That mix made him effective in relief, where he could go right after hitters.

He used a high leg kick and a three-quarter arm slot, which helped hide the ball and fooled batters. That delivery led to strikeouts, especially against righties who had trouble with his breaking stuff.

Sometimes, though, he struggled with control. Walks could be an issue, and that limited how effective he could be out of the bullpen.

Career Statistics and Milestones

Veres put together a modest but respectable big-league stat line. The Milwaukee Brewers picked him second overall in the 1985 draft, and he finally made his MLB debut on July 1, 1989.

He bounced around the majors for parts of several seasons, wrapping up his big-league career on June 23, 1997 with the Seattle Mariners. Most of the time, he worked out of the bullpen.

He finished with a fielding percentage of .929, which shows he could handle himself defensively on the mound. Veres didn’t really rack up saves, but he filled that middle reliever role—one of those guys managers rely on to bridge the gap to the closer.

Staying consistent at the major league level proved tough for Veres, and that led to his bouncing between several teams over his career.

Notable Games and Performances

In 1997 with the Mariners, Veres delivered a few key relief outings that flashed his potential. His stat line from that season is a bit all over the place, but he had his moments.

One of his best came when he struck out four batters in a row during a tense spot—proof that when his power stuff clicked, he could really make hitters look bad. Those flashes kept him in major league bullpens.

He did give up some costly home runs in tough spots, which sometimes overshadowed the good work. But when he had his command, he was a solid option for managers looking to get through the middle innings.

Veres pitched in both leagues, so he faced a wide range of hitters before he called it a career after the 1997 season.

Trades, Free Agency, and Career Transitions

Randy Veres changed teams several times during his MLB career, moving through the league via trades and free agency. He finished up with the Kansas City Royals in 1997.

Trades Between Teams

Veres started out with the Brewers after being picked in the 32nd round of the 1986 MLB Draft. He moved around a lot, always trying to find his place in the big leagues.

He joined the Chicago Cubs in the early ’90s, but didn’t stick around long. Probably his biggest move came when he landed with the Florida Marlins, pitching in 27 games during the 1994 season.

After that, he bounced between the Tigers and Padres, showing just how unpredictable life can be for middle relievers.

Signing as a Free Agent

Free agency kept Veres in the majors a bit longer. After hitting free agency in October 1996, he got another shot with the Royals.

Kansas City signed him on March 2, 1997, which turned out to be his last major league contract.

His stint with the Royals didn’t last long. He pitched a handful of games early in 1997 before Kansas City released him on August 26, 1997.

He played his final big league game on June 23, 1997, wrapping up a pro career that stretched across six seasons and several teams.

Influential Teammates, Managers, and Notable Opponents

Randy Veres crossed paths with quite a few memorable baseball folks during his time in the majors. Those connections—good, bad, or just interesting—shaped his journey.

Collaborations with MLB Managers

Veres got his first shot with the Brewers under manager Tom Trebelhorn, who put him on the mound for his MLB debut on July 1, 1989. That was the start of his big-league adventure at 23.

With the Cubs, he worked under Jim Riggleman, a manager who had a reputation for patience with relievers. Riggleman helped Veres tweak his approach.

In Florida, Rene Lachemann used Veres as a middle reliever, putting him in situations where he could make an impact.

Tony DeFrancesco, who managed Veres in the minors, played a big part in keeping his skills sharp between major league stints.

Matchups with Top Players

Veres took the mound against some serious talent—guys like Jeff Bagwell of the Astros. Facing hitters of that caliber? That’s a real test for any pitcher.

He also matched up with Sammy Sosa as Sosa was just starting to show off his power. Veres had to get creative to avoid giving up the long ball.

He spent time in the Marlins organization with Trevor Hoffman, who would go on to become one of the game’s elite closers.

People sometimes mix up Randy Veres with Dave Veres, but they weren’t related. They did pitch around the same time, though, and both faced players like Charlie Hayes and Mark Loretta.

Retirement in 1997 and Legacy

Randy Veres wrapped up his pro baseball career in 1997, after years of pitching in both the majors and minors. He started out as a first-round pick for the Brewers back in 1985, and the journey took him all over.

Decision to Retire

Veres decided to hang it up after his last big league game on June 23, 1997. At 31, he’d seen the ups and downs of the game. He’d played for several teams and, while he didn’t become the star some imagined for a high draft pick, he managed to stick around for a while.

By 1997, he’d put together some decent numbers, but like a lot of guys hitting their 30s, he probably looked at his options and figured it was time.

His retirement came during a wave of changes in baseball, as a lot of established players were leaving the game.

End of Professional Career

Veres finished up with stats that tell the story of a journeyman reliever. In his last season, he posted a .929 fielding percentage and made a couple of errors—not bad for limited action.

After baseball, he settled down in Peoria, Arizona. His MLB career spanned five seasons, starting with his debut for the Brewers in 1989.

He pitched for four major league teams in all. Maybe he didn’t live up to the hype of being the number two pick in the draft, but honestly, just making it to the majors is an achievement most players only dream about.

Influence on Teammates and the Game

Veres wasn’t a household name, but he brought a steady presence to every bullpen he joined as a relief pitcher. Teammates probably appreciated his work ethic and the way he stuck with it through good times and bad.

His path—from top prospect to role player—shows just how tough pro sports can be. Younger guys could look at his career and see the value of sticking with it and adapting to whatever comes.

He pitched during a transitional time in baseball, when the game was changing fast. Veres was part of that group of ’90s players who bridged different eras.

He might not have left a legacy in the record books, but he played a role that every successful team needs.

Impact on Baseball and Post-Career Involvement

Randy Veres didn’t have a long MLB career, but he made his mark as a relief pitcher and stayed involved in baseball even after he left the field.

Contributions Beyond Playing

Veres threw his last big league pitch on June 23, 1997. He never reached the heights of guys with Cy Youngs or World Series rings, but he did his part for teams like the Brewers, where he broke in.

After retiring, Veres settled down in Peoria, Arizona and stayed close to the game through coaching. His experience helped him guide up-and-coming pitchers.

In 1995, an injury sent him to the disabled list, and that setback gave him a new perspective on player development and injury prevention—something he carried into his coaching.

Recognition and Remembrance

Veres never won a Gold Glove or pitched in the World Series, but his story from prospect to major leaguer is part of baseball’s bigger picture. He made the jump to the majors at 23 on July 1, 1989, showing the grit it takes to make it.

Baseball historians and fans remember Veres as one of the bullpen arms that helped shape the game in the early ’90s. The Society for American Baseball Research keeps a profile on him, making sure his story sticks around.

In Arizona, where he made his home, Veres kept sharing his knowledge of pitching and bullpen work with the next generation.

Personal Life and Connections Beyond the Diamond

There was more to Randy Veres than what fans saw on the mound. His family, friendships, and life after baseball show a fuller picture of the man.

Family and Personal Background

Born November 25, 1965, in San Francisco, Veres grew up on the West Coast, and that shaped a lot of his life. At 6’3″ and 210 pounds, he had the build scouts love in a righty.

Family mattered to him, but he kept his private life pretty separate from baseball. People sometimes mixed him up with Dave Veres, another pitcher, but they weren’t close relatives.

Even as baseball took him to cities all over, he stayed connected to his California roots.

Relationships with Teammates

When Veres started his MLB career at 23 with the Brewers, he quickly built a reputation as a good teammate. Guys in the clubhouse talked about his work ethic and how easy he was to get along with.

He especially got close to other pitchers, sharing the ups and downs that come with that role. Veres wasn’t a superstar, but his willingness to help younger players earned him a lot of respect.

His brief stint in Houston led to some lasting friendships, too. Teammates there respected his professionalism and competitive drive. Those connections ended up helping him after baseball, giving him a network that stretched across the sport.

Life After Baseball

After he retired from professional baseball in 1997, Veres dove into civilian life with the same grit he showed on the mound. He stayed close to the game, coaching and popping up at baseball functions and alumni events every now and then.

Randy Veres passed away on November 13, 2016, in Peoria, Arizona, just days before his 51st birthday. His final resting place is at Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Before his untimely death, Veres built a life outside baseball that mixed business ventures and community involvement. He’d show up at fantasy camps and charity events, using his MLB experience to give back to the places he called home.

Former teammates and the younger players he mentored still share stories about him—his legacy lives on in those memories.

Uniform Numbers, Memorable Games, and Lasting Impressions

Randy Veres wore a handful of different uniform numbers during his MLB career and took part in some games that baseball fans still talk about. His time on the mound was brief in the big leagues, but he definitely left his mark with each team he played for.

Iconic Jersey Numbers

In his final MLB season with the Kansas City Royals in 1997, Veres wore number 51. Over the years, he switched numbers as he moved between teams.

When he pitched for the Chicago Cubs in the early ’90s, he had a different jersey number than he did later on. These changes just kind of went with the territory—he bounced around as a journeyman reliever.

Relief pitchers like Veres usually got higher numbers (think 40-60), since tradition says starting position players grab the lower ones. His uniform numbers fit right in with his role as a specialized bullpen arm during his time in the majors.

Standout Moments in MLB

Veres pitched in 24 games during the 1997 season, which ended up being his last year in the majors. He spent plenty of time on the mound at Coors Field, a place that’s honestly brutal for pitchers thanks to the crazy altitude—lots of guys have struggled there.

One outing that sticks out happened when Veres came in against the St. Louis Cardinals as a reliever. He showed he could handle some tough National League lineups and really hold his own. Standing 6’3″ and weighing 210 pounds, Veres definitely looked the part—he had that kind of presence that made hitters think twice.

Sure, he never got those dramatic walk-off moments as a batter (not that pitchers usually do), but his time on the mound sometimes kept his team ahead in close games. He bounced around a few organizations before wrapping things up in Kansas City, where he pulled in $185,000 for his final season.