Rick Schunull – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Rick Schu, a versatile infielder most folks remember from his days with the Philadelphia Phillies, put together a solid Major League Baseball career in the 1980s and 1990s. He stood 6 feet tall, weighed 170 pounds, and grew up in Philadelphia—fitting, since he made his MLB debut for the Phillies on September 1, 1984. Rick Schu retired from professional baseball in 1996 at 34, finishing up with the Montreal Expos on August 14 that year.

Schu played both third and first base, showing off his flexibility on the field. After bouncing around several MLB teams, he even took his talents overseas, joining the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan in 1993. His journey—from signing as an amateur free agent with the Phillies in 1980 to wrapping up his major league days—really speaks to his determination and grit.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Schu’s road to the majors started well before that professional debut. His early years shaped the baseball instincts and athletic ability that would eventually take him to the big leagues.

Childhood and Background

Richard Spencer Schu was born on January 26, 1962 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a kid, Schu fell in love with baseball, spending hours playing pickup games around his neighborhood.

At some point, his family moved to Fair Oaks, California—a change that turned out to be pretty important for his baseball growth. The weather out there meant he could play all year, and he used that time to sharpen his skills at third base and work on his swing.

Schu’s parents backed him all the way, driving him to games and practices and never letting him forget his dream of playing pro ball. That support helped him believe he could actually make it.

High School and College Baseball

Schu went to Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, where he quickly stood out as one of the best baseball players around. His athleticism and improving skills made him a top prospect in the region.

During his high school career, he picked up All-City honors and impressed scouts with his fielding and hitting. Pro scouts started to keep a close eye on him.

Unlike a lot of other prospects, Schu didn’t bother with college baseball. His high school performance had already put him on the radar, so he focused straight on going pro.

Draft and Entry Into Professional Baseball

The Phillies signed Schu as an amateur free agent on November 25, 1980 after scout Eddie Bockman spotted his potential.

They sent him to the minor leagues in January 1981, and he began working his way up. Those early years in the minors weren’t always easy, but Schu showed promise as he adjusted to tougher competition.

He played mostly third base, showing decent defense and a solid bat. The Phillies’ coaches spent time helping him refine his game and get him ready for the majors.

MLB Debut and Philadelphia Phillies Years

Schu kicked off his big league career with the Phillies in the mid-1980s, stepping into the mix as a promising infield prospect. His time in Philadelphia brought plenty of challenges as he tried to carve out a spot for himself among a group of notable teammates.

Major League Debut and Initial Seasons

Rick Schu made his MLB debut on September 1, 1984, at just 22. Folks called him “Schu-Man,” and he arrived with plenty of buzz after working his way up through the Phillies’ system.

His first full season came in 1985, when the Phillies gave him real playing time at third base, partly because they were looking ahead to life after Mike Schmidt.

Early on, Schu flashed the skills that made him a top prospect. His bat speed and defensive instincts stood out, though—like a lot of young players—he needed time to adjust to major league pitching.

Key Teammates and Notable Games

With the Phillies, Schu shared the field with some franchise legends. Mike Schmidt, a Hall of Famer, was the biggest name—he competed with Schu for playing time but also showed him the ropes.

Other key teammates:

• Juan Samuel, a dynamic second baseman
• Darren Daulton, an up-and-coming catcher
• Kevin Gross, a steady starting pitcher

Schu played in quite a few memorable games in the mid-1980s. The Phillies weren’t always contenders, but they had flashes of brilliance, and Schu was part of a young core trying to make their mark.

The 1980s Phillies were in a bit of a transition, with veterans like Schmidt surrounded by new talent.

Positional Versatility

Schu mostly played third base, but he showed he could handle other infield spots too. When Schmidt took third, Schu would fill in elsewhere.

He played:

• Third base (his main spot)
• Shortstop (from time to time)
• Second base (in a pinch)

That flexibility made him valuable to the Phillies, especially as they juggled their lineup. Schu didn’t complain about moving around the diamond—he just wanted to play.

Manager John Felske used Schu’s versatility to keep his bat in the lineup, even with other young guys and veterans fighting for spots.

Development Within the Phillies Organization

The Phillies’ development system saw Schu as a possible long-term answer at third base. After Bockman signed him in 1980, Schu moved up the minors step by step.

Bill Giles, who ran the Phillies’ ownership group, oversaw a farm system that turned out several good players including Schu. The team poured resources into Schu, hoping he might eventually take over for Schmidt.

Schu’s rise followed the typical Phillies path:

1. Sign and play rookie ball
2. Move up through A and AA
3. Finish development at AAA
4. Get called up when ready

By 1986, Schu had worked his way into the Phillies’ plans, though his role kept shifting as the team’s needs changed.

Trades, Team Changes, and Career Highlights

Schu’s career took him to several organizations. He bounced around as a utility infielder, always ready to adapt and fill whatever role teams needed.

Dodgers Tenure and National League Experience

After Philly, Schu joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988-1989. He mostly backed up the infield and played alongside shortstop Mariano Duncan, helping out with depth during some competitive seasons.

Playing for the Dodgers gave Schu a chance to sharpen his defense at third base. He never won a Gold Glove, but he held his own. He also faced some tough pitchers—Andy Van Slyke comes to mind, though most remember Van Slyke for his outfield work.

His time in L.A. didn’t last long, but it was a key stop as he kept building his reputation as a reliable utility guy.

Orioles and American League Performance

On March 21, 1988, the Phillies traded Schu, Jeff Stone, and Keith Hughes to the Orioles for Mike Young. That deal sent Schu to the American League—a big shift for him.

Baltimore was rebuilding then, which actually gave Schu more playing time than he might’ve found elsewhere. He had to adjust to new pitchers and a different style, but he handled it. His numbers with the Orioles weren’t eye-popping, but he proved he could handle both leagues.

Playing for the San Francisco Giants

Schu also spent time with the San Francisco Giants in the early ’90s, when the team was pretty competitive. He wasn’t a regular starter, but he offered good depth at third and first base.

The Giants liked his experience and steady glove. At 6’0″ and 170 pounds, Schu had the tools to play the hot corner, especially in Candlestick Park’s tricky conditions. He wasn’t a big power guy, but his approach at the plate fit what the Giants wanted.

Other Teams and Notable Transactions

Besides the Phillies, Dodgers, Orioles, and Giants, Schu also spent some time with the Yankees. His career, stretching from 1984 to 1996, saw him move around as teams looked for his defensive skills and veteran presence.

That first big move—signing with the Phillies as an amateur free agent in 1980—set off a 15-year pro journey. Schu’s willingness to take on different roles and his steady defense kept him in demand, even if he never became a star.

Offensive Performance and Career Stats

Schu’s big league run went from 1984 to 1996, and his offensive numbers tell the story of a utility infielder who had his moments but never quite put it all together at the plate.

Batting Average and On-Base Skills

He finished with a .246 batting average, a bit below average for his era. His on-base percentage was .310, showing some discipline, though he didn’t really rack up walks.

Schu’s best stretch came early, when he looked like he might break out as a Phillies third baseman, hitting in the same lineup as Glenn Wilson. He could make contact, but he never became the consistent hitter scouts once hoped for.

His career OPS of .694 hints at his limitations as a hitter, especially compared to stars like Dale Murphy.

Power Numbers and Run Production

Even with his size, Schu’s power was modest. He ended up with:

• 41 career home runs
• 134 RBIs
• 189 runs scored

He hit for a little more power early on, but he never became a big run producer, partly because he spent a lot of time as a part-timer.

In 1996, his last season with the Montreal Expos, Schu barely saw the field. His game logs show he played in just a few games—a pretty quiet way to wrap up a long baseball journey.

Defensive Abilities and Field Positions

Schu mostly played third base, while also spending time at first base during his career. At 6-0 and 170 pounds, he had decent size for an infielder, but honestly, he never stood out for his range.

His defensive stats show he was a solid, if unspectacular, defender. The career dWAR numbers reflect that he didn’t add much value with his glove, and that probably nudged him into a utility spot instead of locking down a regular starting job.

Schu stuck to the infield rather than branching out to catcher or the outfield, unlike some utility guys. That focus might’ve held him back, especially when his bat cooled off later in his career.

Injuries and Challenges

Rick Schu’s baseball journey had its fair share of physical setbacks and the weight of big expectations as a hotshot third baseman. Injuries and the grind of competing with established stars really shaped his time in the majors.

Significant Injuries During Playing Career

Injuries slowed Schu’s development as a big leaguer. While with the Phillies, he picked up a stubborn shoulder injury that hurt his defense at third base. Bad timing, too, since the team was moving Mike Schmidt from first back to third, which only made the competition tougher for Schu.

Later in the ’80s, his back started acting up and messed with his swing. That sapped his power—a real problem for a corner infielder whose job is to drive in runs.

Then came the hamstring issues in the early ’90s, which made it pretty tough for him to stay on the field as he bounced from team to team.

Dealing with Team Expectations and Competition

Schu came up as a prospect with a lot of hype. Some folks even thought he was a better prospect than many of his peers, which set the bar high.

He had to fight for playing time all the way through his career. When Gregg Jefferies showed up as a top prospect, Schu often found himself battling for at-bats and innings in the field. Jefferies joining the Phillies just made the infield even more crowded.

Scouts sometimes noticed Schu acting a bit jaded during his second go-round in Triple-A, maybe a sign he was frustrated with how things were going. With that 6’0″, 170-pound frame, Schu had the tools to make it, but he just couldn’t find the consistency at the plate against major league pitching.

Retirement in 1996 and End of Playing Career

Rick Schu wrapped up his baseball career in 1996 after a few years of shrinking playing time. That retirement closed out a run that took him through parts of nine big league seasons.

Final Seasons in Major League Baseball

In his last years, Schu bounced around several teams, trying to keep his career alive. He’d already logged time with the Phillies, Orioles, Tigers, Angels, and Expos, but by the mid-’90s, his days as a player were winding down.

He played his last major league game with the Montreal Expos in 1996 at age 34, ending a career that began back in 1984.

That final season, teams mostly used Schu as a utility infielder and pinch hitter. He wasn’t the everyday third baseman anymore.

Decision to Retire

At 34, Schu decided to hang it up after the 1996 season. Like a lot of baseball veterans from the ’90s, he knew when it was time to move on.

The reasons? Less playing time, the physical grind, and fewer chances with big league teams—those things usually add up for most players.

Instead of chasing another contract or trying out for new expansion teams like the Diamondbacks or Devil Rays, Schu chose to call it a career.

But that wasn’t the end of his baseball story. Schu later used his experience to jump into coaching, sticking with the game he loved.

Coaching and Post-Retirement Career

After putting away his glove in 1996, Rick Schu moved right into coaching and started making a real impact in player development for several organizations. His background as a third baseman gave him plenty to share with young players.

Hitting Coach and Development Roles

Schu found his groove in coaching, especially with hitting. In 2003, he joined the Arizona Diamondbacks as their minor league hitting coordinator, working with prospects all over their farm system.

He impressed enough to get bumped up to the big league club as hitting coach in 2004. Then he went back to the minor league coordinator role from 2005 to 2007, staying involved with player development.

Schu focused on the basics of hitting but paid attention to each player’s natural swing. That approach helped a lot of prospects climb the ladder and reach the majors.

Work With MLB Teams Post-Retirement

After his time with the Diamondbacks, Schu added to his resume by joining the Washington Nationals. He worked with both up-and-coming talent and established players, bringing a lot to the table.

Schu coached players like reliever Pat Neshek and utility guy David Newhan. He had a knack for connecting with all kinds of personalities, which earned him respect around the league.

People started to see Schu as one of the top hitting instructors in the game. His blend of technical know-how and firsthand playing experience gave him a unique edge when helping hitters at the highest level.

Influence on Player Development

Schu’s biggest mark on baseball probably comes from his work in player development. As both a hitting coach and coordinator, he helped shape how teams bring up young hitters.

He emphasized not just mechanics, but also the mental side of hitting. Plenty of former players say Schu helped them break out of slumps or tweak their approach when they needed it most.

What set Schu apart? He didn’t push a cookie-cutter system. Instead, he took the time to figure out what worked for each hitter and built on their strengths.

Over 22 years in MLB as a player and coach, Schu picked up a deep understanding of hitting that still influences how teams develop offense today.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Rick Schu’s impact on baseball goes way beyond his playing days. After 1996, he moved into coaching and became a respected hitting instructor. His technical skills and focus on the basics helped a ton of players find success.

Mentors, Influences, and Teammates

Schu learned from some of the best while he played. Sharing the field with Steve Carlton on the Phillies taught him a lot about preparation and work ethic. Carlton’s attention to detail stuck with Schu and shaped how he coached later.

Teammates like Garry Maddox influenced Schu’s defensive mindset, while time spent with Tim Raines on the Expos helped him fine-tune his baserunning and offensive strategy.

Schu and Lenny Dykstra built a competitive dynamic during their Phillies years, pushing each other to get better. Those relationships definitely shaped Schu’s approach as a coach.

Notable Moments and Contributions

Schu had his share of memorable moments. During the Orioles’ brutal 1988 season, when the team lost its first 21 games, Schu kept a .256 average over 89 games—a small bright spot in a tough year.

As a player, Schu got recognized for steady defense at third and a solid approach at the plate. His ability to fill different roles made him valuable to every team he joined.

After retiring, Schu’s biggest legacy came as a hitting coach. He understood swing mechanics and plate approach inside and out, and he genuinely helped players get better.

Players and colleagues often mention Schu’s knack for teaching patience and situational hitting, and his influence on young hitters hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Recognition and Lasting Influence

Schu really knew baseball, and that knowledge carried him through a 22-year career in Major League Baseball, both on the field and in the dugout as a coach. Around the league, people saw him as one of the more respected hitting instructors, especially when it came to helping hitters who were in a slump figure things out.

He never picked up a World Series ring as a player, but as a coach, his influence reached teams that made deep postseason runs. More than a few players have pointed to Schu’s advice as a key part of unlocking their own potential.

People called him the “Schu-Man”—kind of a fun nickname—and he stood out for his sharp baseball mind. He just had a way of breaking down complicated hitting ideas so younger players could actually use them.

When the Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame and other local halls inducted him, they recognized what he gave to the game, both swinging a bat and passing on what he knew to the next wave.