Rodney Scott – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Rodney Scott wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1982 after eight seasons as a speedy infielder known for his base-stealing ability and his knack for playing just about anywhere on the field.

Born in Indianapolis in 1953, Scott picked up the nickname “Cool Breeze” while bouncing between six different teams in both leagues.

Scott played his final MLB game on August 21, 1982, as a member of the New York Yankees. He started his career with the Kansas City Royals back in 1975.

He never really became a household name, but he built a solid career as a utility guy who could handle several positions and add speed when it counted.

Scott’s baseball journey shows how he squeezed every bit out of his talent in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

From his early days in the minors to his standout 1980 season leading the National League in triples, Scott’s story gives a look at how speed and flexibility mattered in pro baseball back then.

Rodney Scott’s Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Rodney Darrell Scott was born October 16, 1953, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He developed the baseball skills that would make “Cool Breeze” a familiar nickname.

His path from Indianapolis high school standout to pro ball started when the Kansas City Royals picked him in the 11th round of the 1972 amateur draft.

Childhood and Family Background

Scott grew up in Indianapolis, attending Arlington High School. That’s where he first showed off the athleticism that would define his baseball career.

During high school, he became a switch-hitting infielder with some serious speed. Early on, he could play multiple positions, and that flexibility stuck with him as a pro.

Scott’s family and his early days in Indianapolis influenced his approach to the game. The city’s strong baseball scene gave him plenty of chances to get better before turning pro.

Amateur and Minor League Career

Before reaching the majors, Scott spent a few years working his way up through the minors. Scouts noticed him in high school, especially his speed and glove.

His ability to switch-hit made him stand out. Batting from both sides and playing different positions gave him an edge over other prospects.

Jumping from high school to pro ball took some adjustment. The time he spent in the minors really helped him get ready for his MLB debut with the Royals in 1975.

Draft by Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals drafted Scott in the 11th round of the 1972 amateur draft, 258th overall. That pick started his pro career and landed him in the Royals’ farm system.

He was just 18 when Kansas City picked him. That gave him a few years to develop before hitting the majors.

The 11th round isn’t exactly a top prospect slot, but Scott’s drive and natural talent eventually got him to the big leagues. He made his debut for the Royals on April 11, 1975, at 21 years old.

Major League Debut and Early Years

Scott made it to the majors with Kansas City in 1975. Trades soon sent him through Montreal and Oakland during his early pro years.

His career stood out for his speed and his ability to play all over the infield.

Debut with Kansas City Royals

Scott debuted in the MLB on April 11, 1975, with the Royals at age 21. Kansas City had picked him in the 11th round back in 1972.

He played his first game against the Minnesota Twins. That day, he didn’t get an at-bat and mostly came in as a defensive sub.

The Royals didn’t use him much as a rookie. He spent most of 1975 learning the ropes and facing major league pitching.

His time with Kansas City was short but important. The Royals gave him his first shot after he starred at Arlington High School in Indianapolis.

First Seasons with Montreal Expos

The Montreal Expos picked up Scott in 1976. That move turned out to be key for his development as a regular big leaguer.

With Montreal, Scott became a versatile infielder. He played a lot of second base and shortstop, but he also filled in at third base and even in the outfield.

The Expos liked his speed and defense. As he played more, his stolen base numbers started to climb.

Montreal’s approach let Scott get regular playing time, which helped him grow into a better player.

Transition to Oakland Athletics

Scott joined the Oakland Athletics in 1977. Another trade, another shot at more playing time.

Oakland leaned on Scott’s speed and his ability to cover different infield spots. He tried to become a consistent contributor there.

The A’s style fit Scott pretty well. They wanted speed and defense, and that’s what he brought.

His stint with Oakland didn’t last long, but it mattered. The experience got him ready for his later return to Montreal, which is where he really took off.

Peak Career and Noteworthy Achievements

Rodney Scott hit his stride with the Montreal Expos from 1979 to 1981. He became one of the National League’s top speedsters.

His 1980 season really stood out. He led the league in triples and set stolen base records with teammate Ron LeFlore.

Breakout Years with Montreal Expos

Scott’s career changed when he rejoined the Expos in 1979. After bouncing around, he finally nailed down a regular starting job.

In 1979, he stole 39 bases and scored 69 runs. That season, he started to look like a reliable leadoff guy.

His best year was 1980. Scott scored a career-high 84 runs and held down second base, sometimes playing shortstop too.

Manager Dick Williams liked what Scott brought, even if his batting average was low. Williams once called him “the most valuable .224 hitter in baseball” in 1980, which says a lot.

Leading the National League in Triples

Scott’s speed really showed up in his triples. In 1980, he led the National League with 13 triples.

That was his best season for triples. He had a knack for turning doubles into triples, making pitchers and outfielders nervous.

His triples went hand-in-hand with his stolen base skills. Scott’s mix of speed and smart baserunning made him a constant threat.

Stolen Base Records and Speed

Scott’s stolen bases were a big part of his game. In 1980, he swiped 63 bases, good for third in the National League.

He and Ron LeFlore set a Major League record that year, stealing 160 bases between them.

Scott finished his eight years in the majors with 205 stolen bases. Not bad for a guy who hit .236 for his career.

“Cool Breeze” wasn’t just a nickname—it fit his smooth running style. Those 63 steals in 1980 were his best single-season mark.

Notable Trades and Team Changes

Scott’s career had some wild moments, like getting traded three times in just two weeks. That kind of movement shows both his value and how unpredictable baseball trades can be.

He played for the Royals, A’s, and Cubs before finding his groove in Montreal. Each new team gave him a different shot to show what he could do.

The Expos ended up being his most steady stop. He spent two and a half seasons there, finally getting some consistency and reaching his peak.

He finished up with the New York Yankees in 1982, playing 10 games before calling it a career.

Playing Style and Positions

Rodney Scott made his name as a versatile infielder who could handle several spots over eight MLB seasons. His speed and defensive flexibility made him a valuable utility player for six teams.

Second Baseman and Shortstop Roles

Scott mostly played second base and shortstop during his career. He started more games at second than anywhere else.

Managers liked having him for his flexibility. He could fill in at either middle infield spot depending on what the team needed.

The Expos used him at these positions the most, especially during his two stints from 1976 and again from 1979-1982.

Scott’s experience at both spots helped him with infield positioning and turning double plays. He was pretty sharp covering bases during steals too.

Defensive Strength and Versatility

Scott didn’t just stick to the middle infield. He also played third base, did some time as a designated hitter, and even played outfield now and then.

His versatility made him handy as a bench guy or spot starter. Teams could put him pretty much anywhere without worrying about his defense.

At 6 feet and 160 pounds, Scott had good range in the infield. His right arm was solid enough for plays all over.

Five teams traded for Scott during his career, which says a lot about how much they valued his defensive flexibility.

Batting and Base Running Skills

Scott’s offense was all about speed, not power. He hit just 3 home runs in his MLB career and ended up with a .236 average.

His real weapon was stealing bases. He collected 205 career steals, including 63 in 1980.

That same year, he led the National League with 13 triples. His speed let him stretch hits and beat out infield grounders.

He hit from both sides of the plate, which helped him match up against different pitchers. That switch-hitting ability just added to his value.

Final MLB Season and Retirement in 1982

Rodney Scott’s MLB career wrapped up in 1982 when he played his final games for the New York Yankees. His last appearance came on August 21, 1982, capping off a career spent with several teams and showing off his skills as a versatile infielder.

Playing with New York Yankees

Scott joined the Yankees in 1982 for his last go-round in professional baseball. The Yankees picked him up during the season, which fit the pattern of frequent moves in his career.

His time in New York was short but marked the end of his MLB run. Scott played his final game on August 21, 1982, against the Toronto Blue Jays.

He got one at-bat that day but didn’t get a hit. That was the last moment of a career that took him through six organizations.

The Yankees gave Scott his last shot at big league baseball. Even in his final days, his ability to play anywhere in the infield made him a useful utility player.

Career Conclusion and Post-MLB Life

Scott wrapped up his MLB career with a .236 batting average, 3 home runs, and 150 RBIs over 690 games. He always relied on his speed, stealing 205 bases during his years in the majors.

His best year came in 1980. That season, he led the National League with 13 triples and finished third with 63 stolen bases.

These numbers really showed off how he used his speed on the bases. You could see teams valued that.

He found himself traded five times, which says a lot about how teams wanted his skills. The Montreal Expos picked him up as a free agent for 1983, but he never played for them after he retired.

Reasons for Retirement

Scott decided to retire from pro baseball at 28, right after the 1982 season. He spent eight years in the majors, starting with his debut for the Kansas City Royals in 1975.

Limited playing opportunities probably nudged him toward retirement. His last season with the Yankees saw his playing time drop compared to earlier years.

He bounced around teams a lot, and that constant change might’ve worn on him. By the end, he mostly played as a utility guy, coming in for his speed and defense.

Baseball’s tough, especially with all the travel and physical demands at 28. Scott decided to walk away instead of chasing spots in the minors.

Career Statistics, Recognition, and Legacy

Rodney Scott put up modest offensive stats in his eight years, but his speed and defensive versatility made him a real asset. That 1980 season with the Montreal Expos? Easily the peak of his career, leading the league in triples and ranking high in steals.

Batting, Fielding, and Base Running Stats

Scott ended up with a .236 average over 690 games for five teams. He collected 504 hits, 3 homers, and 150 RBIs between 1975 and 1982.

His numbers at the plate were steady, if not flashy. He drew 281 walks and struck out 291 times, showing he had some patience when batting.

Base running was where he really shined. Scott stole 205 bases in his career, with a personal best of 63 in 1980.

That 1980 run with the Expos really put his speed on display. He led the league with 13 triples and finished third in steals.

Scott’s defensive skills gave him flexibility. He mainly played second base and shortstop, but also filled in at third, at DH, and even in the outfield.

Notable Career Highlights

Scott’s 1980 season with Montreal stands out as his career highlight. Leading the league in triples and ranking among the top base stealers really showed what he brought to the game.

He made his MLB debut on April 11, 1975, for the Kansas City Royals at 21. His last game came on August 21, 1982, with the New York Yankees.

People called him “Cool Breeze”—it fit. He played with a calm, smooth style that earned him the nickname.

Scott spent time with the Royals, Expos, Athletics, Cubs, and Yankees. His path through five trades shows how teams saw him as a useful piece, able to play wherever they needed.

Contribution to Team Records and Baseball History

Scott swiped 205 bases in his career, so you can’t ignore his place among the top base stealers of his era. In 1980, he gave the Montreal Expos a real boost during one of their most competitive stretches.

He led the National League in triples that year, and that stat still shows up in the MLB record books. If you’re curious, Baseball Reference and Retrosheet have all those numbers from his standout season.

Teams leaned on Scott’s versatility, moving him around to fill different roles. He played both middle infield spots, which made him a key piece for managers juggling lineups.

Scott played during the late ’70s and early ’80s, back when speed and small-ball strategies still mattered a lot. His stolen base totals really fit with that era’s focus on aggressive base running.

He never made an All-Star team, but Scott’s steady production as a utility guy quietly helped out several franchises. He made his mark with solid defense and smart base running, not by hitting for power.