Ron Stone – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ron Stone put together a solid five-year run in Major League Baseball during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He played his last game in 1972 and then stepped away from pro baseball. The left-handed outfielder split his career between the Kansas City Athletics and Philadelphia Phillies. He built a reputation as a reliable defensive player with speed and a strong arm. Power hitting? Not really his thing.

Stone hit .241 for his career, with 6 home runs and 89 RBIs over 388 games. He was the kind of utility guy who gave valuable depth in baseball’s pre-free agency days. His journey from a small California college to the majors shows just how tough the grind could be for players coming up through the minors. He even paused his career for military service, which definitely slowed his development for a while.

Stone’s story goes beyond the stats. He faced the challenges that come with fighting for a roster spot, especially on struggling teams like the Phillies during their rebuilding years. He crossed paths with big moments in baseball, from rule changes to the rise of future Hall of Famers. After baseball, he moved on to business—far away from the field.

Early Life and Education

Harry Ronald Stone was born September 9, 1942, in Corning, California. His parents had deep American roots and a long tradition of military service.

He grew up in Stockton, not too far from Corning. There, he went to high school and played college baseball before starting his pro career.

Family Background

Harry Ronald Stone came from a family with some pretty interesting historical ties. His parents were Harry Marshall Stone and Dorothy Jeanette (Morris) Stone, and Ron was their only child.

The Stone family could trace their roots back to English colonist William Maximillian Stone, who served as the first Protestant governor of Maryland colony in 1648. They also counted Thomas Stone—a distant cousin who signed the Declaration of Independence—among their ancestors.

Ron’s great-grandfather, Oliver L. Stone, fought with the Union Army during the Civil War in 1863. Later, Oliver moved to California around 1895 and got into the timber business.

Harry Stone, Ron’s dad, kept up the military tradition during World War II. He served in Europe, earning a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. After the war, Harry married Dorothy and settled in Stockton, California. He followed his father into the timber industry and worked there for over five decades.

Childhood in Corning, California

Ron Stone was born in Corning, a small city about 100 miles north of Sacramento. The place was quiet and rural—pretty ideal for a kid’s early years.

When Ron was still young, his family moved to Stockton. That move turned out to be pretty important for his baseball future. Stockton had more opportunities for organized sports and a better baseball scene.

The Stones settled into Stockton life in the 1940s and 1950s. Ron grew up as an only child in a family that valued hard work and service. His dad’s military background and work ethic rubbed off on him, shaping how he approached both sports and life.

School Years at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School

Ron Stone attended Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Stockton in the late 1950s. The school was named after the legendary football coach, who also had ties to baseball.

At Stagg High, Ron started to really develop his baseball skills. He played several positions and showed the versatility that would define his pro career.

He graduated from Stagg High around 1960. His performance in high school was good enough to catch the eye of local college programs. The athletic program there helped get him ready for tougher competition.

His time at Stagg gave him a solid foundation for his baseball journey. The coaching and competition he found there taught him the fundamentals he’d need for college ball.

Collegiate Baseball at San Joaquin Delta College

After high school, Ron stayed in Stockton and played baseball for San Joaquin Delta College. The Mustangs gave him a chance to keep developing his game close to home.

While at Delta, Stone played both first base and outfield. His play got the attention of scouts and helped him land a spot in higher-level amateur leagues.

In 1962, Stone joined the Peninsula Winter League, an amateur league in San Francisco. He played first base next to future pro Wally Bunker and finished among the league leaders with a .433 batting average.

That .433 average in the Peninsula Winter League was a real breakthrough. It showed he could hit and got scouts interested. Right after that, in September 1962, scout Fred “Bootnose” Hofmann signed him to the Baltimore Orioles with a $25,000 bonus.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Ron Stone’s pro baseball career ran from 1963 to 1973, including five years in the majors from 1966 to 1972. He signed with Baltimore for a $25,000 bonus, then the Kansas City Athletics picked him in the Rule 5 draft. Eventually, he found his best shot with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Signing and Minor League Beginnings

In September 1962, Ron Stone signed his first pro contract with the Orioles. He got a $25,000 bonus, and it turned out to be the last signing by scout Fred “Bootnose” Hofmann.

Stone started his pro career in 1963 with the Stockton Ports in the California League. After just 34 games, the Orioles moved him to the Fox City Foxes in the Midwest League. There, he hit .286 with a .368 on-base percentage in 304 at-bats.

His career hit a pause in 1964 when he had to serve six months with the US Army Reserves. When he returned in September, the Orioles sent him to the Florida Instructional League. He played only outfield and hit .313, finishing among the league leaders.

The 1965 season was a turning point. He started with the Class-AA Elmira Pioneers but struggled, hitting just .205 in 83 at-bats. After a demotion to the Tri-City Atoms in the Northwest League, Stone found his groove. He set career highs with 16 home runs and a .294 average, stealing 28 bases.

Major League Debut with Kansas City Athletics

On November 29, 1965, the Kansas City Athletics picked Stone as the top player in the Rule 5 draft. People started wondering if he’d win the left field job over Larry Stahl and Tommie Reynolds.

Stone made his MLB debut on April 13, 1966, at Metropolitan Stadium in Minnesota. He pinch-hit for pitcher Paul Lindblad in the ninth and grounded out to end the game.

He picked up his first big league hit on May 4, 1966—a single against Angels ace Dean Chance. Stone played just 12 games for Kansas City before the team waived him on June 30 to make room for pitchers Wes Stock and Jim Nash.

The Athletics reclaimed Stone, then returned him to the Orioles. He finished the 1966 season with the Elmira Pioneers, leading them to first place and playing what folks called “the classiest first basing in years.”

Transition to the Philadelphia Phillies

After the 1968 season, the Orioles offered Stone as one of six players to the Phillies in a trade for veteran catcher Clay Dalrymple. Coach Billy DeMars, who had managed Stone in Rochester, pushed hard for the Phillies to pick him.

Stone made a quick impression in 1969 spring training. He got noticed for his “fine hitting and his hustle and determination.” On Opening Day, April 8, 1969, he got his first major league start against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

His first home run came on July 11, 1969, a solo shot against Cubs reliever Ted Abernathy in a wild ninth-inning comeback. Stone finished his first Phillies season batting .239 with a .332 on-base percentage in 222 at-bats.

In 1970, Stone had his best season. He impressed in spring training and earned the nickname “Palm Trees” from his teammates. Injuries to John Briggs and Larry Hisle gave him more chances to play, even though he was competing with Oscar Gamble for the fourth outfielder spot.

That year, Stone set career highs in games played (123), hits (84), and extra-base hits (20). Manager Frank Lucchesi called him “a pleasant surprise” for the team.

Career Retrospective and Retirement in 1972

Stone’s last two seasons in the majors saw his playing time shrink as younger players came up. In 1971, rookies Joe Lis, Willie Montanez, and Roger Freed took away a lot of his chances. Nearly half of his 95 games came as a pinch-hitter.

A bad injury happened on June 27, 1971, when Stone broke three ribs trying to break up a double play against Bill Mazeroski of the Pirates. He played most of that season with the injury and finished with a .227 average in just 185 at-bats.

In 1972, Stone had one highlight—on April 15, he delivered a pinch-hit single in the ninth, scoring the winning run and giving Steve Carlton his first Phillies win. But otherwise, he barely played, starting just three times through May 26.

He appeared in only 49 games in his final season, batting .167 in 54 at-bats. After a stint with the Eugene Emeralds in the Pacific Coast League, he came back to the Phillies for September but went hitless in eight pinch-hit tries.

Career Statistics:

• Games: 388
• Batting Average: .241
• Home Runs: 6
• RBIs: 89
• Teams: Kansas City Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies

Stone didn’t make the roster in 1973. He split that year between Eugene and the Omaha Royals, then called it a career.

Role and Performance as an Outfielder

Ron Stone moved from first base to the outfield as a pro, and his defense and speed really stood out. Teams valued his strong arm and defensive skills, even if his hitting was sometimes up and down.

Fielding Skills and Defensive Contribution

Stone’s defense was easily his biggest strength as an outfielder. His arm got people talking—teammates and opponents both noticed it.

In a wild 27-inning game in 1965 for Elmira, Stone threw out a runner at home in the 26th inning. That play kept a 1-1 tie and showed off the arm strength that made him famous on defense.

Key Defensive Attributes:

• Arm Strength: He could really throw from the outfield
• Range: Covered ground well in every outfield spot
• Versatility: Played left, center, and right field
• Reliability: Stayed steady on defense, even when his bat cooled off

Stone’s arm was so good that he even pitched two scoreless innings in the minors. Still, no major league manager ever used him on the mound.

His defense kept him on big league rosters, especially when he struggled at the plate. Being able to play all three outfield spots made him a valuable utility guy.

Offensive Abilities and Playing Style

Stone’s offense was more about speed and contact than power. He swung left-handed and ran the bases aggressively, which fit well with his defensive game.

He finished his MLB career hitting .241 with 6 homers and 89 RBIs in 388 games. His best year was 1970, when he played 123 games and hit .262, with 12 doubles, 5 triples, and 3 home runs.

Offensive Statistics:

• Career Batting Average: .241
• Home Runs: 6 total
• Best Season: 1970 (.262 average, 123 games)
• Stolen Bases: 28 in 1965 minor league season

Stone often led off because of his speed and knack for getting on base. In that marathon 27-inning game, he dropped a drag bunt single in the 27th to help set up the win.

He struggled with consistency at the plate, though. In 1971, playing with three broken ribs, he managed just a .227 average.

Reputation Among Teammates and Coaches

Stone built a reputation for his work ethic and determination throughout his career. Manager Frank Lucchesi once called him “a pleasant surprise” during the 1970 season.

His teammates started calling him “Palm Trees” at spring training because he kept hitting well in Florida. That nickname stuck, showing how much the other players liked him.

Manager Frank Lucchesi said, “One guy who did a much better job than anybody expected was Ron Stone. He was a pleasant surprise, and the injuries we had were a blessing in disguise as far as he was concerned.”

Coaches and scouts noticed Stone’s hustle and determination over the years. Hall of Fame sportswriter Allen Lewis pointed out, “Stone made a fine impression with his fine hitting and his hustle and determination” during spring training.

Stone’s professionalism showed off the field too. He spent his winters pitching season ticket sales for the Phillies and often spoke at events for the team’s speakers bureau, showing real commitment to the organization.

Statistical Record and Career Highlights

Ron Stone put together a steady, if modest, statistical record during his five-year Major League Baseball career from 1966 to 1972. He finished with a .241 batting average, 6 home runs, and 89 RBIs in 388 games—a reliable utility player who could fill in wherever needed.

Major League Batting and Fielding Statistics

Stone’s batting stats show he peaked during his middle years with the Philadelphia Phillies. His best year? 1970. He played in 123 games and hit .262 with 84 hits and 39 RBIs.

The left-handed batter collected 194 total hits, 28 doubles, 8 triples, and 6 home runs during his career. He drew 101 walks and struck out 122 times, ending up with a .326 on-base percentage.

Career Batting Statistics:

• Games: 388
• Batting Average: .241
• Home Runs: 6
• RBIs: 89
• Hits: 194
• On-Base Percentage: .326

Stone played all over the field, mainly outfield and first base. He did his best defensive work in the outfield, where he made the biggest impact.

Notable Games and Milestones

Stone made his Major League debut on April 13, 1966, with the Kansas City Athletics when he was just 23. That debut kicked off a career that would take him through two franchises and both major leagues.

His most productive season came in 1970 with Philadelphia. Stone played in 123 games that year, more than any other season, and set career highs in hits (84) and RBIs (39).

That 1970 performance stood out as his peak. He got regular playing time and put up his best numbers as a pro.

Stone wrapped up his career after the 1972 season with Philadelphia. In his final year, he played just 41 games and hit .167, not quite the ending he’d hoped for.

Sources and References: Baseball Almanac and Other Archives

Baseball Almanac and Baseball Reference keep Stone’s stats alive. These archives have all the details from his career between 1966 and 1972.

Baseball Almanac lists his height (6’2″), weight (185 pounds), and even his birthday—September 9, 1942, in Corning, California. They also note that he batted and threw left-handed.

Major League Baseball’s official records confirm Stone’s career timeline and the teams he played for. The records show his move from the Kansas City Athletics to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he spent most of his time.

Statistical databases break down Stone’s performance year by year, including advanced stats and fielding numbers. You can see how he contributed as a utility player in the late ’60s and early ’70s.

Post-Retirement Life and Legacy

After he hung up his cleats in 1972, Ron Stone jumped into business and kept some ties to baseball through promotional work. Most people remember him as a Phillie—that’s where he left his biggest mark.

Activities After Baseball

Stone stayed active in baseball circles during his last years with the Phillies. He worked in ticket sales during the off-seasons and spoke for the club’s speakers bureau.

He didn’t just stick to baseball. In February 1972, Stone joined 60 other athletes at a White House event, filming TV ads to warn kids about drugs.

After retiring, Stone moved to Oregon and started a firearms distribution business called Cascade Dealer Services. He really switched gears, going from sports to entrepreneurship.

Stone’s personal life changed a lot during this time. Around 1970, he married a Phillies usherette, and they had two kids, Jennifer and Jonathan. Later on, Jonathan made a name for himself in country music down in Nashville.

After his first marriage ended, Stone remarried in 1992. He and Jeanette Lynn Beattie Kelly, a California native, started a new chapter together and found some stability as he built his post-baseball life.

Influence on the Baseball Community

Stone didn’t become a household name, but he made a difference in his own way. Through the Phillies’ speakers bureau, he connected with fans and shared stories from his playing days.

Coaches appreciated Stone’s versatility. He played several positions and was a reliable bench guy when the Phillies were rebuilding in the early 1970s.

Stone’s involvement in the White House drug campaign showed he was willing to use his status as a pro athlete for something bigger than baseball. That sort of community work was becoming more common for retired players back then.

His experience as a utility player gave him a unique perspective on team dynamics and player development—insights that could help younger players and coaches.

Recognition and Remembrance

Stone earned a spot in the Stockton Athletic Hall of Fame, honoring what he did for baseball in his California hometown.

His big-league stats—.241 average, 6 home runs, 89 RBIs in 388 games—paint the picture of a journeyman, not a superstar, but someone you could count on.

That “Palm Trees” nickname, picked up in spring training for his hot hitting in Florida, still brings a smile to Phillies fans who remember those days. Teammates respected his work ethic and determination.

Stone played during some big moments in Phillies history. He was on the field for the last game at Connie Mack Stadium in 1970 and helped open Veterans Stadium the next year.

His legacy even pops up outside baseball—his son Jonathan’s music career shows how competitive spirit can run in the family, even if it takes a different shape.

Personal Life and Ancestry

Harry Ronald Stone’s personal story ties back to a family with deep American roots. His ancestors included public servants and military figures who served the country for generations.

Stone Family Historical Background

Ron Stone’s family tree runs deep in American history. His seventh great-grandfather, William Maximillian Stone, served as Maryland’s first Protestant governor in 1648.

Governor Stone faced some wild times. He barely escaped execution by firing squad in 1655 during a period of colonial unrest.

The family line also includes Thomas Stone, a distant cousin who signed the Declaration of Independence. That connection links Ron Stone to one of the country’s founding documents.

Not every ancestor brought honor, though. Either William’s father or brother was Captain John Stone, a notorious 17th-century merchant and mariner. He was murdered by Pequot Indians along the Connecticut River and was known for his troublesome behavior.

Military Service and Family Achievements

Military service really ran deep in the Stone family, generation after generation. Oliver L. Stone, Ron’s great-grandfather, joined the Union Army during the Civil War in 1863 when he was just 20.

Oliver started out in Menard County, Illinois. Around 1895, he packed up and moved to California.

He got the family into the timber business out on the West Coast.

Ron’s father, Harry Stone, served in Europe during World War II. He earned a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for his time there.

After coming home, Harry got married and settled down in Stockton, California with his family.

He went into the timber business too, following his father’s footsteps, and stuck with it for 51 years before finally retiring.