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

Ron Taylor carved out a unique place in baseball history. He was one of the rare players to win World Series championships with two different teams before stepping away from the game at age 34.

The Canadian-born pitcher captured titles with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964 and the New York Mets in 1969. He became a reliable relief specialist and always seemed to perform his best when the stakes were highest.

Taylor retired from Major League Baseball in 1972 after 11 seasons, playing for five teams and racking up 45 wins, 74 saves, and a 3.93 ERA.

What really sets Taylor apart is what he did after baseball. While most retired players struggled to figure out their next move, Taylor decided to enroll at the University of Toronto medical school and earned his degree in 1977.

Eventually, this new path brought him back to baseball as the Toronto Blue Jays’ team physician for three decades. People even started calling him “Doctor Baseball.”

Taylor’s journey from the pitcher’s mound to medicine stands out as one of baseball’s most successful second acts. His story stretches from his early days as a converted left-hander in Toronto, through his crucial roles in two unforgettable championship runs, and into a distinguished medical career that kept him close to the game he loved.

Early Life and Education

Ronald Wesley Taylor was born on December 13, 1937, in Toronto, Ontario. He found his love for baseball early, thanks to his family and local youth leagues.

His academic journey kept pace with his athletic development. In the end, it led him toward medical studies at the University of Toronto.

Family Background and Upbringing

Taylor grew up in Toronto with a family that supported his baseball dreams. His father, Wes Taylor, played a big part in shaping his athletic skills.

They spent countless hours together playing ball. Wes always encouraged his son to keep going, even when things got tough.

That early support proved essential. The family’s backing gave Taylor the confidence to chase a professional baseball career while still focusing on his studies.

Born in 1937, Taylor grew up as baseball’s popularity in Canada began to rise. His Toronto upbringing exposed him to a growing baseball culture that would shape his future.

Early Baseball Experiences in Toronto

Taylor started his baseball journey at just eight years old in Toronto’s Leaside Baseball Association. He stood out fast, showing pitching skills beyond his years.

As a teenager, scouts started calling him “a pitching prodigy.” He dominated players several years older than him.

In 1955, Chester Dies, a Toronto-area scout, convinced Taylor to try out for the Cleveland Indians. Taylor had been consistently outperforming older competition.

He impressed the Indians during his tryout. The team offered him a professional contract with a $4,000 signing bonus, officially launching his career.

Academic Pursuits and University of Toronto

Even after signing his first pro contract, Taylor stayed committed to his education. He kept up his academic work during baseball’s off-seasons.

Taylor knew having options beyond baseball was important. That foresight paid off when he retired from professional baseball in 1972.

After hanging up his glove, Taylor returned to Toronto for higher education. He enrolled at the University of Toronto to study medicine.

He earned his medical degree from the University of Toronto. That achievement transformed him from ballplayer to practicing physician, setting up his second act as the Toronto Blue Jays’ team doctor.

Major League Baseball Debut and Cleveland Indians Career

Ron Taylor’s baseball career hit a new level when he debuted with the Cleveland Indians in 1962. His time in Cleveland was short and tough, but his first start left a mark.

MLB Debut in 1962

Taylor made his Major League Baseball debut on April 11, 1962, at age 24, pitching against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The Indians handed him the starting job for their second game of the season.

He delivered an extraordinary performance that almost led to a win. Taylor threw 11 shutout innings and picked up two hits in four at-bats.

His two hits accounted for half the Indians’ offense against Boston starter Bill Monbouquette. Despite his dominant pitching, the game stayed scoreless into the 12th.

In that 12th inning, Taylor loaded the bases with no outs. Carroll Hardy then hit a crushing walk-off grand slam, giving Boston a 4-0 win.

That loss stung, ending what had been a remarkable debut. Taylor took the defeat despite 11 shutout innings.

Performance with Cleveland Indians

Taylor’s stint with the Cleveland Indians lasted just eight games in 1962. After his debut, he stayed with the team until May 20, then went back to the minors.

His short MLB run in Cleveland showed the challenges rookies face. The Indians had invested in him since 1956 and let him keep up with university in the off-seasons.

After his May 20 demotion, Taylor spent the rest of 1962 in Triple-A. The Indians’ decision reflected the tough competition for major league roster spots.

On December 15, 1962, Cleveland traded Taylor and infielder Jack Kubiszyn to the St. Louis Cardinals for first baseman Fred Whitfield. That deal ended Taylor’s time with the Indians and launched his National League career.

Key Stats and Early Career Challenges

Taylor’s Cleveland Indians stats come from just eight games. His ERA and other pitching numbers showed the adjustment struggles many rookie pitchers face.

The earned run average issues he had with Cleveland were pretty typical for young MLB pitchers. His debut loss, despite 11 shutout innings, proved that great individual efforts don’t always translate to team wins.

His batting during that stretch showed some promise, especially those two hits in his debut. Still, American League pitchers had fewer chances at the plate than their National League counterparts.

The trade to St. Louis ended up helping Taylor’s career. Moving on from Cleveland gave him opportunities that would lead to World Series glory with the Cardinals and Mets.

St. Louis Cardinals Era and First World Series Title

Ronald Wesley Taylor really found his groove with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1963 to 1965. He established himself as a reliable relief pitcher and played a big role in the team’s 1964 World Series championship.

He posted a 2.84 ERA in 1963 and delivered clutch pitching in the 1964 World Series against the New York Yankees.

Role as a Relief Pitcher

Taylor quickly became a dependable bullpen asset for the Cardinals after the December 1962 trade. In his first season with St. Louis in 1963, he notched nine wins and 11 saves in 54 appearances, with an impressive 2.84 ERA.

The right-hander proved his value as a relief specialist during the Cardinals’ championship run in 1964. He picked up eight wins and eight saves, helping the team clinch the National League pennant in a dramatic late-season push.

Taylor’s role as a reliever grew more important as the Cardinals leaned on him to protect leads and chew up critical innings. His steady performance during the regular season made him a key part of the team’s World Series success.

Highlights of 1964 World Series

Taylor’s World Series outings against the Yankees showed his ability to handle pressure. He appeared in two games during the seven-game series, tossing 4⅔ hitless innings against a stacked Yankees lineup.

His best moment came in Game 4 at Yankee Stadium. With the Cardinals trailing 2-1 in the series, Taylor entered and pitched four shutout innings, preserving a 4-3 win for Roger Craig and earning the save.

The Canadian pitcher’s hitless World Series work helped the Cardinals beat the favored Yankees in seven games. His knack for shutting down New York’s hitters in big moments was crucial to St. Louis capturing the title.

Transition and Impact on Team Success

Taylor’s run with the Cardinals started to fade in 1965 as his performance dropped off. By June 15, 1965, he’d appeared in 25 games before being traded to the Houston Astros with Mike Cuellar.

That move ended his most successful major league stretch. The Cardinals got lefty reliever Hal Woodeshick and minor leaguer Chuck Taylor in exchange.

Even after the trade, Taylor’s impact on the 1964 champion Cardinals stayed significant. His clutch relief work and coolness under pressure helped set up his later success with the Mets.

Houston Astros and Career Midpoint

Taylor’s mid-career move to Houston in 1965 brought a tough stretch that tested his resilience. He struggled with the Astros, and his earned run average and overall stats took a hit.

Adjustment to New Team

Taylor landed in Houston on June 15, 1965, as part of a big trade. The Cardinals sent Taylor and pitcher Mike Cuellar to the Houston Astros for Hal Woodeshick and minor leaguer Chuck Taylor.

He had a hard time adjusting right away. The National League’s Western Division played a different style, and Taylor’s control issues started to show.

His performance dropped during his time in Houston. Changes in team dynamics and coaching affected his pitching mechanics, and he struggled to recapture the form he had in St. Louis.

The Astros mostly used Taylor as a reliever, but he just wasn’t as effective as before. He seemed to lose some confidence while working through mechanical changes with the Astros’ coaches.

Performance and Significant Trades

Taylor’s numbers with Houston reflected his struggles. Over a season and a half, he went 3-8 with a rough 6.03 ERA in 68 games.

That high ERA was a big drop from his earlier success. Taylor managed only four saves in Houston, and his strikeouts fell as hitters started to figure him out.

His record—three wins, eight losses—showed how tough things got. The Astros’ coaches tried to help him fix his mechanics, but his results stayed inconsistent.

That rough patch in Houston became a low point in Taylor’s career. His confidence took a hit, but the experience later fueled his comeback with the New York Mets.

New York Mets: The Miracle Mets and 1969 World Series

Taylor joined the Mets in 1967 and became a key relief pitcher during their incredible 1969 World Series champion run. His veteran experience and steady pitching helped turn the team from cellar-dwellers into champions.

Joining the Mets and Revitalizing Career

The New York Mets brought in Ron Taylor in 1967, adding an experienced right-handed reliever to a young franchise still searching for its identity. Taylor arrived with valuable World Series experience from his Cardinals days.

The Mets, only in their seventh year, had struggled since their 1962 debut. In 1968, they finished 73-89, landing near the bottom of the National League.

Taylor’s arrival changed things for both him and the team. His veteran presence added stability to a young pitching staff. He brought championship experience that most of his teammates lacked.

Key Contributions in the Bullpen

Taylor became the backbone of the Mets’ bullpen in 1969. He led the team with 59 appearances, more than any other Mets pitcher that year.

His workload showed just how much the team relied on him. The righty tallied 13 saves during the regular season and put up a 9-4 record with a solid 2.72 ERA.

These numbers highlighted his knack for handling high-pressure moments. Former teammate Art Shamsky once said, “Ron was the only guy on our staff with postseason experience.” That experience made a real difference during the team’s most crucial moments.

Achievements in the 1969 Season

People still call 1969 the “Miracle Mets” year. Taylor stepped up and helped the team finally snap their losing streak.

He kept showing up, game after game, and really pushed the Mets to their first winning season.

Key 1969 Statistics:

• 59 appearances (team leader)
• 13 saves (team leader)
• 9-4 record
• 2.72 ERA

The Mets went from a 73-89 record in 1968 to World Series champs in 1969. Taylor anchored the bullpen, and the team counted on him during tense moments.

He closed out games, which boosted the starting pitchers’ confidence.

Taylor stayed durable all season. He pitched more than once every three games, which is kind of wild when you think about it.

Manager Gil Hodges clearly trusted him—a lot.

1969 World Series Highlights

The Mets ran into the Baltimore Orioles in the 1969 World Series. Baltimore had a scary 109-53 record, so most people didn’t think the Mets stood a chance.

Taylor brought his World Series experience to the table. He came in for relief at key moments and kept his cool, which definitely helped the younger guys.

Somehow, the Mets pulled off a 4-1 upset and took down one of the best teams in MLB history. Taylor earned his second World Series champion title.

That win gave the franchise its first championship. Taylor became the only Canadian to win the World Series with more than one team.

His role helped make the 1969 Mets legendary.

Final Playing Year with San Diego Padres and Retirement

Ron Taylor finished his career with the San Diego Padres in 1972. That wrapped up 11 seasons and five teams.

After the Padres released him in May 1972, he made a pretty unusual career transition—he went into medicine.

1972 Season Overview

Taylor joined the San Diego Padres for his last MLB season. The Montreal Expos had signed him before, but they let him go at the end of spring training in 1972.

He pitched his last game on May 14, 1972, facing the Expos. In that outing, he threw 1.2 innings, gave up three hits and three earned runs, and didn’t record a strikeout or a walk.

It wasn’t the ending he wanted, but it summed up a tough final year.

The Padres let him go that May, and his playing days ended there. At 34, he had put together 11 seasons, finishing with a 45-43 record and a 3.93 earned run average.

Taylor took the mound in 491 games, mostly out of the bullpen—474 times, to be exact. He racked up 74 saves and struck out 464 batters over 800 innings.

Decision to Retire from MLB

Once San Diego released him, Taylor decided to go to medical school instead of chasing another contract. He’d always had educational goals on his mind, even during his baseball years.

He enrolled at the University of Toronto to start medical school. He’d kept up with his studies during off-seasons, planning ahead for life after baseball.

Switching from pitcher to physician isn’t something you see often. Taylor earned his medical degree in 1977, which happened to be the same year the Toronto Blue Jays joined the American League.

By retiring and going into medicine, Taylor found a way back to baseball later on. He served as the Blue Jays’ team physician from 1979 until he retired in 2014.

Career Overview and Statistical Highlights

Ron Taylor spent 11 seasons as a relief pitcher, from 1962 to 1972. He picked up 45 wins, 43 losses, and a 3.93 ERA over 491 games.

He never really got flashy, but he handled pressure, especially in the two World Series runs.

Career Win-Loss Record and Appearances

Taylor wrapped up his MLB days with a 45-43 win-loss record in 491 games. He debuted on April 11, 1962, with the Cleveland Indians, and his final game came on May 14, 1972, with the Padres.

He pitched nearly 800 innings—pretty impressive for a reliever. Those 491 appearances show how much teams leaned on him.

He bounced around five teams: started in Cleveland, then St. Louis, Houston, the Mets, and finally San Diego.

His best seasons were with the Cardinals and Mets. In 1964, he led Cardinals pitchers in appearances and topped all National League relievers in wins that year.

ERA, WHIP, WAR, and Other Metrics

Taylor held a 3.93 earned run average for his career. For the 1960s and early ’70s, that was solid for a reliever.

He walked 209 batters in 800 innings, keeping his control sharp when it counted.

Taylor really shined in the World Series. He pitched seven scoreless innings across his two championship runs.

His stats show steadiness more than dominance. Back then, relievers often took on different kinds of roles than today’s closers.

Strikeouts and Saves

Taylor punched out 464 batters and snagged 72 saves during his career. Those numbers reflect how relief pitching was still evolving.

He collected 72 saves, which was a big deal for that era. The idea of a closer was just starting to catch on.

Taylor didn’t overpower hitters—he got outs by letting them make contact. That approach worked for him, especially in the National League.

From 1967 to 1969, he led the Mets in both appearances and saves. He was a huge part of their 1969 World Series run.

Comparison as a Relief Pitcher

Taylor played during the shift from old-school relievers to modern closers. His 491 games in 11 seasons show he got called on a lot, but not just to close.

He built his career on reliability, not on throwing heat. At 6’1″ and 195 pounds, he threw and batted right-handed.

In the postseason, he came through in the clutch. Taylor picked up saves and wins for both the Cardinals and Mets when it mattered.

The numbers—45 wins, 43 losses, 72 saves—don’t tell the whole story. He made big contributions to two World Series champs.

Honors, Legacy, and Post-Baseball Life

After hanging up his glove in 1972, Ron Taylor dove into a second career that, honestly, was just as impressive as his baseball days. He became a respected physician and spent more than 30 years as the Toronto Blue Jays team doctor.

He landed in multiple halls of fame, too, thanks to his impact on Canadian baseball.

Transition to Medicine and Physician Career

Taylor’s journey toward medicine started during a USO trip to Vietnam War field hospitals. Seeing combat medics and wounded soldiers up close pushed him to consider becoming a doctor.

In 1973, he enrolled at the University of Toronto medical school. He’d already earned an electrical engineering degree from the same school back in 1961.

He balanced his studies while stepping away from baseball.

He graduated as a physician in 1977, at age 39. Not many pro athletes make it through med school after their playing days, but Taylor did.

He set up a private practice in Toronto after graduating. He worked as a doctor until he retired from medicine in 2014.

People around him started calling him “Doctor Baseball”—not a bad nickname, honestly.

Work with Toronto Blue Jays

Taylor started working with the Toronto Blue Jays as their team doctor in 1979. He stuck with the team for over 30 years, which is pretty remarkable.

He was there for some of the Jays’ best moments, including the back-to-back World Series wins in 1992 and 1993. That gave Taylor four World Series rings—two as a player, two as a physician.

He helped set up medical protocols and injury prevention programs for the team. Over the years, he treated a ton of players and staff.

When Taylor passed away, the Blue Jays released a statement recognizing everything he’d done for the team.

Recognition and Hall of Fame Inductions

Taylor picked up quite a few honors for his work in both baseball and medicine. His hall of fame inductions stretched across decades.

Hall of Fame Inductions:

• 1985: Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame
• 1993: Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
• 2010: Ontario Sports Hall of Fame

In 2005, he received the Order of Ontario. That honor recognized what he’d done for both Canadian baseball and medicine.

Taylor also pushed for better benefits for retired players. He joined MLB’s pension plan early on and worked for improved support for players facing health problems later in life.

Impact on Canadian Baseball

Taylor stands out as one of the most important figures in Canadian baseball history. When he found success as a player, he opened doors for future Canadian athletes in Major League Baseball.

He grew up in Toronto, and honestly, he really put Canadian talent on the international stage. Over 11 seasons, he played for five MLB teams. That kind of run proved Canadian players could absolutely compete at the highest level.

Those World Series wins with the Cardinals and Mets? They showcased what Canadian baseball players could do.

Later, as the Blue Jays’ physician, Taylor helped put Toronto on the map as a major league city. He brought credibility and gave the team a boost during their early years.

His medical expertise supported the franchise’s growth into a championship organization.

Taylor pulled off something pretty rare, managing a dual career as both player and physician. He showed professional athletes could successfully make the jump to demanding second careers.

His story? It inspired other Canadian players to think about education and different career paths too.