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

Ron Woods isn’t exactly a household name in baseball history, but his six seasons in Major League Baseball tell a story of grit. He carved out a respectable place as an outfielder during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Born in Hamilton, Ohio, Woods played for three MLB teams between 1969 and 1974. He suited up for the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, and Montreal Expos before hanging up his cleats.

Woods put together a .233 batting average with 26 home runs and 130 RBIs across 582 games during his MLB career, wrapping things up with the Montreal Expos in 1974. He started his professional baseball journey in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization in 1961. It took him almost a decade to finally break into the majors, debuting with the defending champion Detroit Tigers in 1969.

Let’s take a look at Woods’ path from amateur player to pro, his climb through the minors, and his eventual success at baseball’s highest level. His story includes some memorable performances, key trades, and even a stint playing in Japan after his MLB days.

Early Life and Amateur Background

Ronald Lawrence Woods was born February 1, 1943, in Hamilton, Ohio. His family later moved to California, and he attended Compton High School.

That move from the Midwest to the West Coast had a big impact on his early baseball development. It set him up for his future in pro ball.

Family and Childhood in Ohio

Ronald Lawrence Woods arrived in Hamilton, Ohio, a small industrial town in Butler County. Born in the early ‘40s during World War II, Woods grew up when baseball was America’s game.

Hamilton gave him a typical Midwestern upbringing. The city’s blue-collar vibe and tight community probably shaped Woods’ work ethic.

His family decided to move from Ohio to California while he was still young. That cross-country move changed everything for his baseball future.

Now in Southern California, Woods could play baseball year-round thanks to the weather. That wasn’t really possible back in Ohio.

Leaving the industrial Midwest for California’s diverse opportunities opened up all sorts of new doors for him.

Education at Compton High School

Woods went to Compton High School in Compton, California. There, he continued both his education and his baseball career.

Compton High had a strong sports tradition and gave Woods a chance to show what he could do. The baseball program let him grow as an outfielder.

California’s long baseball season meant more chances to play and get better—something he wouldn’t have had in Ohio.

During high school, Woods sharpened the skills that would catch the eyes of pro scouts. His play at Compton High was impressive enough to draw Major League interest.

The Southern California baseball scene was tough. Lots of talented players fought for college scholarships and pro contracts. Woods managed to stand out with his steady play and athleticism.

Amateur Baseball Experience

Woods’ amateur career peaked when the Pittsburgh Pirates signed him as an amateur free agent in 1961. That happened not long after he graduated high school, so scouts had clearly been watching him closely.

The Pirates saw his potential as an outfielder and wanted to help him develop. Since he signed as an amateur free agent, he skipped the usual draft, which probably means more than one team wanted him.

His amateur experience got him ready for the grind of pro baseball. The skills he picked up at Compton High laid the groundwork for his big league career.

Woods spent the early ‘60s working his way up the Pirates’ minor league ladder. He kept honing his craft, hoping for that shot at the majors.

Professional Career Overview

Ron Woods started his pro baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1961. He played six seasons in the majors as an outfielder from 1969 to 1974.

His journey from the minors to the big leagues took him through multiple teams. He showed off his defensive versatility along the way.

Entry into Professional Baseball

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed Woods as an amateur free agent in June 1961. He had just graduated from Compton High School in Southern California.

Woods spent five years grinding through the Pirates’ minor league system. Progress came slowly, and he only made it as far as Double-A with Pittsburgh.

In early 1966, the Detroit Tigers picked up Woods’ contract from the Pirates. That move changed the course of his career.

Switching to Detroit’s organization gave Woods new chances to climb the minor league ranks. After joining the Tigers, he had a strong 1968 season with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.

That breakout year earned him a spot on Detroit’s 1969 roster for spring training. The defending champs saw enough in Woods to put him on their opening day squad.

Playing Style and Positions

Woods played as an outfielder during his Major League Baseball career. He batted and threw right-handed, stood 5’10”, and weighed 168 pounds.

His defense was his calling card. Woods often came in as a defensive replacement or pinch runner early on with Detroit.

He had good speed and fielding ability, which made him valuable in those roles. Woods was especially solid in center field.

In 1973 with the Montreal Expos, he became their go-to center fielder, starting 72 games there. He platooned with lefties Boots Day and Jim Lyttle.

Woods’ offense was pretty modest. He finished with a .233 batting average, 26 home runs, and 130 RBIs over six seasons.

His 290 hits included 34 doubles, 12 triples, and 27 stolen bases. Not eye-popping, but steady.

Transition to Major Leagues

Woods made his MLB debut on April 22, 1969, with the Detroit Tigers. He played 17 early-season games, mostly as a pinch hitter or defensive sub.

On June 14, 1969, Detroit traded Woods to the New York Yankees for veteran Tom Tresh. That trade kicked off the most stable stretch of his big league career.

Woods played 192 games for the Yankees between June 1969 and June 1971, starting 147 of them. He didn’t do much with the bat, but his defense kept him in the lineup.

The Yankees shipped Woods to the Montreal Expos on June 25, 1971, for Ron Swoboda. Woods spent the next three and a half years with Montreal, playing 373 games and batting .245.

His last MLB season came in 1974. Montreal brought in Willie Davis to play center, which pushed Woods into a part-time role. He started only 21 games that year before heading to Japan.

Major League Baseball Career (1969–1974)

Ron Woods logged six seasons in the majors as an outfielder, playing for three teams in both leagues. He started with the Detroit Tigers in 1969, then moved to the Yankees, and finally hit his stride with the Montreal Expos.

Detroit Tigers Debut and 1969 Season

Woods debuted in MLB on April 22, 1969, with the Tigers at age 26. He joined a Detroit team fresh off a World Series win in ‘68.

His first stint in Detroit was short—just 17 games. Woods hit .267 with one home run and three RBIs in limited action.

The Tigers’ outfield was crowded with established players, so regular playing time was tough to come by. Later that season, Detroit traded him to the Yankees.

In 1969, Woods split time between both teams and played 89 games total. He batted .183 with 34 hits and 10 RBIs.

Tenure with New York Yankees

Woods spent parts of three seasons with the Yankees from 1969 to 1971. His best year in pinstripes came in 1970, when he played 95 games and set career highs in several categories.

In 1970, Woods hit .227 with eight home runs and 27 RBIs. He shared playing time with guys like Tom Tresh and other Yankees outfielders.

His time in New York was marked by streaky offense. In 1971, he only played 25 games before being traded. He mostly played center field but also filled in at the corners.

Trade to Montreal Expos and Role in National League East

Woods joined the Montreal Expos during the 1971 season and finally found some consistency. The Expos were a new franchise, having started in 1969, and played in the National League East.

His best statistical year came in 1973 with Montreal, when he played 135 games and notched 73 hits. Woods became a regular in the Expos outfield, often starting in center and providing some veteran presence.

He stuck with Montreal through the 1974 season, his last in MLB. Across four years with the Expos, Woods batted .245 with 15 home runs and 91 RBIs in 373 games.

Career Highlights and Notable Teammates

Woods wrapped up his MLB career with a .233 average, 26 home runs, and 130 RBIs in 582 games. His career WAR of 3.7 shows he brought value as a solid defensive outfielder who could chip in offensively.

He played with a variety of notable teammates on three different teams. Defense in center field was his bread and butter, and in 1969 he posted a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.

After the 1974 season, Woods headed to Japan and played for the Chunichi Dragons from 1975 to 1976. His MLB journey was that of a journeyman who found his niche as a reliable outfielder during baseball’s expansion era.

Career Performance and Notable Statistics

Ron Woods put together a steady statistical record in his six years in the majors from 1969 to 1974. His .233 batting average reflected the tough pitching of his era, while his 26 home runs and 130 RBIs showed he could produce when needed.

Batting Averages and Key Stats

Woods finished with a .233 batting average over six seasons. His best year at the plate was 1971, when he hit .288 between two teams and posted a .373 on-base percentage—his career high.

He showed his most consistent play with Montreal from 1971 to 1974. With the Expos, Woods hit .245 in four seasons, a nice bump from his earlier numbers.

In 1973, Woods had a particularly solid year. He played 135 games, collected 73 hits, and drew 56 walks, giving him a .344 on-base percentage.

Things didn’t go as well in his final season. In 1974, Woods hit just .205 in 90 games, which probably played a part in his decision to retire.

Home Runs and RBIs

Woods hit 26 home runs in his MLB career. His power peaked in 1972, when he launched 10 homers for Montreal—almost 40% of his career total in one year.

He drove in 130 runs over six seasons. His best RBI year was also 1972, when he knocked in 31 runs for the Expos.

Most of his power numbers came during his time in Montreal. He hit 15 home runs and drove in 91 runs as an Expo, compared to 11 homers and 39 RBIs in his American League years.

Early in his career, Woods showed some pop too. He hit 8 home runs in 1970 with the Yankees, which was his second-best season for power.

Fielding and Contributions as Outfielder

Woods spent his career as an outfielder and played reliable defense. In 1969, he handled 137 chances without an error for a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.

His defensive versatility let him play center, left field, and right field with Detroit, New York, and Montreal.

Woods racked up 426 total bases and played steady defense wherever he went. His range and fielding stats stayed pretty consistent across all three teams.

He became a valuable bench player and spot starter thanks to his defensive reliability. Woods’ knack for making the routine play kept him in the majors for six seasons.

Stolen Bases and Speed

Woods swiped 27 bases during his career. His best stretch on the basepaths came in 1973, when he stole 12 bases for Montreal. That single year accounted for almost half his career total.

His stolen base attempts didn’t always go smoothly. He got caught stealing 18 times, which meant he succeeded just 60% of the time.

He definitely flashed his best speed while playing for Montreal. Over four seasons with the Expos, he racked up 21 steals. With American League teams, he managed only 6 steals in three years.

By his last season, Woods just couldn’t run like he used to. In 1974, he stole 6 bases but got caught 5 times, which made his overall offensive struggles even worse.

Final MLB Season and Retirement in 1974

Ron Woods wrapped up his six-year Major League career with the Montreal Expos in 1974. That year, he played in 90 games but saw his playing time drop off a cliff.

His final season really showed the shift from being a regular to more of a part-time player. His performance kept sliding, and that eventually pushed him into retirement.

Role in Montreal Expos 1974 Season

Woods didn’t get many chances with the Expos in 1974. He played in 90 games but only came up to bat 151 times, his lowest total since his short debut in 1969.

His bat just wasn’t there anymore. Woods hit .205, collecting only 26 hits in 127 at-bats. He managed one home run and 12 RBIs all year.

He drew 17 walks and struck out 17 times. His on-base percentage dropped to .299, and his slugging percentage fell to .228. Those numbers were career lows for him.

He mostly sat on the bench, sometimes starting in the outfield. He still had a bit of speed, stealing six bases, but he got caught five times. Hitting, though, just wasn’t working for him anymore.

Transition to Part-Time Play

In 1974, Woods really shifted from being a regular to a part-timer. His playing time dropped a lot compared to 1973, when he played in 135 games.

He became more of a utility outfielder. The Expos stopped giving him a regular starting spot and mostly used him as a defensive sub or pinch-runner.

Woods got fewer chances to hit, which showed the team didn’t trust his bat much anymore. He averaged less than two plate appearances per game that season.

He tried to adjust to this new role, but it was tough to make a difference. With so few opportunities, he never found his rhythm at the plate.

Factors Leading to Retirement

A few things pushed Woods to retire after 1974. His hitting numbers kept dropping during his last two years in Montreal.

At 31, he was up against younger, hungrier players. The Expos wanted to build for the future, so they didn’t have much room for older guys whose skills were fading.

Woods finished with a .233 career average and not much power. He hit 26 home runs in six seasons, and only one in his last year.

Getting older probably made the physical grind tougher. Professional baseball just gets harder when your athleticism starts slipping.

Woods decided to walk away from the big leagues instead of hanging on as a bench player. He gave it another go in Japan with the Chunichi Dragons from 1975 to 1976, then hung up his cleats for good.

Post-MLB Career and International Play

After his six years in the majors, Woods headed to Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league. He played two seasons for the Chunichi Dragons from 1975-1976 and, interestingly, put up better numbers there than he ever did in MLB.

Playing for Chunichi Dragons in Nippon Professional Baseball

Woods landed with the Chunichi Dragons in 1975 after leaving the Expos. The Dragons gave him a shot to keep playing at a high level.

He debuted in NPB on April 5, 1975, and spent two years in Japan. Woods played in 192 games, mostly as an outfielder.

Playing in Japanese baseball let Woods keep his career going at age 32. NPB offered a competitive league where ex-MLB players could stick around and learn new styles and approaches to the game.

Performance in Japan and Legacy Abroad

Woods actually hit much better in Japan than he did in the majors. He posted a .263 batting average—that’s 30 points higher than his MLB mark.

In those two NPB seasons, he put up:

• 19 home runs
• 68 RBIs
• 160 hits in 192 games

He played his last professional game on August 11, 1976, for the Dragons. His time in Japan showed how American and Japanese baseball started connecting more in the ’70s.

It’s clear he found a way to succeed with the Japanese style of play. Those two seasons with Chunichi wrapped up a career that spanned both MLB and the international stage.

Minor League Journey and Development

Woods spent almost a decade working his way through the minor leagues before he finally made it to the majors. He bounced between organizations and played at a bunch of different levels, mostly Double-A and Triple-A, before joining the Detroit Tigers organization.

Time in Double-A and Triple-A

Woods got a lot of experience in the upper minors. He played for Asheville in the Southern Association at Double-A in 1963 and 1964.

He started to improve at Asheville. In 1963, he hit .247 with 15 homers and 65 RBIs in 137 games. The next year, he split time between Asheville and Kinston, showing he could handle different teams and leagues.

He moved up to Triple-A with Toledo in the International League in 1967. That first stint lasted just five games, and he hit only .176. But he came back to Toledo in 1968 and really broke out.

In 1968 with Toledo, Woods played 137 games and put up strong numbers. He hit .292 with 16 home runs and 58 RBIs. That season put him on the map as a real major league prospect.

Notable Minor League Teams

Woods played for quite a few minor league clubs as he worked his way up. He started out in the Pittsburgh Pirates system in 1961, beginning with Hobbs in the Sophomore League.

The Pirates moved him around a lot, sending him to Batavia, Kinston, and Asheville. Each stop gave him new challenges and chances to grow.

He switched to the Detroit Tigers organization in 1966 and played for Rocky Mount in the Carolina League. That move helped his career. He hit .265 with 11 homers and showed better discipline at the plate.

The Tigers kept moving him up through their farm system. His time at Montgomery in the Southern League in 1967 was especially good—he hit .296 with 10 home runs.

Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens and Winnipeg

Woods spent a lot of time with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens in the International League. Honestly, his 1968 season with Toledo probably stands out as his best minor league run.

He played 137 games that year. Woods really showed off his power and steady hitting.

That time in Toledo definitely helped get him ready for his major league debut in 1969. He hit .292 and knocked 16 home runs, which proved he could handle the top minor league competition.

Later on, Woods had a brief stint with Winnipeg in the International League. This happened in 1971, when he was part of the Montreal Expos organization.

He only played five games there. Still, he managed five hits in 17 at-bats, landing at a .294 average.

His time in Winnipeg was short, but he kept showing he could perform at the Triple-A level. That stretch let him keep his skills sharp during his time with Montreal.