Sal Butera – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Sal Butera spent nine seasons in Major League Baseball, working as a catcher for five different teams before he called it a career in 1988. Born Salvatore Philip Butera on September 25, 1952, in Richmond Hill, New York, he became known as a reliable backup who played a part in one of baseball’s most unforgettable championship runs.

Butera hit his career high when he helped the Minnesota Twins win the 1987 World Series, which really stands as the highlight of his time in the big leagues.

He played from 1980 through 1988, putting up a .227 batting average in 359 games for teams like the Twins, Tigers, Expos, Reds, and Blue Jays.

Butera’s story goes beyond the numbers. He moved from player to mentor, built family connections in baseball, and stayed active in the sport through coaching and scouting.

His route from Suffolk County Community College to the majors, and then his work in baseball development after retiring, gives a glimpse into both the tough and rewarding sides of a professional baseball career.

Early Life and Background

Salvatore Philip Butera arrived on September 25, 1952, in Richmond Hill, New York. His family eventually settled on Long Island.

His early years in the New York area shaped his baseball journey through local schools and youth leagues.

Family Origins

Butera’s Italian-American roots show in his full name, which he carried through his baseball life.

The Butera family moved to Long Island, and that shift really mattered for Sal’s athletic growth. Long Island had plenty of youth baseball options in the ’60s.

His family backed his love for baseball. They saw his natural talent as a catcher and gave him the support to focus on his skills from a young age.

Education and Early Baseball Experience

Butera went to Connetquot High School and graduated in 1970. The school’s baseball program gave him structure and competition.

His high school years played a big part in shaping him as a catcher.

After high school, he kept studying at Suffolk Community College, finishing in 1972. College helped him grow both on the field and off.

While at Suffolk, Butera sharpened his catching skills. Pro scouts noticed his play.

The Minnesota Twins picked him up as an amateur free agent in 1972, right after he graduated.

Influence of Long Island and New York Roots

Growing up on Long Island, Butera got to experience a strong baseball culture. The area turned out plenty of pro players in his day.

That competitive scene pushed him to get better at his position.

New York’s baseball tradition surrounded Butera as a kid. He could watch major league games up close, which must have been inspiring.

Long Island’s focus on fundamentals helped him build solid catching technique. Those early experiences got him ready for the long grind through the Twins’ minor league system before he finally made it to the majors in 1980.

Professional Playing Career

Sal Butera played in the majors from 1980 to 1988, mainly as a backup catcher for five different teams. He finished with a .227 career batting average, 8 home runs, and 76 RBIs in 359 games.

He mostly worked as a defensive specialist throughout his career.

Minnesota Twins Debut and Early Years

Butera debuted in the big leagues on April 10, 1980, with the Minnesota Twins. He joined as a backup catcher while the Twins were still building their roster.

The Queens native quickly made a name for himself as a steady defensive player behind the plate. He stood 6 feet tall and weighed 190 pounds, bringing reliable catching to the Twins.

His first years in Minnesota set the stage for a journeyman career. Defense mattered more than offense for him, and that theme stuck throughout his time in the majors.

The Twins kept him around because he could handle pitchers and manage games well. That consistency kept him in the organization during those early MLB years.

Time with Detroit Tigers, Montreal Expos, and Cincinnati Reds

After Minnesota, Butera bounced around a bit. He played for the Detroit Tigers, sticking to his backup role.

His stint with the Montreal Expos gave him some National League experience. Switching leagues showed he could adapt as a pro catcher.

Butera then landed with the Cincinnati Reds, adding another team to his resume. Each move built his reputation as a dependable defensive catcher.

Career Statistics by Team:

• Minnesota Twins: Main team in the early and later parts of his career
• Detroit Tigers: Played mid-career in the American League
• Montreal Expos: Got National League experience
• Cincinnati Reds: Continued as a backup catcher

His batting average hovered around .227 even as he changed teams. Moving around was pretty typical for backup catchers back then.

Role with the Toronto Blue Jays and Final Playing Year

Butera wrapped up his playing days with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1988. His last game came on September 26, 1988, closing out his nine-year MLB run.

Toronto was his fifth and final team. He brought experience and defensive know-how to their catching group.

That 1988 season felt like a fitting way to finish his playing career. The time with Toronto paid off later when he returned to work for them in coaching and front office roles.

Butera’s career numbers really tell the story of a defensive-minded catcher: 359 games, 8 home runs, and 76 RBIs. Most of his value came from what he did behind the plate.

Career Milestones and Achievements

Sal Butera’s nine years in the majors included some big moments, with the 1987 World Series win with the Minnesota Twins topping the list.

His defensive skills and leadership behind the plate earned him respect that lasted past his playing days.

1987 World Series Champion

Butera reached his biggest milestone as part of the Twins’ 1987 World Series team. He worked as backup catcher to Tim Laudner during that wild postseason.

In Game 4 of the World Series against the Cardinals, Butera came in as a defensive replacement for Laudner. That moment probably felt like the peak of his career.

The Twins beat the Cardinals in seven games to win their first World Series since moving to Minnesota. Butera’s role as a veteran presence in the clubhouse mattered during that run.

His World Series ring stands as the crowning achievement of a career spent mostly as a backup with five different teams.

Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame Induction

Butera’s baseball career and his impact on Long Island sports got recognized when he made it into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame.

This honor celebrated his journey from Connetquot High School to the majors.

He went from being a local high school player in Richmond Hill, New York, to attending Suffolk County Community College, and then to pro baseball. That path inspired plenty of young athletes in Suffolk County.

The hall of fame nod wasn’t just about his playing days. It also recognized his work as a coach and scout after he retired. He kept mentoring young players and making a difference in the sport.

Notable Records and Statistics

Butera finished his MLB career with a .227 batting average in 359 games from 1980 to 1988. He tallied 182 hits, 8 home runs, and 76 RBIs while playing for five different teams.

His main strength was defense, so teams saw him as a valuable backup. The Reds, Tigers, Twins, Blue Jays, and Expos all used him behind the plate.

Butera played in two postseason series, both with the Twins. His last MLB game was on September 26, 1988, with the Blue Jays, ending a solid run as a journeyman catcher.

Post-Playing Involvement in Baseball

When he retired in 1988, Sal Butera didn’t leave baseball behind. He stayed involved as a coach, scout, and even worked internationally.

His background as a catcher opened doors with the Toronto Blue Jays and with international teams.

Catching Coach Experience

Butera shared his catching knowledge with the Toronto Blue Jays in different coaching roles. In 1998, he served as the team’s bullpen coach, working closely with pitchers and catchers during games.

He made a bigger impact in 2014, serving as both the video replay coach and catching coach. That job blended old-school catching instruction with new technology.

The video replay role was especially important as MLB started using more replay. Butera helped the team break down plays and decide when to challenge calls.

His catching expertise helped develop young catchers in the organization. Nine years in the majors gave him plenty of lessons to pass along.

MLB Scouting Career

Butera moved into scouting after his coaching time in Toronto. In 2015, he became a major league scout for the Blue Jays, looking for talent across the pro baseball world.

Before that, he worked as Special Assistant to the General Manager for the Blue Jays in 2008. That front office job gave him a broader view of the organization.

Scouting meant traveling to watch players at different levels. Butera’s playing background helped him judge both the technical and mental sides of the game.

He looked for players who could help the Blue Jays’ major league squad. Being a former backup catcher gave him a good eye for spotting role players.

International Baseball Contributions

Butera also took his baseball knowledge overseas. He coached for Team Italy during the 2017 World Baseball Classic, bringing his MLB experience to the international scene.

Working with Team Italy let him coach players from all sorts of backgrounds. His catching background was especially useful for their pitching staff.

This international work showed his ongoing passion for developing baseball talent. Coaching Italy also connected him to his roots.

He had to adjust his coaching style for international play, which can be a lot different from the MLB grind.

Personal Life and Legacy

Salvatore Philip Butera built a baseball legacy that extended well past his own playing days, thanks to his family and his work in the community.

His impact on the sport lived on through mentoring and his son’s career.

Family and Baseball Lineage

Sal Butera’s biggest personal achievement might be starting a rare baseball dynasty with his son Drew. Drew, born August 9, 1983, followed in his dad’s footsteps as a pro catcher.

The Butera family joined a pretty exclusive group of father-son World Series champs. Sal got his ring with the Twins in 1987, and Drew later won one too.

Drew was drafted by the Mets in the third round in 2005, kicking off his pro career with the Brooklyn Cyclones before moving up the minor league ladder.

He eventually played for the Twins, just like his dad. That made the Buteras one of the rare father-son duos to wear the same big-league uniform.

Connection to Community and Recognition

Butera’s Long Island roots always mattered to him. He entered the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 in the Baseball Category.

That honor recognized his baseball contributions and his ties to the community. Growing up in Richmond Hill, Queens shaped how he approached the game.

After hanging up his cleats, Butera stayed connected to pro baseball in different roles. He worked as video replay and catching coach for the Blue Jays in 2014.

His time with Team Italy in the 2017 World Baseball Classic showed his dedication to the sport. That role let him share his knowledge with players from around the world.

Lasting Impact on the Sport

Butera didn’t just leave his mark through stats—he made a real difference by mentoring and coaching younger players. When he managed in the Astros’ minor league system, he worked closely with guys like Kenny Lofton, helping them find their footing.

In 2015, he switched gears and started scouting for the Toronto Blue Jays. This job let him put all those years of baseball know-how and sharp player evaluation to good use.

He kicked off his baseball career back in 1972, signing as an amateur free agent with the Minnesota Twins. Over the years, he stuck with the sport, showing a real commitment that went way beyond playing.

Butera spent a lot of time working with young catchers. He passed along the basics and helped shape the next wave of talent.

He also played on the 1987 World Series championship team that beat the St. Louis Cardinals. His defense and leadership behind the plate definitely played a part in that win.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Sal Butera’s finances reflect what you’d expect from a journeyman catcher before baseball’s salary explosion. He’s estimated to be worth about $8 million, mostly thanks to his MLB paychecks and steady post-retirement coaching gigs.

Estimated Net Worth After Retirement

These days, Sal Butera’s net worth sits at around $8 million, based on recent estimates. He built up this wealth during his nine-year MLB career and then added to it with coaching and scouting roles.

He earned most of it between 1980 and 1988, back when salaries were a lot lower than they are now. Catchers like Butera didn’t pull in superstar money, but he made it work.

Coaching and scouting kept his finances steady after he stopped playing. In 2014, Butera worked as a video replay and catching coach for the Blue Jays. The next year, he moved into major league scouting.

Sources of Earnings

Primary Income Sources:

• MLB player salaries (1980-1988)
• Coaching positions with Toronto Blue Jays
• Major league scouting contracts
• World Baseball Classic coaching role

Playing for five different teams set the foundation for his income. He suited up for the Minnesota Twins, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Montreal Expos.

His 1987 World Series championship with the Twins probably came with playoff bonuses. It’s common for winners to get a little extra on top of their regular pay.

After retiring, he kept earning through coaching and scouting. Those jobs in pro baseball don’t pay like active player salaries, but they offer a steady paycheck.

Financial Impact of MLB Career

Butera played nine years in MLB, right as player salaries started to climb. The 1980s really kicked off those bigger paydays in pro baseball.

He finished with a .227 career batting average, so most people saw him as more of a defensive specialist than a hitter. Teams usually paid defensive catchers less than the big bats, but these guys often stuck around longer because of their unique skills.

Butera suited up for five different teams. That kind of steady work kept his income pretty reliable, even if he wasn’t the face of any franchise.

He grabbed a World Series ring with Minnesota, which definitely boosted his reputation and wallet. Back then, championship teams often gave out performance bonuses on top of regular salaries.