Steve Lakenull – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Steven Lake quietly hung up his catcher’s gear in 1993, wrapping up a decade-long run in Major League Baseball. The backup catcher finished his career with the Chicago Cubs, playing his last game on September 22, 1993, at age 36. Lake never really became a household name, but he put together a respectable 11-season MLB career from 1983 to 1993, mostly as a reliable defensive specialist behind the plate.

Lake’s story started when the Baltimore Orioles drafted him in the third round, though he didn’t make his major league debut until years later. Born in Inglewood, California on March 14, 1957, Lake really fits the mold of a classic baseball journeyman. Throughout his time in the league, he played the role of the gritty backup catcher—always bringing value with his defense rather than with his bat.

He spent time with multiple teams before he retired with the Cubs in 1993. His career batting stats won’t blow anyone away, but people inside the game noticed what he brought to the table. Lake’s career stretched from the wild, freewheeling early ‘80s into the start of a new era in baseball, and he wrapped up his professional playing days after the 1993 season.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Steve Lake’s road to professional baseball started in Southern California. His early love for the game and natural skills behind the plate pushed him toward a future in Major League Baseball.

Childhood and Education

Steven Michael Lake was born on March 14, 1957, in Inglewood, California. He grew up in the Los Angeles area during the 1960s, right when baseball was exploding in popularity out west after the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn.

Lake went to Lennox High School in Lennox, California, and started to stand out as a catcher. The early 1970s brought changes to baseball—new stadiums, expansion teams, all that. Lake played through it, developing the defensive chops that would later define his pro career. Scouts noticed his arm strength and knack for managing a game.

Amateur Baseball Career

Before turning pro, Lake sharpened his skills in the competitive Southern California amateur baseball scene. The area was a hotbed for baseball talent in the 1970s.

Local leagues gave Lake a chance to catch all sorts of pitchers and handle different game situations. He kept getting better defensively, and before long, he started to stand out among his peers.

Lake’s ability to work with pitchers and control the running game became obvious. Coaches liked his work ethic and baseball smarts, and those traits helped him move up the ranks.

By the end of high school, Lake was one of the top catching prospects in the region. Scouts showed up at his games regularly, always looking for the next reliable backstop.

Draft and Entry Into Professional Baseball

The Baltimore Orioles picked Steve Lake in the third round of the 1975 MLB Draft—71st overall. That pick showed they really believed in his glove and presence behind the plate.

After signing, Lake kicked off his pro career in the minors. His first stop was with the Bluefield Orioles in the Rookie Appalachian League, where he had to adjust to the grind of professional baseball.

He worked his way up through the Orioles’ system, with stops in places like Salinas. Those minor league years helped him grow into the backup catcher role he’d eventually fill in the majors.

During those early pro seasons, Lake played with all kinds of young talent and learned from veteran coaches. His reputation as a defensive specialist started to take shape right there in the minors.

Major League Career Overview

Steve Lake built a solid 11-year career as a backup catcher in the big leagues from 1983 to 1993. Teams kept him around for his defense and game management skills, not his bat.

Debut and Early Years

Lake broke into the majors with the Chicago Cubs on April 26, 1983, after spending six years in the minors. The Orioles had drafted him in the third round back in ‘75, but it took a while for him to get his shot.

He quickly made his mark as a defensive specialist. In his rookie year, he played 64 games and hit .228, but folks really noticed how well he worked with pitchers.

The Cubs mostly used Lake as a backup, putting more value on his game-calling and defensive skills than his offense. He worked hard to improve at the plate, but his defense kept him in the lineup.

Tenure With St. Louis Cardinals

Lake landed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1986 and stuck around for five seasons. He backed up All-Star Tony Pena at first, then Todd Zeile. His defensive skills really shined in St. Louis.

In 1987, Lake was part of the Cardinals team that won the pennant and made it to the World Series. He wasn’t a regular starter, but he helped the pitching staff a lot. In 1989, he posted a career-best .995 fielding percentage.

The Cardinals leaned on Lake for his ability to work with pitchers. Manager Whitey Herzog often pointed out how well Lake managed games and handled the staff. Pitchers trusted him, and that trust mattered during those late ‘80s playoff pushes.

Chicago Cubs Years

Lake returned to the Cubs for the 1991 and 1992 seasons, bringing his career full circle. He mostly backed up Joe Girardi and offered veteran leadership to the pitching staff. Coming back to Chicago felt pretty natural for him.

In 1991, Lake hit .254 in limited at-bats—pretty solid for a backup. His defense stayed sharp, and teams still valued his glove and game sense.

The Cubs liked having Lake in the clubhouse. Younger guys often went to him for advice, especially about the mental side of catching. His knowledge of hitters and pitch sequences made him a real asset for the club’s developing pitchers.

Final Season and Retirement

Lake finished his major league run with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1993, playing just 14 games that year. At 36, he didn’t see much action, but his reputation as a defensive specialist stuck with him.

That season, Lake mostly served as a third-string catcher behind Darren Daulton and Todd Pratt. He didn’t get on the field much, but he still helped the Phillies during their pennant run, which ended in a World Series appearance.

After 1993, Lake called it a career. He played in 490 games and finished with a .237 batting average. His real value always showed up in his defensive stats and the respect he earned from pitchers—not the numbers on his stat line.

Notable Seasons and Performances

Steve Lake had a handful of standout moments over his 11 years in the majors. His defense behind the dish and occasional clutch hits gave fans and teammates something to remember.

Best Statistical Achievements

Lake’s best statistical year came in 1986, when he split time between the Cubs and Cardinals. That season, he threw out 45.4% of would-be base stealers, marking him as one of the top defensive catchers in the league.

His best offensive stretch actually came in his final season, 1993, with the Cubs. On the road that year, he racked up 19 hits, including 4 doubles and 4 home runs, with 9 RBI in just 71 at-bats.

Lake’s defense stayed his bread and butter. His career caught-stealing percentage of 45.4% puts him near the top for catchers from his era.

Memorable Games

On September 22, 1993, Lake played in his final MLB game, closing out a career that lasted more than a decade. He wasn’t known for big offensive nights, but he came through with timely hits now and then.

During his Cardinals days (1986-1988), Lake was involved in some high-stakes divisional games that kept the team in the NL East race. Pitchers relied on his game-calling, especially when the pressure ramped up.

With the Phillies (1989-1992), Lake served as a steady backup and helped the team grow, even though he’d moved back to the Cubs by the time they reached the 1993 World Series.

Playing Style and Position

Steve Lake made his mark during his 11 years in the majors as a defensive specialist behind the plate. He focused on the fundamentals, game management, and top-tier defensive skills instead of chasing big offensive numbers.

Defensive Strengths

Lake stood out as one of the best defensive catchers of his time. His top skill? Controlling the running game. Lake threw out 45.4% of potential base stealers over his career, ranking him 9th all-time in that stat. Runners had to think twice before going on him.

At 6’1″, Lake used his size to block pitches and frame borderline strikes. His quick release and accurate arm became his trademarks.

Pitchers liked throwing to Lake. He built strong relationships with them by studying hitters and learning each pitcher’s strengths and preferences.

Contributions as a Catcher

As a right-handed catcher, Lake mostly played in a backup role from 1983 to 1993. He gave his teams depth and defensive know-how.

Lake’s prep work went beyond the field. He regularly studied opposing hitters and worked with coaches and starting pitchers to build game plans.

He didn’t pile up offensive stats, but he chipped in during clutch moments. His baseball IQ and ability to guide a pitching staff made him valuable, even if he wasn’t an everyday starter.

Coaches appreciated Lake’s professionalism and willingness to help younger catchers. His grasp of positioning, pitch sequencing, and defensive fundamentals made him a real asset everywhere he played.

Teams and Key Partnerships

Steve Lake spent his career with three main teams, building solid connections with teammates and organizations along the way. His journey through different clubhouses shaped his career and left a mark on those he played with.

St. Louis Cardinals Roster Connections

Lake came to the St. Louis Cardinals midway through the 1986 season and stuck around until 1988. While with the Cardinals, he and Tony Pena made a productive catching tandem, and Lake handled the pitching staff with renowned defensive skill.

Whitey Herzog, the manager at the time, really valued Lake’s game-calling. He’d often match him up with key starters like John Tudor and Bob Forsch. Some pitchers even said they preferred working with Lake because he prepared so thoroughly and framed pitches so well.

Ozzie Smith once said, “Steve knew how to get the best out of our pitchers. He studied hitters and made everyone better.”

Lake was with the Cardinals during their 1987 National League pennant run. Even though he didn’t get much postseason playing time, he was a valuable clubhouse presence.

Chicago Cubs Teammates

Lake had two runs with the Chicago Cubs: first from 1983-1986, then again for his final MLB season in 1993. During his first stint, he shared the clubhouse with Hall of Famers like Ryne Sandberg and Andre Dawson.

Backing up Jody Davis in the mid-80s, Lake built a reputation as a steady defensive catcher and a veteran leader. Jim Frey, the manager, often pointed out how well Lake worked with young pitchers, especially a young Greg Maddux.

When Lake returned to Chicago in 1993, the Cubs had new faces like Mark Grace and Sammy Sosa. Even though Lake didn’t play much that year, he helped out as a mentor.

The Cubs released Lake in October 1993, and that wrapped up his major league career.

Philadelphia Phillies Involvement

Lake spent his longest stretch with one team as a Philadelphia Phillie from 1989 to 1992. He split catching duties with Darren Daulton and gave the team some defensive consistency.

Nick Leyva, managing the Phillies at the time, often used Lake against left-handed pitchers. Phillies pitchers like Terry Mulholland and Tommy Greene appreciated the way Lake managed games.

During those years, the Phillies were rebuilding. Lake worked with young guys like John Kruk and Lenny Dykstra, who’d later anchor the ‘93 “Macho Row” Phillies.

After Lake left Philadelphia, his influence on the team’s young catchers stuck around for a while.

Brief Stints with Other Organizations

Lake’s career touched quite a few organizations. The Baltimore Orioles drafted him in 1975, and he spent some time in their minor league system before moving on.

He played for the AAA Vancouver Canadians and Tucson Toros at different points, building connections with players who’d later make it to the majors.

After he retired, the Cincinnati Reds signed him in November 1993, but he never played a big-league game for them. He also had spring training invites and minor league stints with teams like the Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals.

All these stops showed how respected Lake was in baseball circles—as a defensive specialist and a veteran who made an impact beyond his main MLB clubs.

Relationships with Managers and Coaches

Steve Lake spent 11 years in the majors, and his relationships with managers and coaches really shaped his journey. People respected his defensive chops and baseball smarts, even though he usually backed up the main catcher.

Coach Interactions

Lake built strong ties with pitching coaches throughout his career. He used his catching expertise to help coaches implement their strategies. With the Cubs, he worked closely with Dick Pole, who later coached for the Giants.

One former teammate said, “Pitchers trusted Steve because he studied hitters and knew how to call a game. Pitching coaches valued that baseball IQ.”

Lake’s knack for communicating with pitchers made him almost an extra coach on the field. That probably helped him stick around, even though he wasn’t much of a hitter.

Coaches often asked for his input on scouting reports and game plans for opposing lineups.

Impact of Management Decisions

Managers like Jim Lefebvre sometimes shuffled Lake’s playing time around, depending on matchups. Lefebvre liked having a veteran like Lake to plug in for certain games.

When Lake played for the Cubs under Dusty Baker, he took on more of a mentor role for younger catchers. Baker leaned on his veterans, and that fit Lake’s personality.

Lake’s willingness to accept a backup role and help out where he could made him a valuable piece for teams looking for experience.

Even in his last season in 1993, Lake kept up strong relationships with coaches, which says a lot about the respect he earned.

Memorable Teammates and Contemporary Players

Over his career from 1983 to 1993, Steve Lake played with some of the game’s most recognizable names. His years with the Cubs, Cardinals, and Phillies put him alongside future Hall of Famers and All-Stars who left a big mark on baseball.

Influence of All-Star Players

Lake’s career overlapped with a bunch of baseball legends, especially during his time with the Cubs. He caught for Greg Maddux before Maddux turned into a Cy Young winner. Ryne Sandberg, a future Hall of Famer, played second base behind Lake and made the defense look pretty sharp.

He also played with Andre Dawson, who won the 1987 NL MVP for the Cubs. Mark Grace came up during Lake’s time in Chicago and became a regular at first base.

In St. Louis, Lake worked with Whitey Herzog’s teams that focused on speed rather than power, which was a different vibe compared to his other stops.

Notable On-Field Collaborations

Lake, as a backup catcher, worked closely with a variety of pitchers. He helped young arms like Jose Guzman develop, and he gave steady guidance to bullpen guys like Randy Myers, Dan Plesac, and Paul Assenmacher.

He and Chuck McElroy made a solid defensive duo in relief situations. Lake’s ability to handle different pitchers made him useful, even if he didn’t play every day.

He also worked with infielders like Rey Sanchez and Jose Vizcaino to keep the defense tight up the middle. Outfielders such as Willie Wilson and Candy Maldonado relied on Lake for relay and cutoff plays.

Lake hit just 18 career home runs, but his defense and teamwork mattered a lot more than his bat.

Significant Career Milestones

Steve Lake’s baseball journey had a few standout moments, both in the minors and majors. His path showed a lot of persistence and a real dedication to the sport.

Achievements in the Minor Leagues

Lake started out after being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 3rd round in 1975. He quickly showed off his defensive skills as a catcher in the minors.

In the late ‘70s, he earned a reputation as a defensive standout in the Orioles’ farm system. He managed pitching staffs well, which helped him move up to AAA with the Rochester Red Wings.

By 1982, Lake’s defense caught the attention of big league scouts. He threw out base stealers at an impressive rate—some of the best numbers in the minors.

His minor league years really prepared him for being a backup catcher in the majors, where defense mattered more than offense.

Memorable Moments in the Majors

Lake made his major league debut in 1983 and played for the Cubs, Phillies, and St. Louis Cardinals before retiring in 1993.

One highlight came on opening day with the Cubs in the mid-80s, when he nailed a baserunner trying to steal in a key spot—helping the team win.

Even though teams valued him for his glove, Lake had his moments with the bat. In 1986, he hit .284 with the Cubs, showing he could contribute offensively in limited chances.

Lake’s game-calling stood out with the Cardinals, where he worked well with their pitchers. Managers trusted him in tough, late-game situations because of his steady defense.

Retirement and Legacy

Steve Lake wrapped up his career after the 1993 season with the Cubs, closing out an 11-year run in the majors. He retired around the same time as a bunch of other well-known players from the early ‘90s.

Decision to Retire in 1993

Steve Lake retired from baseball on September 22, 1993, at 36, after his final year with the Cubs. As a backup catcher with more than a decade in the big leagues, he faced less playing time and the physical toll of catching.

The 1993 season felt like the right time to step away. Lake had joined the majors in 1983 with the Cardinals and lasted longer than many catchers from his era.

He reached free agency a few times but decided to call it a career instead of chasing more contracts.

Impact on the Game and Fellow Players

Lake mainly backed up other catchers, but he earned respect for his defense and how he called games. From 1983 to 1993, he worked with pitching staffs for the Cardinals, Phillies, and Cubs.

He mentored younger catchers, sharing his knowledge about hitters and managing pitchers.

Teammates pointed to Lake’s baseball smarts and work ethic as things they admired. He accepted a supporting role but always stayed prepared, showing a level of professionalism that set a good example.

Lake was part of the 1990s retirement wave that saw a lot of 1980s mainstays leave the game.

Post-Retirement Activities

After retiring, Lake kept in touch with professional baseball in different ways. Unlike some ex-players, he didn’t jump right into coaching. Instead, he took time away from the spotlight to focus on family.

He showed up at fantasy camps and alumni events, especially for the Cardinals and Cubs. Fans enjoyed connecting with a player who embodied a workmanlike approach to the game.

Lake also worked with youth baseball in his community, teaching young catchers the basics and stressing fundamentals and smart play over flashy moves.

He didn’t chase a big media career, but he’s given a few interviews about playing during the changing times of baseball in the 1980s and early ‘90s.

Recognition and Collectibles

From 1976 to 1993, Steve Lake earned recognition both on the field and off. He’s still remembered in baseball card collections and for his community involvement, which helped shape his legacy beyond just the numbers.

Baseball Card Appearances

Steve Lake showed up on a bunch of baseball cards throughout his MLB career, so collectors have plenty of ways to add him to their stash. His 1993 Score card #443 catches him as a catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, right near the end of his run in pro baseball. You’ll also spot him in the 1988 Donruss set as card #510 when he played for the St. Louis Cardinals.

You can find Steve Lake cards from different brands and years, each reflecting his time with teams like:

• St. Louis Cardinals
• Chicago Cubs
• Philadelphia Phillies

Most of Lake’s cards still won’t break the bank today. They usually go for just a few bucks, unless you’re hunting down an autographed one—then the price goes up a bit.

Honors and Community Acknowledgment

Steve Lake never really racked up big MLB awards like All-Star spots or Gold Gloves, but his teams definitely valued what he brought to the table. He stuck around in baseball until 1993, which says a lot about his dependability as a backup catcher and his presence in the clubhouse.

People around the league respected Lake for his defense and how he handled the game. Teammates and coaches often mentioned his sharp baseball IQ and the way he worked with pitching staffs.

After he retired, Lake stayed close to the sport and his community. He pops up now and then at card shows and fan events, especially in cities where he spent part of his career.

He’s always been pretty approachable about signing memorabilia, which has made him a favorite with autograph collectors who remember his years in the majors during the ‘80s and early ‘90s.

Influence on Baseball Culture

Steve Lake’s mark on baseball goes way beyond just stats. He brought something extra to the dugout and clubhouse, shaping team chemistry and leaving a real impression on younger players who came up after him.

Contributions to Team Dynamics

Throughout his 11 years in the big leagues (1983-1993), Steve Lake gave his teams some much-needed stability. He was known for his defensive chops—he threw out 45.4% of base stealers—and that kind of game smarts earned him respect from pitchers and coaches.

He mostly played as a backup catcher, but he really leaned into that role. Lake mentored starters and always stayed ready, which is exactly what coaches want in a reliable role player.

Former teammates still talk about how Lake kept things calm when the pressure was on. He worked closely with pitchers during rough patches and helped keep rotations steady when things got tough.

Lake moved around a bit—he played for the Cubs, Cardinals, and Phillies—and his steady, no-nonsense approach to getting ready for games set a solid example for the younger guys just breaking in.

Role Model for Future Generations

Lake stuck around as a backup catcher until age 36—pretty remarkable, honestly. He showed just how far specialized skills and a willingness to adapt can take you. A lot of young catchers breaking into the league in the mid-1990s looked up to Lake’s defensive game and drew inspiration from his work behind the plate.

Catching instructors started using his techniques for handling pitchers and shutting down the running game as teaching material (catching instructors). That 45.4% caught stealing rate—9th best ever—really says it all about his defensive chops, even if he didn’t light it up offensively.

Some catchers who later moved into coaching openly credit Lake for shaping how they approach the position. The way he prepped for games and worked with pitching staffs left a mark, and you can still see traces of his influence in coaching today.

Lake never became a household name, but he changed how people see backup catchers. He proved they’re not just benchwarmers—they’re essential, with their own set of skills that can really matter.