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

Steve Ontiveros put together a solid eight-year run in Major League Baseball, holding down third base for both the San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs from 1973 to 1980. Born in Bakersfield, California, this switch-hitting infielder finished with a .274 batting average, 24 home runs, and 224 RBIs in 732 games, and then, somewhat unexpectedly, he made baseball history in Japan.

Ontiveros signed the first million-dollar contract in Nippon Pro Baseball history when he joined the Seibu Lions in 1980, which extended his professional career by another six seasons in Japan. He didn’t just show up—he thrived, hitting .312 with 82 home runs and 390 RBIs during his time with the Lions.

The Mexican-American third baseman’s journey, from winning Minor League Player of the Year in 1973 to breaking ground with international baseball contracts, kind of mirrors how professional baseball changed in the late 20th century. His story weaves through memorable games against Hall of Fame pitchers, big trades, and a post-MLB chapter that helped connect American and Japanese baseball.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Steven Robert Ontiveros was born on October 26, 1951, in Bakersfield, California. He honed his baseball skills through high school before jumping into professional baseball.

His journey from California youth baseball to the big leagues started with strong family support. He stood out at Bakersfield High School, which really set things in motion.

Background and Family

Steve Ontiveros grew up in Bakersfield, California, born in 1951. His family always backed his athletic pursuits.

They encouraged his interest in baseball from an early age, and honestly, that support really mattered as he developed into a young player.

Bakersfield had a solid baseball scene for kids. The warm weather meant he could play year-round, which gave him plenty of time to work on his game.

His family’s commitment to his baseball dreams helped shape his path. That foundation made a difference as he moved up the ranks.

High School Years

Ontiveros attended Bakersfield High School and became a standout on the baseball team. Scouts started to notice his performance at that level.

He developed into a skilled infielder during those years, showing he could handle multiple positions. That versatility would help him later.

His high school career was all about steady improvement and strong showings. Those achievements got him on the radar for the pros.

The coaching staff at Bakersfield High gave him the guidance he needed. They helped him get ready for tougher competition.

Path to Professional Baseball

The San Francisco Giants picked Ontiveros in the sixth round of the 1969 MLB June Amateur Draft. He came straight out of Bakersfield High School, which says a lot about his amateur career.

Being drafted in the sixth round showed scouts saw real potential in him. The Giants thought he could develop into a solid big-leaguer.

Jumping from high school to pro ball was a huge leap. Ontiveros joined the Giants’ minor league system at just 17.

That draft pick kicked off his professional career, eventually leading to his major league debut in 1973.

Major League Baseball Career Highlights

Steve Ontiveros made a name for himself as a versatile infielder over his eight MLB seasons from 1973 to 1980. He started with the San Francisco Giants and later moved to the Chicago Cubs, where he really hit his stride and became a steady presence in the National League.

MLB Debut and Early Seasons

Ontiveros debuted in the majors on August 5, 1973, with the San Francisco Giants. He was just 21, a young infielder from Bakersfield getting his shot.

He played in 24 games that rookie year, batting .242 with 8 hits in 33 at-bats. He managed one home run and 5 RBIs but also struck out 7 times.

The 1974 season was his first full year in the majors. He played 120 games and got 343 at-bats, way more than his debut season.

His offense picked up with 91 hits and a .265 average. He drove in 33 runs and showed patience, drawing 57 walks and proving he could get on base.

San Francisco Giants Tenure

Ontiveros spent his first four seasons in the majors with the Giants, from 1973 to 1976. His best year in San Francisco came in 1975, when he played 108 games.

That season, he hit a career-high .289 with 94 hits in 325 at-bats. He drove in 31 runs and kept up strong plate discipline with 55 walks.

He offered the Giants some real flexibility in the field, mostly playing third but also filling in at first and even in the outfield.

In 1976, his playing time dropped to just 59 games, and he struggled at the plate, hitting only .176.

Chicago Cubs Years

The Chicago Cubs traded for Ontiveros, and that’s where he found his best form from 1977 to 1980. The 1977 season was the clear highlight of his career.

1977 Season Stats:

Games: 156
At-bats: 546
Hits: 163
Batting Average: .299
Home Runs: 10
RBIs: 68

He impressed the Cubs by playing nearly every game. The 163 hits were a career-high, and he became a consistent offensive contributor.

In 1979, he stayed productive, playing 152 games and collecting 148 hits with a .285 average and 57 RBIs.

His last MLB season in 1980 saw him in only 31 games. Age and the competition for roster spots cut into his playing time.

Retirement from Major League Baseball

Ontiveros played his final major league game on June 21, 1980, against the Atlanta Braves. He wrapped up his MLB career with a .274 batting average over eight seasons.

He finished with 600 hits, 24 home runs, and 224 RBIs in 732 games. He showed great plate discipline, walking 309 times and striking out 290.

His career numbers included a .365 on-base percentage and a .366 slugging percentage. That steady production and his versatility made him a pretty valuable guy to have around.

Teammates and coaches respected him for his perseverance and reliability during his time in the big leagues.

Notable Moments and Achievements

Steve Ontiveros picked up several milestones in his career, including his best season with the Cubs in 1977 and that historic million-dollar contract in Japan. His achievements spanned both his fielding skills and his consistent batting over eight major league seasons.

Key Performances and Season Highlights

Ontiveros really shined in 1977 with the Cubs, posting a .299/.390/.423 line, just missing .300 for the season.

That year, he proved he could get on base, with a .390 OBP that ranked among the best for third basemen.

Back in 1973, before reaching the majors, Ontiveros earned Minor League Player of the Year honors with the Phoenix Giants. He hit .357 with a .591 slugging percentage in the Pacific Coast League.

He debuted in the majors on August 5, 1973, with the Giants and played his last MLB game on June 21, 1980.

After heading to Japan in 1980, Ontiveros made history as the first player to sign a million-dollar deal in Nippon Pro Baseball. He hit .314/.381/.562 with 16 home runs in just 65 games during his first season with the Seibu Lions.

Fielding and Batting Accomplishments

Ontiveros showed real versatility in the field, mainly playing third base but also covering first and some outfield when needed.

Switch-hitting gave him an edge against both lefties and righties. He threw right-handed and stood 6 feet tall, weighing in at 185 pounds.

While in Japan, Ontiveros picked up two Best Nine awards in the Pacific League. He got the nod in 1982 after hitting .307/.399/.440, and again in 1983 after his best NPB season.

His 1983 season in Japan saw him lead the Pacific League in hits (153) and on-base percentage (.423). He finished second in batting average to Hiromitsu Ochiai, posting a .321/.423/.506 line.

In 1984, Ontiveros led the Pacific League in OBP again, batting .338/.443/.542. He finished third in batting average and drew 82 walks, showing off his plate discipline.

Statistical Milestones

Ontiveros put up solid numbers during his six seasons in Japan from 1980 to 1985. Among players with 2,000 or more NPB at-bats, he ranked 17th in batting average at .312 as of 2005.

His Japanese career stats included a .403 OBP and .474 slugging percentage. Those numbers showed he could get on base and drive in runs.

Career Highlights:

MLB Career: 1973-1980 (8 seasons)
Best MLB Season: .299/.390/.423 (1977 Cubs)
NPB Career: 1980-1985 (6 seasons)
NPB Career Average: .312 (17th all-time among qualified players)

His 1984 season in Japan was his best for power, with 32 doubles, 20 home runs, and 101 RBIs. He also led the Pacific League in sacrifice flies with 8 in his last season in 1985.

After he retired from pro baseball, Ontiveros briefly played for the St. Lucie Legends in the Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1989. He hit .293 in 55 games there.

Playing Style and Legacy

Steve Ontiveros built a reputation as a steady third baseman during his eight years in the majors, mixing solid defense with the ability to switch-hit. His top year came in 1977 with the Cubs, where he showed what he could do offensively.

Defensive Skills and Positions Played

Ontiveros spent most of his MLB career at third base from 1973 to 1980. He also played some first base, proving he could move around the diamond.

People knew him as a solid third baseman with what scouts called an average arm. His steady glove made him valuable to both the Giants and Cubs.

He didn’t have a cannon for an arm, but his throwing mechanics were reliable. Ontiveros made up for average arm strength with good positioning and sharp baseball instincts.

His defensive work helped steady the hot corner for his teams. Managers trusted him to handle both routine and tough plays.

Offensive Contributions

Ontiveros finished with a .274 career batting average, 24 home runs, and 224 RBIs in 732 major league games. His switch-hitting let him take on both lefties and righties.

His big season came in 1977 with the Cubs. That year, he set career highs, including a .299 average and 10 home runs.

He played 156 games in 1977 and drove in 68 runs. He picked up 162 hits and posted a .390 OBP, his best in the majors.

One memorable moment happened on April 17, 1977, when he singled against Tom Seaver of the New York Mets. That hit came during Seaver’s fifth career one-hit game.

Reputation Among Peers

Ontiveros picked up recognition early in his career, winning The Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year Award in 1973. That honor really put a spotlight on his potential before he ever hit the majors.

Teams valued him highly throughout his playing days. In February 1977, the Giants traded him as part of a big deal involving Bobby Murcer, sending Ontiveros to the Cubs for Bill Madlock and Rob Sperring.

As a Mexican American player, his reputation reached beyond MLB. After his major league days ended, he broke new ground in Japanese baseball.

In 1980, Ontiveros made history by signing the first million-dollar contract in Nippon Pro Baseball. With the Seibu Lions from 1980 to 1985, he posted a .312 average, hit 82 home runs, and drove in 390 runs, proving himself on an international level.

Minor League and International Career

Steve Ontiveros built his foundation in the minors before debuting in the majors in 1973.

His biggest minor league accomplishment came that year—he won the Pacific Coast League batting title with a .357 average and took home Minor League Player of the Year honors.

Minor League Teams and Performances

Ontiveros developed his game in the San Francisco Giants’ farm system after getting drafted in 1969. While attending Bakersfield High School in California, he played for several minor league affiliates.

His breakout year was 1973 with the PCL. That .357 average earned him the league title and showed off his hitting skills.

The Minor League Player of the Year award marked him as the top prospect in all the minors. People really started to see him as a future MLB contributor.

As a switch-hitter who threw right-handed, Ontiveros brought real versatility. Teams looking for flexible infielders valued that skill set.

Stints in the IL and Other Leagues

After Ontiveros wrapped up his MLB career in 1980, he kept playing professionally in Japan. He joined the Seibu Lions and played six seasons there, from 1980 to 1985.

He thrived in Japan. Ontiveros hit .312 with 82 home runs and 390 RBI during his time with the Lions. Those numbers actually topped his MLB production by quite a bit.

Moving to Japan let him keep his career going longer than he probably could have in the U.S. Back then, a lot of American players found new chances in Japanese pro baseball.

Ontiveros adapted well to a different style of play and a new environment. That experience proved his game could translate across leagues.

Influence of Minor League Experience

The 1973 PCL season really shaped Ontiveros’ whole career. Winning the batting title and player of the year award gave him momentum for his MLB debut that same year.

Switch-hitting became a key part of his development. That skill separated him from other infielders and raised his value on any roster.

His time in the Giants’ system got him ready for the trade to the Cubs. He learned how to adjust to new teams and coaches.

That early minor league success gave him confidence, and it carried right into his major league years. The foundation he built in the farm system supported his seven-season MLB run.

Life After Baseball and Net Worth

Steve Ontiveros moved from his MLB career to a successful run in Japanese baseball, where he became the first player to sign a million-dollar contract in Nippon Pro Baseball history.

His post-playing life included some business ventures and staying connected to baseball.

Post-Retirement Activities

After finishing up his Major League Baseball career in 1980, Ontiveros made a bold move to Japan. He signed with the Seibu Lions and became the first player in Nippon Pro Baseball history to land a million-dollar contract.

Yoshiaki Tsutsumi’s financial support made that historic deal possible. Ontiveros hit .314/.381/.562 with 16 home runs in just 65 games during a partial 1980 season.

He stayed with the Seibu Lions through 1985, spending six years in Japan. That move stretched his baseball career well beyond his MLB days.

Ontiveros’ contract marked a huge shift in international baseball pay. He helped open doors for other American players looking for better opportunities overseas.

Career Outside Baseball

Details about Ontiveros’s business ventures and what he did after baseball are pretty limited. He probably leaned on his baseball experience and network as he transitioned out of pro sports.

A lot of players from his era went into coaching, business, or stayed in baseball in some way. That big Japanese contract likely gave him some real financial security and freedom to choose his path.

His million-dollar deal with the Seibu Lions stood out, especially considering salaries at the time. That contract probably set him up well for life after baseball.

Estimated Net Worth and Legacy

No one really knows Ontiveros’s exact net worth, but that historic Japanese contract gave his career earnings a serious boost. The million-dollar deal with the Seibu Lions was unheard of at the time in Japanese professional baseball.

He played in the MLB from 1973 to 1980 with the San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs, which brought in a steady income. Still, that Japanese contract probably made up the largest chunk of his professional baseball earnings.