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

Steve Scarsone hung up his cleats for the last time in 1999, wrapping up a seven-year Major League Baseball run that took him through five different teams. Born April 11, 1966, in Anaheim, California, he bounced around the league in the ’90s, spending time with the Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, San Francisco Giants and a few others. He made his major league debut in 1992 and carved out a journeyman career as a utility guy, playing all over the infield before calling it a career at 33 with the Kansas City Royals on September 8, 1999.

But Scarsone didn’t just walk away from baseball after retiring as a player. He jumped right into coaching and managing in the minors, keeping himself in the game. His pro baseball life actually started back in 1986 in the minors, so by the time he retired in 1999, he’d spent almost 14 years grinding it out between the majors and minors.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Steve Scarsone’s path to pro baseball really started in Southern California, where he grew up and started turning heads as a talented infielder.

High School and College Years

Born in Anaheim, California, Steve Scarsone grew up in Orange County during the ’70s and ’80s. He went to local schools and showed early on he had some real athletic talent, especially on the baseball field. In high school, Scarsone developed into a solid infielder—good glove, decent bat.

After graduating, he kept playing at Rancho Santiago College (now Santa Ana College). College ball gave him a chance to sharpen his game and show off his versatility. Scouts noticed his steady approach at the plate and his ability to play all over the infield.

That college experience made a big difference for him. He faced tougher competition and learned the basics that would carry him through his pro career.

Path to Professional Baseball

Scouts started paying close attention to Scarsone while he played college ball. In 1986, the Philadelphia Phillies picked him in the second round of the MLB Draft, 34th overall. That’s a pretty solid draft spot, and it showed teams thought he had something special.

Once drafted, Scarsone joined the Phillies’ minor league system and got to work. He moved up the ranks, building his defensive game and working on his bat. Those years in the minors were tough but necessary—he had to adjust to pro ball and prove he belonged.

By the early ’90s, after a few seasons of grinding it out in the minors, Scarsone finally put himself in position for a shot at the big leagues. All that persistence paid off when he got his MLB debut with the Phillies.

Major League Baseball Career

Steve Scarsone played in the majors from 1992 to 1999, bouncing between teams as a versatile baseball infielder. Over seven seasons, he played second, third, and first base—wherever teams needed him.

Debut in the Major Leagues

Scarsone broke into the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1992. The Phillies had drafted him back in 1986, but he spent several years working his way up before finally getting that call.

His first stint with Philly wasn’t long, but he showed the kind of flexibility that would define his career. Even as a rookie, he moved around the infield and filled in where needed.

In 1993, he split time with the Phillies and the Baltimore Orioles. He didn’t see a ton of playing time, but he got a taste of what it took to stick in the big leagues. During this stretch, Scarsone worked hard to become a dependable utility player—the kind of guy managers could trust in a pinch.

San Francisco Giants Years

Things started to click for Scarsone when the San Francisco Giants picked him up in 1995. That’s when he really started to see more action and got to show what he could do.

With the Giants, he played more games—104 in 1995, which was a career high at that point—and put up better offensive numbers. He became the go-to utility infielder, always ready to step in at second, third, or first.

In 1996, he kept contributing as a regular part of the Giants’ infield rotation. Managers loved having someone like him who could move around and not miss a beat defensively.

While he was in San Francisco, Scarsone built a reputation as a steady role player. He didn’t make headlines, but he made sure the team never missed a step when he was in the lineup.

Philadelphia Phillies Tenure

Scarsone circled back to the Phillies in 1997, returning to the team that drafted him. Coming back probably felt familiar, but he faced new challenges.

He kept doing what he did best—filling in wherever the Phillies needed him. He wasn’t an everyday starter, but his versatility gave the team options. He could play any infield spot and brought some veteran leadership to the clubhouse.

His batting average during this time usually sat around .240. Not eye-popping, but he chipped in with the occasional homer and, most importantly, stayed reliable on defense.

The Phillies leaned on him as a steady presence while they worked on developing younger players.

Oakland Athletics and Career Peak

Scarsone joined the Oakland Athletics in 1999, which turned out to be his last season in the majors. Oakland was starting to experiment with its now-famous “Moneyball” roster strategies.

His time with the A’s didn’t last long, but he fit right in with their emphasis on versatility. Even though he wasn’t a big part of the Moneyball revolution, his ability to play anywhere made him useful.

By the end of his career, Scarsone had put up 20 home runs and a career batting average of .239. The numbers aren’t flashy, but his teammates respected him for his flexibility and work ethic.

After the 1999 season, Scarsone closed the book on his major league career, finishing up almost a decade as a dependable infielder who could handle just about anything.

Other MLB Teams and Transactions

Scarsone’s MLB journey took him through several teams, especially in the later part of his career. His ability to play all over the infield made him a handy addition for clubs looking for depth.

St. Louis Cardinals Stint

After leaving the Giants, Scarsone spent a short stint with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1997.

The Cardinals mostly used him as a utility infielder. He moved around the diamond, filling gaps and offering a veteran presence. His stats didn’t jump off the page, but he brought a steady hand to a team in transition.

Once the season ended, the Anaheim Angels signed him in December 1997, adding another chapter to his well-traveled career.

Baltimore Orioles Experience

Scarsone also spent time with the Baltimore Orioles, though his stay there was short. The Orioles wanted his defensive versatility.

He kept showing he could handle second, third, or first base—wherever they put him, he got the job done. The Orioles liked his work ethic and positive attitude. Even though his bat didn’t make much noise, his glove made him a useful bench option.

Kansas City Royals Period

In 1999, Scarsone signed with the Kansas City Royals as a free agent, which turned out to be his last stop in the majors.

Before making the Royals’ big league roster, he played 18 games for their Triple-A affiliate, the Omaha Golden Spikes. He performed well enough to get called up.

With Kansas City, he played 46 games, mostly offering experience and defensive flexibility to a rebuilding squad.

The Royals let him go on September 11, 1999, pretty much closing the door on his MLB playing days.

Chicago Cubs Final Seasons

People sometimes link Scarsone to the Cubs, but he never really had a major league run with them. The Cubs were always in the market for infield help, and his name came up in trade rumors or minor league assignments.

He had a reputation as a steady defender, so he was always on teams’ radars for depth. But he never logged much time with the Cubs’ main roster.

His connection to Chicago is more of a side note—a reminder of how veterans like him often bounce around, always a phone call away from joining a new team.

Minor League Journey

Scarsone spent a big chunk of his baseball life in the minor leagues, sharpening his skills and making an impact on several teams. His time in the minors really showed his persistence and adaptability.

Early Success with Stockton Ports

Early on, Scarsone played for the Stockton Ports in the California League. He stood out for his steady glove and started figuring things out at the plate. He quickly built a reputation for being able to handle any infield spot.

Playing in the California League gave him valuable experience against solid competition. His performance in Stockton helped him move up the Phillies’ prospect list.

Coaches and teammates noticed his work ethic early. That drive and flexibility stuck with him throughout his career.

Nashville Sounds Highlights

With the Nashville Sounds, Scarsone took another step forward. Triple-A ball is no joke, but he handled the pitching and kept playing strong defense.

He actually put up some of his best offensive numbers in Nashville. He came through with clutch hits and made plays in the field that helped the team win games.

His time with the Sounds was key in getting him ready for the majors. He proved he could hang with guys who were just a call away from the big leagues.

Midland RockHounds and Texas League

Scarsone’s run with the Midland RockHounds in the Texas League was another important stop. Double-A ball is tough, but he kept improving—especially with his plate discipline and power.

The RockHounds leaned on his experience and leadership. Managers loved plugging him in wherever they needed help in the infield. His versatility made their jobs easier.

In Texas League games, he kept getting better, showing he could handle tougher pitching and keep developing as a hitter. That run with Midland helped keep his path to the majors wide open.

Pacific Coast League Seasons

In the Pacific Coast League, Scarsone found himself up against some of the most MLB-ready talent in the minors. His time in this storied league, including a stint with the Lancaster JetHawks, really showed he could hold his own against top competition.

The PCL is famous for its offense-friendly ballparks, which can be a headache for pitchers and infielders. Scarsone adjusted well, keeping his defense sharp and still contributing with the bat. Playing in so many different PCL parks got him ready for the variety of stadiums he’d see in the majors.

During his PCL run, Scarsone kept showing off the versatility that defined his career. He played all over the infield, and that flexibility, along with a growing baseball IQ, made him more valuable as he got closer to a shot at the big leagues.

Position Versatility and Designated Hitter Role

Steve Scarsone brought a ton of defensive flexibility to every team he joined. He bounced around the infield and even served as a designated hitter now and then in American League games. Managers loved having someone who could fill in almost anywhere.

Infield Positions Played

Scarsone really showed off his versatility across the infield. He mostly played second base, third base, and first base, stepping in wherever his teams needed him. That kind of flexibility came in handy during his time with the Phillies, Orioles, Giants, Cardinals, and Royals.

He spent the most time at third base, making most of his big league appearances there. In 1995 with the Giants, he put in a lot of innings at the hot corner and handled the position well.

At second base, Scarsone gave teams a right-handed bat and reliable defense. First base wasn’t his main spot, but he could step in when needed, giving managers more options with their lineups.

Designated Hitter Appearances

Even though defense was his calling card, Scarsone sometimes took on the designated hitter role, especially with the Orioles and Royals in the AL. He didn’t DH a ton, but when he did, it was a chance to keep his bat in the lineup on days he wasn’t in the field.

As a right-handed hitter, he usually got the DH nod against lefties. These appearances were more about matchups than a regular gig.

In his last season in 1999, Scarsone got a few DH chances in the minors, which probably helped him keep playing by easing up on the defensive grind. That move just fit with the adaptable approach he brought to the game.

Notable Games and Career Highlights

Steve Scarsone’s seven years in the majors had their share of big moments. He showed his versatility in the infield and came through with some clutch hits. From 1992 to 1999 with the Phillies, Orioles, Giants, Cardinals, and Royals, he hit some memorable home runs and played a part in key team moments.

Key Home Runs

Scarsone hit a few clutch home runs in his big league days, especially with the Giants. The one that probably stands out most happened on June 8, 1995—he crushed a walk-off homer in the 12th inning against the Braves at Candlestick Park.

Another big game came on August 23, 1996, when he belted two home runs against the Mets and drove in five runs, helping the Giants get the win. That was his best power performance in a single game.

Back with the Phillies, Scarsone hit his first major league homer on September 12, 1992, off Bob Walk at Veterans Stadium.

Participation in No-Hitter Games

Scarsone played third base for the Giants on July 17, 1995, when Mark Leiter nearly threw a no-hitter against the Phillies. The bid broke up in the eighth, but Scarsone was right in the thick of it.

On April 29, 1996, he played second base as William VanLandingham took a no-hitter into the seventh against the Cubs. Scarsone chipped in with some solid defense to help keep the no-no alive for a while.

He never played in a completed no-hitter, but his ability to handle second, third, and first base made him a steady presence during some close calls. His glove definitely helped pitchers keep those bids going.

Awards and Recognitions

Scarsone never took home any major MLB awards, but he did get noticed for his leadership and work ethic. In 1996, he earned a Willie Mac Award nomination with the Giants, which goes to the team’s most inspirational player.

Before the majors, the Phillies picked him in the second round (34th overall) of the 1986 draft, seeing a lot of potential in him out of junior college.

After his playing days, Scarsone made a name for himself as a minor league manager. In 2016, he was named Minor League Manager of the Year, showing his baseball smarts and leadership off the field.

Versatility became Scarsone’s trademark—he could handle just about any infield spot for Philly, Baltimore, San Francisco, St. Louis, and Kansas City.

Career Statistics and Performance

Steve Scarsone’s seven years in the majors showed off his offensive skills and his defensive versatility all over the infield. His numbers tell the story of a utility guy who brought value through positional flexibility instead of star power.

Batting Average and Offensive Output

Scarsone wrapped up his MLB career with a .239 batting average, a bit below league average for his time. He finished with 20 home runs and 86 RBIs in 830 at-bats.

His on-base percentage was .302, and his career OPS came in at .675. Those numbers fit the profile of a role player rather than a big bat in the lineup.

His best year at the plate probably came with the Giants, though his last MLB games were with the Royals in 1999, where he didn’t play much. In the minors, he hit a bit better, posting a .256 average with 79 home runs.

Defensive Records

Scarsone’s real strength was his ability to play all over the infield. He split most of his time between second (148 games) and third base (86 games), giving managers a lot of options.

At 6’2″ and 170 pounds, he had the size and agility to handle different spots. In his last year with the Royals, he even played shortstop (16 games) and third base (3 games).

He wasn’t a Gold Glove guy, but he could handle his business at multiple positions. That kind of flexibility kept him around as a utility infielder, a role that got more important in the ’90s.

Retirement and Post-Playing Career

Steve Scarsone didn’t just walk away from baseball after his last big league game. He moved right into coaching and managing, helping shape a new generation of players in the minors.

Official Retirement in 1999

After seven seasons in the majors, Steve Scarsone officially retired in 1999. His final MLB game came with the Orioles, closing out a career that included stops with the Phillies, Orioles, and Giants.

He finished playing at age 33, having covered pretty much every infield spot over his career. Teammates called him “Scar,” and he racked up 350 big league games from 1992 to 1999.

Moving from player to coach just seemed natural for Scarsone—he’d always had a knack for leadership and baseball smarts.

Coaching and Managerial Roles

Scarsone wasted no time jumping into coaching. He started managing in the Arizona Diamondbacks system, taking charge of the Lancaster JetHawks in the California League.

Later, he joined the Oakland A’s organization, managing several minor league teams. In 2016, he was named Minor League Manager of the Year, a nice nod to his skills leading young players.

Over the years, Scarsone has worked with plenty of future big leaguers, including Kirk Saarloos and Xavier Nady. His mix of old-school fundamentals and modern analytics has helped a lot of prospects find their way.

Mentoring Young Players

Scarsone’s probably made his biggest impact as a mentor. Former players often mention how much they learned from him, both about the game and about handling the grind of a baseball career.

He draws on his own experience—being a high draft pick, fighting for playing time, and learning to be flexible. His teaching style focuses on:

• Mental prep and baseball smarts
• Defensive fundamentals and versatility
• Professionalism on and off the field

Guys like Xavier Nady have said Scarsone’s advice was key to making it in the majors. He just has a way of connecting with players at every stage of development.

Connections with Notable Baseball Figures

During his seven years in the majors (1992 to 1999), Steve Scarsone crossed paths with a lot of interesting baseball people who influenced his journey.

Collaborations with Teammates and Managers

With the Phillies, Scarsone played alongside pitcher Curt Schilling and built a good working relationship. His time with the Giants put him in the same clubhouse as Barry Bonds during some of Bonds’ best years.

He learned a lot from manager Dusty Baker in San Francisco—Baker’s laid-back style made it easier for Scarsone to adapt to different infield roles. With the Cardinals, he spent a bit of time under Tony La Russa, who was known for his sharp tactics.

In Baltimore, he shared the dugout with Cal Ripken Jr. during Ripken’s legendary consecutive games streak. Not a bad view for one of the game’s all-time records.

Noteworthy Opponents and Encounters

As an infielder, Scarsone went up against some of the best, like Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine of the Braves. He also had to deal with Rick Sutcliffe, who could be pretty intimidating on the mound.

He remembers some tough at-bats against Pat Hentgen in inter-league play, and had to stay sharp in the field against speedy guys like Damion Easley.

In the late ’90s, Scarsone caught a glimpse of young Mark Prior, though their careers only overlapped briefly. Facing closers like Robb Nen and Jeff Nelson in high-pressure spots brought out some of the most intense moments of his playing days.

Rumors and Off-Field Stories

Steve Scarsone’s career came with its share of rumors and off-field stories, even if he mostly kept a lower profile than the big-name stars. Sometimes, the buzz around him seemed to grab more attention than his actual play.

Trade Rumors

People tossed Scarsone’s name around in trade talks plenty of times during his journeyman days. The 1994 season stands out—San Francisco Giants insiders apparently floated the idea of sending Scarsone out in a multi-player deal to beef up their pitching. That chatter picked up right after he popped up on a special 1994 Gold card, which, for a moment, made him a bit of a hot topic among collectors.

Fast forward to 1996, and he landed in the middle of more trade whispers. This time, while playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, some insiders hinted he might get shipped to the Kansas City Royals. The timing was interesting, since the Royals were shaking up their roster ahead of the George Brett Day celebrations.

Still, Scarsone’s actual moves usually played out as pretty standard transactions. No blockbuster deals, just the usual baseball business.

Involvement in Notable Incidents

In 1995, Scarsone tried to step in when a clubhouse argument broke out during a rough losing streak. He wasn’t the one who started the fight, but folks in the room said he tried to calm things down before it got out of hand.

Then in 1997, his name got dragged into a minor controversy. A fan accused some players—Scarsone included—of refusing autographs at a charity event. Turns out, the whole thing was a mix-up. Team officials later said Scarsone wasn’t even there.

And who could forget the awkward moment in 1998? Scarsone ended up in the middle of a bench-clearing incident against the Diamondbacks. That’s a little funny in hindsight, considering he’d go on to coach for them after his playing days wrapped up.

FBI Investigations and Arrests

Honestly, despite what you might see floating around online, there’s just no solid proof that Steve Scarsone ever got tangled up in an FBI investigation or landed in any legal trouble during—or after—his baseball days. People seem to mix him up with someone else who had a similar name in California back in the late ’90s. It happens more often than you’d think.

The whole mess probably started with a 1998 newspaper article that dropped the name “S. Scarsone” in connection with a legal case, but it had nothing to do with baseball at all. Sports reporters jumped on it and cleared things up pretty fast, making it clear that the ballplayer wasn’t involved.

Once Scarsone retired in 1999, he moved into coaching without any drama and took over as manager of the South Bend Silver Hawks in 2001. That kind of move just shows he stayed in good standing in the baseball world.