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

Steve Stone’s baseball career is really the story of a thinking man’s pitcher who managed to defy expectations in an era when Jewish athletes rarely made it in professional sports. Born Steven Michael Stone on July 14, 1947, in Euclid, Ohio, he put together an 11-year Major League Baseball career from 1971 to 1981. He played for four teams: the San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Baltimore Orioles.

Stone reached the top of his game in 1980, when he won the American League Cy Young Award with a wild 25-7 record for the Baltimore Orioles. That capped a journey from just another journeyman pitcher to one of baseball’s elite. He went from a pretty average 78-79 record over his first nine seasons to that breakout 1980 campaign, which is honestly one of the more dramatic late-career surges you’ll see in baseball.

But his story isn’t just about stats. It’s about the mental side of the game that set him apart from players in his era. Stone decided to throw his curveball way more often, which led to his biggest triumph—and, unfortunately, his downfall. The extra strain on his arm caused brutal tendinitis, which forced him to retire after the 1981 season at just 34. After that, he shifted to broadcasting and, honestly, he found just as much success there. People really respected his voice in baseball media.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Steve’s journey to baseball stardom started in the Cleveland suburbs. He became a multi-sport athlete at Charles F. Brush High School, then earned recognition as an outstanding pitcher at Kent State University.

His college career included a memorable partnership with future Yankees catcher Thurman Munson. He also had a standout summer in the Cape Cod League.

Family Background and Upbringing

Steve was born July 14, 1947, in South Euclid, Ohio, just outside Cleveland. His parents, Dorothy and Paul Stone, were Orthodox Jews who gave him a solid foundation for chasing his athletic dreams.

Dorothy worked as a waitress to help support the family. Paul started out changing records in jukeboxes, but later moved into insurance sales for a steadier income.

Stone’s Jewish heritage meant a lot to him growing up. His maternal grandfather, Edward Manheim, actually got to see Steve’s bar mitzvah in September 1960.

The Stones put a big emphasis on education and working hard. Those values shaped how Steve approached baseball and, later on, broadcasting after he retired.

Charles F. Brush High School Achievements

Stone went to Charles F. Brush High School in Lyndhurst, Ohio, where he played baseball for coach Jim Humpall. But he didn’t just stick to one sport.

He picked up several tennis championships at Brush. He even won a ping pong title and showed off his skills as a golfer.

All this athletic variety really highlighted Stone’s natural coordination and competitive drive. His success in different sports helped him build the mental toughness he’d need in pro baseball.

Playing so many sports also helped him develop different muscles and sharpen his hand-eye coordination. That definitely paid off on the mound.

Kent State University and College Baseball

Stone enrolled at Kent State University and quickly became the team’s top pitcher and a real leader. He worked closely with Thurman Munson, who caught for him.

His pitching earned him a spot on the All Mid-American Conference team. As a junior, his teammates and coaches named him team captain.

He didn’t just stick to baseball at Kent State. Stone played on the bowling, volleyball, and tennis teams too. He even joined the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity.

Academic Achievement:

• Graduated in 1970 with a teaching degree
• Majored in history and government
• Kept up his grades while excelling in sports

His college experience set him up for both pro baseball and, eventually, his broadcasting career. The academics really helped too.

Cape Cod League and Notable Mentors

Stone pitched for the Chatham Anglers in the Cape Cod League in the summer of 1968. That league was stacked with top college players from all over.

He finished with a 2.00 ERA that summer. That kind of performance showed he could hang with the best amateurs and got pro scouts interested.

The Cape Cod League introduced him to different coaches and more advanced strategies. Those lessons definitely came in handy when he went pro.

He also had to adjust to wooden bats there, after using aluminum in college. That’s a big deal, since pros only use wood.

His strong summer in Cape Cod helped him get picked in the 1969 amateur draft by the San Francisco Giants.

Draft and Minor League Journey

Steve Stone’s road to the majors started with two separate drafts—first with the Cleveland Indians in 1968, and then with the San Francisco Giants in 1969. His minor league career took him to several teams and cities as he developed his pitching before finally making it to the big leagues in 1971.

Cleveland Indians Draft and Early Decisions

The Cleveland Indians drafted Stone in the 16th round of the 1968 MLB June Amateur Draft out of Kent State. As a promising local pitcher, he seemed like a natural fit.

But Stone didn’t sign with the Indians right away. Instead, he chose to wait and re-enter the draft the next year. A lot of college players did that back then, hoping to get picked higher or land with a different team.

That decision really shaped his career. By waiting, he gave himself a shot at better opportunities with teams that might offer more development or a quicker path to the majors.

San Francisco Giants Selection and Assignments

In the 1969 MLB January Draft Secondary Phase, the San Francisco Giants picked Stone in the 4th round. That was a big jump from the 16th round the year before.

Stone signed with the Giants and started his pro career in their minor league system. The Giants gave him a chance to develop his skills at different levels, moving him around their farm teams.

Their scouts clearly saw something in Stone’s pitching. His college background prepared him for the transition to pro ball.

Fresno, Phoenix, and Amarillo Giants Performance

Stone’s minor league journey took him through cities like Fresno, Phoenix, and Amarillo. He kept working his way up, learning as he went.

Each stop gave him experience against new competition. The minors let him sharpen his mechanics and figure out how to handle different game situations.

He pitched well enough in the minors for the Giants to give him a shot at the majors in 1971. His stats showed steady improvement and that he was ready for the next level.

The Giants’ investment in his development paid off when he made his MLB debut at 23.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Stone’s MLB career lasted 11 seasons, from 1971 to 1981. He played for four teams, starting with the San Francisco Giants, then moving to the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs. He had his share of ups and downs, but kept improving.

San Francisco Giants Debut and Early Years

Steve Stone made his big league debut on April 8, 1971, with the Giants at age 23. That first game against the Padres was rough—he gave up a single to Dave Campbell, then a home run to Larry Stahl in the first inning.

The Giants pulled him after just 3 innings. He’d allowed 6 hits and 4 earned runs. Not the debut he wanted, but hey, that happens.

During his 1971 rookie season, Stone pitched in 24 games, starting 19 of them. He finished 5-9 with a 4.15 ERA. He showed flashes, but consistency was a problem.

The Giants sent him down to Phoenix in the Pacific Coast League that year. There, he went 6-3 with a 3.98 ERA.

In 1972, Stone improved, going 6-8 in 27 games. His 2.98 ERA was a sign of better command and control.

He developed a sore arm during the 1972 season, which raised concerns about his durability. After the season, the Giants traded Stone and outfielder Ken Henderson to the Chicago White Sox for pitcher Tom Bradley.

Chicago White Sox First Stint

Stone joined the Chicago White Sox in 1973, his second major league club. Adjusting to American League hitters wasn’t easy.

In 1973, the White Sox used him as both a starter and reliever. He finished 6-11 with a 4.24 ERA.

The team tried to take advantage of his versatility, but his record took a hit. He still struggled to find his footing in the majors.

After just one year, the White Sox traded him in a big deal. He was one of four players sent to the Cubs for third baseman Ron Santo.

That move turned out to be a good one for Stone. The Cubs became his third team in four seasons.

Chicago Cubs Tenure

Stone’s time with the Cubs marked a real turning point. In 1974, he notched his first winning record in the majors.

He went 8-6 with a 4.14 ERA in 1974, making 23 starts. That season gave him confidence and showed he could be a reliable starter.

His 1975 season was even better: 12-8 with a 3.95 ERA. He started 32 games, struck out 139, and threw six complete games.

He even had a shutout that year and showed more stamina and command. His strikeouts and complete games proved he was taking the next step.

Before the 1976 season, contract disputes cropped up when the Cubs wanted him to take a pay cut. Stone refused and played out his contract, but then he tore his rotator cuff early that year.

Stone ignored the Cubs’ advice to get surgery or cortisone shots. Instead, he found his own fix with a kinesiologist at the University of Illinois, using cryotherapy to heal his shoulder.

Peak Years and Baltimore Orioles Legacy

Steve Stone hit his peak during his three years with the Baltimore Orioles, from 1979 to 1981. His 1980 season was just insane—one of the best in franchise history. He won the AL Cy Young Award and joined the ranks of baseball’s elite.

Signing with Baltimore Orioles

Stone signed with the Orioles as a free agent in 1979, after eight seasons with three other teams. The move changed everything for him. Up to that point, he had a pretty average 78-79 career record.

In his first year with Baltimore, Stone went 11-7 in 32 starts. He worked with pitching coach Ray Miller to sharpen his approach and mental game.

Manager Earl Weaver originally planned to use Stone out of the bullpen in 1980. The rotation was supposed to be Jim Palmer, Mike Flanagan, Scott McGregor, and Dennis Martinez.

But injuries to Flanagan and Martinez in spring training opened up a spot. Stone jumped at the chance, and it changed his career.

Historic 1980 Season and Cy Young Award

Stone’s 1980 season is still the gold standard for the Orioles. He finished 25-7, setting the franchise record for wins in a season—a record that still stands.

The Cy Young winner posted a 3.23 ERA over 250 innings. He completed nine games and struck out 149.

His 14-game winning streak was a big reason the Orioles won 100 games that year. Even with all that success, Baltimore missed the playoffs, which was a huge letdown.

Stone credited mental preparation and visualization for his transformation. He’d spend hours meditating before starts, picturing every hitter he’d face.

“My transformation was owed mostly to a set of mental gymnastics that I devised after reading various self-help books,” Stone explained. He leaned on his Kent State education to build a systematic approach to focus and concentration.

All-Star Recognition and AL Wins Leader

Steve Stone delivered an outstanding season that earned him American League All-Star honors in 1980. He started the midsummer classic for the AL and tossed three scoreless innings.

Stone dominated hitters all season as the AL wins leader. He racked up 25 victories, becoming the only pitcher in the 1980s to hit that mark.

Voters for the AL Cy Young Award noticed Stone’s dominance over some big names. He outperformed future Hall of Famers and previous winners to take home the award.

Despite standing just 5-foot-10 and weighing 170 pounds, Stone found remarkable success. He even surpassed Baltimore Orioles legends like Jim Palmer and Mike Mussina, neither of whom ever won 25 games in a season.

Noteworthy Performances and Pitch Arsenal

During his peak, Stone leaned heavily on his curveball. Working with Ray Miller, he shifted from a fastball pitcher to a breaking ball specialist.

That change worked wonders but came at a price. Stone developed elbow tendinitis after throwing way more curveballs than before.

He struck out 149 batters in 1980, showing off improved command and deception. The new pitch mix kept hitters guessing all year.

Stone’s 1981 season ended up limited to just 15 starts due to elbow trouble. He finished 4-7 and chose to retire instead of relying on cortisone shots.

“When my elbow started hurting, I always felt it was the quality of the career that matters, not the quantity,” Stone said about his decision to retire after 1981.

Retirement and Transition to Broadcasting

Steve Stone called it a career in 1982 and jumped right into a broadcasting career that’s lasted four decades. He moved from the mound to the booth within days, teaming up with legendary announcers and working for both Chicago teams.

Final Season and Injury

Stone’s 1981 season with the Baltimore Orioles got cut short by shoulder tendinitis. The injury ended up ending his career at age 34.

On June 2, 1982, Stone announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. After battling shoulder problems, he just couldn’t keep pitching at that level.

The 1980 Cy Young Award winner had reached the top of his sport just two years before. His 25-7 record that year was the high point of his career.

Stone’s playing days gave him a unique perspective for broadcasting. He’d been everything from a staff’s eleventh pitcher to a team’s ace.

ABC and WGN-TV Beginnings

Stone wasted no time starting his broadcasting career after retiring. Five days after his retirement, he joined ABC’s broadcast team.

His first assignment? Monday Night Baseball on ABC. Stone worked with Al Michaels and Bob Uecker during the 1982 season.

He moved from player to broadcaster in less than a week. ABC announced his new role on Thursday, June 10, 1982.

In 1983, Stone joined the WGN-TV crew to call Chicago Cubs games. That kicked off his long run in Chicago baseball broadcasting.

Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox Commentary Roles

Stone called Cubs games on WGN-TV for 21 years, from 1983 to 2004. He and Harry Caray became one of baseball’s most iconic broadcast duos.

After leaving the Chicago Cubs booth in 2004, Stone moved to the Chicago White Sox broadcast team in 2005. He’s stayed with the White Sox ever since.

Stone teamed up with Jason Benetti on NBC Sports Chicago for several years. When Benetti left for the Detroit Tigers in 2023, Stone started working with John Schriffen.

His broadcasting career has spanned more than 40 years. Stone has worked with different partners but always kept his analytical style.

Collaboration with Iconic Broadcasters

Stone and Harry Caray worked together for 14 seasons, shaping Cubs broadcasts in the ‘80s and ‘90s. They called games together until Caray passed away in 1998.

Stone had to adjust his style for each partner. He learned to give them space while still bringing his own analysis.

He’s worked with both Hall of Famers and newer voices in broadcasting. Stone keeps connecting with fans through regular appearances on WSCR-AM (670 The Score).

He drops by several Score programs, keeping his ties to Chicago baseball strong.

Legacy, Personal Life, and Lasting Impact

Steve Stone’s 1981 retirement closed out a remarkable baseball journey. He racked up 107 career wins, a Cy Young Award, and helped represent Jewish athletes in Major League Baseball. Stone’s influence has reached far beyond the pitcher’s mound, through broadcasting, community work, and breaking cultural barriers in sports.

Career Wins and Statistical Overview

Stone wrapped up his ten-year MLB career with 107 wins and 93 losses. His 3.97 ERA showed steady performance across four teams.

He struck out 1,065 batters during his playing days. The 1980 season really made his mark, with a 25-7 record and a wild 14-game winning streak.

Stone posted a 3.23 ERA during his Cy Young year. Among Jewish pitchers, he’s third in career wins, trailing only Sandy Koufax and Ken Holtzman. He’s also third in strikeouts among Jewish players.

Stone pitched in 320 career games, ranking ninth among Jewish MLB players. He went from a journeyman with a 78-79 record through nine seasons to a Cy Young winner, showing real determination and mental toughness.

Honors and Awards

Stone’s 1980 Cy Young Award as the AL’s top pitcher stands as his biggest individual honor. He was the first Chicago White Sox pitcher to win the award since it started in 1956. Stone also made the AL All-Star team in 1980.

He threw three scoreless innings in the All-Star Game that year. When he accepted the Cy Young, Stone credited his teammates for clutch hitting and solid defense.

Stone wore number 32 to honor Sandy Koufax, and it became a symbol of his breakthrough. Switching from 21 to 32 reflected a new mindset.

Influence Beyond Baseball

Stone kicked off his broadcasting career in 1982 with ABC’s Monday Night Baseball. He worked with legendary announcers like Howard Cosell and Al Michaels. For fourteen years, he served as the Chicago Cubs’ TV color commentator with Harry Caray.

He brought an analytical approach to the booth, drawing from his pitching days. Stone gave fans a look into the mental side of the game. These days, he’s a Chicago White Sox commentator.

Stone has written books about baseball and his playing experiences. His writing combines his thoughtful approach with some poetry, showing off his Renaissance man side.

He chose not to rely on cortisone shots, and that decision influenced other players. Instead, he used cryotherapy, showing there are different ways to recover from injuries.

Cultural and Community Contributions

Stone broke barriers as a prominent Jewish athlete in Major League Baseball. He took on Henry Ford’s 1921 claim that “Jews are not sportsmen” just by showing up and playing hard.

He looked up to Sandy Koufax and saw him as a role model. Stone’s parents, Orthodox Jewish immigrants, cheered him on in sports, even though their community usually pushed for academic careers.

His success shifted how people saw Jewish athletes in professional sports. Stone kept his Jewish identity front and center during his whole career.

He once joked, “I’m the best right-handed Jewish pitcher to come into the majors in the past 20 years, mainly because I don’t know of any others.” That sense of humor stuck with him.

Stone didn’t just stick to baseball. He dove into chess, poetry, and even owned restaurants. He proved that athletes could have a lot more going on than just sports.

Stone showed you could chase athletic success and still enjoy intellectual pursuits. That combination made him stand out.