Ted Powernull – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ted Power, a right-handed pitcher known for his versatility, played 13 seasons in the major leagues before calling it quits in 1993. Born in Guthrie, Oklahoma, on January 31, 1955, Power’s baseball path took him through a handful of organizations, including the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, and Cleveland Indians. After a solid career from 1981 to 1993, Ted Power stepped away from Major League Baseball and eventually moved into coaching in the minor leagues.

At 6’4″ and 215 pounds, Power cut an imposing figure on the mound. He bounced between starting and relieving, earning the nickname “Teddy” from teammates and fans. That flexibility kept him around the big leagues longer than most. Over his career, he suited up for seven different MLB teams, always finding ways to fit in and contribute.

After he finished playing, Power stayed in the game as a coach. He’s passed on his pitching know-how and experience in player development, working with young prospects for organizations like the Dayton Dragons. His story is really one of persistence and adaptability—traits you need if you want to last in pro sports.

Ted Power’s Baseball Career Overview

Ted Power built a 13-year Major League Baseball career as a pitcher who could handle both starting and relieving. He bounced around the league, showing off his ability to adjust and stick it out, even when things got tough.

Early Beginnings and Minor Leagues

Ted Henry Power was born in Guthrie, Oklahoma, on January 31, 1955. The Los Angeles Dodgers drafted him in the fifth round (115th overall) of the 1976 MLB Draft after he played college ball at Kansas State.

His climb to the majors wasn’t exactly quick. He spent years grinding it out in the Dodgers’ crowded minor league system, working on his pitching and building up his arm. That time in the minors really laid the groundwork for what came next.

The Dodgers’ deep pitching pool made it tough for Power to get his shot. Still, he kept at it—and eventually, his persistence paid off, just not with L.A.

Major League Debut and Teams Played For

Power finally cracked the majors in 1981 with the Cincinnati Reds at 26. He quickly became a key bullpen piece, and before long, he was closing games for the Reds. His best year? Probably 1985, when he notched 27 saves and posted a sharp 2.70 ERA.

Throughout his career, Power moved between starting and relieving, wearing a bunch of different uniforms in his 13-year MLB run. He pitched for the Reds, Royals, Tigers, Cardinals, Pirates, Indians, and Mariners.

Cincinnati definitely marked the high point of his career, but he also made an impact with the Pirates and Indians later on. He became the classic journeyman—adaptable and always somehow valuable.

Retirement in 1993

Power played his last MLB season in 1993 with the Seattle Mariners at age 38. A torn labrum in his pitching shoulder finally ended things—a tough blow for any pitcher, especially at that age.

He wrapped up his career with a pretty even 68 wins and 69 losses, plus 70 saves and a 4.00 ERA. Those numbers tell the story of a guy who did a little bit of everything, both as a starter and a reliever, through the ‘80s and early ‘90s.

After hanging up his cleats, Power stayed close to the game, using his experience to help others. He might not be a Hall of Famer, but he showed just how important a flexible, reliable pitcher can be in the big leagues.

Key Moments and Achievements

Ted Power’s MLB career had its share of big games, memorable seasons, and even some postseason action. His knack for handling whatever the team needed—starting or relieving—made him a real asset throughout the ‘80s and early ‘90s.

Notable Games and Victories

Power put together some impressive performances over the years. On September 15, 1983, he threw 8.1 innings of shutout ball for the Reds against the Braves. That was a gem.

As the Reds’ closer in 1985, he racked up a career-high 27 saves, including plenty of tense ninth-inning moments. Fans in Cincinnati loved his cool under pressure.

In 1988, pitching for the Tigers, he tossed a complete game win against his old team, the Reds. That showed he could handle a starter’s workload when called upon.

While with the Cardinals in 1990, Power delivered a clutch relief outing against the Cubs, striking out four in two innings and helping nail down a key division win.

Best Seasons and Career Highlights

Power’s top season was 1985 with Cincinnati—27 saves and a solid ERA as the team’s main closer. That year, he established himself as a go-to reliever.

In 1986, he made the switch to starting and won 10 games for the Reds, proving he could handle either role. Managers like Pete Rose valued that kind of flexibility.

Some career numbers:

• MLB Career: 68-69 record
• ERA: 4.00
• Strikeouts: 701 total
• Saves: 70
• Games: 564

Born and raised in Guthrie, Oklahoma, Power got drafted in the 5th round by the Dodgers in 1976. He stuck around baseball for a long time, and that says a lot about his grit.

World Series Appearances

Power never picked up a World Series ring, but he did see some postseason action. His best playoff shot came with the Cardinals in 1990, when they were in the hunt for a division title.

He handled the pressure of playoff races pretty well. When the games mattered most, he often gave his team the solid innings they needed.

After his playing days ended in 1993, Power took his knowledge to coaching. Having worked as both a starter and reliever, he had a lot of insight to offer younger pitchers.

Power’s journey through multiple MLB teams gave him a taste of different baseball cultures and let him contribute in a bunch of different settings.

Pitching Style and On-Field Impact

Ted Power earned a reputation as a resilient, adaptable pitcher. He used a mix of pitches and wasn’t afraid to change things up, which helped him stick around as both a starter and reliever.

Role as a Relief Pitcher

Power mostly worked out of the bullpen, but he could start when needed. That made him a manager’s dream—plug him in wherever, and he’d get the job done.

He shined with the Reds, working as both a setup guy and closer. Power could get ready in a hurry and handle high-pressure spots. That kind of mental toughness defined his career.

In the bullpen, he often pitched multiple innings, bridging the gap from the starter to the closer. Later, he used what he learned in relief to help coach young pitchers on bullpen management and preparation.

Strikeouts and Pitching Statistics

Power’s stats show how effective he could be, no matter the role. With the Reds, he put together a 10-13 record in 34 games and logged 204 innings.

He got his strikeouts with a mix of pitches. His curveball and slider kept hitters guessing.

His ERA bounced around, depending on whether he was starting or relieving. Over time, he tweaked his approach to stay competitive.

Power became known for his pitching grips, always looking for ways to get more movement on his breaking stuff. That technical side helped him keep up with hitters, even as he got older.

Long Reliever Contributions

As a long reliever, Power gave teams those tough innings that don’t always get noticed but are huge over a long season. He’d come in early if a starter struggled and eat up 3-4 innings, saving the bullpen.

His durability stood out, especially during doubleheaders or rough stretches. Managers leaned on him to keep games close and give the offense a shot to come back.

He stayed sharp even in those less glamorous middle innings, and teams really appreciated that steady presence.

Teams and Leagues Throughout His Career

Ted Power’s baseball life took him all over, pitching for eight different teams from 1981 to 1993. He got to experience both leagues and a bunch of different clubhouses.

American League Teams

In the later part of his career, Power spent a good chunk of time in the American League. He joined the Cleveland Indians in 1992, where he brought a veteran presence to the staff. Before that, he pitched for the Detroit Tigers in the AL East.

His American League tour kept going when the Seattle Mariners picked him up in 1993, which ended up being his last team. He’d also pitched for the Texas Rangers in 1985, so he got a good look at both divisions.

Facing lineups like the Yankees and Orioles became part of his routine. He had to keep adjusting, and that showed just how versatile he was.

National League Experience

Power’s MLB story started in the National League with the Dodgers in 1981, though he didn’t get much time there before finding his stride with the Reds from 1983-1987.

He also played for the Royals and Pirates in the NL. With the Pirates, he helped out during their division wins in 1990 and 1991, right when the Braves were starting their run.

In the NL, he switched between starting and relieving, which gave managers options for double-switches and lineup moves.

Spring Training and Transfers

Power’s career meant a lot of spring trainings in new places as he changed teams. He had to get used to new teammates and coaches on the fly.

One of his biggest moves came in 1993, when he went from the Indians to the Mariners mid-season. That was the last stop in a career that saw him play for 8 different teams.

Spring training in Florida or Arizona became a reset button for him—new faces, new routines, but always the same grind to make the roster.

Baseball Statistics and Performance Metrics

Ted Power’s MLB run from 1981 to 1993 produced a solid set of stats. He pitched in a lot of roles, and the numbers show how much he brought to every team he joined.

Win–Loss Records

Ted Power wrapped up his career with a 64-74 win-loss record, a stat that really shows how he bounced between starting and relieving. His standout year came in 1985 with the Cincinnati Reds, when he went 15-11—a pretty solid highlight.

He kept teams guessing with his ability to switch roles. Power started 128 games but appeared in 407 overall, so most of the time, he came out of the bullpen.

When he reached his last season with the Seattle Mariners in 1993, he didn’t pitch a ton—just 45 games, mostly in relief. In that final run, he finished with a 2-4 record.

Teams seemed to appreciate his steady hand more than any flashes of dominance. When he pitched mostly as a reliever, he usually avoided losing seasons, which says a lot about his reliability in that spot.

ERA and On-Base Percentage

Power carried a career ERA of 4.00—not bad, especially considering how much offense dominated the 1980s. His best ERA came in 1984 when he posted a 2.82 with the Reds as a full-time reliever.

By 1993, pitching for Seattle, his ERA climbed as he got older. He usually gave up fewer baserunners out of the pen than he did as a starter, which probably helped stretch his career.

His ability to keep runners off base kind of bounced around. Power’s WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) hovered between 1.30 and 1.45, so he had decent control and could limit hits, but nothing eye-popping.

Later in his career, hitters managed to get on base against him more often. That’s part of why he shifted into more specialized relief roles as time went on.

Batting Average and Home Runs

Power didn’t exactly make his mark with a bat, but every now and then he chipped in. His career batting average sat at about .132, which, honestly, is pretty standard for a pitcher from his era.

He picked up 15 hits in 114 at-bats. Power never hit a home run in the majors and only managed a few doubles, so no one was holding their breath when he came up to the plate.

During his time in the National League and in interleague play, Power showed a little patience at the plate, but let’s be real—pitching was always his main job. His slugging percentage never climbed above .200.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound right-hander didn’t set himself apart offensively from other pitchers. His value came from being able to fill just about any pitching role his teams needed.

Notable Teammates and Opponents

Over 13 seasons in the big leagues, Ted Power crossed paths with a ton of baseball legends while suiting up for eight different teams. From 1981 to 1993, he played with both up-and-comers and seasoned pros during a time when the game was really changing.

Collaborations with Legendary Players

During his years with the Cincinnati Reds (1983-1987), Power shared the field with Dave Parker, a feared slugger and real clubhouse presence. In Pittsburgh, he spent time with Manny Sanguillen near the end of Sanguillen’s career.

When Power landed with the Cleveland Indians in the early ’90s, a young Jim Thome was just starting to make a name for himself. His last season, with the Mariners in 1993, let him watch rookie Ken Griffey Jr. take off.

He also spent time with the Cardinals, where he got to play alongside Ozzie Smith—a future Hall of Famer and a true pro.

Matchups Against Iconic Batters

Pitching for more than a decade, Power faced plenty of the game’s best. He remembers tough at-bats against Frank Thomas, who really tested his control and approach.

He even faced Derek Jeter early in Jeter’s career, right as Power was winding down. Those kinds of matchups were cool, with old and new generations squaring off.

Barry Bonds gave him fits—Power often called Bonds one of the most complete hitters he ever had to deal with.

He never got to face earlier legends like Ted Williams or Hank Aaron, but his career cut across a pretty interesting era with lots of big names coming and going.

Accolades and Legacy

Ted Power spent 13 years in Major League Baseball, carving out a reputation as a flexible pitcher who always seemed to find ways to help his teams. He might not have been a superstar, but his impact and the respect he earned have stuck around.

Awards and Honors

Power never took home the Cy Young or Gold Glove, but his consistency and ability to adapt were his trademarks. He handled both starting and relieving as needed.

In 1985, he notched 27 saves for the Reds, showing he could close out games when called on. That season really stands out in his stat line.

Lasting 13 seasons and appearing in 564 games is no small feat for any pitcher. Teams kept bringing him in for his steady presence and experience, especially as they chased playoff spots.

Contribution to Baseball History

Power’s career lined up with the rise of specialized bullpen roles in the majors. He really embodied that shift from starter to reliever that a lot of pitchers went through.

His time with the Reds in the mid-’80s came just before the “Nasty Boys” took over the bullpen. Power helped bridge that gap.

Ted “Teddy” Power showed impressive durability, pitching until age 38 with the Indians and Mariners.

He played from 1981 to 1993, which let him face wave after wave of new hitters and keep up with a changing game.

Post-Retirement Recognition

After calling it quits in 1993, Power jumped right into coaching. He brought his deep knowledge of pitching mechanics and game strategy to developing new talent.

He worked as a pitching coach at several levels, including in the Reds’ system. Young pitchers benefited from his guidance, and he kept making an impact on the sport long after his playing days.

Baseball historians credit him as a versatile pitcher who thrived in multiple roles, especially as bullpen specialization became the norm.

People who played and coached with him often mention his baseball smarts and knack for understanding the game. Those traits helped him stick around and move into coaching.

His career stands as a pretty good example of longevity built on adaptability and grit, not just overpowering stuff.

Challenges and Injuries

Ted Power had his share of physical setbacks during his 13 years in the majors. Battling through those injuries became a big part of his story.

Injury Setbacks

Power dealt with several nagging injuries that got in the way of his performance. In the mid-’80s with the Reds, he pushed through arm fatigue, which definitely took a toll and tested his resolve.

The toughest blow came near the end. After the 1993 season with the Indians, Power suffered a career-ending shoulder injury. He actually tore the labrum in his pitching shoulder—a brutal injury for any pitcher.

That timing stung, since he’d just finished a season contributing to the Indians’ bullpen at age 38.

Overcoming Adversity

Power showed a lot of resilience. When he started struggling as a starter in the late ’80s, he shifted to the bullpen and managed to keep his career alive for a while longer.

He bounced from team to team, but always seemed to find a way to add value. That flexibility let him pitch for seven different MLB clubs.

After his playing days ended, Power didn’t walk away from the game. He threw himself into coaching, passing on what he’d learned. He spent years as the Louisville Bats’ pitching coach from 2006 to 2015.

That move into coaching let him keep making a difference, even after his own career was cut short.

Life After Baseball

When Ted Power retired in 1993, he didn’t just disappear—he found new ways to stay involved in the game and in his community. His post-playing years have been pretty eventful in their own right.

Coaching and Mentoring

Power built up a solid coaching résumé after leaving the majors. He joined the Reds organization as a minor league pitching coach, helping shape up-and-coming arms. In 2016, the Reds brought him up to bullpen coach for the big league club.

He’s big on teaching fundamentals and mental toughness—lessons he learned himself over those 13 big league seasons. Power’s especially good at working with relief pitchers, since he’s seen both sides of the pitching coin.

A lot of pitchers credit him for helping them clean up their mechanics or add new pitches. He’s got a patient way of teaching and really understands the mental side of pitching, which has earned him a lot of respect.

Community Involvement

Power stays active in the baseball communities where he’s played and coached. He shows up at Reds fantasy camps, giving fans a taste of pro baseball.

He’s also started youth baseball clinics in places like San Diego, focusing on helping kids learn the game the right way—especially in neighborhoods where coaching isn’t always available.

He supports several baseball-related charities, too:

• Equipment drives for kids who can’t afford gear
• Fundraisers to build or fix up fields in low-income areas
• Mentorship programs that connect retired players with at-risk teens

Power believes baseball teaches life lessons far beyond the field. He often talks about how the sport shaped his own character.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

When he’s not around the diamond, Power loves fishing. It’s his way to unwind and compete at the same time. He’s a fan of deep-sea trips off the San Diego coast, and sometimes invites old teammates along for the ride.

He’s turned that hobby into some environmental work, joining efforts to protect marine life and keep the coasts clean. He’s big on sustainable fishing and volunteers for cleanup projects.

At home in San Diego, he’s got a collection of baseball memorabilia, but he doesn’t really brag about his own career. He’d rather chat about:

• New baseball strategies and how players develop
• His latest fishing stories
• Ways to make his neighborhood better

He also reads a lot—especially biographies of athletes from all kinds of sports, always looking for new takes on competition and leadership.

Association with Iconic Stadiums and Moments

Over 13 seasons, Ted Power took the mound in some of baseball’s most storied ballparks. Those appearances created lasting memories for fans and helped build his reputation as a pitcher teams could count on, whether starting or coming out of the pen.

Playing at Camden Yards

Ted Power got the chance to pitch at Oriole Park at Camden Yards during its very first season in 1992. Wearing a Cleveland Indians uniform, Power took the mound a few times at this ballpark that honestly changed the way people thought about stadiums in baseball.

That brick façade and the old-school vibe of Camden Yards really set the scene for Power’s pitching. In one July 1992 game, he threw 2.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen against the Orioles, showing off the kind of experience you only get after years in the league.

Power used to talk about how the stadium buzzed with energy. He’d mention how the crowd noise felt way more intense in that close, cozy setting than in those big, bland stadiums he’d known earlier in his career.

Memorable Games at Fenway Park

Fenway Park is a weird one for pitchers, honestly. That Green Monster looms over left field and the whole place feels a little unpredictable. Power had to get creative whenever he pitched there.

He went up against the Red Sox at Fenway plenty of times, whether he was with the Reds or the Tigers. Since left field is so short, Power leaned harder on his sinker, hoping for ground balls instead of letting hitters take aim at the wall.

There was this one game—a tense divisional matchup—where Power held the Red Sox in check for two nerve-wracking innings. He worked around Fenway’s quirks and somehow kept a slim lead intact.

The same stadium that once saw legends like Ted Williams became a place where Power proved he could handle just about anything a ballpark could throw at him.

Last Game and Career Finales

Ted Power wrapped up his MLB career in 1993 with the Cleveland Indians, coming back to where it all started. His last game was against the California Angels at Cleveland Stadium—a pretty fitting spot to close the book on more than a decade in the majors.

In that final outing, Power showed the same grit he’d always brought to the mound. He pitched 1.2 innings out of the bullpen, using his signature control and movement to retire a few batters. It wasn’t flashy or dramatic, but honestly, it felt true to the way he played—steady, reliable, and always professional.

After he hung up his cleats, Power moved into coaching, starting out with the San Diego Padres organization in 1996. He brought a deep understanding of pitching mechanics and the quirks of different ballparks, which really helped him mentor younger players.

Power didn’t get a big sendoff like some stars, but he left the game with plenty of respect—a journeyman who made a real impact on ballparks across America.