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

Ted Sizemore put together a solid 12-year run in Major League Baseball, suiting up for five different teams between 1969 and 1980. The Alabama-born infielder made an impression early, grabbing the 1969 National League Rookie of the Year award with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Even though people often said he was too short for pro ball, Sizemore kept pushing and showed everyone just how far determination and flexibility could take him.

He retired from the game in 1980 after a final season with the Boston Red Sox. By the end, he had a .262 career batting average and 430 RBIs over 1,411 games.

Sizemore built his reputation on a scrappy style and a willingness to play wherever his team needed him—second base, shortstop, even outfield. That adaptability made him a valuable piece on every roster.

Let’s take a look at Sizemore’s journey, from earning a college scholarship at the University of Michigan to his last days in Boston. We’ll check out how he did with each team, the numbers he put up, and what he got into after baseball. His story really says something about how persistence and versatility can shape a sports career.

Ted Sizemore’s Baseball Career Overview

Ted Sizemore managed to build a steady 12-year MLB career from 1969 to 1980. He won the 1969 National League Rookie of the Year award and earned a reputation as a reliable utility infielder.

His path from a Michigan scholarship athlete to the majors showed just how much grit and adaptability he brought to the table.

Early Years and Education

Ted Crawford Sizemore was born on April 15, 1945, in Gadsden, Alabama. His family moved to Detroit when he was about two, so he grew up there and went to Pershing High School.

At Pershing, Sizemore was all over the place athletically. He co-captained the basketball team and played quarterback on the football team. In baseball, he caught for three years and played sandlot ball in the Free Press Amateur League.

His parents wanted him to go to college before chasing sports full-time. So after graduating in 1962, he accepted a baseball scholarship at the University of Michigan.

At Michigan, Sizemore bounced between outfield and catching as a freshman, then became the regular catcher and team captain as a sophomore. He studied education while sharpening his game.

In the summer of 1965, he played for the Pierre Cowboys in the semipro Basin League and hit .274. That summer really gave him some much-needed experience for the pro level.

MLB Debut

The Los Angeles Dodgers picked Sizemore in the 15th round of the 1966 MLB June Amateur Draft. He left Michigan before graduating to join the Dodgers’ Single-A team, the Tri-City Atoms.

Sizemore made an instant impact in the minors, batting .330 and helping the Atoms win a pennant. He even took home the league’s MVP award.

He later went back and finished his Bachelor of Science in Education at Michigan in December 1966. That was probably a smart move, giving him a backup plan just in case.

Sizemore climbed the Dodgers’ farm system, playing for Double-A Albuquerque in 1967 and Triple-A Spokane in 1968. His steady play earned him an invite to big league spring training in 1969.

On April 7, 1969, at age 23, Sizemore made his Dodgers debut. He put together a standout rookie season, hitting .271 with 20 doubles, five triples, and 46 RBIs. That performance earned him the 1969 National League Rookie of the Year award.

Positions Played

Sizemore started as a catcher in high school and college, but the pros had other plans. The Dodgers already had plenty of young catchers, but they needed infielders, so Sizemore learned to play second base.

During the 1968 offseason, he went to the Arizona Instructional League and worked with former big leaguer Monty Basgall to learn second base. That training set him up for future success.

In his rookie year, Sizemore showed off his flexibility. He filled in at shortstop for 46 games while Billy Grabarkewitz recovered from injury, then played 118 games at second base. Teammates and coaches really took notice of his ability to handle whatever was thrown at him.

Primary Positions:

• Second Base: His main spot throughout his career
• Shortstop: Filled in when needed
• Catcher: His original position as an amateur

Over 12 seasons with five teams (Dodgers, Cardinals, Phillies, Cubs, and Red Sox), Sizemore became known for his defensive flexibility. He put together a .262 career batting average with 1,311 hits, 23 homers, and 430 RBIs in 1,411 games.

He never hesitated to play wherever his manager asked, making him a go-to utility guy for different situations and matchups.

Major League Teams and Seasons

Ted Sizemore played for five teams during his MLB career from 1969 to 1980. He spent the most time with the St. Louis Cardinals, sticking with them for five seasons as a steady second baseman.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Sizemore kicked off his big league career with the Dodgers in 1969. He debuted on April 7, 1969, at 23, facing the Cincinnati Reds.

That rookie season really put him on the map. Sizemore won the 1969 National League Rookie of the Year award, and people saw him as a promising second baseman.

The Dodgers kept him around for two seasons (1969-1970). He played regularly and picked up the basics of major league ball.

He came back to LA for the 1976 season, but that second stint was short—just one year before he moved on.

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals picked up Sizemore in 1971. He spent five straight seasons (1971-1975) in St. Louis, which was his longest run with any club.

Sizemore became the Cardinals’ everyday second baseman and built a reputation as a gritty player who did the little things that help teams win.

He wasn’t just about his own stats. When Lou Brock broke the single-season stolen base record in 1974, Brock said Sizemore’s work as the number-two hitter played a big part.

Sizemore led the league in sacrifice hits while in St. Louis. That showed how willing he was to put the team first.

Philadelphia Phillies

Sizemore landed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1977. He played two seasons (1977-1978) there, during a pretty successful stretch for the team.

The Phillies won division titles both 1977 and 1978 with Sizemore at second base. Those were some of the best teams he played on.

His experience helped the Phillies compete at a high level. Sizemore brought playoff know-how and steady defense to their infield.

Those two years in Philly really were some of the most competitive of his career. The team’s success reflected the strong roster around him.

Chicago Cubs

Sizemore spent part of the 1979 season with the Chicago Cubs. It was a short stint, but it added to his National League experience late in his career.

The Cubs used his veteran presence and defensive chops. At 34, Sizemore was nearing the end of his playing days but still chipped in however he could.

Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox were Sizemore’s last stop. He played for them during parts of 1979 and 1980.

His final game happened on May 27, 1980, against the Toronto Blue Jays. Sizemore was 35 when he called it a career.

Playing for Boston gave him his first taste of American League action. That was a big change after spending almost his entire career in the National League.

By the time he retired in 1980, Sizemore had played 12 seasons and 1,411 games, finishing with a .262 average, 23 homers, and 430 RBIs.

Notable Achievements and Awards

Ted Sizemore stood out as one of the top rookies in MLB history and kept a solid reputation over his 12-year run. He found postseason success with several teams and became known for his dependable defense at second base.

NL Rookie of the Year 1969

Sizemore grabbed the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1969, his first season with the Dodgers. He hit .271 while the league average was .250, showing he could handle big league pitching.

The award highlighted his smooth switch from catcher to second baseman. Monty Basgall played a big role in coaching him through the position change.

Sizemore also made the 1969 Topps All-Star Rookie Team, which recognized the top rookies across the league.

His rookie breakout followed a string of strong minor league years. He hit .330 in Single A in 1966, .295 in Double A in 1967, and .314 in Triple A in 1968 before reaching the majors.

Postseason Appearances

Sizemore played on division-winning Phillies teams in 1977 and 1978. His best postseason showing came in the 1978 National League Championship Series.

Even though he had a rough regular season that year, Sizemore hit .385 in the 1978 NLCS. That clutch effort helped the Phillies in the playoffs and showed he could come through when it mattered.

He also got postseason chances with other teams. His playoff experience spanned several years and proved his worth in big moments.

Defensive Reputation

Sizemore made his name as a steady defender at second base. He rarely made mistakes and stayed consistent with his glove for every team he played on.

His defense was a big reason he stuck around for 12 seasons in the majors. Teams trusted his fundamentals and reliability.

The University of Michigan even created the “Ted Sizemore Award” in 1982, honoring their top defensive player each season. That says a lot about his legacy as a defensive standout.

He could also fill in at shortstop and, when needed, go back behind the plate.

Career Statistics and Performance

Ted Sizemore finished his 12-year career with a .262 batting average and 1,311 hits in 1,411 games. His defense at second base and shortstop went hand-in-hand with his steady offensive output over five big league teams.

Batting Averages and Home Runs

Sizemore kept a .262 career batting average over his 12 seasons. His best year at the plate was 1970 with the Dodgers, when he hit .306 in 96 games.

He wasn’t a power hitter—far from it. Sizemore hit just 23 home runs in his entire career, with a high of 4 in 1969. He focused more on making contact and getting on base.

He racked up 1,311 career hits in 5,011 at-bats, along with 188 doubles and 21 triples. In his rookie year in 1969, he collected 160 hits, one of his best totals.

Sizemore’s bat cooled off in his later years. In 1978 with the Phillies, he hit just .219, and in his final season with Boston in 1980, he batted .217 in limited chances.

RBI and On-Base Metrics

Sizemore drove in 430 runs during his career and scored 577 times himself. His best RBI season came in 1973 with St. Louis, when he knocked in 54 runs.

He posted a .325 on-base percentage, which beat his batting average by 63 points. That gap hints at his solid plate discipline and knack for drawing walks.

Sizemore walked 469 times and struck out 350 times in his career. Those numbers show a hitter who could work the count.

He put up his highest OPS, .717, in 1970 with Los Angeles. His slugging percentage sat at .321 for his career, so power really wasn’t his thing, but he found ways to make contact.

Sizemore’s OPS+ was 80, meaning he hit about 20% below league average. Still, his defensive contributions and leadership made him a valuable teammate, even if his bat didn’t always stand out.

Fielding Records

Sizemore mainly played second base, but he also spent a good amount of time at shortstop. That defensive versatility made him a go-to utility guy for several teams.

He won the 1969 National League Rookie of the Year award, in part thanks to his glove. His steady defense balanced his offensive production in that first season.

Fielding stats show Sizemore moved around the infield throughout his career. He played second base the most, but he stepped in at shortstop whenever teams needed him.

His reliable defense helped him keep a starting job, even as his offense dipped. Teams really valued his ability to cover multiple infield spots.

Year-by-Year Highlights

Sizemore’s rookie year in 1969 was probably his best all-around season. He hit .271, collected 160 hits, and took home Rookie of the Year with the Dodgers.

His 1973 season with St. Louis was another high point. He batted .282, notched 147 hits, and reached his best on-base percentage at .365.

In 1970, he posted his top batting average at .306, though he only played 96 games that year. The limited playing time kept him from having a bigger statistical impact.

His last seasons showed a downward trend. In 1979, splitting time between Chicago and Boston, he hit .251. Then in 1980, he played just 9 games for Boston before hanging it up.

Retirement and Life After Baseball

Ted Sizemore wrapped up his 12-year Major League career in 1980 with the Boston Red Sox, finishing with a .262 lifetime average. After baseball, he jumped into a business career with Rawlings Sporting Goods and got involved in charity work.

Circumstances of Retirement in 1980

Sizemore ended his baseball career during the 1980 season while playing for the Red Sox. His final year followed a bumpy 1979, when he got traded twice.

He started 1979 with the Cubs, then landed with the Red Sox after Jerry Remy got hurt. That move gave him the rare distinction of being in uniform for two different players’ 3,000th career hits in the same season.

By 1980, Sizemore had played 12 big league seasons for six different teams. He wrapped up with a .262 batting average over more than a decade in the majors.

He retired at 35, right after the 1980 season. Over his career, he shifted from catcher to second baseman and became a steady utility player.

Post-Retirement Activities

After leaving baseball, Sizemore joined Rawlings Sporting Goods as an executive in St. Louis. He helped supply Major League Baseball with most of its gear, including over 700,000 baseballs a year.

He also worked on expanding baseball’s reach in international markets. That job let him put his baseball know-how to use in the business world.

Sizemore served as a director for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, showing his dedication to charitable work. His efforts helped raise both awareness and funds for the cause.

He kept homes in Missouri and Palm Springs. After baseball, he picked up golf and became pretty passionate about it. His work with Rawlings let him stay close to the sport he loved.

Hall of Fame and Honors

Sizemore’s biggest baseball honor came early—he won the 1969 National League Rookie of the Year Award. The Dodgers had switched him from catcher to shortstop and second base, and he made it work.

He played on two division-winning Phillies teams in 1977 and 1978. Those playoff runs marked the best team success he experienced.

The St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame honored Sizemore for his impact on the game. His induction recognized both his playing days and his later work with Rawlings in St. Louis.

He never made it to Cooperstown, but that Rookie of the Year award remains a big achievement. His 12-year run and ability to fill so many roles earned him plenty of respect in baseball circles.

Ted Sizemore’s Legacy and Net Worth

Ted Sizemore left a lasting mark on baseball with his versatility and determination, winning the 1969 National League Rookie of the Year. His estimated net worth—about $10 million—reflects both his baseball career and business success after retiring.

Impact on Major League Baseball

Sizemore’s biggest impact might be how he showed that versatility and competitiveness could beat out physical limitations. At 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, he proved wrong anyone who said he was too small for the majors.

He played wherever his teams needed him. Bob Scheffing, who managed the Tigers, once said Sizemore “would do anything to play,” whether that meant catcher, shortstop, second base, or outfield.

That 1969 Rookie of the Year award stands out as his top achievement. The Dodgers moved him from catcher to infielder, and he ended up playing 46 games at shortstop and 118 at second base that year.

Sizemore’s 12-year career took him to five teams: the Dodgers, Cardinals, Phillies, Cubs, and Red Sox. He hit .262 for his career, rarely struck out, and built a reputation as a contact hitter who could put the ball in play when it mattered.

Media Presence and Recognition

Sizemore’s story still inspires baseball fans, even decades later. His journey from a small-town kid to a respected MLB player shows what perseverance and love for the game can do.

The St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame recognized his contributions, especially his years with the Cardinals from 1971-1975. He worked well with Lou Brock as the team’s number-two hitter.

Baseball reference sites and historians often point to Sizemore as proof that grit can overcome physical limitations. His switch from catcher to infielder, thanks to instructor Monty Basgall, became a blueprint for player development.

After he retired, Sizemore stayed close to the game through his work with Rawlings Sporting Goods. He handled media relations there for 22 years, keeping him in the baseball world and letting him share his knowledge with younger players.

Estimated Net Worth

Ted Sizemore’s estimated net worth sits around $10 million, at least according to most online sources. He didn’t just rely on his playing days to build that wealth.

He made most of his money during his baseball career, signing contracts with five different major league teams between 1969 and 1980. Since he played over 100 games in most seasons, those steady salaries added up.

After he retired, Sizemore moved on to Rawlings Sporting Goods. He worked there for 22 years and climbed his way up to Senior Vice President, which must’ve come with a solid paycheck. I mean, you’d expect stock options or some kind of profit-sharing at that level, right?

Mixing his baseball earnings, executive salary at Rawlings, and what seem to be some smart investments over the years, he managed to keep his finances in great shape. Sizemore really showed some business sense, making that leap from player to executive and locking in his financial security long after he left the field.