Terry Steinbach – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Terry Steinbach put together a solid 14-year run in Major League Baseball, mostly catching for the Oakland Athletics before wrapping things up with his hometown Minnesota Twins. Born and raised in New Ulm, Minnesota, Steinbach became a core player during Oakland’s powerhouse years in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. After 11 seasons with the A’s, including three straight World Series trips and two championship rings, Steinbach called it a career after the 1999 season with the Twins, ending his journey right where it started.

Steinbach stood out not just for his defense behind the plate, but for his surprisingly strong bat. He made three All-Star teams and famously took home the 1988 All-Star Game MVP, even though he came in with the lowest batting average among the starters. Things came full circle when he headed back to Minnesota for his final three seasons, letting the former University of Minnesota standout finish out his playing days in front of local fans before moving into a hitting instructor role with the club.

Terry Steinbach’s Baseball Career Overview

Terry Steinbach’s 14-year MLB career turned him into one of the most dependable catchers of his era, and he built up a pretty impressive list of accomplishments between 1986 and 1999.

Early Years and MLB Debut

Terry Lee Steinbach was born on March 2, 1962 in New Ulm, Minnesota. He got his start at the University of Minnesota, sharpening the skills that would eventually get him to the majors.

The Oakland Athletics picked him up in the 9th round of the 1983 MLB Draft, 215th overall. After some time in the minors, he made his big league debut on September 12, 1986, with the A’s.

Steinbach quickly showed he could handle the job, flashing solid defensive skills and a steady bat. In his rookie year, 1987, he made it clear he had the work ethic and baseball smarts that would stick with him for years.

Early on, Steinbach learned how to manage pitching staffs while working on his approach at the plate—skills that made him valuable for a long time.

Key Teams: Oakland Athletics and Minnesota Twins

Steinbach spent most of his career—11 seasons—with the Oakland Athletics (1986-1996). During that stretch, he became a big part of the team’s success in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. He was right in the thick of the “Bash Brothers” era, when Oakland pretty much ran the American League.

With the A’s, Steinbach played in three straight World Series from 1988 to 1990 and won the title in 1989 when Oakland swept the Giants. His steady hand behind the plate anchored one of the league’s toughest pitching staffs.

After leaving Oakland, Steinbach went back home to Minnesota, signing with the Twins for his last three seasons (1997-1999). While his offense dipped a bit, he brought much-needed veteran leadership to the Twins.

In his final year, 1999, Steinbach saw less playing time, sharing catching duties with Javier Valentin before hanging up his gear at the end of the season.

Major Achievements and Milestones

Steinbach made three All-Star teams (1988, 1989, 1993), showing he was right up there with the best catchers in the league. His standout All-Star moment came in 1988, when he took home MVP honors after hitting a home run and driving in another run with a sac fly.

He put together some strong offensive numbers: 1,453 hits, 162 home runs, and 745 RBIs, finishing with a .271 career batting average. For a catcher, he had sneaky power, especially during his prime in Oakland.

Defensively, Steinbach built a reputation as one of the most reliable catchers of his time. He handled pitching staffs with skill and earned respect for his game-calling and hard work.

Steinbach’s durability stood out—he played over 100 games in 10 different seasons. That kind of consistency made him a fan favorite in both Oakland and Minnesota, right up until he retired in 1999.

Role With the Oakland Athletics

Terry Steinbach spent most of his MLB years with the Oakland Athletics and became a key part of their success during those powerhouse seasons. His defense and steady offense helped the A’s become one of the teams to beat.

Contribution to the 1989 World Series Championship

Steinbach played a big role in the A’s 1989 World Series win over the Giants. During the earthquake-interrupted “Bay Bridge Series,” he came up with clutch hits and managed the pitching staff like a pro.

In the four-game sweep, Steinbach hit .273 and kept things steady behind the plate. His game-calling skills really showed when he worked with Oakland aces like Dave Stewart and Mike Moore.

Game 3 stood out—Steinbach drove in two big runs that helped seal the win. He blocked the plate, controlled the running game, and just generally made life tough for the Giants.

All-Star Game Selections

Steinbach made the All-Star team three times (1988, 1989, 1993) while with Oakland. His first appearance in 1988 shocked everyone—he homered and won MVP, even though he came in hitting just .217.

He followed that up with another strong showing in the 1989 All-Star Game. His final selection in 1993 capped off one of his best offensive seasons.

Every time he played in the All-Star Game, Steinbach reminded everyone why Oakland counted on him. He put up good numbers against top pitchers and showed off his glove on the big stage.

Relationship With Teammates and Coaching Staff

Steinbach earned respect in the A’s clubhouse for his hard work and baseball IQ. Manager Tony La Russa often praised his game-calling and leadership.

La Russa once said, “Terry was like having another coach on the field.” Pitchers liked working with Steinbach because he always came prepared and helped them work through tough spots.

He got along well with the “Bash Brothers,” Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco, which helped keep the team chemistry strong during those years. Steinbach’s steady presence balanced out some of the bigger personalities in the locker room.

By the time he left Oakland after 1996, Steinbach had racked up 1,050 hits and built a reputation as one of the most dependable catchers around. His .275 average with the A’s showed just how consistent he was at the plate.

Joining the Minnesota Twins

After 11 years in Oakland, Terry Steinbach went back to Minnesota for the final chapter of his career. His return brought leadership and experience to a Twins team that was still figuring things out.

Signing as a Free Agent

In December 1996, the Minnesota Twins signed Terry Steinbach as a free agent. The deal—a three-year, $6.2 million contract—was both a homecoming and a smart move for the team.

General Manager Terry Ryan saw Steinbach as more than just an offensive boost—he also wanted him to mentor the Twins’ young pitching staff. The three-time All-Star brought the kind of veteran presence the rebuilding Twins needed.

Steinbach’s Minnesota roots made him an instant hit at the Metrodome, and he fit right in with a roster that mixed experienced players and up-and-coming talent like Torii Hunter and LaTroy Hawkins.

Notable Games and Highlights

Steinbach’s Twins debut on Opening Day 1997 was one for the books—he homered against the Tigers, becoming the first Minnesota-born player to go deep for the Twins since 1971. He wrapped up that season with 14 homers and 61 RBIs.

On July 27, 1997, he had a huge game, going 4-for-5 with two homers and six RBIs against the Brewers. His leadership really showed during the Twins’ push late that season.

Steinbach often batted cleanup ahead of a young David Ortiz, and he caught Rick Aguilera’s 200th career save in 1998—a cool moment for both guys.

Working With Twins Pitchers

Steinbach’s influence on the Twins’ pitching staff was obvious right away. He worked closely with young arms like Eric Milton and LaTroy Hawkins, helping them figure out their approach and how to handle games.

He also worked well with veteran pitchers like Hector Carrasco and Mike Trombley. Pitching coach Dick Such regularly praised Steinbach’s prep work and knack for spotting hitters’ weaknesses.

By 1999, Steinbach split catching duties with Javier Valentin, mentoring the younger catcher while still holding his own defensively. Even as he played less, his game-calling stayed sharp.

Manager Tom Kelly often credited Steinbach for helping the pitching staff, noting that the team’s ERA improved when he was behind the plate. Steinbach’s knowledge of AL Central hitters gave the Twins an edge they hadn’t had before.

Offensive and Defensive Impact

Terry Steinbach left his mark on Major League Baseball with steady offense and strong defense. He helped the Oakland A’s win three straight AL pennants from 1988-1990, plus the 1989 World Series.

Career Home Runs and RBI

Steinbach showed solid power throughout his career, finishing with 162 home runs. For a catcher in that era, those numbers were nothing to sneeze at. His best power year came in 1996 with Oakland, when he hit 35 homers and drove in 100 runs.

He finished with 745 RBIs and had six seasons with 60 or more, proving he could drive in runs year after year.

Even in his late 30s with the Twins (1997-1999), Steinbach managed 35 home runs, showing he still had some pop left in his bat.

Batting and On-Base Performance

Steinbach’s .271 career batting average was pretty impressive for a catcher, especially during the pitcher-friendly late ‘80s and early ‘90s. He showed great discipline at the plate, striking out only 539 times in 5,513 at-bats.

He posted a .326 career on-base percentage, getting on base at a solid clip. Steinbach collected 1,493 hits, 255 doubles, and 19 triples to go along with his home runs.

His bat control stood out—he only struck out 65 more times than he walked (474 walks) during his entire career, which you don’t see often from power hitters. That discipline made him a valuable part of the lineup no matter where he hit.

Defensive Strengths as a Catcher

Steinbach really stood out defensively, throwing out 36% of would-be base stealers during his career—way above the league average. He used his technical skills behind the plate to save 27 runs defensively, at least according to the advanced stats.

Catching two no-hitters—Dave Stewart’s in 1990 and Eric Milton’s in 1999—might be his most memorable defensive feat. That kind of thing doesn’t just happen; it shows how sharp his game-calling and defensive instincts were.

He also showed impressive durability. Steinbach caught more than 100 games in eight different seasons, which is no joke considering how punishing that position can be. He guided the Athletics’ pitching staff during their championship runs from 1988-1990, providing a steady hand behind the plate.

Pitchers often praised Steinbach for how he managed games and framed pitches. He earned a reputation as one of his generation’s most respected defensive catchers.

Terry Steinbach’s Final MLB Season in 1999

In 1999, Terry Steinbach wrapped up his 14-year career by coming home to play for the Minnesota Twins. That season, he shifted into a part-time role and took on a bit of a mentor’s job with younger players.

Retirement Decision and Reflections

After 14 seasons in the majors, Steinbach called it a career after the 1999 season. It just felt right for the Minnesota native to finish things off with his hometown team.

At 37, his playing time had dropped a lot during his last year. He split catching duties with Javier Valentin in a platoon arrangement, which pretty much signaled the end was near.

“It just felt like the right time,” Steinbach said about his decision. He’d already checked off the big milestones: a World Series title with Oakland, three All-Star nods, and a solid run as a starting catcher.

The announcement came in November 1999, and Steinbach got to leave the game on his own terms, closing out a career that spanned 1,546 games behind the plate.

Impact on the Twins and the League

Steinbach’s last season with the Twins wasn’t about the numbers. His leadership meant more than any stat line.

The Twins leaned on his experience as a veteran catcher to help guide their young pitchers through a rebuilding phase. Steinbach’s knack for game-calling helped those young arms develop.

When he retired, the Twins had room for the next wave of catchers, like A.J. Pierzynski and eventually Joe Mauer.

Across the league, Steinbach kind of represented the old-school catcher—a guy who could handle the glove and still hold his own at the plate. His .271 career batting average and three All-Star appearances set a pretty high bar.

Minnesota fans got to see the New Ulm native finish up with the Twins. For a lot of folks, that just felt right.

Life After Baseball

After he hung up his catcher’s mitt in 1999, Terry Steinbach stayed close to baseball and dug deeper into his Minnesota roots.

Coaching and Mentoring Roles

Steinbach didn’t wander far from the game. He joined the Minnesota Twins coaching staff as bench coach from 2013-2014, working with Ron Gardenhire.

His All-Star experience made him a great fit for working with young talent. Steinbach spent a lot of time with Twins catchers, passing on the defensive and game-calling skills he’d picked up over his career.

He also got involved in baseball clinics and youth programs, helping to shape the next generation of Minnesota ballplayers. People who worked with him say his patient teaching style and deep baseball know-how made a real difference.

Minnesota Connections and Community Involvement

Back in New Ulm, Steinbach really leaned into his homecoming. He even played amateur town ball the summer after he retired, just for the love of the game.

He pops up at Target Field for Twins events and alumni gatherings. Fans remember him both for his Oakland days and his finish with the Twins, and he’s still a hometown favorite.

Steinbach has made community service a big part of his life since retiring. He regularly joins charity events around Minnesota, raising money for youth sports and local causes.

He’s become a respected community leader in New Ulm, always finding ways to support baseball and youth activities in town.

Legacy and Honors

Terry Steinbach left his mark on baseball with his steady play and leadership for both the Oakland Athletics and Minnesota Twins. His impact goes beyond just his playing days.

Consideration for Hall of Fame

Steinbach hasn’t made it into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but his career numbers keep him in the conversation with baseball historians. He finished with a .271 average, 162 homers, and 661 RBIs over 14 seasons. His defensive skills and the way he handled pitching staffs add a lot to his overall case.

That World Series ring with Oakland only adds to his legacy, even if Hall of Fame votes haven’t gone his way. Some analysts say his three All-Star selections and 1988 All-Star Game MVP deserve a closer look.

Recognition Within MLB Circles

Steinbach really earned a lot of respect around the league for how he called games and led his teammates. Probably his biggest moment came in the 1988 All-Star Game—he knocked a home run, drove in two runs, and somehow took home MVP honors, even though he came in with the lowest batting average of all the starters. Not bad, right?

When he retired in 1999, Steinbach didn’t just walk away. He jumped right back in as a coach with the Minnesota Twins and started passing on what he’d learned to younger players. His ties to Minnesota run pretty deep. Folks there still talk about him as one of the state’s best-ever baseball players, and he made it into the M Club Hall of Fame at the University of Minnesota.

Players from those Athletics dynasty teams in 1988-1990 often mention Steinbach’s impact. He played a huge part in their success, especially when it came to working with the pitching staff during those championship years.