Tim Learynull – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

When you talk about pitchers from the ’80s and ’90s, Tim Leary often gets overlooked, but honestly, he put together a pretty solid career. The righty spent 13 seasons in the majors, bouncing around six teams before finally calling it quits in 1994 at age 35 with the Texas Rangers. Leary wrapped up his career with 78 wins, 105 losses, and a 4.36 ERA over 292 starts and 55 relief appearances.

Leary’s baseball journey had its share of ups and downs. The New York Mets picked him second overall in the 1979 draft, and he made his MLB debut in 1981. His best year, no doubt, was 1988 with the Los Angeles Dodgers—he went 17-11 and helped the team win the World Series. After that, he pitched for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and Seattle Mariners before his final season in Texas.

Leary never really grabbed the spotlight like some flashier stars, but his durability and stubborn persistence made him a valuable rotation piece for over a decade. He bounced back from early injuries and carved out a respectable place in baseball history before his retirement in 1994.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Tim Leary’s path to Major League Baseball started long before his first appearance with the New York Mets in 1981. The foundation for his 13-year big league career really began in his younger days.

Childhood and High School Years

Timothy James Leary was born on December 23, 1958, in Santa Monica, California. Growing up in sunny Southern California meant he got to play baseball year-round, which, let’s be honest, is a dream for any kid. At Santa Monica High School, he quickly made a name for himself as a standout pitcher.

Leary’s powerful right arm and sharp pitching mechanics caught the eyes of college scouts and pro teams. He racked up impressive strikeout numbers and showed great control throughout his high school days.

By senior year, Leary had earned All-League and All-State honors, solidifying his reputation as one of the top pitching prospects in the area.

UCLA Baseball Achievements

Leary stuck close to home for college, heading to UCLA on a baseball scholarship. Between 1977 and 1979, he became a key pitcher for the Bruins, putting up a 21-15 record during his time there.

At UCLA, he really sharpened his pitching skills thanks to some strong coaching. His efforts helped lift the Bruins’ baseball program to new levels.

Leary also managed to balance sports and school, earning a degree in Economics. Not everyone can pull that off. Later, the Bruins recognized his achievements and inducted him into the UCLA Bruins Athletics Hall of Fame while he was with the Yankees.

Draft and Entry into Professional Baseball

Leary’s impressive college run made him a hot commodity for the 1979 MLB Draft. The New York Mets saw the potential and picked him in the first round.

After signing, Leary worked his way through the Mets’ minor league system. He moved up quickly, showing the poise and skill you’d expect from a top pick.

He finally made his MLB debut on April 12, 1981, for the New York Mets. Unfortunately, injuries complicated his early pro years, but his strong amateur foundation helped him fight through the tough times.

From Santa Monica to the big leagues, Leary’s determination really stood out and defined his 13-year MLB run.

Major League Debut and Development

Leary jumped into pro baseball with a lot of hype, but things got rough pretty fast. High draft pick, big expectations, then—bam—injuries that set him back.

Joining the New York Mets

The New York Mets picked Leary second overall in the 1979 draft, clearly betting big on his right arm. He spent almost two years in the minors, fine-tuning his mechanics and building up arm strength.

On April 12, 1981, he finally debuted in the majors at age 22. The Mets hoped he’d anchor their rotation for years, maybe even join the ranks with Dwight Gooden, Ron Darling, and Sid Fernandez.

Early Challenges and Injuries

Leary’s big league career started off rough. In his first game, he faced just seven batters before elbow problems forced him out. That injury was no joke—it held him back and really messed with the Mets’ plans.

He spent a long stretch recovering and didn’t make it back to the majors until 1983. While he worked through rehab, the Mets kept building a strong pitching staff. Leary’s early injuries made it tough for him to grab a steady spot in New York’s rotation.

Rise with the Los Angeles Dodgers

Leary’s career took a sharp turn after he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers. He finally started living up to that first-round hype and became a reliable starter, helping the Dodgers win a championship.

Breakout Seasons

Leary landed with the Dodgers in 1987 and quickly found his groove. After years of battling injuries, he finally put it all together in Los Angeles.

His breakout year came in 1988. He went 17-11 with a 2.91 ERA—pretty impressive stuff. Over 228.2 innings, he showed he could handle a heavy workload and still get results.

Manager Tommy Lasorda counted on him in big moments, and Leary usually delivered. He developed a nasty sinker that got him a lot of ground balls and kept hitters off balance.

1988 World Series Championship

Leary played a key role in the Dodgers’ wild 1988 season that ended with a World Series win. In the NLCS against the Mets, he came out of the bullpen twice, including a clutch relief stint in Game 4.

In the World Series against the powerhouse Oakland Athletics, Leary pitched in Game 3, giving the Dodgers solid innings after Kirk Gibson’s legendary Game 1 homer. He wasn’t the starter, but his 3.2 innings of relief definitely helped.

That championship was the high point of Leary’s career. He backed up guys like Orel Hershiser and added depth to a strong Dodgers staff.

After the title run, Leary stayed a solid starter for the Dodgers until they traded him to Cincinnati in 1989.

Career Highlights and Notable Performances

Leary’s 13 years in the majors weren’t always flashy, but he had some big moments. He fought back from early injuries and put up some memorable performances.

Comeback Player of the Year Award

Leary’s career took a big turn in 1988 when he won the Comeback Player of the Year. After years of injuries, he finally found his stride with the Dodgers.

That season was his best—17-11 record, 2.91 ERA, 35 games pitched. He played a huge part in the Dodgers’ championship run.

It’s hard not to respect the way he bounced back. He went from a top draft pick who got hurt in his first MLB start with the Mets to a key piece on a World Series team.

Memorable Games and Achievements

Leary threw six complete game shutouts in 1988, which is nothing to sneeze at. He could eat up innings and keep teams off the scoreboard.

He even had a few games where he helped himself with the bat. At Wrigley Field, he tossed a complete game and chipped in offensively—a rare sight for AL pitchers.

Back at UCLA, he set records with 16 complete games and racked up 258 strikeouts, which was fourth-best in school history at that point. His college career finished at 21-15 with a 3.09 ERA.

Leary’s pro career ran from 1981 to 1994, ending with the Texas Rangers. Sure, his career record was 78-105, but his perseverance and comeback story are what really stand out.

Transitions Between Teams

Leary bounced around quite a bit during his MLB career, adapting to different teams and roles in both the American and National Leagues.

California Angels and Cleveland Indians Years

After the Mets drafted him in 1979, Leary struggled with injuries, then got traded to the Milwaukee Brewers and later to the California Angels in 1985. His time with the Angels was short but important for getting his career back on track.

In 1987, he moved to the Cleveland Indians, where he kept working on his pitching. The team was rebuilding, so it wasn’t the easiest spot, but Leary used that time to refine his control and add to his pitch mix.

His stats with the Angels and Indians weren’t eye-popping, but those years helped him grow as a big league pitcher.

San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates Stints

After his Dodgers run, Leary went to the Cincinnati Reds and then the New York Yankees. Once he left the Yankees, he joined the San Diego Padres, shifting more into a spot starter and reliever role.

With the Padres, he didn’t get many starts, but his experience made him useful in a flexible role.

He also spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he helped mentor some of the younger pitchers. Teams seemed to appreciate his veteran presence, even as his playing days wound down.

By 1993, Leary hit free agency and signed with the Montreal Expos in March 1994, which ended up being his last stop before retirement. He moved around a lot near the end, but he always found ways to contribute.

Pitching Style and Role on the Mound

Tim Leary’s approach on the mound mixed power pitching with adaptability. He wasn’t afraid to change things up as his career went on, and that willingness to evolve helped him stick around in the majors a lot longer than most thought he would.

Pitch Selection and Strategies

Leary built his pitching game around a strong fastball, and that pitch really anchored his approach on the mound. After the 1994 season, he actually drove from Santa Monica to Tijuana just to pick up a split-finger pitch in the Mexican Leagues. That kind of commitment says a lot—he knew pitchers have to keep evolving if they want to stay effective.

At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Leary had the kind of frame that let him put real force behind his pitches. His mechanics helped him last deep into games when things were working.

Leary liked to work the corners of the strike zone instead of just trying to blow hitters away. He mixed up his pitch selection depending on the situation and who he was facing.

Closers and Relief Appearances

Even though most people remember Leary as a starter during his 15-year pro career, he took on relief roles here and there. Managers valued his ability to fill different spots when needed. In the 1994 season, Leary struggled in road appearances, posting a rough 12.00 ERA across 9 innings, giving up 15 hits and 12 earned runs.

He didn’t really get used like the top closers of his day—guys like Bruce Sutter came in for those high-pressure saves, but Leary usually didn’t. His pitching coach kept working with him on keeping his mechanics steady, whether he started or came out of the bullpen.

Over 10 years in the majors with teams like the Mets, Brewers, and Dodgers, Leary showed he could adapt as teams shifted him around. That flexibility kept him in the game longer than most.

Spring Training and Seasonal Preparations

Tim Leary took spring training seriously. He focused on staying in shape and fine-tuning his pitching mechanics, especially as his career edged toward its end in 1994. His work ethic and relationships with coaches played a big part in those final seasons.

Notable Preseason Performances

In 1994, Leary signed a minor league deal with the Montreal Expos and got an invite to their big league camp. That spring, he turned in a 5.43 ERA while pitching for the Ottawa Lynx, the Expos’ triple-A team.

People at the West Palm Beach training facility noticed that Leary didn’t always look dialed in. Maybe that’s understandable. By then, he’d been through plenty—starting with the Mets and winning a World Series with the Dodgers.

Unlike legends like Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews who somehow kept their edge late into their careers, Leary just couldn’t quite capture his old form in those last spring training sessions.

Training with Teammates and Coaches

Leary, a 6’3″, 205-pound righty, turned into a mentor for younger players during spring training. Pitching for so many teams, he picked up a lot from different coaches.

He focused on mechanical consistency over pure velocity, which says a lot about his baseball smarts and how he adjusted as his body changed. Leary worked with coaches to sharpen his breaking pitches once his fastball lost a bit of zip.

That mindset paid off later when he went back to UCLA as a pitching coach. From 1997 to 2000, Leary coached Bruin pitchers, using his own spring training lessons to help the next wave of talent.

Later Career and Retirement in 1994

Tim Leary’s baseball ride wrapped up with some tough seasons before he retired in 1994. Those last years showed flashes of his old stuff, but the struggles piled up and eventually he decided to hang it up.

Final Seasons in MLB

Leary spent his final years bouncing between teams as his performance slipped. After his run with the Dodgers and that 1988 World Series title, he landed with the Yankees. In the early ‘90s, though, he just wasn’t the same pitcher.

By 1992, his ERA climbed well above what he managed in his prime. Managers tried him in both starting and relief roles, searching for the right fit as his game changed. His fastball lost some heat, so he leaned more on control and experience.

In 1993, Leary signed with the Mariners, hoping for a fresh start, but it just didn’t click. His outings got fewer and farther between.

Decision to Retire

Leary made his last MLB appearance with the Texas Rangers on August 9, 1994, at 35. The timing lined up with the player strike that wiped out the rest of that season and the World Series.

He finished with a 78-105 record, 1,207 strikeouts, and a 4.36 ERA over 13 seasons. Sure, those numbers don’t scream “all-time great,” but you can’t ignore how he battled through injuries and kept coming back.

The 1990s saw a lot of players from Leary’s era step away from the game. At 35, with not many chances left, he chose retirement over chasing one more shot when the strike finally ended.

Born December 23, 1958, in Santa Monica, California, Leary later circled back to UCLA as a pitching coach, eager to pass his knowledge to the next generation.

Life After Baseball

After retiring in 1994, Tim Leary didn’t just disappear—he stayed close to the game, sharing his pitching know-how and keeping up with the baseball community.

Coaching and Mentoring

Leary went back to UCLA as a pitching coach from 1997-2000, bringing his major league experience to help young pitchers. Some of those guys went on to have solid pro careers.

After UCLA, he built a reputation as a private pitching instructor around Southern California. Players like Brad Peacock and Chris Taylor benefited from his coaching, especially his focus on pitching fundamentals.

He always tells his students, “Pitching is as much about mindset as it is about physical ability,” drawing from his own 13 years in the majors.

Involvement with Former Teams

Leary kept close ties with the Dodgers, joining alumni events and fantasy camps. Being both a UCLA star and a Dodgers pitcher made him a natural go-between for those two LA baseball worlds.

He sometimes shows up as a guest instructor during Yankees spring training, reconnecting with players like Yu Darvish and George Springer as they come up.

Leary also gives back through charity events, especially those supporting youth baseball in underserved areas. He helps with fundraising games and clinics, passing along his pitching expertise and love for the sport.

Personal Life and Legacy

Tim Leary’s story goes way past his baseball stats. His induction into the UCLA Bruins Athletics Hall of Fame while still playing for the Yankees says a lot about the impact he made as a college player.

Health and Cancer Battle

After his playing days ended in 1994, Leary faced some big health battles. Not everyone knows it, but he fought cancer with the same grit he showed on the mound. Teammates often talk about how bravely he dealt with the illness.

The baseball community stepped up, organizing fundraisers and support events. His old Dodgers teammates really rallied around him, showing how deep those championship bonds go.

Leary used his experience as a cancer survivor to raise awareness about early detection and treatment. He visited hospitals, meeting with cancer patients—especially young baseball fans—hoping to give them a little hope and encouragement.

Impact on Teammates and Baseball

Leary’s impact on baseball went way beyond just his stats. When he played with the 1988 World Series champion Dodgers, he helped build one of the sport’s classic underdog stories. His teammates often talked about his relentless work ethic and how much he mentored younger players.

Once he retired, Leary headed back to his old stomping grounds and took on a pitching coach role at UCLA from 1997 to 2000. He got the chance to shape up-and-coming pitchers—some of them even made it to the majors.

Fernando Viña, who broke into the big leagues in the early ‘90s, has talked about how Leary changed the way he approached the game. Viña actually credits Leary with showing him how to break down hitters and pick up on their habits.

These days, Leary still finds ways to stay involved with baseball. He runs coaching clinics and keeps up a pretty active social media presence, where he drops pitching tips and muses about how the game’s changing.