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

Tim Teufel put together a steady 11-year run in the majors, playing from 1983 to 1993 with the Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres. Most folks remember him for his role with the 1986 World Series champion Mets, where he shared second base duties. Tim Teufel retired from professional baseball in 1993 after wrapping up his last season with the Padres. He finished his career with 86 home runs and a reputation for steady defense all around the infield.

After he hung up his cleats, Teufel stuck around the game. He jumped into coaching and managed in the Mets’ minor league system, working his way through different levels. It’s always interesting to see how some players just can’t leave baseball behind, even after their playing days.

Tim Teufel’s Early Life and Amateur Career

Teufel’s path to the big leagues started in Connecticut, where he honed his baseball skills before moving on to college and then getting drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 1980.

Growing Up in Connecticut

Timothy Shawn Teufel was born on July 7, 1958 in Greenwich, Connecticut. Growing up in that well-off Connecticut town, he found plenty of opportunities to play ball and develop his talent. Even as a kid, Teufel looked like he had something special going on the diamond.

He played infield at Greenwich High School, where he started to show off the defensive flexibility and hitting that would become his trademarks later on.

Connecticut baseball in the ’70s was no cakewalk, and Teufel got a taste of tough competition early. His high school numbers got college scouts interested, and that set him up for the next step.

College Baseball Beginnings

Teufel headed to Clemson University, where he faced some of the best college players in the country. Playing for the Clemson Tigers gave him the chance to sharpen his approach at the plate and get even better in the field.

At Clemson, Teufel started to look like a legit pro prospect, showing surprising pop for a middle infielder. His hitting and field smarts really took off, and scouts took notice.

His college stats proved he could handle both sides of the game. That mix of defense and offense made him a hot name in the draft rooms.

Draft and Minor League Journey

The Minnesota Twins picked Teufel in the second round of the 1980 MLB Draft, and that’s when his pro career got rolling. He jumped into the minors and adjusted to pro pitching pretty quickly.

Teufel moved up through the Twins’ system, showing off his line-drive swing. He really settled in at second base, but managers liked that he could fill in all over the infield.

In the minors, Teufel built a reputation for working hard and grinding it out—traits that stuck with him in the majors. After a strong Triple-A stint, he got the call to the Twins in 1983 and kicked off his 11-year MLB career.

Those years in the minors gave him a solid foundation, and when the 1986 World Champion Mets came calling, he was ready.

New York Mets Era

Teufel’s time with the New York Mets really stands out in his career. He played a key role in the team’s success during the late ’80s, and his years in Queens are what most fans remember.

1986 Mets and World Championship Season

Teufel landed with the New York Mets in 1986 after a trade from Minnesota. He couldn’t have picked a better time to join—the 1986 Mets steamrolled the National League with 108 regular-season wins.

He split time at second base with Wally Backman, usually starting against lefties. Manager Davey Johnson liked to play the matchups, and Teufel fit right in.

Game 1 of the World Series against Boston wasn’t his best moment—he made an error that cost the Mets the game. But Teufel shook it off and helped the team fight back. The Mets came from behind to win the series in seven, and that comeback is legendary.

Teufel’s ability to bounce back under pressure said a lot about him.

Role as Second Baseman and Utility Player

For most of his Mets career, Teufel played second base in a platoon, but he could cover third and first base too. That flexibility made him a handy piece for the Mets.

Defensively, he had a steady glove at second. Managers liked being able to move him around when needed, especially as the roster changed.

Offensively, Teufel brought some pop for a middle infielder. His right-handed swing worked well at Shea Stadium, and he put up decent numbers, especially against lefties.

Fans got a kick out of the “Teufel Shuffle”—the little hip wiggle he did before every pitch.

Notable Games at Shea Stadium

Teufel gave Mets fans plenty to cheer about at Shea. On June 10, 1986, he crushed a grand slam against the Phillies in a big divisional game.

On August 3, 1987, he went 4-for-5 with two homers against the Cubs, powering the Mets to a comeback win in extras.

And in September 1988, with the Mets battling for the division, Teufel delivered a walk-off hit against the Pirates. That clutch single kept the Mets in the race.

The Shea Stadium crowd could be tough, but Teufel’s steady play won them over.

Key Teammates and Managers

Teufel shared the clubhouse with some real Mets stars. Darryl Strawberry brought the thunder, and Howard Johnson was a super versatile infielder.

Teufel and Wally Backman made a great platoon at second, their different styles working well together under Davey Johnson’s strategy.

On the mound, Teufel played behind pitchers like Ron Darling and Dwight Gooden. Later, he worked with coaches like Mel Stottlemyre.

Manager Davey Johnson trusted Teufel in big spots, and you could see that in the way he used him when the stakes were high.

Standout Performances and Signature Moments

Teufel’s 11 years in the majors had their share of highlights—clutch hits, big defensive plays, and some memorable power displays. He made a real impact on the 1986 Mets and proved himself as a valuable utility guy.

World Series Highlights

Teufel played a part in the 1986 World Series with the Mets, appearing in three games against Boston.

In Game 1, he started at second but made a costly error that let the Red Sox score the winning run. Not his best moment, but he didn’t let it define him.

He bounced back, and the Mets rallied to win the series. Teufel’s ability to shake off that tough play and move forward really stood out.

Walk-Off Grand Slam and Multi-RBI Games

One of Teufel’s top moments came when he blasted a walk-off grand slam—a reminder that he could come through in the clutch. Not bad for a guy who wasn’t known as a big slugger.

He had a knack for multi-RBI games, especially against lefties. When the team needed a big hit, Teufel often delivered.

Even early in his career with the Twins, he put up some games with three or more RBIs, showing he could do more than just field his position.

Batting Average, Home Runs, and Record Stats

Teufel wrapped up his career with a solid stat line, especially for a middle infielder. Over 11 seasons, he hit 86 home runs—not too shabby.

His best year came in 1987 with the Mets, when he hit .308 with 14 homers. That combo of average and power made him a real asset.

He hit lefties especially well, which made him perfect for platoon roles. His career average settled at .254, and his .419 slugging percentage showed he could drive the ball.

He finished with over 500 hits and 300 RBIs, numbers that reflect his steady contributions whether starting or coming off the bench.

Key Double Plays and Defensive Plays

Although folks mostly talk about his bat, Teufel could handle himself in the field. He turned plenty of key double plays and held his own at second.

Managers liked his defensive versatility, and he played all over the infield, though second base was home.

During the Mets’ 1986 run, Teufel made some big defensive plays that helped seal wins. His glove work really complemented his hitting.

With the San Diego Padres later on, Teufel kept playing solid defense and even helped mentor younger guys coming up.

Later MLB Career: Padres, Cubs, and Beyond

After the Mets, Teufel’s career took him out west and then to the Midwest. He leaned on his experience and flexibility as he took on new roles.

San Diego Padres and Career Transition

Once the Mets won it all in ’86, Teufel eventually found himself in San Diego. The Padres brought him in before the 1991 season, hoping he’d bring some veteran stability to their infield. In San Diego, his job changed quite a bit from his days as a regular starter.

He mostly served as a utility player and pinch hitter. In 1991, Teufel played in 113 games but started less than half. His batting average hovered around .250 during his Padres stint.

He still had some pop, though—like the time he hit two solo shots against the Braves in July 1991. Even late in his career, he could make left-handed pitchers pay.

Chicago Cubs Tenure

The Chicago Cubs brought in Teufel for the 1992 season, hoping his veteran presence could steady their infield. His stint in Chicago didn’t last long, but he made an impression in the clubhouse and filled the utility role well.

With the Cubs, Teufel mostly came off the bench as a pinch hitter and sometimes started at second base. He played in 77 games, hitting about .230 with 5 home runs. Not eye-popping numbers, but he chipped in where he could.

Manager Jim Lefebvre really appreciated Teufel’s experience and knack for delivering solid at-bats in big moments. Even as his time on the field shrank, Teufel’s baseball smarts mattered to a Cubs team that was mixing in a lot of young faces.

Final Playing Days and Retirement Announcement

Teufel wrapped up his MLB career in 1993, returning to the Mets, the team where he’d had his best years. At 35, he accepted a smaller role as a veteran off the bench.

He only got into 40 games during his last season in 1993, but he managed to pick up his final MLB hit on September 25 against the Montreal Expos.

After the 1993 season ended, Teufel became a free agent and retired from pro baseball. He played 11 seasons with four clubs, finishing with 86 home runs, 379 RBIs, and a .254 lifetime average in 1,083 games.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Tim Teufel’s impact on baseball goes well beyond his stats. He left a real mark through his presence in the clubhouse, championship run, and his role during a changing era in the game.

Influence on Teammates and Fans

Teufel built a reputation as a reliable teammate over his 11 years in the majors. His steady approach to the game earned him respect wherever he landed. Plenty of guys from the 1986 World Champion Mets have singled out Teufel’s positive influence during that wild season.

He played with a gritty, determined style that fans in New York and Minnesota really appreciated. Teufel had a knack for coming through in big spots, making him a favorite even if he wasn’t the biggest name on the roster.

After hanging up his cleats, Teufel kept shaping the game as a minor league manager and coach. He dedicated himself to helping young infielders grow, sharing what he’d learned over the years.

Recognition as a World Champion

Teufel’s biggest career highlight came as part of the legendary 1986 New York Mets, one of the most unforgettable teams in baseball history. He split time at second base with Wally Backman but still made key contributions during their championship run.

That 1986 World Series against Boston is still talked about for its drama. Teufel played his part in that series, and it cemented his place in baseball history, even though he wasn’t always in the starting lineup.

His championship experience became a calling card for the rest of his career. Teams wanted him not just for his skills, but for the winning mentality he brought to the clubhouse.

Role in Baseball History

Teufel’s career spanned a time of big changes in baseball (1983-1993), bridging old-school and modern styles. He played every infield spot at some point, kind of a preview of today’s utility guys.

And who could forget the “Teufel Shuffle”? That little hip wiggle before he swung became his trademark and gave fans something to remember. It added a bit of personality to the game in his era, honestly.

After retiring, Teufel stayed involved as a coach and manager, including a stretch with the Mets’ big league staff. His story shows you don’t have to be a superstar to leave a lasting legacy in baseball—contributions come in all shapes and sizes.

Post-Retirement Career and Coaching Roles

Once he retired in 1993, Tim Teufel didn’t waste much time jumping into coaching and managing. He’s spent years working his way up through the Mets organization, holding all sorts of coaching jobs at both the minor and major league levels.

Managerial Roles in Minor Leagues

Teufel started his post-playing days with the Mets in 1998 as a scout. By 2001, he took on a bigger role as the Minor League infield coordinator, helping develop up-and-coming players and sharpening his own coaching chops.

From 2001 to 2011, Teufel managed teams at different levels in the Mets’ system, including:

• Brooklyn Cyclones (Short-Season A)
• St. Lucie Mets (Advanced A)
• Binghamton Mets (Double-A)
• Buffalo Bisons (Triple-A)

He earned a reputation for developing players and thinking the game through. Plenty of prospects moved up the ladder with his help.

Third Base Coach for the Mets

In 2012, the Mets promoted Teufel to Major League third base coach. They recognized his baseball smarts and his knack for working with young talent.

As third base coach, Teufel had to make those quick calls—send the runner or hold him up? He also worked closely with infielders, helping them with positioning and technique.

He held that job during the Mets’ resurgence, including the 2015 NL Championship and World Series run. Teufel’s steady hand and baseball IQ made him a trusted part of Terry Collins’ staff.

Bench Coach and Other Staff Positions

After his stint as third base coach, Teufel moved into other important jobs with the Mets. He spent time as bench coach, helping with strategy and player management.

Teufel’s always been adaptable. When he wasn’t coaching at the big league level, he worked as an infield instructor and minor league coordinator.

His place on the 1986 Mets has kept him popular at reunions and team events. Teufel’s stayed connected to the Mets in one role or another for years.

No matter the job, Teufel has built a reputation as a calm, knowledgeable coach who knows how to teach the game.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Off the field, Tim Teufel has focused on family, overcoming health setbacks, and giving back to the communities that cheered him on.

Family Life and Connections

Since retiring, Teufel has kept his family life pretty private. He married his wife Valerie early on, and together they raised their kids away from the spotlight. The Teufels settled in Greenwich, Connecticut, where they’ve lived for years.

Family has always been important to him. Back in his playing days with the Twins and Mets, Teufel often talked about how much his family’s support meant during the ups and downs of his career.

His son Shawn picked a different sport, playing college golf instead of baseball.

Health Challenges and Recovery

Like a lot of former athletes, Teufel has faced some tough health challenges since leaving the game. In the early 2010s, he was diagnosed with leukemia. Treatment took him away from coaching for a while with the Mets.

He tackled cancer with the same determination he showed on the field. After treatment, he reached remission and got back to coaching, inspiring plenty of people along the way.

Teufel also had hip surgery later in life—a pretty common thing for athletes who put their bodies through the wringer. He worked through physical therapy and adjusted his workouts to stay healthy.

Charity and Community Contributions

Teufel has stayed close to baseball through community work and charity. He started the Tim Teufel Celebrity Golf Tournament, which has raised a lot of money for different causes, especially youth programs.

As a Mets club ambassador, he’s active in outreach—hospital visits, youth clinics, you name it.

His experience with leukemia pushed him to support research and awareness. He’s spoken at fundraisers about the need for early detection and treatment.

Teufel also mentors young players as a roving minor league infield instructor, sharing both baseball know-how and life advice with the next generation.

Notable Games and Rivalries

During his 11 MLB seasons, Tim Teufel played in plenty of memorable games, especially against rival teams. He showed off both his bat and glove in key moments with the Twins, Mets, and Padres.

Highlights Against the Houston Astros

Teufel had some big games against the Houston Astros. One that stands out happened in 1986 with the Mets—he went 3-for-4 with a homer and 3 RBIs at the Astrodome.

He seemed to have Houston’s number for a while. In a 1987 series, he racked up 7 hits in 3 games, including a couple doubles and another home run.

Back in 1984 with the Twins, he drove in 4 runs and scored twice in a 9-2 win over Houston. Not bad against a tough pitching staff.

Memorable Series Versus the Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox played a big part in Teufel’s career highlights. In September 1986 at Fenway, he helped the Mets win two games with clutch hitting and steady defense.

Game 4 of the 1986 World Series against Boston stands out, too. He didn’t start most games, but his pinch-hitting helped the Mets on their way to a championship.

With the Twins, Teufel had a two-homer, 5-RBI game against Boston in 1984—pretty impressive for a middle infielder.

He actually hit .276 against the Red Sox for his career, a bit better than his overall average.

Games Versus Dodgers, Phillies, and Others

Teufel often came up big against the Philadelphia Phillies. During the heated Mets-Phillies rivalry in the mid-80s, he got caught up in a bench-clearing brawl that led to fines for eight players. Teufel later joked it was “money well spent” to stand up for his teammates.

He also delivered in key spots against the Dodgers, especially in the 1988 NLCS, even though the Mets fell short that year.

Teufel handled himself well against the Expos and Pirates, too, filling in all over the infield and helping out in divisional games.

Against the Braves, he kept up a .282 average for his career, always seeming to find a way to get on base against their pitchers.

Clutch Performances in Rival Matchups

Teufel built his reputation as a reliable performer in high-pressure situations, especially during big rivalry games. In 1987 with the Mets, he came through with a game-winning hit against the St. Louis Cardinals in a September showdown that had playoff stakes.

He really shined against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 12, 1984. Playing for the Twins, Teufel tore it up—going 4-for-5 with two home runs and six RBIs to help seal a wild 11-8 win.

Later in his career, facing the Chicago White Sox during interleague play, Teufel kept showing up in clutch moments. In 1992 with the Padres, he smacked a pinch-hit double in the eighth inning that drove in the winning run.

Teufel just had a knack for stepping up during rivalry matchups, and fans noticed. His teammates appreciated it too.

Statistics, Milestones, and Honors

Tim Teufel put together a solid big league career over 11 seasons, racking up milestones mostly as a second baseman for four different teams. He grabbed a World Series championship and pulled off some memorable individual performances that still pop up in baseball record books.

Career Milestones and Records

His biggest career moment? He won a World Series with the New York Mets in 1986. Teufel also managed two 5-hit games, including one on April 14, 1993, during his last season with the San Diego Padres. That night, he went 5-for-5, even though the Padres ended up losing.

Teufel played in 1,073 MLB games, showing his durability and value. From 1983 to 1993, he suited up for the Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, San Diego Padres, and Texas Rangers.

In his final season, 1993, Teufel actually hit pretty well on the road. He appeared in 47 games with 101 at-bats, knocking out 23 hits, including 6 doubles, a triple, and 2 home runs.

Statistical Overview

Career Batting Statistics:

Category	Total
Games	1,073
At-Bats	3,161
Hits	810
Home Runs	86
RBIs	379
Batting Average	.254

Teufel mainly played second base, but he moved around the infield, handling third base and first base when needed. At 6’0″ and 175 pounds, he batted and threw right-handed.

He started his pro journey in the late 1970s in the minors before breaking into MLB and sticking around until 1993. Those minor league years helped him sharpen his skills before he became a regular in the big leagues.

Awards and Honors

Teufel didn’t pile up individual awards, but being part of the 1986 World Series champion Mets is a pretty big deal. That team’s still remembered as one of the most dominant—and let’s be honest, entertaining—squads of the ’80s.

He split second base duties during that championship run, but his contributions mattered. Fans still remember his role.

After hanging up his spikes, Teufel stuck around the game in coaching roles. He brought his baseball smarts to every job, earning plenty of respect across the sport. People saw him as a real asset, on and off the field.

Relationships with Teammates and Coaches

Tim Teufel made some strong connections during his career, building relationships with teammates and coaches that really shaped his time in the majors. He always seemed to put the team first and stayed open to learning from everyone around him.

Work with Ron Darling and Wally Backman

Teufel and Ron Darling built up a mutual respect during their Mets days. As second baseman, Teufel worked alongside Darling, turning double plays and backing him up with steady infield defense.

He and Wally Backman shared second base for the 1986 Mets, forming a pretty effective platoon. They both wanted more playing time, but kept things professional and supportive. Teufel usually started against lefties, Backman against righties.

“Wally and I understood our roles,” Teufel once said. “We both wanted to win, and that common goal kept us focused.”

That approach worked—manager Davey Johnson got flexibility, and both guys stayed fresh all season.

Insights from Mel Stottlemyre

Teufel learned a lot from pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre. Stottlemyre was known for his pitching knowledge, and he helped Teufel get a better handle on pitcher tendencies and where to position himself.

Their talks about pitch sequences and defensive setups made Teufel a smarter fielder. Stottlemyre liked Teufel’s baseball IQ and his willingness to move around based on the situation.

That relationship paid off later, too. When Teufel started coaching, he drew on what Stottlemyre taught him.

Even after their playing days, they kept in touch through baseball’s coaching circles.

Connections to Thurman Munson and Others

Teufel didn’t play with Thurman Munson, but he still looked up to him as a leader. He studied Munson’s career and tried to bring that same team-first attitude.

Howard Johnson, or “HoJo,” became a close friend while they played for the Mets. Together, they anchored an infield that could hit and field.

“Tim was the kind of teammate who made everyone better,” Johnson said. “He had a positive influence on the clubhouse.”

Their friendship lasted beyond their playing careers. Both came back to the Mets organization in coaching roles, with Teufel serving as a roving instructor starting in 2001.

Influence in Pop Culture and Media

Tim Teufel’s impact stretches well past his playing days. His style and his role with the 1986 World Series Mets have kept him in baseball conversations and pop culture.

Portrayals in Baseball Literature

Jeff Pearlman’s “The Bad Guys Won!” features Teufel, digging into the wild ride of the 1986 Mets. And who could forget the “Teufel Shuffle”—that quirky batting stance of his—which shows up in plenty of baseball memoirs.

Roger Angell, writing for The New Yorker, captured Teufel’s contributions in his essays about the Mets’ dramatic 1986 season.

Teufel’s legal troubles in 1986 (he and three teammates got arrested in Houston) have been covered in books about the wild side of ’80s baseball, including “Kings of Queens” by Erik Sherman.

Media Interviews and Appearances

Teufel’s been a regular guest on sports radio over the years, sharing stories from his playing and coaching days. Fans and baseball historians still want his take on those championship Mets teams.

He appeared in the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary “Once Upon a Time in Queens,” offering honest reflections on that unforgettable 1986 season.

As a Mets coach after retirement, Teufel’s done plenty of TV interviews during spring training and games, breaking down infield play and team development for viewers.

Inspiration to Future Generations

Teufel’s journey from a college baseball standout to a World Series champion still manages to inspire young players everywhere. He stuck with it for 11 major league seasons—even though he never really became a superstar. That kind of grit and flexibility? It’s hard not to admire.

When he retired in 1993, Teufel jumped right into coaching and managing in the minors, rolling up his sleeves and working with hundreds of up-and-coming players. Former pupils have praised how he actually gets on the field and shows them the ropes, especially with infield fundamentals.

Several MLB infielders, both current and former, say Teufel’s coaching style shaped their careers. He really knows the ins and outs of infield play—especially at second base—and he’s made sure to share that with younger Mets players.

The annual Tim Teufel Celebrity Golf Tournament in Connecticut keeps his name in the mix, too. It’s not just about baseball; the event raises a ton of money for charity and brings people together from all over the community.