Tom Griffin – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Tom Griffin wrapped up his 14-year Major League Baseball career quietly in May 1982 when the Pittsburgh Pirates released him after just six appearances. Born February 22, 1948, in Los Angeles, California, Griffin joined professional baseball as one of the Houston Astros’ early draft picks in 1966 and pitched for five different teams over his career.

Griffin stepped away from baseball in 1982, ending with a 1-3 record and an ERA close to 9.00 in his last season with Pittsburgh. He played from 1969 to 1982, collecting 77 wins, 94 losses, and 1,054 strikeouts while suiting up for the Houston Astros, San Diego Padres, California Angels, San Francisco Giants, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Griffin’s journey through pro ball really tells a story of early flashes of greatness, then years of ups, downs, and change. He burst onto the scene in 1969, leading the National League in strikeouts per nine innings. More than a decade later, his career showed just how tough it is for pitchers to stay consistent at baseball’s highest level. It’s a grind, honestly.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Thomas James Griffin was born on February 22, 1948, in Los Angeles. He grew into a talented two-sport athlete at Grant High School.

His skills on both the football field and the baseball diamond caught scouts’ attention, and he ended up being the fourth overall pick in the 1966 January Regular Baseball Draft.

Family Background and Education

Thomas James Griffin came into the world in Los Angeles on February 22, 1948. He spent his childhood in the sprawling city during the 1950s and 60s.

Griffin went to Grant High School, where he found plenty of chances to develop his athletic abilities. He got involved in multiple sports during those years.

His family stood behind him as he chased his athletic dreams. That support really mattered as he turned into a baseball prospect.

Growing up in L.A. exposed Griffin to high-level competition. The city’s baseball culture definitely helped shape him as a young athlete.

Grant High School Achievements

At Grant High, Griffin shined as a two-sport standout. He played quarterback for the football team and pitched for the baseball squad.

His football skills showed off his overall athleticism. As a quarterback, he displayed leadership and a strong arm—skills that translated well to pitching.

On the baseball field, Griffin became a dominant pitcher. His fastball and fierce competitiveness made him a standout among L.A. high schoolers.

Scouts from colleges and pro teams regularly came out to watch him pitch. Griffin’s performances kept impressing people who were looking for the next big thing.

That mix of football and baseball talent made Griffin one of the hottest prospects in his class. His versatility really set him apart.

Draft Selection and Signing

The Houston Astros picked Griffin in the first round of the 1966 January Regular Baseball Draft, taking him fourth overall. That showed just how highly teams rated him.

The Astros put a lot of faith—and investment—into Griffin’s potential. First-round picks always come with big expectations.

Griffin signed with Houston instead of going to college. That decision launched his pro career at just 18.

Because of the January draft, Griffin could get started in pro ball right away. He entered the Astros’ minor league system to keep developing his game.

Signing that first contract marked the start of a 14-year big league journey. Houston’s gamble paid off when Griffin reached the majors in 1969.

Major League Debut and Breakout Years

Tom Griffin debuted in the big leagues with the Houston Astros on April 10, 1969, at age 21. That rookie year was something else—he struck out 200 batters in just 188 1/3 innings and made a name for himself as a rising star.

Houston Astros Early Success

Griffin joined the Astros after they drafted him fourth overall in 1966. The young L.A. pitcher moved up through the minors pretty quickly.

He made it to the majors in 1969 and just kept going. Once Griffin landed a full-time spot on the Astros’ roster in 1972, he never went back down.

As a righty, he became a key part of Houston’s rotation early on. His fastball and improving breaking ball made him tough on National League hitters.

Griffin’s early success helped him become one of the Astros’ most dependable starters. He pitched during a time when Houston was still building its identity.

1969 Rookie Performance and 200 Strikeouts

Griffin’s rookie season really stands out in Astros history. He struck out 200 batters in only 188 1/3 innings, which is just wild for a first-year pitcher.

That feat put him among the best rookie pitchers ever. His strikeout rate showed off his power and control—stuff you just don’t see from most rookies.

The 1969 Astros actually set a major league record with 1,221 team strikeouts. Griffin played a huge role in that, along with Don Wilson and Larry Dierker.

He debuted on April 10, 1969, against the San Diego Padres. Griffin threw 7 innings, allowed 3 hits, and struck out 8, but took the loss.

Pitching Style and Notable Records

Griffin leaned on his fastball throughout his career. That pitch, more than anything, made him valuable to the Astros’ staff.

He took an aggressive approach on the mound and racked up 1,054 career strikeouts over 14 seasons. His 4.07 ERA showed he held his own during a pitcher-friendly era.

Griffin’s knack for strikeouts stayed steady during his early years with Houston. He wasn’t afraid to challenge hitters with his heater and his growing arsenal.

His part in the Astros’ record-setting strikeout total in 1969 really showed his immediate impact. The team’s focus on power pitching fit Griffin’s style perfectly.

Career Overview and Team Transitions

After he made his mark with the Astros through 1976, Griffin’s career turned into a bit of a whirlwind. Over his last six seasons, he bounced between four different teams, showing his adaptability and the challenge of staying consistent in new environments.

San Diego Padres Period

Griffin landed with the San Diego Padres via waivers on August 3, 1976. That was his first move after seven years in Houston.

He made a solid first impression with San Diego, going 4-3 with a 2.94 ERA in 11 starts over 70.1 innings.

In 1977, Griffin spent his only full season with the Padres. He pitched in 38 games, started 20, and finished 6-9 with a 4.46 ERA over 151.1 innings.

His control was shaky that year—he walked 88 and struck out just 79.

Even with mixed results, Griffin showed he could adjust to a new team. The Padres saw potential in him after that partial 1976 season.

California Angels Contributions

After the 1977 season, Griffin entered free agency and signed with the California Angels on January 27, 1978. The Angels mostly used him out of the bullpen; he started only 4 games out of 24 appearances.

The team leaned on Griffin’s experience in different roles during the 1978 season. He went 3-4 with a 4.02 ERA in 56 innings, striking out 35 and walking 31. That was a bit better control than he’d shown with San Diego.

His time in California lasted just one year, though. The Angels released him after the 1978 season. That short stint kind of sums up the back half of Griffin’s career—teams brought him in for his experience, but mostly for short-term help.

San Francisco Giants Tenure

The San Francisco Giants picked up Griffin on April 4, 1979, kicking off his longest stretch after Houston. He spent three seasons with the Giants, mostly as a reliever, and seemed to find new life in that role.

In 1979, Griffin became a steady bullpen arm, pitching in 59 games but starting just 3. He finished 5-6 with a 3.91 ERA over 94.1 innings and picked up 2 saves while striking out 82.

The 1980 season was probably Griffin’s best late-career year. He went 5-1 with a sharp 2.76 ERA in 42 games, throwing 107.2 innings and striking out 79. He did lead the league in hit batsmen with 8, which says something about his aggressive style.

In his last Giants season in 1981, Griffin moved back to the rotation, starting all 22 of his games. He put up an 8-8 record and a 3.76 ERA in 129.1 innings, again leading the league in hit batsmen with 7.

Pittsburgh Pirates Final Season

Griffin finished his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates after they traded for him on December 11, 1981, sending Doe Boyland the other way. His last season was rough—he struggled with both effectiveness and control in the few chances he got.

The Pirates put him in just six games in 1982. He went 1-3 with an 8.87 ERA in 22.1 innings, walking 15 and striking out only 8.

His final big league appearance came on May 11, 1982, facing his old team, the Astros. He pitched 4 innings, gave up 3 earned runs, struck out 1, and walked 6 as Houston beat Pittsburgh 4-2.

The Pirates released Griffin on May 15, 1982, just a few days after that last game. And just like that, a 14-season career with five different clubs came to a close—full of early promise, late-career grit, and a lot of miles.

Statistical Performance and Pitching Metrics

Over 14 seasons, Tom Griffin put up a 77-94 win-loss record, a 4.07 ERA, and 1,054 strikeouts in 408 games. His last season in 1982 really showed both his struggles and his willingness to keep grinding, with some wild differences between his home and road stats.

Win–Loss Record and ERA Analysis

Griffin finished his career with 77 wins and 94 losses across five teams. His 4.07 ERA reflected how tough it was to pitch as offenses started to heat up.

His ERA bounced around depending on the team and the year. Sometimes he kept runs off the board, sometimes not so much.

In 1982, Griffin’s numbers were all over the place. At home, he posted a 20.77 ERA in 4.1 innings—just brutal. On the road, he was better, with a 6.00 ERA in 18 innings.

That last season really showed how hard it can be to stay consistent. The split between home and away runs allowed was pretty glaring.

Strikeout Rates and Pitching Statistics

Griffin piled up 1,054 strikeouts over his career. He always managed to miss bats, even when other parts of his game weren’t clicking.

Strikeouts became a big part of his reputation. Being able to get hitters out that way helped make up for some of his control issues.

His strikeout numbers went up and down depending on his role and which team he was with. Starters get more chances than relievers, after all.

Those strikeout totals really showed what kind of pitcher he was. Griffin could get the big out when he needed it.

Wild Pitches, Balks, and Hit Batsmen

Griffin’s control problems showed up in his final stats. In 1982, though, he didn’t throw any wild pitches or commit any balks in his six games.

He did hit one batter at home in just 4.1 innings, but none on the road.

These control stats give a little window into his command issues. The home/road difference wasn’t just about earned runs.

Griffin managed to avoid wild pitches and balks in his last season, which is something. Still, the hit batsmen number hints at some trouble finding the zone.

Noteworthy Games and Milestones

In 1982, Griffin only got into six major league games. That was the end of his big league run.

He gave up one home run at home and four on the road that year—so power hitters definitely got to him late.

His walk totals were pretty lopsided, too. He issued three walks at home and 12 on the road, with two of those being intentional.

Griffin’s final season stats really tell the story of a long, winding career. He pitched in 408 games, logging years of experience with several teams and seeing plenty of ups and downs along the way.

Legacy, Impact, and Personal Life

Tom Griffin made his mark on baseball not just as a player, but as a mentor to younger athletes. He stayed involved in baseball development long after hanging up his glove.

Honestly, there isn’t much out there about his family or what he did after baseball—public records just don’t say much. Still, you can see his influence on future players through his coaching work.

Family Connections in Baseball

You won’t find much public info about Tom Griffin’s family having ties to professional baseball. Unlike some baseball families with generations in the game, Griffin’s own family connections to the sport aren’t really documented.

If his son ever played baseball, the major publications didn’t pick up on it. The Griffins have kept things pretty private since Tom retired in 1982.

Post-Retirement Activities

After he left Major League Baseball in 1982, Tom Griffin dove into baseball instruction and player development. He started running coaching clinics and working with youth programs, passing along what he knew about pitching.

He jumped into different baseball camps and instructional programs. Playing for five MLB teams gave him a unique view on pitching and game strategy.

Griffin stayed in touch with the baseball world through player networks and sometimes showed up at events. He really focused on teaching pitching basics to young players.

Influence on Future Generations

Tom Griffin shaped the next wave of players as an instructor and mentor. His 14 years in the majors gave him a lot to share with up-and-coming pitchers.

He believed in good mechanics and mental toughness. Griffin worked with everyone from little leaguers to more advanced amateurs.

His teaching style came straight from lessons he learned with teams like the Astros and Giants. He always pushed fundamentals and consistency, drawing on his own ups and downs in pro baseball.

Griffin knew how to help players adapt to new teams and pitching roles. That made him a real asset for anyone moving up through the ranks.

Retirement in 1982 and Lasting Influence

Tom Griffin played his final MLB season in 1982 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. That wrapped up a 14-year run, stretching from 1969 to 1982.

He left behind a record that showed both the highs and lows of a journeyman pitcher who stuck it out at the top level.

Circumstances of Retirement

In 1982, Griffin pitched for the Pirates, but only made it into six games. That season ended up being his last.

His numbers that year told the story—after 14 seasons, his ERA climbed and it got tougher for him to keep a spot on the roster.

By 34, Griffin faced what a lot of older pitchers do. His velocity dropped, and younger arms started filling up the teams.

The Pirates let him go after the season. No other major league team offered him a contract, so that’s where his pro baseball career closed out.

Enduring Reputation in MLB

Even though Griffin finished with a career record of 77-94 and a 4.07 ERA, people around baseball respected him for sticking it out year after year. He managed to pitch for five different franchises, which really shows how teams saw him as a steady veteran.

Over 14 seasons, Griffin racked up 1,054 strikeouts. That put him in the company of pitchers who could actually get big-league hitters out, not just fill a roster spot.

He bounced around the Houston Astros, San Diego Padres, California Angels, San Francisco Giants, and Pittsburgh Pirates. That’s the life of a true journeyman, right? Teams kept bringing him in because he had the experience and could handle whatever pitching job they threw his way.

People in baseball circles always mentioned Griffin’s work ethic and how he put the team first. Those traits definitely helped him stick around in MLB for more than a decade, especially in a sport as cutthroat as baseball.