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

Tom Hume made his mark in Major League Baseball as a reliable relief pitcher. He started out as a struggling starter, but he turned himself into one of the game’s most dependable closers. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on March 29, 1953, Hume spent eleven seasons in the majors, mostly with his hometown Cincinnati Reds. He finally hung up his cleats in 1987.

Hume’s career peaked in 1980. He earned National League Fireman of the Year honors that season, recording 25 saves with a 2.56 ERA in 62 games for the Reds. His journey from a first-round draft pick in 1972 to an All-Star closer really shows how persistence and adaptation matter in pro baseball.

He faced some tough setbacks, including knee injuries that knocked him out of his prime years. Still, Hume racked up 92 career saves and kept a 3.85 ERA across 544 appearances.

As a right-handed pitcher, Hume’s story has a little bit of everything—breakthrough seasons in the late ’70s and early ’80s, struggles with injury, and an eventual move into coaching. His decade-plus in the majors gives a look at how relief pitching and the Cincinnati Reds organization evolved during a pretty competitive era in National League baseball.

Tom Hume’s Baseball Career Overview

Tom Hume built an 11-season Major League Baseball career from 1977 to 1987, spending most of it with the Cincinnati Reds. He switched from being a starter to one of the National League’s top relief pitchers.

He earned All-Star recognition and set save records during his best years in the early 1980s.

Early MLB Debut and Rise

Tom Hume made his MLB debut on May 25, 1977, with the Cincinnati Reds at 24. The Reds had drafted him in the first round of the 1972 amateur draft.

His early career looked promising, but he struggled with consistency. Hume worked as both a starter and reliever during his first two seasons.

Everything changed in 1979. Manager John McNamara moved Hume exclusively to the bullpen in late July. That decision completely turned his career around.

1979 Breakthrough Season:

• Saved 15 games over the final 10 weeks
• Posted a 2.76 ERA, finishing second in the National League
• Missed the ERA title by a hair to J.R. Richard of the Houston Astros

The bullpen role just fit Hume’s pitching style. He quickly became a reliable closer for the Reds.

Career Timeline Leading Up to 1987

Hume hit his stride in the early 1980s. Injuries and roster changes eventually slowed him down.

His journey through Major League Baseball included multiple teams and roles.

Peak Years (1980-1982):

• 1980: 25 saves, 2.56 ERA, 62 games pitched (most in NL)
• 1981: 9-4 record, 3.46 ERA, 13 saves in the strike-shortened season
• 1982: Made the All-Star team, recorded the save in a 4-1 NL victory

The 1980 season stands out as Hume’s career highlight. He shared the National League Fireman of the Year award with Rollie Fingers from The Sporting News.

Injury and Decline (1983-1985):
Hume injured his knee in July 1982, and that really knocked him off course. He struggled through 1983 and 1984, losing his closer role with Cincinnati.

He bounced back a bit in 1985 as a setup man. The Reds traded him to Philadelphia along with Gary Redus for John Denny and Jeff Gray in December 1985.

Final Years:

• 1986: 4-1 record, 2.77 ERA in 46 appearances with Philadelphia
• 1987: Got traded back to Cincinnati mid-season, finished his career where it started

Major Achievements and Milestones

Hume put up some impressive stats during his 11-year career. He appeared in 544 games, both as a starter and a reliever, playing for two franchises.

Career Statistics:

• Record: 57 wins, 71 losses
• ERA: 3.85
• Saves: 92
• Strikeouts: 536
• Games: 544

His 92 career saves really meant something during a time when closers were just starting to become a big deal. The 1982 All-Star selection was his only individual honor.

Notable Accomplishments:

• NL Fireman of the Year (1980, shared with Rollie Fingers)
• Saved the All-Star Game (1982)
• Led the NL in games pitched (1980)

Hume’s move from starter to closer matched the bigger changes happening in baseball strategy in the late ’70s and early ’80s. His success helped shape the modern closer role.

After retiring, Hume stuck around with the Reds as bullpen coach for 11 straight seasons. He even stepped in as interim pitching coach in 2006 when Vern Ruhle got sick.

Teams Played For

Tom Hume spent most of his 11-year career with the Cincinnati Reds. That’s where he grew into one of baseball’s top relief pitchers.

He also spent a short time with the Philadelphia Phillies from 1986-1987 before heading back to Cincinnati to finish his career.

Impact with Cincinnati Reds

Hume played for the Cincinnati Reds from 1977 to 1985 and became a key bullpen piece. He made his MLB debut on May 25, 1977, with the Reds at age 24.

The real turning point came in 1979 when manager John McNamara moved Hume to the bullpen for good. That decision paid off right away. Hume saved 15 games over the last 10 weeks of the season.

His best year came in 1980. He posted a 2.56 ERA with 25 saves and pitched in 62 games, leading the National League. The Sporting News named him National League Fireman of the Year, sharing the honor with Rollie Fingers.

Hume got his only All-Star selection in 1982. He recorded the save for the National League in their 4-1 win over the American League. But a knee injury in July ended his season early.

Career Statistics with Cincinnati Reds (1977-1985):

• Games: 437
• Saves: 92
• ERA: 3.85
• Strikeouts: 536

Philadelphia Phillies Tenure

The Cincinnati Reds traded Hume to the Philadelphia Phillies on December 11, 1985. Hume and Gary Redus went to Philadelphia in exchange for John Denny and Jeff Gray.

Hume found some success in Philadelphia during the 1986 season. He put up a 4-1 record with a 2.77 ERA over 46 appearances. He still had something left and contributed as a setup man.

The 1987 season didn’t go as well. Hume struggled, and the Phillies traded him back to the Cincinnati Reds midseason. Philadelphia moved on from the veteran after his performance dipped.

Hume wrapped up his career where he started, making his last appearance on October 2, 1987, against the Houston Astros. He pitched one inning, giving up one hit and one earned run in his final game.

Pitching Performance and Statistics

Tom Hume carved out a reputation as a reliable pitcher during his 11-year career. He finished with a 57-71 record, a 3.85 ERA, and 536 strikeouts.

His best seasons came as a closer, where he saved 92 games and posted his best ERA of 2.56 in 1980.

Role and Skills as a Pitcher

Hume switched from starting pitcher to relief specialist with the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies. He started out as a starter in 1977 and 1978, making 23 starts in his second season.

By 1980, Hume really found his place as a closer. He finished 62 games that year, saved 25, and posted an impressive 2.56 ERA. The Reds relied on him in high-pressure situations.

Peak Performance Years:

• 1979-1980: 42 saves, 2.66 ERA combined
• 1982: All-Star nod, 17 saves
• 1986: 2.77 ERA in 48 games for Philadelphia

Hume’s pitching leaned on control rather than speed. He averaged 4.4 strikeouts per nine innings, so he was more of a finesse pitcher who made hitters put the ball in play.

Career Stats: Wins, ERA, Saves, SO

Hume’s career numbers show his dual role as starter and reliever across 543 games. He won 57 and lost 71, for a .445 winning percentage over 11 seasons.

Key Career Statistics:

• Games: 543 (55 starts)
• Innings Pitched: 1,086.0
• Strikeouts: 536
• Saves: 92
• ERA: 3.85

His best season was 1980, with a 2.56 ERA and 25 saves. The 1979 season was also strong, with a 2.76 ERA and 17 saves as he switched to relief work.

Hume’s strikeout numbers were never flashy, but he was steady. He never struck out more than 90 batters in a season, with his peak at 90 in 1978. He focused on getting outs quickly, not racking up strikeouts.

Advanced Metrics: WHIP and WAR

Hume’s advanced stats add a little more context to his pitching. His career WHIP landed at 1.372, meaning he allowed about 1.4 baserunners per inning—which was just a bit above average for his time.

His best WHIP seasons lined up with his best years as a closer. In 1980, he posted a 1.161 WHIP and a 2.56 ERA. The 1979 season was even better, with a 1.196 WHIP.

WAR Performance:

• Career WAR: 6.4
• Best Season: 3.9 WAR in 1979
• Positive WAR: 7 of 11 seasons

Hume’s 6.4 WAR suggests he was a bit above average throughout his career. His peak came during his switch to relief, especially in 1979 and 1980 when he totaled 6.6 WAR.

The advanced stats show that Hume worked best in short relief. He limited baserunners and kept his ERA down in big moments, making him a valuable part of his teams.

Highlights and Recognition

Tom Hume hit his highest recognition in the late ’70s and early ’80s when he became one of Major League Baseball’s top closers. His 1982 All-Star selection and National League Fireman of the Year award in 1980 marked the high points of his career.

All-Star Selections

Hume got his only All-Star nod in 1982 after a strong first half. He went into the break ranked third in the NL with 16 saves.

The Cincinnati Reds closer made the most of his All-Star shot. He closed out the game, getting the save in the NL’s 4-1 win.

Hume’s 1982 season ended early, though, after he injured his knee. His last appearance came on July 26, 1982, when he saved a game against the Chicago Cubs.

Awards and Notable Seasons

Hume’s most decorated year came in 1980. He shared the National League Fireman of the Year award with Rollie Fingers, and The Sporting News recognized his standout season.

His 1980 stats back up the honors. Hume finished 62 games, led the NL in appearances, posted a 2.56 ERA, and had 25 saves—even though his record was 9-10.

The 1979 season was his big breakthrough as a closer. Manager John McNamara moved him to the bullpen in late July, and Hume responded with 15 saves over the final 10 weeks.

He nearly led the NL with his 2.76 ERA in 1979, finishing just behind J.R. Richard of the Houston Astros for the title.

Postseason Appearances

You won’t find much specific info about Tom Hume’s postseason appearances from 1977 to 1987. Most of his accomplishments happened during the regular season with the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies.

He racked up 92 saves and a 3.85 ERA in 544 games. Those numbers tell you he was a pretty steady relief pitcher across his 11-year career.

Retirement and Later Life

Tom Hume wrapped up his big league days in 1987. After more than a decade on the mound, he moved right into coaching, spending years helping pitchers develop in the Cincinnati Reds organization.

Circumstances of Retirement in 1987

Hume ran into trouble during his last season. His performance dropped off, and the Philadelphia Phillies traded him back to the Reds in 1987. That return pretty much signaled the end of his playing days.

Things started going downhill after his knee surgery in 1982. His injury made it tough to win back the closer job with the Reds. The 1983 and 1984 seasons were rough—he just couldn’t get back to where he was.

He tried to make a comeback in 1985 as a setup guy, but his All-Star form never really came back. Over 544 games, he put up 57 wins and 71 losses. He notched 92 saves and kept a 3.85 ERA during his 11 years.

His last MLB appearance came on October 2, 1987. Fittingly, he finished his career in a Cincinnati Reds uniform.

Transition to Coaching and Mentoring

After he retired, Hume stayed with the Reds as a coach. He worked as the team’s bullpen coach for 11 straight seasons through 2006. That gave him a great chance to pass on what he knew about relief pitching to younger guys.

In 2006, Hume stepped up as interim pitching coach when Vern Ruhle, the regular coach, was fighting cancer. Ruhle battled multiple myeloma and sadly passed away in January 2007.

The Reds brought in Dick Pole as the new pitching coach before Ruhle died. Hume then went back to his bullpen coach role.

His time as a former All-Star closer and National League Fireman of the Year made him a real asset for developing relief pitchers. Hume’s understanding of bullpen strategy and late-game pressure proved invaluable for the next wave of Reds pitchers.

Legacy and Influence in Baseball

Tom Hume carved out a spot as one of the National League’s top closers in the early 1980s, especially during his best years with the Cincinnati Reds. Those 92 career saves and his Fireman of the Year award show how he helped shape the way teams used relief pitchers during that era.

Standing Among Relief Pitchers

People recognized Hume as one of the best closers in baseball in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His 1980 season stands out, when he shared the National League Fireman of the Year Award with Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers.

That year, he put up a 2.56 ERA with 25 saves in 62 games. He finished more games than anyone else in the National League, showing just how much his team trusted him at the end of games.

His 1982 All-Star selection really locked in his reputation as a top reliever. He even got the save for the National League in their 4-1 win over the American League.

Hume didn’t rely on overpowering speed, but he knew how to get hitters out. His 3.85 ERA over 544 games across 11 seasons proves he was effective.

Contributions to the Cincinnati Reds

The Reds got a huge boost when Hume became their main closer. When manager John McNamara moved him to the bullpen in 1979, it changed both his career and the team’s approach to late innings.

Over the last 10 weeks of the 1979 season, Hume picked up 15 saves. His 2.76 ERA that year was second only to J.R. Richard of the Houston Astros among National League pitchers.

His reliability gave the Reds someone they could count on in big moments. From 1979 to 1982, Hume handled closing duties until knee problems slowed him down.

The Reds valued him enough to bring him back in 1987 after his time with the Phillies. He finished his career right where it started, retiring as a Red after the 1987 season.

Lasting Impact on MLB

Hume played during a time when the closer role in baseball was changing. He really shaped how teams started using specialized relief pitchers for the ninth inning.

With 92 career saves, Hume stood out among the top closers of his era. Back then, save chances didn’t come around as often as they do now, so that number meant a lot.

After he finished playing, Hume jumped right into coaching as a bullpen coach for the Reds. He stuck with it for 11 straight seasons, teaching relievers and sharing what he knew.

Hume didn’t rely on blazing fastballs to get outs. Instead, he used smart pitching and precise location, proving you didn’t need just speed to succeed. That kind of thinking changed how teams looked at and trained relief pitchers for years to come.