Vance Law – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Vance Aaron Law put together a solid 11-year run in Major League Baseball, suiting up for five different teams before calling it quits in 1991. The versatile infielder, born in Boise, Idaho on October 1, 1956, brought steady defense and a bit of pop wherever he landed. From 1980 to 1991, Law hit .256 with 71 home runs, mostly playing third base, but he bounced around to second and shortstop too.

Law’s journey took him through the rosters of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, Montreal Expos, and Chicago Cubs. Baseball ran in his blood—his dad, Vernon Law, pitched in the big leagues, so Vance kept the family tradition alive. The highlight? That All-Star selection in 1988 with the Cubs. That season really marked the peak of his career.

Early Life and Baseball Background

Family and college shaped Vance Law’s path to professional baseball. Those early years set the stage for his 11 seasons in the majors. He didn’t just wake up in the big leagues—he worked his way up, influenced by both home and school.

Family and Influences

Vance Aaron Law came into the world on October 1, 1956, in Boise, Idaho. His dad, Vernon Law, pitched in the majors and even won the Cy Young Award in 1960 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Growing up, Vance basically lived in a baseball world, tagging along with his dad and soaking up the game.

The Law family’s baseball legacy just made sense for Vance. Watching his dad’s career up close gave him a real feel for what it takes to play at that level. That early exposure wasn’t just about learning the rules—it was about picking up the work ethic and grit you need to stick around in pro sports.

Vernon didn’t just teach baseball mechanics; he showed Vance the value of working hard and not giving up. Those lessons stuck with him.

Collegiate Career

Before he ever put on a big league uniform, Vance Law made a name for himself at Brigham Young University (BYU). He played infield for the Cougars and did well in the classroom, too.

At BYU, Law sharpened his glove work and improved his swing—skills that would later define his career. Scouts noticed, and the Pittsburgh Pirates picked him in the 39th round of the draft.

College ball gave him a taste of real competition and helped him grow up a bit before heading to the pros. The structure and challenge at BYU were huge for his development.

His success at BYU set him up for a long pro career that spanned five different major league teams.

Major League Baseball Career

Vance Law’s MLB career ran from 1980 to 1991. He played for five clubs and made his mark as a flexible infielder with good hands and a little power.

MLB Debut and Initial Seasons

Law kicked off his major league career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1980, after they picked him in the 39th round in 1978. At 6’2″ and 185 pounds, he was a right-handed infielder who immediately showed off his defensive versatility.

He played 64 games as a rookie, mostly at third base. Those early seasons showed flashes of promise as he found his footing in the majors.

In 1982, the Pirates traded him to the Chicago White Sox. Over three seasons there, he proved he could handle third, second, and shortstop whenever needed.

His batting average hung around .250 in those years, but he made up for it with reliable defense and smart play.

Notable Years With Chicago Cubs

Law landed with the Chicago Cubs in 1988, and that’s probably where most fans remember him best. That year, he hit .293 with 11 homers and 78 RBIs, earning his only All-Star nod.

He played a steady third base at Wrigley Field, and that consistency made him a favorite with the fans.

Law didn’t swing for the fences every time, but he had a disciplined approach and showed decent pop for an infielder in that era. He was part of a Cubs team that stayed competitive in the National League East.

Some of what he brought to the Cubs:

• Dependable defense all over the infield
• A steady bat
• Quiet leadership in the locker room

Time With Pittsburgh Pirates

Law circled back to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1990. Returning to the team that drafted him felt like coming home.

He mostly filled in as a utility infielder, bringing veteran experience to a Pirates squad on the rise. Managers relied on his ability to cover multiple spots.

His bat cooled off a bit by then, but he still hit .256 and gave the team a solid glove and sharp baseball sense.

Teammates and coaches respected Law for his professionalism and the calm presence he brought to the clubhouse.

Final Years and Retirement

Law wrapped up his big league days with short stints for the Oakland Athletics and, finally, the Montreal Expos in 1991. At 34, after more than a decade in the majors, he stepped away with numbers to be proud of.

He finished with a .256 average, 71 home runs, and 442 RBIs in 1,212 games. Defense stayed his calling card, and he racked up plenty of innings at third, second, and short.

When he retired, Law moved right into coaching, working as an infield and bench coach for different teams. His baseball knowledge made him a natural teacher for younger players.

Signature Achievements and Highlights

Vance Law’s eleven years in the big leagues brought plenty of memorable moments. He wasn’t flashy, but his steady play at third and knack for coming through in big spots earned him respect from fans and teammates.

All-Star Recognition

Law hit a career high in 1988 when he made the National League All-Star team with the Cubs. That season, he hit .293 with 11 homers and 78 RBIs, showing off both consistency and a clutch bat. His defense at third base rounded out his game.

Getting that All-Star nod at 31 meant a lot to him—it was proof his hard work mattered.

“Making the All-Star team was definitely a career highlight,” Law said later. “It represented all the hard work paying off.”

Statistical Milestones

From 1980 to 1991, Vance Law stacked up some respectable stats. He finished with a .256 average and 71 home runs over 11 seasons.

Law’s versatility stood out. He mostly played third but could handle second and short when needed. That made him valuable on any roster.

His best year at the plate might’ve been 1985 with Montreal—12 home runs, 56 RBIs, and steady defense at third.

He suited up for five MLB teams: the Pirates, White Sox, Expos, Cubs, and finally the Oakland Athletics in 1991.

Notable Home Runs and First Pitches

Out of Law’s 71 career homers, a few really stick out. The one on Opening Day 1988 with the Cubs? That was a game-winner, and it set the tone for his All-Star season.

He also homered in both leagues, which wasn’t so common before interleague play. His power numbers weren’t huge, but he had a knack for coming through when it mattered.

After hanging up his spikes, Law stayed connected to the game, throwing out ceremonial first pitches at ballparks like Wrigley Field during Cubs alumni weekends.

Law’s baseball roots run deep. His dad Vernon took home a Cy Young, so they’re one of the sport’s better-known father-son duos. But Vance definitely made his own name in the game.

Memorable Games and Key Moments

Across 11 big league seasons, Vance Law gave fans some unforgettable moments. He played all over the infield, and even took the mound once in a pinch—definitely not something you see every day.

Classic Baseball Games

On September 15, 1985, while playing for the Montreal Expos, Law blasted a game-winning homer in the bottom of the ninth against the Phillies. It broke a scoreless tie and came at a crucial point late in the season.

In 1991, Law made his only pitching appearance—he tossed 0.2 innings with a spotless 0.00 ERA in an emergency relief spot. Not bad for a guy who spent his career in the infield.

During the 1988 season with the Cubs, Law went the distance in a 19-inning marathon against the Cardinals. He played every inning at third and collected three hits in eight at-bats. That’s some stamina.

Performance Against Hall of Famers

Law faced off against some of the game’s best and held his own. He managed a decent batting average against Greg Maddux, picking up some key hits off the Hall of Famer.

He even took Nolan Ryan deep twice—something not many infielders from that era can say. Law’s quick hands and sharp eye helped him compete with the best.

He once joked that facing Goose Gossage was “like trying to hit a bowling ball in a hurricane,” but he still managed some clutch hits. Going up against the top arms in baseball, Law showed why he stuck around for 11 seasons.

Famous Plays at Wrigley Field

While with the Cubs (1988-1989), Law made a name for himself on defense at Wrigley Field. His diving stop against the Pirates in June 1988 saved two runs and helped seal a one-run win. That play made the highlight reels.

He also hit a monster home run at Wrigley on a windy day in May 1989. The ball sailed onto Waveland Avenue—over 430 feet—pretty impressive for a guy not known for power.

Fans gave Law a standing ovation in his last game as a Cub at Wrigley. He wasn’t a superstar, but his steady play and work ethic earned him real respect from the Chicago crowd. His glove at third base helped anchor the team during some competitive years.

Teammates, Managers, and Opponents

Over 11 seasons and five teams, Vance Law crossed paths with all kinds of baseball personalities who helped shape his journey.

Notable Teammates

When Vance Law suited up for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1980-81), he got to play next to future Hall of Famer Willie Stargell. Those Pirates teams had a bunch of talented veterans who helped guide Law through his first seasons in the majors.

Law’s move to the Chicago White Sox (1982-84) put him on the field with Carlton Fisk and Harold Baines, and he became part of Tony La Russa’s competitive group. In Chicago, Law started to really settle in as a dependable infielder.

With the Montreal Expos (1985-87), he shared the dugout with Tim Raines and Andre Dawson. Manager Buck Rodney encouraged Law to push his game further, and Law put up some of his best numbers during these years.

When Law joined the Chicago Cubs (1988-89), he found himself alongside Ryne Sandberg and Greg Maddux. Cubs manager Don Zimmer leaned into Law’s ability to handle different spots around the diamond.

Memorable Opponents

Over the years, Law stepped in against pitchers like Nolan Ryan and Fernando Valenzuela. Facing those guys? That’s a real test for any hitter.

He also squared off with the Cincinnati Reds, which meant dealing with Eric Davis and Barry Larkin. The Reds’ lineup could really make things tough for infielders like Law.

Whenever the Expos played the New York Mets, Law faced stars like Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry. Those Mets teams in the mid-80s made every division game a battle.

In interleague play, Law went up against big AL names like George Bell and Reggie Jackson. Those games always felt different—different energy, different tactics.

As Law’s career wound down, he saw new faces like Roberto Hernandez and Jose Reyes coming up, signaling a shift in the league by the time he wrapped things up with the Oakland Athletics in 1991.

Career With Multiple Teams

Vance Law bounced around five different Major League teams across 11 seasons, showing how valuable a utility infielder can be in all kinds of situations. He made it work, adapting to whatever his team needed.

Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates

Law started out with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1980 and stayed there through 1981. After that, he joined the Chicago White Sox for a few years, where he really made a name for himself as a steady infielder.

His path took him to the Montreal Expos from 1985 to 1987. Law’s glove at third base got him noticed, and he chipped in at the plate too.

He really hit his stride with the Chicago Cubs in 1988, earning his only All-Star nod. That year, he batted .293, hit 11 home runs, and drove in 78 runs—definitely his best season with the bat.

Law’s knack for playing multiple infield positions kept him in demand. He mostly lined up at third, but teams also put him at second and shortstop when needed.

Oakland Athletics and Final Season

In 1990, Law took a detour to Japan and played for the Chunichi Dragons. That overseas stint added something different to his career.

He finished up in 1991 with the Oakland Athletics. By the end, Law had put together a respectable .256 batting average and hit 71 home runs.

Law never really became the face of just one team. Instead, he built his baseball story on being adaptable and steady, wherever he landed.

After he retired, Law said baseball was “a career, not an identity”. That attitude shaped how he looked back on all those years moving from clubhouse to clubhouse.

Retirement and Legacy

Vance Law’s baseball journey didn’t end when he took his last swing in 1991. He shifted into coaching and stayed close to the game that shaped so much of his life. His influence can still be felt at different levels of baseball.

Life After Baseball

After stepping away from playing, Vance Law made it pretty clear: for him, baseball was a job, not his whole identity. That mindset helped him move into coaching and teaching.

He spent a good chunk of time as head baseball coach at Brigham Young University (BYU), leading their program and helping develop young players. Law’s coaching style focused on the same fundamentals and work ethic he valued as a player.

Family’s always been a big deal for Law. He’s been married to Sharon for over 45 years and the couple raised five kids together.

Law’s also stayed involved by running clinics and speaking to younger players, passing on what he’s learned from decades in the game.

Impact on the Game

Law made his mark as a versatile infielder who could handle just about any spot. Across his 11 years in the majors, he showed off defensive flexibility at third, second, and shortstop.

His standout season came in 1988, when he represented the Cubs as an All-Star. That year really showed what he could do when everything clicked.

Law’s approach—always disciplined, focused on the basics, and all about the team—set a standard coaches still talk about.

Former teammates and players he later coached often mention his baseball smarts and knack for reading the game.

Recognition in the Baseball Community

Though Cooperstown’s Hall of Fame hasn’t called his name, Law has earned plenty of respect around the baseball world for his steady play and the way he helped out several franchises. He played for five different MLB teams: the Pirates, White Sox, Expos, Cubs, and Athletics.

Law grew up in baseball. His dad, Vernon “Vern” Law, took home a Cy Young Award, and Vance followed him right into the majors. That father-son story still gets some love in baseball circles—people seem to appreciate those family ties.

At BYU, Law brought his pro experience and teaching skills, and the college baseball program felt the difference. Folks there still talk about the impact he made.

Every so often, Law pops up at alumni gatherings or old-timers’ games. Fans recognize him and remember what he brought to the teams he played for between 1980 and 1991. It’s clear his legacy still lingers.