Von Joshua – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Von Joshua quietly wrapped up his Major League Baseball career on August 9, 1980, stepping into the batter’s box for the last time as a San Diego Padre. The left-handed outfielder from Oakland spent more than a decade in the majors, bouncing between five teams during a period when baseball moved from the old reserve clause era into free agency.

Joshua played 11 seasons in MLB from 1969 to 1980, suiting up for the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers, and San Diego Padres. He finished with a .273 batting average over 822 games. The San Francisco Giants drafted him in the first round of the 1967 January draft, but Joshua decided to sign with the Dodgers instead, joining their famously deep farm system that churned out plenty of big league talent in the ’70s.

His journey through pro baseball really mirrors that of a lot of guys from his era. He switched teams, adjusted to new coaches, and faced the constant challenge of keeping a roster spot as the sport got more competitive. From his early days as a hot prospect to his final season as a veteran, Joshua’s story gives a real look at life as a journeyman outfielder during a time of big changes in baseball.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Von Everett Joshua was born May 1, 1948, in Oakland, California, to parents who both worked as educators. He started playing baseball in Oakland’s youth leagues, then played at Castlemont High School, and later attended two community colleges, where his talent started to draw serious attention from scouts.

Family Background and Childhood

Von Everett Joshua entered the world on May 1, 1948, right there in Oakland. Both his parents worked in education, and that background ended up influencing his own life after baseball.

Growing up in Oakland in the ’50s and early ’60s, Joshua found baseball all around him. The Bay Area’s baseball scene was alive, with the Giants and A’s nearby, and that definitely inspired a lot of kids—including Joshua.

His parents put a big emphasis on school as well as sports. That foundation shaped the way Joshua approached the game, and he developed sharp analytical skills that later earned him the nickname “Hit Doctor” during his pro career.

Those educational values also set him up for a smooth transition into coaching once he finished playing.

High School Career at Castlemont

Joshua attended Castlemont High School in Oakland, where he started to take baseball seriously. The school’s baseball program gave him his first taste of organized, competitive ball.

While at Castlemont, Joshua played outfield and showed off the hitting ability that would become his trademark. Scouts noticed his left-handed swing and natural mechanics.

His high school years were huge for his development. He got stronger in centerfield and showed he could handle other outfield spots too.

By his senior year, pro scouts were already watching him closely, setting him up for a shot at professional baseball.

College Years: Chabot and Laney College

After Castlemont, Joshua headed to Chabot College in Hayward, California. That community college gave him a place to keep working on his game while still focusing on school.

At Chabot, Joshua’s hitting really took off. He played for the baseball team and kept drawing the attention of pro scouts who often checked out junior college talent.

He also spent time at Laney College, though details about that stint are a bit fuzzy. The community college route was pretty common for players who wanted to show what they could do before turning pro.

Joshua’s college years were all about offense. The junior college system gave him the platform he needed to get noticed for the MLB draft.

Draft and Signing Decision

The San Francisco Giants picked Joshua in the first round of the 1967 MLB January Draft, 17th overall, while he was at Chabot College.

But Joshua and the Giants couldn’t agree on contract terms, so he didn’t sign with them right away.

Instead, he waited and then signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968. That choice turned out to be a big one, since he’d spend most of his major league career with the Dodgers.

Signing with Los Angeles kicked off Joshua’s professional journey, taking him from Oakland sandlots all the way to the majors.

MLB Debut and Early Years with the Dodgers

Von Joshua started his big league career with the Dodgers in September 1969, just 21 years old. He worked through the Dodgers system after signing with them, even though the Giants had drafted him, and he established himself as a reliable outfielder from 1969 to 1974.

Major League Debut in 1969

Joshua made his MLB debut for the Dodgers on September 2, 1969. He was only 21, having been born in Oakland in 1948.

He got to the majors after a bit of a draft drama. The Giants picked him 17th overall in the 1967 January draft out of Chabot College, but Joshua went with the Dodgers instead.

That first taste of the big leagues came in September, a time when teams often call up young prospects. It gave him a chance to get his feet wet without too much pressure.

Joshua’s first season showed he belonged in the Dodgers system. That debut set the stage for a big league career that would last more than a decade.

Development in the Dodgers Farm System

Before his 1969 debut, Joshua worked his way up through the Dodgers’ minor leagues. He’d already played at Castlemont High and Chabot College.

Scouts took notice of his college stats. Getting picked in the first round meant teams thought he could make it in the majors. Signing with the Dodgers shaped his whole career.

The Dodgers helped Joshua develop as an outfielder. At 5-10 and 170 pounds, he brought some speed and a bit of pop. His left-handed bat was a nice fit for their lineup.

Later on, Joshua even worked as a hitting coach for the Albuquerque Dukes in the late ’80s, showing he stuck with the Dodgers organization long after his playing days.

Role and Performance as Outfielder

Joshua became a versatile outfielder who could handle center field, left field, and right field. Mostly, he played OF, but he also filled in as a pinch hitter (PH) and pinch runner (PR) when the team needed it.

In his early Dodgers years, Joshua kept improving. Batting and throwing left-handed, he became a good option against righties. His speed helped him both in the outfield and on the bases.

As he gained experience, the Dodgers gave him more responsibility. He chipped in regularly during the early ’70s, and his flexibility let managers use him all over the field.

Joshua turned into a steady presence who could handle multiple spots defensively. That made him a valuable part of the Dodgers roster during those early years.

Prime Playing Years and Team Transitions

Joshua spent time with five different organizations, but his best seasons came with the San Francisco Giants and Milwaukee Brewers. He bounced back to the Dodgers a couple of times and finished out his career with a final season as a Padre.

Breakout Years with the Giants

Von Joshua joined the San Francisco Giants in 1975 after his early run with the Dodgers. That move really changed things for him.

During his time with the Giants from 1975-1976, Joshua became a steady outfielder in the National League. He brought his lefty bat and solid glove to the Giants lineup.

The Giants gave him more regular playing time than he’d had in LA. He took advantage of those chances and built a reputation as a dependable big leaguer.

Joshua showed he could fit into different team systems. He kept up steady production while helping the Giants’ offense.

Milwaukee Brewers Tenure

Joshua kept his career rolling with the Milwaukee Brewers from 1976-1977. This American League stint added another layer to his game.

The Brewers used Joshua as both an outfielder and designated hitter. His lefty swing fit well with the American League’s more offense-focused style.

While in Milwaukee, Joshua kept working on his hitting. The coaching staff tried to help him reach his full potential at the plate.

He showed he could handle switching from the National League to the AL’s different approach. Joshua adapted and contributed in both leagues.

Return to the Dodgers

Joshua headed back to the Dodgers in 1979 after his time in Milwaukee. Coming back meant a lot to both him and the team.

The Dodgers welcomed his veteran experience and leadership. Joshua already knew the organization’s way of doing things, so fitting back in was easy.

During this return, Joshua helped the Dodgers keep rolling in the National League. His time with other teams gave him a fresh perspective in the clubhouse.

Joshua’s second Dodgers stint proved he still had value. The team appreciated what he brought, both on and off the diamond.

Final MLB Season with the Padres

Joshua wrapped up his big league career with the San Diego Padres in 1980. That year marked the end of his 11-season run in MLB.

The Padres mostly used Joshua as a pinch-hitter in his 53 games. He batted .238 and offered some veteran guidance to the younger guys.

His last MLB at-bat came on August 9, 1980, against the Houston Astros. Even in his final season, Joshua showed he could still contribute.

The Padres got a boost from Joshua’s experience. When all was said and done, he played 822 games and finished with a .273 lifetime batting average.

Career Highlights and Notable Achievements

Von Joshua’s MLB career had its share of memorable moments, including his appearance in the 1974 World Series with the Dodgers and his rise as a regular starter for multiple teams. He finished with 31 triples and a .273 average over 822 games.

1974 World Series Experience

Joshua played a role in helping the Dodgers win the 1974 National League pennant. That season was a high point for him with his original team.

In the World Series against the Oakland A’s, things didn’t go so well for Joshua personally. He had four at-bats as a pinch-hitter during the five-game series.

Joshua went 0-for-4, and the Athletics took the series. His last at-bat came in the final game, where he grounded out to Rollie Fingers for the last out of the World Series.

Even though his own numbers weren’t great, Joshua’s contributions to the Dodgers’ pennant run still mattered. That team’s success stands out as a career highlight for him.

1975 Standout Season

After leaving the Dodgers, Joshua landed with the San Francisco Giants in 1975. That move really changed the direction of his career.

With the Giants, Joshua shifted from a backup to a regular outfielder. For the first time, he got consistent playing time in the majors.

He showed what he could do as an everyday player in San Francisco. Joshua’s time with the Giants proved he had what it took to be a starting outfielder.

The 1975 season showed Joshua could handle bigger responsibilities. His success there led to more chances as a regular with his next team.

Minor League Excellence

Before Joshua reached the majors, he played at Chabot College and caught the eye of MLB scouts. The San Francisco Giants picked him in the first round of the 1967 January draft.

Interestingly, that draft class also included future Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk. Joshua, though, decided to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers instead of the Giants.

He developed his skills in the minors and made his MLB debut with the Dodgers on September 2, 1969. That early experience set the stage for his later success in the big leagues.

Later on, Joshua moved into coaching. He served as the hitting coach for the Albuquerque Dukes in the late 1980s, which eventually led him to MLB coaching gigs.

Key Trades and Team Changes

Joshua switched teams several times, which really shaped his career. He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers in three separate stints—1969-71, 1973-74, and again in 1979.

When he joined the San Francisco Giants in 1975-76, he finally got regular playing time. The Milwaukee Brewers picked him up in 1976-77, and he continued as a starting outfielder.

He made his way back to the Dodgers in 1979, then wrapped up his career with the San Diego Padres in 1980. He played his final MLB game on August 9, 1980.

These moves helped Joshua rack up 31 triples and 30 home runs during his career. He showed he could adapt to different teams, and managers valued his flexibility.

Statistical Overview and Playing Style

Von Joshua hit .273 over his 10-year MLB career, collecting 610 hits, 30 home runs, and 184 RBIs in 822 games. He played outfield and sometimes first base, making him a useful utility player for four teams.

Career Batting and Fielding Statistics

Joshua hit for solid contact throughout his career. He picked up 610 hits in 2,234 at-bats and maintained a .273 average.

He hit 30 home runs across 10 seasons. Joshua drove in 184 runs and crossed the plate 277 times himself.

He drew 108 walks and struck out 338 times, which shows a pretty balanced approach at the plate.

Joshua stole 55 bases, but he got caught 40 times, so he was more opportunistic than speedy on the bases.

His best year came in 1975 with San Francisco, when he hit .318 with 161 hits, 75 runs, and 43 RBIs in 129 games.

Offensive Strengths

Joshua’s main strength was making consistent contact. That .273 career average put him ahead of plenty of utility players from his era.

He showed some gap power too, with 87 doubles and 31 triples. That helped him reach a .380 slugging percentage.

He came from Oakland and could really handle certain pitchers. His .306 on-base percentage speaks to his patience at the plate.

Joshua also stepped up in different batting situations. He laid down 15 sacrifice hits and hit 15 sacrifice flies, always willing to move runners along.

He succeeded on about 58% of his stolen base attempts, so he picked his moments instead of running wild.

Defensive Versatility

Joshua brought real defensive value by playing all over the outfield. He mainly played center, but he handled left and right field too.

At 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, he had the size and speed for center field. He covered the gaps well with his quickness.

He threw left-handed and even played some first base (1B) and designated hitter (DH), which gave managers options off the bench.

Teams used him as a late-inning defensive replacement. Joshua could step in for injured starters or take advantage of matchups.

He played multiple positions within the same season, which helped him stick around the majors with four different franchises.

Advanced Metrics and WAR

Joshua finished with a career WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of -2.0, so he performed just below replacement level overall. That number reflects his role as more of a bench player than a regular starter.

His best season by WAR came in 1975 with San Francisco, when he posted a 2.2 mark as a regular starter.

His career OPS+ was 91, meaning he hit about 9% below league average when you factor in ballparks and era.

He put up negative WAR in several seasons, mostly due to struggles on offense and defense. In 1977, he had his lowest at -2.4 WAR.

Still, Joshua gave teams value as a versatile bench guy. His ability to play several roles made him useful for clubs looking for depth, not just stars.

Post-Playing Career and Coaching Legacy

After retiring in 1980, Von Joshua jumped right into coaching and spent nearly three decades helping hitters at all levels. From 1984 to 2013, he coached in MLB and the minors, and even managed in international and independent leagues.

Transition into Coaching: MLB and MiLB

Joshua started his coaching career in 1984, just a few years after his playing days ended. He moved smoothly from player to instructor, drawing on everything he’d learned in the majors.

He spent 29 years as a professional hitting instructor. Having played for five MLB teams, he brought a wide range of experience to his coaching.

Joshua focused on fundamentals and situational hitting. He’d won minor league batting titles as a player, so young hitters respected his advice.

Roles with the Dodgers, White Sox, Blue Jays, Cubs

Joshua coached for several major organizations. He worked with the Chicago White Sox from 1998 to 2001, helping them rebuild.

He joined the Chicago Cubs in 2009, working on player development. Joshua also coached in the Blue Jays system, helping their hitting prospects.

The Dodgers brought him back as a coach too. Since he knew their system so well, he helped develop prospects there as well.

He coached at both the major and minor league levels. Most of his work focused on hitting instruction.

Hitting Coach Impact and Mentorship

Joshua’s hitting instruction mixed technical tips with mental prep. He’d faced big-league pitching for a decade, so he had plenty to share.

Players learned from his approach to different hitting situations. He stressed patience and awareness at the plate, skills he’d built during his own career.

He mentored players beyond just mechanics. Joshua helped them handle the ups and downs of pro baseball, drawing on his own journey through several teams.

You can’t always measure a hitting coach’s impact with stats. Joshua focused on getting prospects ready for tougher competition ahead.

Later Involvement in International and Independent Leagues

From 2014 to 2017, Joshua took his coaching career overseas. He managed Taiwan’s Professional Baseball team, sharing his experience on the international stage.

He kept working with independent baseball too, especially in the USPBL (United Shore Professional Baseball League). Between 2019 and 2022, Joshua jumped between roles as coach and manager.

In 2022, he led the Birmingham-Bloomfield Beavers to a USPBL Championship. Not bad for someone in his 70s—clearly, he still had plenty of leadership in him.

Joshua didn’t stop there. He started offering virtual hitting instruction, helping players by reviewing their videos and giving advice online. That way, he reached athletes far beyond the usual teams and leagues.