Wayne Garrett – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Wayne Garrett built a solid career as a utility infielder in Major League Baseball, playing mainly for the New York Mets during the 1970s. His versatility and steady defensive play turned him into a valuable asset for several teams along the way.

Garrett retired from professional baseball in 1978 after spending parts of 11 seasons in the majors. He played third base, second base, and shortstop, contributing to some memorable teams like the 1973 National League champion Mets.

Let’s take a look at Garrett’s baseball journey, from his early days to his final season. You’ll find his most productive years, the financial success he reached during his playing days, and a bit about what he did after leaving the game in the late 1970s.

Wayne Garrett’s Baseball Career Overview

Wayne Garrett played in Major League Baseball from 1969 to 1978, spending most of those years with the New York Mets. He became known for his steady defense at third base and his knack for getting on base in key moments.

Major League Debut and Teams

Garrett stepped onto a major league field for the first time with the New York Mets in 1969. He was only 21 years old back then.

The Mets became his main team throughout his career, and he played eight seasons in New York from 1969 to 1976.

Garrett played a part in the famous 1969 “Miracle Mets” team that won the World Series. That championship run was his first full season in the majors.

After his Mets years, Garrett joined the Montreal Expos in 1977. He finished his career with two seasons in Montreal before retiring in 1978.

He also had a brief stint with the St. Louis Cardinals late in his career.

Key Career Highlights

Garrett’s biggest achievement came in 1969 when he helped the Mets win the World Series. The team beat the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles in five games.

He played in 133 games during that championship season. Garrett hit .218, but his defense at third base was steady all through the playoffs.

The 1973 season was another highlight for Garrett. He played a big role in leading the Mets to the National League pennant that year.

Career Statistics:

• Games Played: 1,092
• Batting Average: .236
• Home Runs: 61
• RBIs: 340

People knew Garrett more for his glove than his bat. He posted a career on-base percentage of .351, showing he could draw walks.

His best offensive season was 1975, when he hit .265 with 6 home runs. That year, he really locked down the Mets’ regular third baseman job.

Role as a Third Baseman

Garrett earned a reputation as a reliable defensive player at third base. His steady glove made him valuable to his teams for years.

He had good range and a strong arm, which fit the hot corner well. Garrett handled tough plays that third basemen often face.

His defensive skills mattered most during the Mets’ championship runs. The team leaned on solid defense to help their pitching staff.

Garrett sometimes played other positions when needed. He saw action at second base and shortstop during his career.

He kept a consistent approach to defense and rarely made mental errors. Garrett understood game situations and reacted accordingly.

His leadership on the field helped younger players adjust to major league baseball. Teammates respected his knowledge of the game and how professionally he went about his business.

Notable Seasons and Performance

Garrett’s career had several standout moments, including his role in the Mets’ 1973 pennant run and his offensive production through the mid-1970s. His postseason experience stretched over multiple years with solid defensive play at third base.

1973 National League Championship

The 1973 season was Garrett’s best. He batted .256 with 16 home runs and 58 RBIs in the regular season.

His performance helped the Mets grab the National League East title. The team finished 82-79 but made a strong playoff push.

Garrett played every game at third base that season. He committed just 20 errors while handling 447 total chances.

In the National League Championship Series against Cincinnati, Garrett delivered key hits. The Mets knocked off the Reds in five games to reach the World Series.

His steady glove and timely hitting proved crucial. Garrett’s .273 batting average in the NLCS helped New York clinch the pennant.

Significant Batting Achievements

Garrett’s best offensive season came in 1975, when he hit .261 with career highs in several categories. He recorded 6 home runs and 48 RBIs that year.

His plate discipline stayed consistent throughout his career. Garrett drew 60 or more walks in four different seasons.

He flashed some power in 1976 with 8 home runs. He also drove in 42 runs while hitting .254.

Garrett’s on-base percentage peaked at .353 in 1975. He managed to get on base with both hits and walks.

His career batting average of .238 showed steady production over nine seasons. Garrett piled up 881 hits in 1,092 career games.

Postseason Appearances

Garrett played in two World Series with the Mets in 1973 and took part in the 1969 championship run. He appeared in 17 postseason games in his career.

In the 1973 World Series against Oakland, Garrett batted .250 in seven games. The Mets lost the series in seven, but he played well.

His defense in October stood out. Garrett made just one error in 17 postseason games at third base.

In the 1969 World Series win over Baltimore, Garrett played a reserve role. He appeared in three games during that run.

He totaled 60 playoff at-bats with 13 hits. Garrett’s .217 postseason batting average included one home run and five RBIs.

Retirement in 1978

Wayne Garrett wrapped up his professional baseball career in 1978 after eleven seasons in the majors. He retired as his playing opportunities with the Montreal Expos dropped off.

Circumstances of Retirement

Garrett decided to retire after his playing time and opportunities in the majors dried up. The Montreal Expos released him during the 1978 season after he struggled to secure a regular spot.

His career started to decline after leaving the Mets in 1976. The move to Montreal just didn’t work out for the veteran infielder.

He played in only 39 games during his last season. At 30, Garrett had to face the reality that his skills weren’t what they used to be.

Teams wanted younger players at third and second base, and his batting average dropped off from his earlier years.

Garrett made a practical decision to retire. He recognized that his time as an effective major league player was over.

Final Season Stats

Garrett’s 1978 stats showed his struggles. He batted .189 in 39 games with the Montreal Expos.

He managed just 15 hits in 79 at-bats and drove in only two runs that year. Those numbers made it clear his offensive contributions had faded.

His fielding stayed solid, but his bat just wasn’t up to major league standards anymore. His on-base percentage dropped to .250 in his final season.

The stats really told the story. Garrett’s playing ability had slipped to the point where retirement just made sense.

Reactions from Fans and Media

New York Mets fans remembered Garrett fondly, even though his retirement was a quiet one. He’d been part of the 1973 National League championship team, and many fans appreciated his defense and clutch hitting during his best years.

The baseball media barely noticed Garrett’s retirement. He was a solid utility player, not a star, so his departure got little coverage in newspapers or sports magazines.

Former teammates respected Garrett’s professionalism. He always understood his role and worked hard, earning praise from coaches and fellow players.

The lack of fanfare when he retired was typical for players like him. Garrett contributed a lot, but he wasn’t the kind of player who made headlines during his eleven-year career.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Wayne Garrett left his mark on baseball with steady play and leadership during the Mets’ most successful years. His influence went beyond stats, shaping teammates and creating moments that fans still talk about.

Influence on Teammates

Wayne Garrett acted as a calming presence in the Mets clubhouse during both championship runs. His steady approach at third base helped younger players feel more confident on defense.

Garrett’s work ethic set an example for other infielders. He showed up early for practice and spent extra time on fielding drills.

Key Leadership Qualities:

• Consistent preparation
• Mentored younger players
• Stayed focused in pressure situations

Felix Millan, who played alongside Garrett, pointed out how the third baseman brought quiet confidence to the infield during big games. That leadership proved valuable during the 1973 pennant race.

Garrett’s calmness in pressure situations rubbed off on teammates. His steady presence during the 1969 World Series helped other players perform when it mattered.

Memorable Moments

Garrett’s most famous moment came in Game 3 of the 1969 World Series against Baltimore. He drove in two runs to help the Mets grab control of the series.

His defense in the 1973 National League Championship Series really stood out. Garrett made key plays that helped the Mets reach the World Series.

Notable Career Highlights:

• 1969 World Series champion
• 1973 National League pennant winner
• Big contributor to the Mets’ “Miracle” season

His clutch hitting in September 1973 helped the Mets overcome a 10.5-game deficit. That performance became part of the team’s lore.

Garrett’s final season in 1978 marked the end of an era for the Mets. His retirement closed the book on the team’s most successful decade.

Recognition and Awards

Wayne Garrett never won Gold Gloves or made All-Star teams during his career. Still, teammates and management recognized his contributions.

The Mets honored Garrett during special ceremonies at Shea Stadium. They retired his jersey number to recognize his role in both championship seasons.

Career Recognition:

• Team Hall of Fame inductee
• Jersey retirement ceremony
• Honored at Mets’ anniversary celebrations

Baseball writers have praised Garrett’s steady play over his 10-year career. His knack for performing in clutch spots earned respect from opponents and fans.

Garrett’s impact on the Mets franchise still shows through the players he influenced. Several former teammates have pointed to his professionalism as a model for their own careers.

Personal Life and Activities After Baseball

Wayne Garrett moved from pro baseball to a quieter life focused on family and business. He stayed connected to the sport through community activities and coaching.

Life After Retirement

After hanging up his cleats in 1978, Garrett settled into civilian life with his wife and children. He stepped away from the spotlight that came with the Mets.

Garrett focused on raising his family and building a stable home. After over a decade in pro baseball, he valued having more time with his loved ones.

Family became his top priority after retirement. Garrett went to his kids’ school events and sports activities. He enjoyed being there for moments he’d missed during his playing days.

Adjusting from baseball to regular life took some time. Garrett had to find new routines and purposes outside of spring training and the regular season.

Involvement in Baseball Community

Garrett stayed close to baseball through youth coaching and mentoring. He worked with young players in his community, sharing the skills he picked up as a pro.

Local youth leagues benefited from his experience and knowledge. Garrett taught fielding, batting stance, and base running. He pushed teamwork and sportsmanship with young athletes.

He showed up at old-timers’ games and reunion events now and then. These gatherings let him reconnect with former teammates and relive his playing days. Garrett especially liked Mets alumni functions.

He also gave baseball instruction at camps and clinics. Parents appreciated his pro experience and teaching style. Garrett focused on helping kids build good habits and understand the game.

Personal Interests

Outside of baseball, Garrett chased business opportunities and personal hobbies. He put money into local ventures and finally explored interests he’d set aside during his playing days.

Golf became a regular pastime for him. Honestly, it’s pretty common—lots of former baseball players pick up golf after they retire. Garrett really got into the challenge and the social side of the sport.

He also spent time fishing. Outdoor activities just seemed to fit him. These hobbies gave him a sense of relaxation and fulfillment he didn’t always get on the field.

Garrett valued the peace that came with these pursuits. He found a lot of comfort being out there, away from the crowds.

Community involvement didn’t stop with baseball for him. He joined in local charity events and took part in fundraising activities.

He understood how important it was to give back to his community. That part always mattered to him.

Wayne Garrett’s Net Worth and Financial Overview

Wayne Garrett’s financial standing shows the modest earnings of a 1970s baseball player. His wealth sits way below what modern athletes make. Most of his income came from playing contracts, and investment opportunities after retirement were pretty limited back then.

Estimated Net Worth

When Garrett retired in 1978, his net worth sat somewhere between $200,000 and $400,000. That number lines up with the salary structure in Major League Baseball during the 1970s.

Players didn’t make nearly as much back then as they do now. In 1978, the average MLB salary was about $99,000. Garrett played from 1969 to 1978, mostly with the New York Mets.

His financial situation looked pretty typical for utility players from his era. Third basemen and infielders with his skill set earned moderate paychecks. Free agency didn’t even exist until 1975, so most players, including Garrett, couldn’t really negotiate for big raises.

Earnings During Career

Garrett’s career earnings added up to somewhere between $800,000 and $1.2 million over nine seasons. His highest single-season salary probably topped out around $150,000 in his last couple of years.

He started with the Mets in 1969 on a rookie contract that paid the league minimum—just $10,000. Salaries went up slowly through the early ’70s.

By 1975, when free agency finally arrived, Garrett was making about $75,000 a year. The Montreal Expos signed him for his last season in 1978, and that contract marked his best payday, though nobody’s ever published the exact numbers.

Most players from that era just didn’t have the leverage that modern athletes do.

Investments and Endeavors

Not much is really out there about Garrett’s investments or what he did business-wise after baseball. Most guys from his era just took on regular jobs once they retired since their paychecks weren’t exactly huge.

Back in the 1970s, utility players didn’t get many endorsement deals. TV contracts and merchandising were pretty minor compared to what athletes see now.

Players usually went for safer choices, like real estate or maybe running a small business. I’d guess Garrett played it safe with his money too.

A lot of former players either stuck around baseball in some way or jumped into totally different careers after they hung up their cleats. Without those big signing bonuses or locked-in contracts, they really had to watch their spending.