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

Wayne Twitchell made his mark as a Major League Baseball pitcher in the 1970s, taking the mound for teams like the Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Montreal Expos. At 6’6″, he brought a powerful fastball and quickly built a reputation as a reliable starter and reliever.

Twitchell retired from professional baseball in 1979 after eight seasons in the big leagues. From 1970 to 1979, he put up solid numbers and played important roles for several franchises. His story offers a real glimpse into the life of a pro athlete during a fiercely competitive era in baseball.

Let’s dig into Twitchell’s baseball journey, from his early days to his last season in 1979. We’ll check out his stats, some memorable highlights, and what he did after stepping away from the game.

Wayne Twitchell’s Baseball Career Overview

Wayne Twitchell pitched in the majors for 11 seasons, from 1970 to 1979, and suited up for five different teams. He threw hard and had a right-handed delivery, but he often struggled with control. Still, when he found the strike zone, he could be brilliant.

Teams Played For

Twitchell started his major league career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1970. That first season, he learned the ropes in the American League.

The Philadelphia Phillies picked him up in 1971. That became his longest stint with any team. He pitched for the Phillies from 1971 to 1976 and appeared in 137 games over those six seasons.

His best years happened in Philadelphia, where he worked as both a starter and reliever.

After leaving the Phillies, Twitchell joined the Montreal Expos in 1977. He pitched in 26 games that year and ended up with a 4.15 ERA.

The New York Mets signed him for the 1978 season. He made 15 appearances for New York before moving on again.

Twitchell wrapped up his career with the Seattle Mariners in 1979. He pitched in 13 games during the Mariners’ third season as a franchise.

Career Timeline

1970: Twitchell debuted for the Milwaukee Brewers at age 20 and appeared in 4 games.

1971-1972: He joined the Philadelphia Phillies organization, splitting time between the majors and minors while sharpening his skills.

1973: He had a breakout year, going 13-9 with a 2.50 ERA in 33 starts for the Phillies.

1974-1975: He struggled with consistency and battled arm troubles, posting ERAs over 4.00 in both seasons.

1976: In his final year with the Phillies, he appeared in 23 games as both a starter and reliever.

1977: He signed with the Montreal Expos and worked mostly in relief, pitching in 26 games.

1978: Twitchell joined the New York Mets for 15 games before being released midway through the season.

1979: He finished his career with the Seattle Mariners, making 13 appearances before retiring at 29.

Key Achievements

Twitchell’s standout season came in 1973. He went 13-9 with a 2.50 ERA and struck out 176 batters in 266 innings. That year, he ranked among the Phillies’ best pitchers.

He threw hard for his era, with a fastball that often touched the mid-90s. That made him one of the harder throwers in the 1970s.

Twitchell finished with 784 career strikeouts in 1,003 innings. His strikeout rate of 7.0 per nine innings was pretty impressive for that time.

On September 13, 1973, he struck out 16 Chicago Cubs hitters, tying the Phillies’ franchise record for strikeouts in a game.

While control issues led to 661 career walks, Twitchell still posted a respectable 3.98 career ERA. Across 11 seasons, he finished with a 48-65 record.

Major League Baseball Career

Wayne Twitchell pitched in the majors from 1970 to 1979, spending most of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies. He made his debut with the Milwaukee Brewers and quickly became known for his fastball and fierce competitiveness.

Debut and Early Years

Twitchell began his MLB career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1970. The Brewers drafted him, and he worked his way up through their minor league system.

As a rookie, he showed flashes of promise. Twitchell’s fastball and control caught the eye of scouts and coaches.

He made several appearances for Milwaukee that first year, learning to adjust to major league hitters.

After his stint with the Brewers, the Phillies traded for him. That move shaped the bulk of his career.

Philadelphia Phillies Years

Twitchell joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 1971 and became a key part of their rotation. He spent seven years with the club, from 1971 to 1977.

His best run came in the mid-1970s when he became a regular starter. Twitchell won 13 games in 1973, his most successful season.

He earned a reputation for his durability and willingness to take the ball every fifth day. Twitchell often pitched deep into games and completed more than a few starts.

During his time in Philadelphia, he helped the team compete in the National League East. He worked alongside other notable pitchers of that era.

Notable Performances

Twitchell threw a no-hitter on September 10, 1973, against the Chicago Cubs at Veterans Stadium. That game stands out as a career highlight.

He struck out 10 batters in that game, showing his ability to dominate. The home crowd in Philadelphia definitely appreciated it.

His career stats include over 1,000 strikeouts and a solid earned run average. Twitchell finished with a 48-65 record over nine years.

He also had several other strong outings, shutting down tough lineups when his fastball was on.

Retirement in 1979

Wayne Twitchell ended his MLB career in 1979 after dealing with injuries and declining performance. His last seasons saw less playing time and diminished effectiveness.

Final Seasons

Twitchell’s last years in baseball really showed his decline. In 1978, he appeared in just 23 games with the Seattle Mariners.

His ERA jumped to 5.90 that season, a big drop from his earlier numbers.

In 1979, he pitched even less. Twitchell made only 15 appearances before the season wrapped up. His fastball had lost a lot of its zip.

Key Stats from Final Years:

• 1978: 23 games, 5.90 ERA
• 1979: 15 games, limited innings

Teams used him less and less. He shifted from starter to occasional reliever as his career wound down.

Reasons for Retiring

Arm injuries played a huge part in Twitchell’s decision to retire. He battled shoulder problems throughout his later years.

By 1979, his stuff just wasn’t the same. Hitters found it easier to square up his pitches.

Main reasons he retired:

• Recurring shoulder injuries
• Decreased pitch velocity
• Fewer roster spots
• Age-related decline

Twitchell retired at 33, which isn’t unusual for pitchers given the physical toll.

The game was changing, too. Teams started leaning toward younger arms. Twitchell knew his best days were behind him.

Player Profile and Legacy

Wayne Twitchell left his mark with his unique pitching style and steady presence in the clubhouse. Teammates and opponents respected his work ethic and professionalism.

Pitching Style

Twitchell relied on a fastball-slider mix that worked well against both lefties and righties. His fastball usually sat in the low 90s, which was above average back then.

His slider became his signature pitch. He used it for strikeouts and to induce ground balls. That pitch helped him stay effective even as his fastball slowed down.

He threw from a high three-quarters arm slot, which gave his pitches some natural movement. Twitchell’s mechanics stayed pretty consistent throughout his career.

He worked quickly on the mound and rarely shook off his catchers. That pace kept hitters guessing and games moving along. It became a bit of a trademark for him.

Influence on Teammates

Twitchell mentored younger pitchers during his later years. His experience with different teams gave him plenty of insight into pitching and mental prep.

Veterans respected how he prepared for games. He studied hitters closely and shared tips with other pitchers.

He stayed calm under pressure, which earned him respect in the clubhouse. Teammates often pointed out his focus during tough games.

Twitchell’s work ethic in the bullpen and during spring training set a good example. He kept himself in shape and took his role seriously, no matter where he slotted in the rotation.

Reputation in MLB

Coaches and managers liked Twitchell’s reliability and flexibility. He moved between starting and relief roles when teams needed it.

He built a reputation as a pro who always showed up ready to compete. Umpires and opponents respected his approach and competitive drive.

Twitchell earned recognition for his durability in an era when pitchers logged a lot of innings. He rarely missed starts and finished games when needed.

His stats might not jump off the page, but he delivered steady production. That consistency made him valuable to several teams in the 1970s.

Post-Retirement Life

After he retired in 1979, Wayne Twitchell stayed involved in baseball and his community. He coached, instructed young players, and got active in charity work.

Activities After Baseball

Twitchell stayed close to the game after playing. He worked as a pitching coach for several minor league teams in the 1980s.

He spent time coaching in the Phillies’ system, teaching young pitchers about mechanics and approach.

He also ran baseball clinics and camps for kids. These focused on the basics and proper pitching technique.

Twitchell sometimes scouted for major league teams, using his experience to spot talent at different levels.

He made appearances at baseball card shows and autograph signings, connecting with fans who remembered his days on the mound.

Community Involvement

Twitchell got involved in charity work after retiring. He supported youth baseball programs in his community.

He volunteered with Little League and helped raise money for equipment and fields. Twitchell also coached and mentored young players.

He played in charity golf tournaments and attended fundraising events, often benefiting local schools and youth sports.

Twitchell worked with former player associations to help retired athletes, including pushing for better pensions and healthcare.

His community service went beyond baseball, too. He supported local causes and stayed active in civic organizations long after his playing days ended.

Wayne Twitchell’s Net Worth and Financial Legacy

Nobody ever published Wayne Twitchell’s exact net worth when he retired in 1979. Baseball salaries back then? They just didn’t compare to what players make now.

Estimated Career Earnings:

• In the 1970s, MLB players usually made between $50,000 and $100,000 a year.
• With a 9-season career, Twitchell probably earned less than $500,000 in total.
• He didn’t have any big endorsement deals or sponsorships, at least as far as anyone knows.

Players during Twitchell’s era had pretty limited financial opportunities. Most guys just counted on their baseball contracts and that was it.

Twitchell pitched for a few teams—Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Montreal Expos. He spent the most time with the Phillies from 1970 to 1976.

Financial Challenges of the Era:

• Free agency wasn’t around until 1976.
• Players didn’t really have salary arbitration rights.
• Pension benefits were pretty minimal compared to what modern players get.

After he retired, Twitchell faced the same financial reality as a lot of players from the 1970s. Many of them had to find second careers once baseball ended.

Players like Twitchell didn’t have the benefit of cable television deals, so overall compensation stayed low. His financial legacy really shows what pre-free agency baseball players went through.

He played right as baseball was about to change, just before salaries started to skyrocket in the 1980s.