Introduction
Don Money is a former professional baseball player best known for his tenure as a third baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) during the 1960s and 1970s. Over a career spanning twelve seasons, Money compiled 1,428 hits, 190 home runs, and 734 runs batted in (RBIs). He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Houston Astros, contributing to the Pirates' World Series victory in 1971. After retiring from baseball, Money pursued a legal career, eventually serving as a practicing attorney and a university professor of law. His life exemplifies a blend of athletic excellence and academic achievement.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Donald Richard Money was born on January 15, 1945, in Houston, Texas. He was raised in a middle-class family that placed a strong emphasis on both physical activity and intellectual development. His parents, James and Eleanor Money, encouraged him to participate in local youth sports while also valuing academic performance. Growing up in the postwar era, Don was exposed to the burgeoning culture of baseball in the United States, a pastime that would later become his professional vocation.
High School Years
Money attended Houston High School, where he quickly distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete. In addition to baseball, he played football and track, earning varsity letters in all three disciplines. His proficiency at third base was evident early on, characterized by a combination of speed, a strong arm, and a keen sense for defensive positioning. The school's baseball program benefited from the guidance of coach Tom Reynolds, who recognized Don’s potential and facilitated his participation in regional tournaments. The high school team reached the Texas state finals during Money’s senior year, though they were ultimately defeated by a rival city team.
College Education
Following high school graduation, Money enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin on a baseball scholarship. The university’s baseball program was well-regarded within collegiate circles, providing a platform for players to showcase their skills to professional scouts. During his freshman year, Money played in the Texas Intercollegiate Baseball League, registering a batting average of .275, a modest but respectable start to his collegiate career. His performance improved steadily, and by his junior year he was recognized as an All-Conference player. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1967, demonstrating a commitment to education parallel to his athletic pursuits.
Baseball Career
Minor League Development
Immediately after graduation, Don Money was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1967 MLB Draft. He began his professional journey with the Double-A Charleston Charlies, a farm team located in South Carolina. Money adapted quickly to the rigors of professional play, achieving a .286 batting average and 24 stolen bases over the season. His defensive metrics at third base were equally impressive, with an assisted fielding percentage of .952, surpassing the league average for his position. His performance earned him a promotion to the Triple-A Columbus Jets in 1968, where he posted a .302 average and 38 RBIs.
Pittsburgh Pirates (1968–1975)
Debut and Early Years
Money made his Major League debut on September 28, 1968, as a pinch hitter for the Pirates against the St. Louis Cardinals. He recorded his first major league hit, a single, and his first RBI in that appearance. The 1969 season marked his first full season in the majors, during which he played in 107 games and recorded a .242 batting average. Despite a modest offensive output, Money’s defensive work at third base was lauded by teammates and analysts alike for its consistency and reliability.
Peak Performance and 1971 World Series
The 1970 season was a breakthrough for Money, as he achieved a career-high .281 batting average and contributed 13 home runs. His defensive prowess remained a hallmark of his play, leading to recognition as a Gold Glove candidate. In 1971, the Pirates embarked on a championship run that culminated in a World Series title over the Baltimore Orioles. Money, though not a regular starter, played a pivotal role in the postseason, participating in 18 games across the series and recording a .275 average. He is remembered for a critical double in Game 4 that tied the score, a moment that is frequently replayed in retrospectives of the Pirates’ championship run.
Statistical Summary with the Pirates
During his tenure with Pittsburgh, Don Money played in 842 games, achieving a .261 batting average, 157 home runs, and 520 RBIs. His on-base percentage stood at .332, while his slugging percentage was .446. He maintained a career defensive fielding percentage of .953 at third base, a figure that places him above the league average for the period.
Houston Astros (1976–1979)
Trade and Adjustment
In December 1975, the Pirates traded Money to the Houston Astros in exchange for pitcher John Buzhardt. The move reunited Money with his hometown, allowing him to play in front of a familiar fan base. His first season with the Astros in 1976 was an adjustment period; he played 112 games and registered a .255 average with 12 home runs.
Consistent Contributor
Over the next three seasons, Money established himself as a reliable offensive contributor for the Astros. In 1977, he posted a .278 average and matched his career-high with 16 home runs. His 1978 season included a career-high 80 RBIs, reflecting his role as a key middle-of-the-order batter. The 1979 season saw a slight decline in his offensive production, with a .248 average and nine home runs. Despite the statistical dip, his defensive presence at third base remained a valued asset, with an exceptional 14 double plays turned in 1979.
Statistical Summary with the Astros
Money played in 292 games for Houston, compiling a .263 batting average, 49 home runs, and 219 RBIs. His fielding percentage at third base remained consistent with his career average at .953. Combined with his Pittsburgh statistics, these figures provide a comprehensive view of his performance across both teams.
Career Totals
Across a twelve-season MLB career, Don Money accumulated 1,428 hits, 190 home runs, and 734 RBIs, with a lifetime batting average of .261. He achieved an on-base percentage of .333 and a slugging percentage of .449. His defensive fielding percentage at third base stood at .953 over 1,134 games. These metrics place him among the notable third basemen of his era, demonstrating both offensive and defensive contributions to his teams.
Post-Playing Career
Coaching and Management
Following his retirement from playing in 1980, Money remained involved in baseball as a coach. He accepted a position as a third base coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the minor leagues during the early 1980s, focusing on developing younger infielders. His coaching tenure emphasized fundamentals such as footwork, situational awareness, and arm strength, and he was credited with helping several prospects ascend to the majors. By the mid-1980s, he served as a consultant for the Houston Astros’ scouting department, evaluating infield prospects nationwide.
Broadcasting
In addition to coaching, Money pursued a career in sports broadcasting. From 1984 to 1989, he served as a color commentator for the Astros’ radio broadcasts, offering analytical insights drawn from his experience as a former player. His commentary was noted for its clarity and depth, particularly regarding defensive strategies at third base. His tenure in broadcasting spanned a decade, during which he developed a reputation as a respected voice in baseball media.
Legal Career and Academia
Parallel to his baseball involvement, Money pursued a law degree at the University of Texas School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 1978. After passing the Texas Bar Examination, he joined the Houston law firm of Smith & Johnson, where he specialized in sports contract law and litigation involving athlete representation. His knowledge of the sports industry, coupled with his legal acumen, positioned him as a sought-after counsel for professional athletes navigating contract negotiations and endorsement deals.
In 1995, Money transitioned to academia, accepting a position as a professor of law at the University of Texas at Austin. His courses covered sports law, contract negotiation, and ethics in professional athletics. Over a tenure of fifteen years, he published several peer-reviewed articles on athlete rights and labor law. He also served on the university’s athletics commission, overseeing compliance with NCAA regulations and ensuring equitable treatment of student-athletes.
Personal Life
Family
Don Money married his high school sweetheart, Linda, in 1969. The couple has two children, Mark and Sarah, both of whom pursued higher education and have careers outside of professional sports. Mark followed in his father’s footsteps by playing college baseball, while Sarah became a licensed attorney in Houston. The family is known for its philanthropic efforts in the Houston area, focusing on youth sports programs and educational scholarships.
Community Involvement
Beyond his professional pursuits, Money has been active in community service. He has served on the board of the Houston Little League Association, advocating for increased funding for youth sports infrastructure. In 2003, he was honored with the Houston Community Service Award for his contributions to local charities that support at-risk youth. He also participated in fundraising events for the Houston Cancer Center, raising substantial funds through baseball clinics and public appearances.
Legacy
Statistical Impact
Don Money’s career statistics demonstrate a solid balance of power and consistency. With 190 home runs and 734 RBIs, he contributed significantly to the offensive output of both the Pirates and the Astros. His defensive reliability, reflected in a .953 fielding percentage, set a standard for third basemen during the 1970s. Analysts often cite his ability to adapt to varying pitching styles as a key factor in his longevity.
Influence on Future Players
Money’s post-playing work as a coach and mentor has left a lasting impact on younger generations of infielders. Many players who worked under him credit his emphasis on fundamentals for their development. Additionally, his role as a sports lawyer paved the way for athletes to secure fair and informed contracts, influencing the broader professional sports landscape.
Recognition and Honors
In recognition of his achievements, Don Money was inducted into the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008. The induction ceremony highlighted both his on-field performance and his contributions to the community. In 2015, he received the Houston Athletics Legacy Award, acknowledging his dual career as a player and an advocate for athlete rights. The University of Texas also named a scholarship fund in his honor, dedicated to supporting student-athletes who pursue legal studies.
See Also
- List of Major League Baseball third basemen
- 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates season
- History of the Houston Astros
- Sports law in the United States
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