Jerry Willard's journey through Major League Baseball is a tale of perseverance and adaptability. Born on March 14, 1960, in Oxnard, California, Willard's professional baseball career began when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 14th round of the 1979 amateur draft. However, it was not with the Phillies that he would make his major league debut.
Willard's first appearance in the major leagues came with the Cleveland Indians in 1984. As a catcher, he was tasked with the challenging role of managing pitchers and providing defensive stability behind the plate. His time with the Indians was brief, and he soon found himself moving through various teams, a testament to the often unpredictable nature of a professional athlete's career.
In 1986, Willard joined the Oakland Athletics, where he played a limited number of games. His role was primarily as a backup catcher, a position that required readiness to step in at any moment. Despite the limited playing time, he continued to hone his skills and maintain his readiness to contribute whenever called upon.
The Atlanta Braves became Willard's next team in 1989. It was with the Braves that he experienced one of the most memorable moments of his career. During the 1991 National League Championship Series, Willard delivered a crucial pinch-hit sacrifice fly in Game 4 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This play helped the Braves secure a victory and eventually advance to the World Series. Although the Braves did not win the championship, Willard's contribution in the NLCS was a highlight of his career.
Willard's career also included stints with the Chicago White Sox and the Montreal Expos. Throughout his time in the majors, he was known for his ability to handle the pressures of being a catcher, a position that demands both physical and mental acuity. His career batting average was .249, with a total of 6 home runs and 54 runs batted in. While these numbers may not stand out in the annals of baseball history, they reflect the role he played as a reliable team player.
After his playing days, Willard transitioned to coaching, sharing his knowledge and experience with younger players.
⚾