Tim Teufel's journey in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the second round of the 1980 MLB Draft. A right-handed second baseman, Teufel quickly progressed through the minor leagues, making his major league debut with the Twins on September 3, 1983. During his rookie season, he played in 19 games, showing promise with a .250 batting average.
In 1984, Teufel became the Twins' regular second baseman. He played in 157 games, hitting .256 with 14 home runs and 61 RBIs. His performance was solid, and he demonstrated a good eye at the plate, drawing 74 walks. However, the Twins traded him to the New York Mets in January 1986, in a deal that included Billy Beane and Bill Latham, in exchange for Pat Crosby and Joe Klink.
Teufel's time with the Mets was marked by a memorable 1986 season. Although he shared second base duties with Wally Backman, Teufel played a crucial role in the Mets' successful campaign. He appeared in 93 games, batting .247 with 4 home runs and 31 RBIs. The Mets went on to win the National League East, and Teufel contributed to their postseason success. In the World Series against the Boston Red Sox, he hit a home run in Game 1, helping the Mets secure their first championship since 1969.
Over the next few seasons, Teufel continued to be a valuable player for the Mets, providing depth and experience. In 1987, he had one of his best offensive years, hitting .308 with 14 home runs and 61 RBIs in 111 games. His ability to hit left-handed pitching made him a valuable asset in the Mets' lineup. Teufel remained with the Mets until 1991, although his playing time decreased in his later years with the team.
In December 1991, Teufel was traded to the San Diego Padres for Garry Templeton. With the Padres, he played two more seasons, primarily as a backup infielder. In 1992, he appeared in 99 games, hitting .232 with 4 home runs and 31 RBIs. His final season in the majors came in 1993, when he played in 50 games for the Padres, batting .245.
After retiring as a player, Teufel transitioned into coaching and player development roles. He spent time as a minor league manager and coach within the Mets organization, sharing his knowledge and experience with younger players. His post-playing career demonstrated his continued involvement in the sport and his commitment to nurturing future talent.
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