Jim Sundberg
James Howard Sundberg (born May 18, 1951) is an American former professional baseball catcher who played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1974 to 1989, most notably with the Texas Rangers, where he established himself as one of the premier defensive catchers of his era.[1][2] Drafted second overall by the Rangers in 1973 out of Brigham Young University, Sundberg debuted on April 4, 1974, and quickly became the team's starting catcher, appearing in 155 games that rookie season while finishing fourth in American League Rookie of the Year voting.[3][2] Over his career, Sundberg caught 1,927 games—the second-most all-time upon his retirement in 1989—and earned six consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1976 to 1981 for his exceptional fielding, arm strength, and game management, helping pitchers like Bert Blyleven and Jon Matlack during his Rangers tenure.[1][2] He was selected to three All-Star Games (1974, 1978, and 1984) and batted .248 with 95 home runs and 624 RBIs across 1,962 total games, though his value lay primarily in defense, as evidenced by his career defensive Wins Above Replacement (dWAR) ranking in the top 20 all-time for any position.[1][2] Sundberg spent his first 10 seasons (1974–1983) with the Rangers, followed by stints with the Milwaukee Brewers (1984), Kansas City Royals (1985–1986)—where he hit a pivotal triple in Game 7 of the 1985 ALCS to help secure the pennant—and the Chicago Cubs (1987–1988), before returning to Texas for his final two years (1988–1989).[1][2] Inducted into the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame in 2003, he remains celebrated for his durability and leadership behind the plate.[1] After retiring, Sundberg transitioned to broadcasting as a color analyst for the Rangers from 1990 to 1995, earning acclaim alongside play-by-play partner Steve Busby, including a 1995 award for best broadcast team from a Dallas-Fort Worth publication.[4] From 1996 to 2002, he founded and ran a company producing sports training products like "Practice Planner" and "Skill Drills," and co-authored the book How to Win at Sports Parenting with his wife Janet.[4] He rejoined the Rangers organization in various front-office roles, including catching coordinator (2002–2004), director of business development (2004), and executive vice president of communications and public relations (2007–2014), during which he contributed to initiatives like Nolan Ryan's 2008 return as team president and the adoption of the "TEXAS" branding.[4] Sundberg also served as president of the Texas Rangers Foundation from 2008 to 2013, growing its annual revenues from $1.5 million to $3 million, and led the Rangers Legacy Partnership for a decade.[4] Today, he works as a motivational speaker, drawing on his baseball experiences to address leadership and perseverance.[1]Early life and education
Childhood and family background
James Howard Sundberg was born on May 18, 1951, in Galesburg, Illinois, a small city of about 30,000 residents located roughly 180 miles southwest of Chicago.[1][2] He was the son of Howard Sundberg, a dedicated postman, and Shirley (née Riggle) Sundberg, who worked as a special education teacher while also serving as a homemaker.[1][5] The family lived near a local park featuring a baseball field, where young Sundberg frequently engaged in pickup games with neighborhood friends, fostering his early passion for the sport.[1] Sundberg grew up in a close-knit household with his siblings, brother Chuck and sister Linda, in an environment that emphasized family support and community involvement.[1][5] As a devoted Chicago Cubs fan, he drew significant inspiration from Hall of Famers Ernie Banks and Billy Williams, admiring their approachable demeanor and positive interactions with fans at Wrigley Field, which reinforced his own values of humility and positivity.[1][6] His early athletic pursuits centered on baseball at Galesburg High School, where he honed his skills as a catcher and developed a reputation for competitiveness.[1] The school's main baseball field, now known as Jim Sundberg Field, honors his contributions to the community.[7] The Sundberg family's dynamics played a pivotal role in shaping his strong work ethic, with his father coaching Little League teams and instilling the importance of continuous improvement and preparation.[1] Sundberg internalized these lessons, exhibiting a perfectionist mindset from a young age—for instance, he once expressed frustration over striking out in a game despite hitting three home runs, highlighting his drive to excel in every aspect of play.[1] These early challenges, including the discipline required in a modest working-class home, built his resilience and commitment to the sport.[1] Following high school, Sundberg transitioned to college baseball at the University of Iowa.[1]College baseball career
Sundberg attended the University of Iowa on a baseball scholarship, where he joined the Delta Upsilon fraternity and played catcher for the Iowa Hawkeyes baseball team from 1970 to 1973.[2][8] As a key member of the team, he developed his skills behind the plate, emphasizing strong defensive fundamentals that would define his professional career.[1] Prior to the 1973 draft, Sundberg had been selected by the Oakland Athletics in the sixth round of the 1969 MLB amateur draft and by the Texas Rangers in the eighth round of the 1972 June draft, but declined both to finish his college eligibility.[1] During the 1972 season, Sundberg helped lead the Hawkeyes to their first Big Ten Conference championship since 1949 and the program's only appearance in the College World Series, where they finished with a 25-17 overall record and went 13-3 in conference play.[1][9] The team advanced as the District 4 champions but lost both games in Omaha, marking a historic milestone for Iowa baseball under coach Duane Banks.[4] Over his collegiate tenure, Sundberg earned recognition as a two-time All-Big Ten catcher for his reliable handling of pitchers and defensive prowess, though specific batting statistics from his Iowa years are not widely documented.[9] His leadership and catching ability were instrumental in the team's success, culminating in his selection by the Texas Rangers in the first round (second overall pick) of the January 1973 MLB secondary draft.[3][1]Major League Baseball career
Draft, debut, and early years with Texas Rangers
Sundberg was selected by the Texas Rangers with the second overall pick in the January secondary phase of the 1973 Major League Baseball draft, following a standout college career at the University of Iowa that highlighted his defensive prowess behind the plate.[1] He signed a professional contract shortly thereafter, forgoing further amateur play.[1] After signing, Sundberg spent the 1973 season in the minor leagues with the Double-A Pittsfield Rangers of the Eastern League, where he appeared in 91 games, batting .298 with a .421 on-base percentage and leading Eastern League catchers with a .994 fielding percentage over 78 games behind the plate.[10] This brief but impressive minor league stint showcased his strong arm and handling of pitchers, earning him a rapid promotion to the majors.[1] Sundberg made his MLB debut on April 4, 1974, entering as a ninth-inning defensive replacement for the Rangers in a 7-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics at Arlington Stadium.[11] He received his first major league start two days later on April 6 against the same Oakland team, going 1-for-2 with a double off future Hall of Famer Ken Holtzman while catching Ferguson Jenkins' one-hitter in a 2-0 Rangers victory.[1][12] Under new manager Billy Martin, who had taken over the Rangers in 1973, Sundberg quickly assumed the role of everyday starting catcher, appearing in 140 games that season and catching 132 of them—impressive durability for a 22-year-old rookie navigating the demands of a full major league schedule.[2][13] In his rookie campaign, Sundberg adjusted to the rigors of major league pitching by focusing on opposite-field hitting under the guidance of teammate Jim Fregosi, though he initially expressed doubts about consistently making contact against big-league velocity and breaking balls.[1] Offensively, he notched his first home run on July 1 against the Minnesota Twins' Joe Decker, contributing to a lineup that featured fellow rookie Mike Hargrove.[1] Defensively, Martin praised Sundberg's arm strength and game-calling in June 1974, noting his role in stabilizing a young pitching staff amid the team's transition to Texas.[1] These efforts helped the Rangers improve dramatically to 84-76, their first winning season, as Sundberg integrated into the clubhouse dynamics of a rebuilding squad led by Martin's intense, motivational style—described by veteran teammate Duke Sims as a survival test for rookies.[1][13] Sundberg's breakout rookie year culminated in his selection as a reserve for the 1974 American League All-Star Game, replacing injured Chicago White Sox catcher Ed Herrmann, making him one of the few rookies to earn such an honor that season.[1] He finished fourth in American League Rookie of the Year voting, behind winner Mike Hargrove, underscoring his immediate impact on a Rangers team that nearly reached the playoffs.[2]Prime years and defensive peak with Texas Rangers
During the mid-to-late 1970s, Jim Sundberg solidified his position as the Texas Rangers' everyday catcher, appearing in at least 140 games in seven of the eight seasons from 1976 to 1983, averaging over 1,400 innings behind the plate annually and establishing himself as the defensive cornerstone of the young franchise.[2] His reliability allowed the Rangers to build a stable pitching staff amid the team's expansion-era challenges, where they posted losing records every year during this period, finishing no higher than fourth in the American League West.[1] Sundberg's game-calling acumen was instrumental in guiding veteran pitchers like Jon Matlack, for whom he caught 103 starts, and Fergie Jenkins, with whom he shared 175 battery mate appearances, including handling Jenkins' precise fastballs and curves to maximize effectiveness on a staff often hampered by injuries and inconsistency.[14][1] Sundberg's defensive prowess peaked in this era, particularly in thwarting base stealers, as he led the American League with a 56.1% caught stealing percentage in 1977 while committing just one error in 149 games for a .994 fielding percentage.[2][15] He maintained elite marks in subsequent years, such as a 48.3% caught stealing rate in 1978 across 148 games with a .997 fielding percentage, using his quick release and accurate arm to deter runners and support pitchers in pickoff plays and inning-ending double plays.[2] Teammate Toby Harrah later recalled Sundberg's impact: "When he came along, everyone else seemed like slow motion," highlighting his superior range and preparation that elevated the Rangers' overall defense during lean years.[1] Offensively, Sundberg contributed steadily, with 1978 standing out as a career highlight where he batted .278 with six home runs and 58 RBIs over 149 games, including a 21-game hitting streak and six triples that showcased his gap power and speed from the plate.[2] That season, he earned American League Player of the Week honors on May 21 for a nine-for-19 performance with two homers, fostering strong fan engagement in Arlington as one of the few consistent performers on a 77-85 team, often interacting with supporters through community events and his approachable demeanor.[1] Amid persistent trade rumors fueled by the Rangers' struggles and front-office instability, Sundberg demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the organization, vetoing a proposed deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers after the 1979 season despite his no-trade clause allowing the move, stating he preferred to remain in Texas where he had deep roots.[16] Similar speculation arose in 1982, but he stayed committed, prioritizing the team's long-term growth over personal advancement, which endeared him further to fans and solidified his role as a stabilizing leader during the franchise's formative decade.[1]Trades and tenure with Milwaukee Brewers and Kansas City Royals
On December 8, 1983, Sundberg was traded by the Texas Rangers to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for catcher Ned Yost and pitcher Dan Scarpetta, a move that brought the veteran backstop to a contending American League team seeking defensive reinforcement behind the plate.[17] In his only season with Milwaukee, Sundberg appeared in 110 games, batting .261 with 7 home runs and 43 RBIs while maintaining his reputation as an elite defender, leading American League catchers with a .995 fielding percentage and throwing out 50% of attempted base stealers.[2] His strong performance earned him his third All-Star selection, as he was chosen to represent the Brewers at the 1984 midsummer classic in San Francisco.[18] Seeking greater stability for their young pitching staff, the Kansas City Royals acquired Sundberg on January 18, 1985, as part of a four-team trade that also involved the New York Mets and Texas Rangers; in the deal, the Royals sent catcher Don Slaught to the Rangers, while the Brewers received pitcher Danny Darwin from the Rangers and pitcher Tim Leary (assigned to minors) from the Mets.[19] Sundberg quickly integrated into the Royals' lineup, playing 115 games and batting .245 with 10 home runs, providing a steady presence that helped the team capture the American League West title with a 91-71 record.[2] In the postseason, he contributed a pivotal three-run triple in the sixth inning of Game 7 of the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays, helping extend a 2-1 lead and propelling Kansas City to a 6-2 victory and their second pennant in five years.[1] Sundberg appeared in all seven games of the 1985 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, going 6-for-24 with two doubles as the Royals rallied from a 3-1 deficit to win the championship in seven games, securing Sundberg's lone World Series title.[20] Sundberg remained with the Royals through the 1986 season and into early 1987, offering veteran leadership and defensive reliability to a rotation featuring emerging talents like Bret Saberhagen, whom he guided as a personal catcher during key outings.[1] In 1986, he played a career-high 140 games, batting .212 with a personal-best 12 home runs while again posting a .995 fielding percentage and catching 39% of base steal attempts, contributions that helped Kansas City's pitching staff lead the majors with a 3.39 earned run average en route to a third-place finish.[2] His role emphasized stability for the young staff, as Royals general manager John Schuerholz noted Sundberg's arrival brought "leadership and a calming influence" to the mound, allowing pitchers like Saberhagen— who won the AL Cy Young Award that year— to thrive under his experienced handling.[1] Sundberg appeared in 14 games for Kansas City in 1987 before being traded to the Chicago Cubs on March 30.[17]Final seasons with Chicago Cubs and return to Texas Rangers
In March 1987, Sundberg was traded from the Kansas City Royals to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for outfielder Thad Bosley and pitcher Dave Gumpert.[2] He appeared in 61 games for the Cubs that season, primarily as a backup to Jody Davis, with his playing time restricted by age-related wear and injuries accumulated from years of catching.[1] Sundberg returned in 1988 for 24 more games with Chicago before being released on July 15 amid ongoing performance challenges and roster decisions.[2] Less than a week later, on July 21, 1988, Sundberg signed as a free agent with the Texas Rangers, the team where he had spent the majority of his career, allowing him a sentimental return in the twilight of his playing days.[2] He served as a backup catcher for Texas in the second half of 1988, appearing in 38 games, and continued in that role throughout the 1989 season with 76 appearances.[2] This period marked a fitting conclusion, as Sundberg provided veteran leadership behind the plate while transitioning to reduced duties.[1] Sundberg retired following the 1989 season at age 38, with his final game occurring on September 24, 1989, at Arlington Stadium against the Chicago White Sox—a contest designated as Jim Sundberg Appreciation Day by the Rangers organization.[1] Over his 16-year career, he reflected on the physical toll of the position, having appeared in 1,962 games, the vast majority as a catcher, which underscored his remarkable durability despite the demands of handling pitchers and enduring foul tips and collisions.[1][21] His earlier contribution to the Royals' 1985 World Series championship added to the legacy he carried into retirement.[1]Playing style and statistics
Defensive skills and records
Jim Sundberg was renowned for his exceptional defensive prowess as a catcher, particularly his ability to control the running game with a strong throwing arm and precise accuracy. Over his 16-season career, he amassed 708 caught stealings, achieving a career caught stealing percentage of 41.2%, which significantly exceeded the league average of around 30% during his era.[2] He led the American League in caught stealings or caught stealing percentage seven times (1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, and 1984), showcasing his dominance in thwarting baserunners.[2] Sundberg's arm strength was a key factor, allowing him to compile multiple seasons with caught stealing rates over 45%, including a league-leading 50.0% in 1984 while with the Kansas City Royals.[1] In addition to his throwing ability, Sundberg excelled in game-calling and pitch framing, contributing to his reputation as one of the premier defensive catchers of his time. He caught 1,927 games as catcher in his career, ranking 10th all-time among major league catchers as of 2025, a testament to his durability and commitment behind the plate.[1] This endurance enabled him to handle demanding workloads, such as leading the AL with 155 games caught in 1975—the American League record (tied), which still stands—and catching at least 90% of his team's games in six seasons, an MLB record.[2] His defensive contributions extended to overall fielding, where he led AL catchers in fielding percentage six times and putouts multiple seasons, minimizing errors and passed balls.[1] Sundberg's defensive impact was evident in his influence on pitching staffs, particularly during his tenure with the Texas Rangers, where he worked with aces like Ferguson Jenkins and Gaylord Perry. His game management helped stabilize rotations on underperforming teams.[6] Later with the Royals, the team posted ERAs of 3.74 in 1984 (third in AL) and 3.57 in 1985 (second in AL).[22][23] Compared to contemporaries like Thurman Munson, Sundberg edged out in pure defensive metrics, narrowly losing the 1975 Gold Glove to Munson by an 11-9 vote despite superior caught stealing numbers that year.[1] His six consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1976 to 1981 set a benchmark for sustained excellence among catchers at the time, underscoring his arm strength and overall defensive acumen.[2] Sundberg's career defensive WAR of 25.3 ranks 19th all-time, highlighting his lasting value in preventing runs through elite catching.[2]Offensive performance and career stats
Jim Sundberg was known as a contact-oriented hitter throughout his 16-season Major League Baseball career, compiling a .248 batting average with 1,493 hits, 95 home runs, and 624 runs batted in across 1,962 games.[2] His approach emphasized consistent contact over power, evidenced by 853 strikeouts in 6,021 at-bats.[2] Sundberg's most productive offensive season came in 1977 with the Texas Rangers, when he batted .291 with 132 hits, six home runs, and 65 RBI in 149 games, marking his career high in average and on-base percentage (.362).[2] He maintained solid contact skills in his prime years, batting over .270 in four seasons between 1977 and 1981, but his production dipped in later years due to age and increased playing time demands, with averages below .220 in 1983, 1986, 1987, and 1989.[2] By team, Sundberg hit .252 in 1,512 games with the Rangers across two stints (1974–1983 and 1989), .261 in 110 games with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1984, .229 in 255 games with the Kansas City Royals (1985–1986), and .214 in 89 games split between the Chicago Cubs and Rangers in 1987–1988.[2] His baserunning was limited, with only 20 stolen bases against 32 caught stealing over his career, reflecting a conservative style suited to his catcher role.[2] The following table summarizes Sundberg's year-by-year batting statistics:| Year | Team | G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | TEX | 132 | 368 | 91 | 12 | 2 | 3 | 36 | 40 | 61 | .247 | .316 | .309 |
| 1975 | TEX | 155 | 472 | 94 | 14 | 1 | 6 | 36 | 54 | 77 | .199 | .280 | .281 |
| 1976 | TEX | 140 | 448 | 102 | 13 | 2 | 3 | 34 | 45 | 61 | .228 | .300 | .288 |
| 1977 | TEX | 149 | 453 | 132 | 21 | 5 | 6 | 65 | 51 | 77 | .291 | .362 | .410 |
| 1978 | TEX | 149 | 518 | 144 | 22 | 5 | 6 | 58 | 49 | 70 | .278 | .338 | .371 |
| 1979 | TEX | 150 | 495 | 136 | 18 | 2 | 5 | 64 | 57 | 51 | .275 | .348 | .353 |
| 1980 | TEX | 151 | 505 | 138 | 16 | 4 | 10 | 63 | 58 | 67 | .273 | .348 | .386 |
| 1981 | TEX | 102 | 339 | 94 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 28 | 40 | 48 | .277 | .354 | .336 |
| 1982 | TEX | 139 | 470 | 118 | 13 | 3 | 10 | 47 | 51 | 57 | .251 | .327 | .362 |
| 1983 | TEX | 131 | 378 | 76 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 28 | 49 | 64 | .201 | .295 | .245 |
| 1984 | MIL | 110 | 348 | 91 | 14 | 1 | 7 | 43 | 39 | 63 | .261 | .335 | .379 |
| 1985 | KCR | 115 | 367 | 90 | 12 | 0 | 10 | 35 | 35 | 67 | .245 | .310 | .375 |
| 1986 | KCR | 140 | 429 | 91 | 10 | 0 | 12 | 42 | 40 | 91 | .212 | .282 | .334 |
| 1987 | CHC | 61 | 139 | 28 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 15 | 18 | 40 | .201 | .293 | .331 |
| 1988 | CHC/TEX | 62 | 145 | 39 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 22 | 14 | 32 | .269 | .326 | .448 |
| 1989 | TEX | 76 | 147 | 29 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 16 | 37 | .197 | .277 | .265 |
| Career | - | 1,962 | 6,021 | 1,493 | 189 | 27 | 95 | 624 | 696 | 853 | .248 | .327 | .348 |