Earl Weaver Biography: Age, Children, Wife, Net Worth, Parents, Awards, Height, Death

Earl Sidney Weaver was an American professional baseball manager, author, and television broadcaster.

Although he never played in Major League Baseball (MLB), he began his career in minor league baseball before transitioning to a managerial role.

Weaver went on to manage the Baltimore Orioles for 17 seasons (1968–1982; 1985–1986), leading the team to a World Series championship in 1970.

Renowned for his emphasis on “pitching, defense, and the three-run homer,” Weaver’s managerial philosophy left a lasting impact on the sport.

Profile

• Full Name: Earl Sidney Weaver
• Stage Name: Earl Weaver
• Born: August 14, 1930
• Death date: January 19, 2013
• Age: 82 years old
• Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American professional baseball manager, author, and television broadcaster
• Height: 1.7 m
• Parent: Earl Milton Weaver ,Ethel Genevieve Wakefield
• Siblings: Carol Weaver
• Spouse: Marianna Osgood (m. 1964)
• Children: Michael Weaver, Rhonda Harms, Terry Leahy ,Kim Benson
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life And Education

Earl Sidney Weaver was born on August 14, 1930, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Earl Milton Weaver and Ethel Genevieve Wakefield.

His father owned a dry-cleaning shop that serviced the uniforms of the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Browns.

He grew up with one sibling, a sister named Carol Weaver. Weaver attended Beaumont High School in St. Louis, where he developed a passion for baseball.

Weaver was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1948 at the age of 17. Although he played second base, his minor league career never led to a spot on the major league roster.

Though his ethnicity was Caucasian, Weaver’s religious beliefs remain private.

Career

Earl Sidney Weaver was best known for his long tenure as the manager of the Baltimore Orioles from 1968 to 1982, with a brief return in 1985-1986.

His legacy was shaped by his fiery temper, confrontations with umpires, and innovative managerial style, emphasizing pitching, defence, and power-hitting.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Weaver had a modest minor league playing career but transitioned into a successful managerial role in the minors, where he earned a reputation for his leadership and winning approach

Weaver’s managerial journey began in the Orioles’ minor league system in 1956. He managed teams across various levels, leading them to three championships before being promoted to the significant league coaching staff in 1967.

In 1968, Weaver took over as the Orioles’ manager, inheriting a team that would become one of the most successful of the era.

His leadership style was shaped by a focus on players like Boog Powell, Frank Robinson, and Brooks Robinson, who thrived under his emphasis on the three-run homer.

Under Weaver, the Orioles enjoyed great success, winning the American League pennant in 1969, 1970, 1971, and 1979 and reaching the World Series three times. 1970, the team won the World Series, defeating the Cincinnati Reds.

Weaver’s teams were known for their strong pitching, defensive prowess, and potent offences, but he was often criticized for sticking to his three-run homer strategy even when the team’s power hitters were struggling.

Weaver’s career was marked by his frequent ejections and outspoken nature, particularly in his battles with umpires. He was ejected from games at least 91 times and was known for yelling, screaming, and even throwing tantrums on the field.

Despite his contentious relationship with officials, Weaver earned the respect of his players for his deep baseball knowledge and his ability to motivate them. His legacy includes helping to shift baseball tactics towards on-base percentage and power-hitting.

Throughout his career, Weaver authored several books on managing, including Winning!, It’s What You Learn After You Know It All That Counts, and Weaver on Strategy.

These works expanded on his ideas about baseball strategy, emphasizing the importance of patience at the plate and the dangers of small-ball tactics.

His philosophy of focusing on getting hitters on base and waiting for the big home run became a hallmark of his approach to managing.

Weaver retired in 1982 but was coaxed back into managing the Orioles in 1985. His final managerial stint ended after a losing season in 1986.

He retired for good, leaving a career record of 1,480 wins and 1,060 losses. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996, Weaver cemented his place as one of the game’s most excellent managers, remembered for his leadership, innovation, and relentless drive to win.

Awards and Nominations

• Baseball Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1996.
• Manager of the Year: Three-time winner (1973, 1977, 1979).
• World Series Champion: Led the Orioles to victory in 1970.
• American League Pennants: Four titles (1969, 1970, 1971, 1979).
• Division Titles: Six titles during his tenure (1969-1971, 1973, 1974, 1979)

Social Media

Earl Weaver does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Earl Weaver was married twice. His first marriage was to Jane Johnston in 1949, but they divorced in 1962, having three children together: Mike Weaver, Rhonda Harms, and Theresa Leahy.

In 1964, he married Marianna Osgood, a secretary who supported him throughout his career. They remained married until he died in 2013.

With Marianna, he had additional children, including Kim Benson.

Net Worth

Earl Weaver’s net worth at the time of his death in 2013 was estimated at around $5 million.

His wealth came from his successful career as the manager of the Baltimore Orioles, highlighted by a World Series win in 1970 and his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996.