{{short description|American baseball player (born 1947)}} {{other people||William Stein (disambiguation)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2016}} {{good article}} {{Infobox baseball biography | name = Bill Stein | image = Bill Stein 1978.jpg | alt = Bill Stein with the Seattle Mariners in 1978 | caption = Stein with the Seattle Mariners in 1978 | position = Third baseman / Second baseman | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1947|1|21}} | birth_place= Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S. | death_date = | death_place= | bats = Right | throws = Right |debutleague = MLB | debutdate = September 6 | debutyear = 1972 | debutteam = St. Louis Cardinals |finalleague = MLB | finaldate = October 6 | finalyear = 1985 | finalteam = Texas Rangers |statleague = MLB | stat1label = Batting average | stat1value = .267 | stat2label = Home runs | stat2value = 44 | stat3label = Runs batted in | stat3value = 311 | teams = *St. Louis Cardinals ({{mlby|1972}}–{{mlby|1973}}) *Chicago White Sox ({{mlby|1974}}–{{mlby|1976}}) *Seattle Mariners ({{mlby|1977}}–{{mlby|1980}}) *Texas Rangers ({{mlby|1981}}–{{mlby|1985}}) }} '''William Allen Stein''' (born January 21, 1947) is an American former professional baseball player and manager. His playing career spanned 17 seasons, 14 of which were spent in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the St. Louis Cardinals (1972–1973), Chicago White Sox (1974–1976), Seattle Mariners (1977–1980), and Texas Rangers (1981–1985). In the majors, Stein batted .267 with 122 doubles, 18 triples, 44 home runs, and 311 runs batted in (RBIs) in 959 games played. Stein played numerous fielding positions over his major league career, including third base, second base, first base, left field, right field, and shortstop. He also spent significant time as a pinch hitter. After his playing career, he coached and managed in the minors and independent baseball.
==Early life== Stein was born on January 21, 1947, in Battle Creek, Michigan. He attended Cocoa High School in Cocoa, Florida<ref>{{cite news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305023514/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1988/05/08/stein-finds-prep-coaching-hard-to-fathom-12-year-major-leaguer-turns-rockledges-program-around/ |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |title=Stein Finds Prep Coaching Hard To Fathom |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1988/05/08/stein-finds-prep-coaching-hard-to-fathom-12-year-major-leaguer-turns-rockledges-program-around/ |access-date=5 March 2024 |work=Orlando Sentinel |date=8 May 1988}}</ref> and Brevard Community College. The Baltimore Orioles drafted him in the 33{{sup|rd}} round of the 1968 MLB draft.<ref>{{cite web|title=33rd Round of the 1968 MLB June Amateur Draft|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?query_type=year_round&year_ID=1968&draft_round=33&draft_type=junreg&|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 26, 2010}}</ref> Stein did not sign with the Orioles. He began attending Southern Illinois University in 1969.<ref>{{cite web|title=Southern Illinois University Salukis (Carbondale, Illinois)|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/schools/sillinois.shtml|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105014004/http://www.baseball-reference.com/schools/sillinois.shtml|archive-date=January 5, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> As a member of the school's baseball team, he batted .396 and was named an All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association.<ref>{{cite web|title='Canes, Florida State Place 2 On All-American|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VTwgAAAAIBAJ&pg=3529,3791691&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|access-date=November 26, 2010|date=June 15, 1969}}</ref>
==Playing career==
===St. Louis Cardinals=== The St. Louis Cardinals drafted Stein in the fourth round of the 1969 MLB draft.<ref>{{cite web|title=4th Round of the 1969 MLB June Amateur Draft|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?year_ID=1969&draft_round=4&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 26, 2010}}</ref> He began his professional baseball career that year in the Cardinals minor league organization. The Cardinals assigned him to the Tulsa Oilers, who were their Triple-A affiliates. With the Oilers, Stein batted .295 with 24 runs scored, 54 hits, 11 doubles, five triples, one home run, and 20 runs batted in (RBIs) in 62 games played. Defensively, Stein played 31 games at second base, 14 games at third base, and five games at shortstop.<ref name=brm>{{cite web|title=Bill Stein Minor League Statistics & History|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=stein-001wil|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 26, 2010}}</ref> During the 1970 season, the Cardinals assigned Stein to the Double-A level to play with the Arkansas Travelers of the Texas League. In 114 games played that year, he batted .289 with 124 hits, 21 doubles, two triples, and eight home runs. In the field, Stein played second base and outfield.<ref name=brm/> In 1971, Stein was promoted back to Triple-A. He spent the entire season with Tulsa, where he batted .272 with 50 runs scored, 106 hits, 106 hits, 22 doubles, four triples, eight home runs, and 67 RBIs in 103 games played.<ref name=brm/> Stein pitched a game that season, after Tulsa's starting pitcher was ejected from the game after throwing the ball at the umpire.<ref name="utility">{{Cite news |date=1977-03-07 |title=Bill Stein has tried it all |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tri-city-herald-bill-stein-has-tried-it/165970447/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=Tri-City Herald |page=14 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In six innings, he allowed eight hits, and three runs (all earned). He played the majority of the season in the outfield, but also spent limited time at third base, first base, and shortstop.
To start the 1972 season, Stein was a member of Triple-A Tulsa. With the Oilers that year, he batted .278 with 100 hits, 26 doubles, four triples, five home runs, and 36 RBIs in 103 games played. Stein was a September call-up for the Cardinals that year. He made his debut in Major League Baseball (MLB) on September 6 against the Philadelphia Phillies.<ref name="72log">{{cite web|title=Bill Stein 1972 Batting Gamelogs|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=steinbi02&t=b&year=1972|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 26, 2010}}</ref> He got his first hit in that game, a home run in the ninth inning.<ref name=72log /><ref>{{cite news|title=Night Games|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1QwrAAAAIBAJ&pg=5240,4195514&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|work=Reading Eagle|access-date=November 26, 2010|date=September 7, 1972}}</ref> He played 14 games in the majors that year, batting .314 with two runs scored, 11 hits, one triple, two home runs, and three RBIs. Defensively in the majors, he was positioned at third base, left field, and right field.
During spring training in 1973, the ''Sarasota Herald-Tribune'' labeled Stein as the Cardinals candidate for pinch hitting off the bench.<ref>{{cite news|title=Murcer Inks Yankees Pact|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xnIjAAAAIBAJ&pg=5177,2190728&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|access-date=November 26, 2010|date=March 6, 1973}}</ref> He made the Cardinals Opening Day roster that year. He made his season debut on April 6 as a pinch hitter, going hitless in one at-bat against the Pittsburgh Pirates.<ref name="73log">{{cite web|title=Bill Stein 1973 Batting Gamelogs|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=steinbi02&t=b&year=1973|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 26, 2010}}</ref> His first hit of the season came on April 17, against the Pirates.<ref name=73log /> In August, Stein was sent down to the minor leagues, replaced in the majors by outfielder Héctor Cruz.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cruz Elevated By Cardinals|work=The Victoria Advocate|date=August 10, 1973}}</ref> In the minors, Stein played with Tulsa, where he batted .289 with 23 hits, two doubles, and one triple in 21 games played. While in the majors that season, Stein compiled a .218 batting average with four runs scored, 12 hits, two doubles, and two RBIs in 32 games played. On defense with the Cardinals, he played right field, left field, third base, and first base.
===Chicago White Sox=== On September 25, 1973, the Cardinals traded to the California Angels for Jerry DaVanon.<ref name="trades">{{cite web|title=Bill Stein Trades and Transactions|url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=steinbi02|publisher=Baseball-Almanac.com|access-date=November 26, 2010}}</ref> California then traded Stein to the Chicago White Sox on April 3, 1974, before he made a regular season appearance in the Angels organization.<ref name=trades /> In return, the White Sox sent Steve Blateric to California.<ref name=trades /> Stein started the 1974 season in the White Sox minor league system with the Triple-A Iowa Oaks. In 135 games with Iowa, he batted .326 with 107 runs scored, 178 hits, 32 doubles, eight triples, 16 home runs, and 76 RBIs. Stein led the American Association in hits; was second in runs scored, plate appearances (594), at-bats (554), and doubles; and was tied for second in triples.<ref>{{cite web|title=1974 American Association Batting Leaders|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/leader.cgi?type=bat&id=10105&sort_by=PA|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 26, 2010}}</ref> He was called up by Chicago in September.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chisox Gain Farm Pair|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-iArAAAAIBAJ&pg=6023,2730104&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|work=Schenectady Gazette|access-date=November 26, 2010|date=September 12, 1974}}</ref> Stein made his White Sox debut on September 13, against the Angels, getting no hits in four at-bats.<ref name="74log">{{cite web|title=Bill Stein 1974 Batting Gamelogs|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=steinbi02&t=b&year=1974|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 26, 2010}}</ref> His first hit of the season came the next day, against California.<ref name=74log /> In the majors that year, Stein batted .276 with five runs scored, 12 hits, one double, and five RBIs in 13 games played.
Stein spent his first full season in the majors in 1975. His season debut came on April 16, against the Texas Rangers, where in one at-bat he went hitless.<ref name="75log">{{cite web|title=Bill Stein 1975 Batting Gamelogs|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=steinbi02&t=b&year=1975|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 26, 2010}}</ref> In June, Stein was named the starting third baseman after Bill Melton, who was Chicago's regular third baseman, was benched for poor hitting.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lassila|first=Alan|title=Changing Faces: Way of Life For White Sox|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_gwfAAAAIBAJ&pg=6686,1172639&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|work=Sarasota Journal|access-date=November 26, 2010|date=June 4, 1975}}</ref> Stein also played back-up for second baseman Jorge Orta over the season.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1975-07-07 |title=Angels shut out A's again |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-angels-shut-out-as-ag/165970646/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=The Baltimore Sun |page=26 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> On July 20, in the second game of a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers, Stein hit his first career grand slam.<ref name=75log /><ref>{{cite news |last=Lowitt |first=Bruce |date=July 21, 1975 |title=Stein homers power Chisox past Brewers |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3l5PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WFADAAAAIBAJ&pg=4687%2C1206354 |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=The Prescott Courier |page=7 |via=Google News Archive}}</ref> On the season, Stein batted .270 with 23 runs scored, 61 hits, seven doubles, one triple, three home runs, and 21 RBIs in 76 games. In the field, he played 28 games at second base, 24 games at third base, and one game in left field. Stein also played 18 games that year at the designated hitter spot in the lineup.
Stein played his final season with the White Sox in 1976. On August 17, in the first game of a doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox, he hit a game-winning single in the ninth inning to score Pat Kelly.<ref>{{cite news|title=Monty give Red Sox Tuesday night split|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zwE1AAAAIBAJ&pg=3182,1426388&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|work=Bangor Daily News|access-date=November 26, 2010|date=August 19, 1976}}</ref> In August, United Press International noted that it was the first time in his major league career that Stein was getting a chance to start regularly.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rosenburg |first=Ken |date=August 14, 1976 |title=A's gain on ailing Royals |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hEJPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZY8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3946%2C2487009 |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=Ellensburg Daily Record |page=5 |via=Google News Archive |agency=United Press International}}</ref> During the season, he compiled a .268 batting average with 32 runs scored, 105 hits, 15 doubles, two triples, four home runs, and 36 RBIs in 117 games played. Stein played 58 games at second base, 58 games at third base, one game at first base, one game in right field, and one game at shortstop. He was also the designated hitter in one game during that season.<ref name="76log">{{cite web|title=Bill Stein 1976 Batting Gamelogs|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=steinbi02&t=b&year=1976|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=June 8, 2024}}</ref>
===Seattle Mariners=== {{quote box|width=24em|align=right|quote="The only thing Darrell Johnson, the Mariners manager told me is to work at third base [...] You get worn out if you just sit on the bench. I found it much easier to play every day."|source= —The Associated Press interviewing Stein in March 1977 on the subject of his new team, the Mariners.<ref name=utility />}} During the 1976 MLB expansion draft, the Seattle Mariners selected Stein with their third pick in the draft.<ref>{{cite news|title=Royals' Jones first choice in draft|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qVcyAAAAIBAJ&pg=4737,855884&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|work=Lawrence Journal-World|access-date=November 26, 2010|date=November 5, 1976}}</ref> Stein said he was "glad" that the Mariners drafted him, because he did not like playing at Comiskey Park, the White Sox home ballpark.<ref name=june77AP /> He was profiled by the Associated Press during spring training in 1977 and was interviewed about his new team and his unique versatility in the field.<ref name=utility /> Stein said that although he had played a wide variety of positions in the past, he hoped he would get a chance to be the Mariners starting third baseman.<ref name=utility /> In a win against Boston on May 3, Stein hit two home runs in the same game.<ref name="77log">{{cite web|title=Bill Stein 1977 Batting Gamelogs|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=steinbi02&t=b&year=1977|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 26, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Stein, Mariners Outslug Red Sox|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GEYxAAAAIBAJ&pg=2705,797966&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|agency=United Press International|work=Schenectady Gazette|access-date=November 26, 2010|date=May 4, 1977}}</ref> In June, Stein commented on how he liked starting every day at third base for the Mariners.<ref name="june77AP">{{cite news|title=Stein finally finds a home|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=M68pAAAAIBAJ&pg=4723,2770713&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|work=St. Petersburg Times|access-date=November 26, 2010|date=June 4, 1977}}</ref> The Mariners manager, Darrell Johnson, praised Stein for playing "good ball" with Seattle.<ref name=june77AP /> On July 8, in a game against the Minnesota Twins, Stein had his second two-home run performance of the season.<ref name=77log /> In early-September, Stein got hit in the shoulder by a baseball, which was later revealed to have caused a hairline fracture.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1977-09-08 |title=M's fade before Royals rally |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tri-city-herald-ms-fade-before-royals-r/165971706/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=Tri-City Herald |page=26 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> With the Mariners that year, he batted .259 with 53 runs scored, 144 hits, 26 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, and 67 RBIs in 151 games played. Defensively, the vast majority of his games (147) were played at third base, but he also played limited time at shortstop. He led the American League (AL) in putouts by a third baseman with 146.<ref name="77leaders">{{cite web|title=1977 American League Fielding Leaders|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1977-fielding-leaders.shtml|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 26, 2010}}</ref> Stein was also fifth in the league in defensive games at third base.<ref name=77leaders />
thumb|160px|Stein, circa 1977 Before the start of the 1978 season, Stein re-signed with the Mariners.<ref>{{cite news|title=Seaver remains bitter about Mets management|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=65BZAAAAIBAJ&pg=2742,125848&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|work=The Leader-Post|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=February 16, 1978}}</ref> His contract meant he was now signed through the 1980 season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mariners sign two players|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=unBUAAAAIBAJ&pg=2248,2616055&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|agency=United Press International|publisher=Ellensburg Daily Record|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=February 16, 1978}}</ref> In May 1978, he bruised his left hand, which caused him to miss some playing time.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mariner sub sinks Royals|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JqAfAAAAIBAJ&pg=3579,3071633&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|work=The Southeast Missourian|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=May 21, 1978}}</ref> On August 25, he broke up Dennis Martínez's potential no-hitter in the seventh inning of a game against Baltimore.<ref>{{cite news|title=Orioles' Martinez Two-Hits Mariners|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=p4YsAAAAIBAJ&pg=5199,5299125&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|work=Herald-Journal|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=August 26, 1978}}</ref><ref name="78log">{{cite web|title=Bill Stein 1978 Batting Gamelogs|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=steinbi02&t=b&year=1978|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 27, 2010}}</ref> On August 28, in a game against the Red Sox, Stein had a season-high four hits.<ref name=78log /><ref>{{cite news|title=Error opens the door, Red Sox shut in, 10–9|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BgdFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6791,8616237&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|publisher=Eugene Register-Guard|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=August 29, 1978}}</ref> On the season, he batted .261 with 41 runs scored, 105 hits, 24 doubles, four triples, four home runs, and 37 RBIs in 114 games played. In the field, Stein played 67 games at third base, 17 games at second base, and three games at shortstop. His 24 errors at third base was second in the AL.<ref>{{cite web|title=1978 American League Fielding Leaders|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1978-fielding-leaders.shtml|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 27, 2010}}</ref>
Early into the 1979 season, Stein was placed on the disabled list after suffering a rib injury.<ref name="79injury">{{Cite news |date=1979-05-31 |title=Stein placed on disabled list |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tri-city-herald-stein-placed-on-disabled/165971881/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=Tri-City Herald |page=31 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Charlie Beamon Jr. was called up from the minor leagues to replace Stein.<ref name=79injury /> In late June, the Mariners activated Stein from the disabled list.<ref name="activate">{{Cite news |date=1979-06-28 |title=Stein celebrates return by sparking Mariner victory |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tri-city-herald-stein-celebrates-return/165971982/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=Tri-City Herald |page=20 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> By the time he had returned, the Mariners had already positioned Dan Meyer at his position, so Stein filled in at second base during his first game back.<ref name=activate /> That year, Stein batted .248 with 28 runs scored, 62 hits, nine doubles, two triples, seven home runs, and 27 RBIs in 88 games played. As a fielder, he played 67 games at third base, 17 games at second base, and three games at shortstop.
1980 was Stein's final season with Seattle. On April 29, against the Twins, Stein had a season-high four hit game.<ref name="80log">{{cite web|title=Bill Stein 1980 Batting Gamelogs|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=steinbi02&t=b&year=1980|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 27, 2010}}</ref> He matched that high on July 26, against the Toronto Blue Jays.<ref name=80log /> On July 28, Stein broke up a no-hit bid by Cleveland Indians pitcher Len Barker.<ref>{{cite news|title=Baker Flits With No-Hitter Again|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A_UhAAAAIBAJ&pg=4978,4697692&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|work=Reading Eagle|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=July 29, 1980}}</ref> Stein batted .268 with 16 runs scored, 53 hits, five doubles, one triple, five home runs, and 27 RBIs in 67 games played in 1980. Defensively, he played 34 games at third base, 14 games at second base, and eight games at first base. He also played five games that season as Seattle's designated hitter.
===Texas Rangers=== In December 1980, Stein was signed as a free agent by the Texas Rangers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rangers also take Bill Stein|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QMopAAAAIBAJ&pg=2143,2855349&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|work=The Spokesman-Review|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=December 21, 1980}}</ref> He made his Rangers debut on April 14, 1981, against Cleveland.<ref name="81log">{{cite web|title=Bill Stein 1981 Batting Gamelogs|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=steinbi02&t=b&year=1981|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 27, 2010}}</ref> In that game, he batted 1-for-2.<ref name=81log /> In May, Stein set an AL record by recording seven consecutive pinch hits.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stein Sets Pinch-Hit Record|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/05/26/sports/stein-sets-pinch-hit-record.html|agency=United Press International|work=The New York Times|url-access=subscription |access-date=November 27, 2010|date=May 26, 1981}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1981-05-26 |title=Stein great in a pinch |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-stein-great-in-a-pinch/165972161/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=The Herald |page=6 |publication-place=Rock Hill, South Carolina |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Through June, Stein had a .441 batting average.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Pickard |first=Chuck |date=April 1982 |title=Let's Hear if for a Little Known Record Holder |url=https://archive.org/details/sim_baseball-digest_1982-04_41_4 |url-access=limited |access-date=2025-02-17 |journal=Baseball Digest |publisher=Lakeside Publishing Co. |page=61 |volume=41 |issue=4 |issn=0005-609X}}</ref> On the season, Stein batted .330 with 21 runs scored, 38 hits, six doubles, two home runs, and 22 RBIs in 53 games played. In the field, he played 20 games at first base, seven games at third base, seven games in left field, three games at second base, one game in right field, and one game at shortstop.<ref name=81log/>
On April 16, 1982, in a game against Milwaukee, Stein hit a game-winning double in the top of the ninth inning.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aschburner |first=Steve |date=1982-04-17 |title=Hitter Stein wins specialists' duel |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/title/zesmmpjvmgvdlcfozrsmscxmusckjqfo_ip-10-166-46-126_1739825398912 |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=Milwaukee Journal |page=10 |via=GenealogyBank.com}}</ref> In June, while playing against his former team, the Mariners, Stein praised their pitching staff.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stein has the answer: Pitching|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qKASAAAAIBAJ&pg=7206,735336&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|agency=United Press International|publisher=Spokane Chronicle|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=June 17, 1982}}</ref> In 85 games that year, Stein batted .239, the lowest average of his career since the 1972 season where he played with the St. Louis Cardinals. He also had 14 runs scored, 44 hits, eight doubles, one home run, and 16 RBIs. In the field, he played 34 games at second base, 28 games at third base, six games at shortstop, two games at first base, and one game in left field. Stein also was the designated hitter during three games.<ref name="82log">{{cite web|title=Bill Stein 1982 Batting Gamelogs|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=steinbi02&t=b&year=1982|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=June 8, 2024}}</ref>
In March 1983, Stein praised the Rangers new manager, Doug Rader, for working on the game in a "serious" way.<ref>{{cite news|title=Once a flake: Doug Rader says it's all in the past|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=x8JaAAAAIBAJ&pg=3165,2621405&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|publisher=The Evening Independent|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=March 24, 1983}}</ref> On May 18, in a game against Cleveland, Stein got a game-winning pinch hit in the 14{{sup|th}} inning.<ref>{{cite news|title=Steins' single sinks Indians in 14th|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ekdPAAAAIBAJ&pg=6153,6131322&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|work=Toledo Blade|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=May 19, 1983}}</ref> With Texas that year, he batted .310 with 21 runs scored, 72 hits, 15 doubles, one triple, two home runs, and 33 RBIs in 78 games played. Stein played the majority of his games at second base but also played first base and third base. He was used as the Rangers designated hitter in six games. After the season, Stein spoke out against a transaction that the Rangers made, trading Jim Sundberg to Milwaukee, calling him a "mainstay of the organization".<ref>{{cite news|title=Texas Trades Sundberg to Milwaukee Brewers|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DClbAAAAIBAJ&pg=6635,4499945&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|work=The Bonham Daily Favorite|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=December 9, 1983}}</ref>
In 1984, the Associated Press stated that Stein was one of the AL's best pinch hitters.<ref>{{cite news|title=Minnesota, Kansas City Even With 17 Games Left|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4GAzAAAAIBAJ&pg=6707,6700537&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|work=Ocala Star-Banner|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=September 13, 1984}}</ref> Early in the season, he injured his wrist, which caused him to miss some playing time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1984-05-04 |title=The Scouting Report: Orioles vs. Rangers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-the-scouting-report-o/165972617/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=The Baltimore Sun |page=C3 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> In mid-June, the Rangers activated him from the disabled list.<ref>{{cite news|title=American League|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cldOAAAAIBAJ&pg=6072,2902212&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|publisher=Spokane Chronicle|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=June 14, 1984}}</ref> On the season, Stein batted .279 with three runs scored, 12 hits, one double and three RBIs in 27 games played. Stein played 11 games at second base, three games at first base, and three games at third base. He also spent four games as the Rangers designated hitter.
Before the 1985 season, it was announced that the Rangers had traded Stein to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named later, pending a physical.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rangers pick up Stein|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CA9RAAAAIBAJ&pg=3692,804971&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|agency=United Press International|work=The Telegraph-Herald|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=January 6, 1985}}</ref> The Pirates later canceled the trade after team doctors discovered a "probable disc problem" in his back.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1985-01-10 |title=Bucs' deal for Stein canceled |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-post-gazette-bucs-deal-for-s/165972786/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |page=27 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Rumors then circulated that it was possible that Stein's career would be ended by the injury.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 10, 1985 |title=Names and Games |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-XIdAAAAIBAJ&pg=7135,4320230&dq=bill+stein&hl=en |access-date=November 27, 2010 |website=The Pittsburgh Press}}</ref> However, Stein did play 44 games with the Rangers that season, batting .253 with five runs scored, 20 hits, three doubles, one triple, one home run, and 12 RBIs. He played 11 games at third base, eight games at first base, three games at second base, and three games in right field. Stein was the team's designated hitter in six games that year. In his final season in the majors, he earned a salary of $250,000 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|250000|1985}}}} inflation adjusted). At the end of the season, Texas announced that it would not re-sign Stein.<ref name="texas">{{cite web|last=Kurkjian|first=Tim|title=Stein not offered contract from Rangers|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DM&p_theme=dm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0ED3CDB5DD3C07D0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|work=The Dallas Morning News (subscription required)|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=October 24, 1985}}</ref> Through an agent, Stein commented that if he could not play for Texas in the upcoming season, he would retire.<ref name=texas />
==Coaching career== In 1987, Stein coached the Rockledge High School baseball team, leading them a district title with a 17–11 record.<ref name="88coach">{{Cite news |last=Zizzo |first=Mike |date=1988-06-02 |title=Rockledge's Stein named to manage in Mets chain |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-rockledges-stein-n/165973073/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=The Orlando Sentinel |page=D-6 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Stein was hired as the manager of the Class A-Short Season Little Falls Mets of the New York–Penn League in 1988, an affiliate of the New York Mets.<ref name=88coach /> In his first professional season as a manager, Stein led Little Falls to a 39–36 record.<ref>{{cite web|title=1988 Little Falls Mets|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?id=23010|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 27, 2010}}</ref> He said that when he became a manager it was difficult to learn pitching after all the years of being a position player.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Zizzo |first=Mike |date=1988-07-07 |title=Former major leaguer Stein finally has to adjust to Class A ball |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-former-major-league/165973719/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=The Orlando Sentinel |page=D-6 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> In 1989, the Mets fired Butch Hobson, the manager of the Single-A Columbia Mets, and promoted Stein to that position.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1989-01-12 |title=Bill Stein to manage Colombia Mets |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-bill-stein-to-manage-colombia/165973586/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=The Herald |page=13A |publication-place=Rock Hill, South Carolina |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> At the helm of Colombia that year, Stein led them to a 73–67 record.<ref>{{cite web|title=1989 Columbia Mets|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?id=15587|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 27, 2010}}</ref> He also served as a player-coach with the Orlando Juice of the Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1989.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Zizzo |first=Mike |date=1989-10-05 |title=Bill Stein returns to playing |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-bill-stein-returns/165975630/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=The Orlando Sentinel |pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-bill-stein-returns/165975630/ F-1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-stein/165975788/ F-3] |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
Stein continued to manage Columbia in 1990, leading them to an 83–60 record.<ref>{{cite web|title=1990 Columbia Mets|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?id=15588|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 27, 2010}}</ref> The Mets had the best record in the South Atlantic League that season.<ref>{{cite web|title=1990 South Atlantic League|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/league.cgi?id=13903|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 27, 2010}}</ref> In 1991, Stein was hired to be the manager of the Bend Bucks of the Northwest League.<ref>{{cite news|title=M's could count on Bend skipper|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qaIpAAAAIBAJ&pg=6522,2536428&dq=bill+stein&hl=en|publisher=The Spokesman-Review|access-date=November 27, 2010|date=July 23, 1990}}</ref> The non-affiliated Bucks had a record of 30–46 with Stein as the manager.<ref>{{cite web|title=1991 Bend Bucks|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?id=12028|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 28, 2010}}</ref> He was hired to be the manager of the Clinton Giants in 1992, a Single-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Koolbeck |first=Mike |date=1992-04-19 |title=Jones sparks Reds coming off the bench |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-jones-sparks-reds-coming-off/165976071/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=The Gazette |page=4B |publication-place=Cedar Rapids, Iowa |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="clinton">{{cite web|title=1992 Clinton Giants|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?id=15401|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 28, 2010}}</ref> Stein led Clinton to a 59–79 record that year.<ref name="clinton" /> After considering taking a year off of baseball in 1994, Stein eventually accepted the managerial position with the independent league Tyler WildCatters.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gonzalez |first=Simon |date=1994-08-21 |title=Small Team, Big Dream |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-small-team-big/165976295/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |page=B20 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
==References== ;General references #{{cite web |title=Bill Stein Statistics and History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/steinbi02.shtml |access-date=November 26, 2010 |website=Baseball Reference}} #{{cite web |title=Bill Stein Minor League Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=stein-001wil |access-date=November 26, 2010 |website=Baseball Reference}}
;Inline citations {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{baseballstats|br=s/steinbi02|brm=stein-001wil}}
{{1969 College Baseball All-Americans}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Stein, Bill}} Category:1947 births Category:Living people Category:All-American college baseball players Category:Baseball players from Battle Creek, Michigan Category:Major League Baseball third basemen Category:St. Louis Cardinals players Category:Chicago White Sox players Category:Seattle Mariners players Category:Texas Rangers players Category:Arkansas Travelers players Category:Tulsa Oilers (baseball) players Category:Iowa Oaks players Category:Southern Illinois Salukis baseball players Category:Minor league baseball managers Category:EFSC Titans baseball players Category:Orlando Juice players