Don Drysdale Net Worth

What was Don Drysdale's net worth?

Don Drysdale was an American professional baseball player and sports commentator who had a net worth of $1.5 million at the time of his death. That's the same as around $4 million in today's dollars after adjusting for inflation.

DKnown for his fierce competitiveness and intimidating fastball, Drysdale was one of the most dominant pitchers of the late 1950s and 1960s. Over 14 seasons with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, he became a cornerstone of one of baseball's greatest pitching staffs, winning the 1962 Cy Young Award and helping lead the team to three World Series championships. A nine-time All-Star, Drysdale earned a reputation as a fearless pitcher who wasn't afraid to throw inside, often brushing back batters who dared to crowd the plate. After his retirement, he transitioned into a successful broadcasting career, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in baseball. In 1984, his remarkable achievements on the mound were honored with induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Early Life

Donald Scott Drysdale was born on July 23, 1936, in Van Nuys, California. He grew up in a working-class family in the San Fernando Valley, where his father worked as a bus driver. Drysdale attended Van Nuys High School, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball, eventually catching the attention of major league scouts for his powerful arm and aggressive pitching style. After graduation, he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization in 1954 at just 17 years old, beginning his journey toward the big leagues.

Major League Career

Drysdale made his major league debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956 at age 19. When the team relocated to Los Angeles in 1958, he quickly became a hometown hero. Standing 6-foot-5 and armed with a blazing fastball and a mean streak on the mound, he established himself as one of the most intimidating pitchers of his generation.

During his 14-year career with the Dodgers (1956–1969), Drysdale compiled a record of 209 wins, 166 losses, and a 2.95 earned run average. He struck out 2,486 batters and became known for his remarkable control and durability. Alongside teammate Sandy Koufax, he formed one of the most formidable pitching duos in baseball history, leading the Dodgers to World Series titles in 1959, 1963, and 1965.

One of his most famous feats came in 1968, when he set a Major League record by pitching 58 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings, a mark that stood until Orel Hershiser broke it in 1988. That same season, he recorded six consecutive shutouts and solidified his reputation as a relentless competitor who refused to give in to hitters.

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Contracts, Salaries & Career Earnings

During his playing days, Drysdale was among the highest-paid pitchers in baseball, though by modern standards his earnings were modest. In 1966, he and Sandy Koufax made headlines by holding out together for higher salaries — an unprecedented move at the time. The two ultimately signed contracts worth $130,000 each, making them the first players in Major League Baseball history to earn six-figure salaries.

Over his career, Drysdale's total playing earnings were estimated at around $500,000 before taxes, though endorsements and post-retirement broadcasting work added substantially to his income. After retiring, he became a highly respected broadcaster for the Dodgers, California Angels, and ABC Sports, providing color commentary for national baseball telecasts and earning a steady six-figure salary through the 1980s.

Broadcasting Career

After retiring from baseball in 1969 due to shoulder problems, Drysdale moved into the broadcast booth, where his deep voice and analytical insight made him a natural. He spent years calling games for the California Angels, the Chicago White Sox, and later returned to the Dodgers as a beloved commentator.

He also worked nationally for ABC Sports, covering Major League Baseball, college football, and even the Olympics. Drysdale's calm professionalism and understanding of the game made him one of the most respected voices in sports broadcasting, extending his influence far beyond his playing career.

Personal Life

Drysdale married actress and singer Ginger Grant (better known by her stage name, Ginger Drysdale) in the 1950s, but they later divorced. In 1981, he married television and radio personality Ann Meyers, a groundbreaking athlete who was the first woman to sign an NBA contract and an Olympic silver medalist in basketball. The couple had three children and were widely regarded as one of sports' great power couples.

Despite his imposing persona on the field, Drysdale was known off the field for his humor, warmth, and humility. Sadly, on July 3, 1993, he died of a heart attack in his hotel room in Montreal while on assignment broadcasting a Dodgers game. He was 56 years old.

Legacy

Don Drysdale's impact on baseball endures both through his records and the respect of players who followed him. His 58 2/3 scoreless-inning streak remains one of the most celebrated pitching accomplishments in baseball history, and his fearless attitude helped shape the competitive culture of the Dodgers during their golden era. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984, Drysdale is remembered as a pitcher who combined power, control, and psychological intimidation in equal measure.

To this day, he is celebrated not just as a Dodger great but as one of baseball's most iconic right-handers — a man whose fire on the mound and grace in the booth made him unforgettable.

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