Billy North
Speedy Billy North was perfect for the Oakland A's running offense of the 1970s. The outfielder swiped as many as 75 bases, and proved effective despite low batting averages and very little extra-base power. A brash baserunner, he led the American League in stolen bases twice and in being caught stealing four times. He struggled miserably in the post-season: going 3-for-59 (.051) in 20 games over five series.
Quotes About North
"He covers more ground in center than anyone we've ever had." — teammate Reggie Jackson, 1973
Quotes From North
"My theory in stealing bases is to take only what's necessary to help the team. I'm not out to pad my total. Hitting's hard enough without giving pitchers an excuse to throw at my head." — Billy North
Played For
Chicago Cubs (1971-1972)
Oakland Athletics (1973-1978)
Los Angeles Dodgers (1978)
San Francisco Giants (1979-1981)
Minor League Experience
North tore up minor league pitching for high averages, but never hit .300 in the majors. He hit .375 for San Antonio in 1971, and .351 for Wichita in 1972.
Born
William Alex North was born on May 15, 1948, in Seattle, WA.
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
Primary Position: OF
Primary Team: OAK
Major League Debut
September 3, 1971
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1971
Chris Speier
Chris Chambliss
Ron Cey
George Hendrick
Dave Kingman
Jon Matlack
Doyle Alexander
Cecil Cooper
Darrell Porter
Post-Season Appearances
1974 American League Championship Series
1974 World Series
1975 American League Championship Series
1978 National League Championship Series
1978 World Series
Transactions
June 5, 1969: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 12th round of the 1969 amateur draft. Player signed June 18, 1969.
After an impressive spring training with the Chicago Cubs in 1972, North made the big league club and was inserted in the outfield. But he struggled against big league pitching (batting .181) and the Cubs essentially gave up on him. On November 21, 1972, he was traded by the to the Oakland Athletics for pitcher Bob Locker.
May 17, 1978: Traded by the Oakland Athletics to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Glenn Burke.
November 2, 1978: Granted Free Agency.
March 10, 1979: Signed as a Free Agent with the San Francisco Giants.
August 4, 1981: Released by the San Francisco Giants.
Replaced
In 1973, A's center fielder Billy Conigliaro injured the cartilage in his knee and went down. Backup Angel Mangual pulled a chest muscle shortly after that, and North was inserted in center. "Bill North is my center fielder," manager Dick Williams asserted. "He stays in there unless he falls flat on his face. North played 146 games, batted .285, scored 98 runs, and stoled 53 bases in his first season as a regular.
Best Strength as a Player
Speed and defensive in center field. North was known for his ability to leap against the wall for flyballs.
Largest Weakness as a Player
Hitting for power.
Learn More about Billy North
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