Northrup was born in Breckenridge, Michigan, and attended Alma College, where he excelled in multiple sports. He was signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1960 and made his major league debut in 1964. Northrup quickly established himself as a reliable and versatile player, capable of playing all three outfield positions.
Northrup's breakout season came in 1968 when he helped lead the Tigers to a World Series championship. He hit .264 with 21 home runs and 90 RBIs during the regular season. However, it was in the World Series where Northrup truly shined. In Game 7 against the St. Louis Cardinals, Northrup hit a crucial triple that drove in two runs, helping the Tigers secure the championship.
In 1970, Northrup had his best statistical season. He hit .295 with 25 home runs and 91 RBIs. He also led the American League with 11 triples. Northrup was known for his ability to hit triples, leading the American League twice in this category during his career.
In 1974, Northrup was traded to the Montreal Expos, where he played for one season before finishing his career with the Baltimore Orioles in 1975. Over his 12-year career, Northrup hit .267 with 153 home runs and 610 RBIs. He also hit 57 triples and scored 603 runs.
Northrup was known for his clutch hitting, often delivering in high-pressure situations. He was also a solid defensive player, known for his strong arm and ability to cover a lot of ground in the outfield. After his playing career, Northrup worked as a broadcaster for the Tigers and also owned a successful insurance business.
Jim Northrup passed away in 2011, but his legacy lives on in the memories of baseball fans, particularly those in Detroit. His contributions to the Tigers' 1968 World Series championship team are still celebrated, and his reputation as a clutch hitter and versatile outfielder remains intact. Northrup's career stands as a testament to his talent, determination, and love for the game of baseball.
⚾
Related Content
Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring Jim Northrup BiographyF i l t e r & S o r t Filter & Sort
3 hours
Aug 6, 1970Aug 6, 1970
The Detroit Tigers had a solid season in 1970, finishing with a respectable record. Their...
Detroit Tigers vs New York Yankees - Radio Broadcast / The Detroit Tigers had a solid season in 1970, finishing with a respectable record. Their roster included talented players like Al Kaline, Norm Cash, and Bill Freehan. In August, the Tigers had a mixed month with some impressive wins and occasional setbacks. They remained competitive in the American League East division race throughout the season, but ultimately fell short of the division title.
The New York Yankees, known for their storied history, had a strong team in 1970. Led by manager Ralph Houk, the Yankees featured star players like Thurman Munson, Bobby Murcer, and Mel Stottlemyre. In August, the Yankees had a remarkable performance, winning several key games and solidifying their position at the top of the American League East division. They continued their dominant form throughout the season, securing the division title.
In August, both the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees were closely watching each other's performance, as they were fierce competitors in the AL East division race. The Tigers had some memorable victories during this month, keeping their hopes alive for a postseason berth. However, they also faced some tough losses that hindered their chances of catching up to the Yankees.
On the other hand, the Yankees had a fantastic August, showcasing their offensive prowess and pitching strength. They went on a winning streak, distancing themselves from their division rivals and solidifying their position as the team to beat in the American League East. Their consistent performances during August played a crucial role in their eventual division title victory.
3 hours
Jun 6, 1970Jun 6, 1970
In a regular season game on June 6, 1970, at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum,...
Detroit TIgers vs Oakland A's - Radio Broadcast / In a regular season game on June 6, 1970, at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, a notable game unfolded between the Detroit Tigers and the Oakland Athletics. The Tigers' pitcher, Joe Niekro, and the Athletics' pitcher, Chuck Dobson, both took the mound with the intention of guiding their teams to victory. This game occurred during a significant period for both franchises: the Athletics were in the process of building a team that would dominate the early 1970s, while the Tigers aimed to sustain the competitive spirit that led them to a World Series championship in 1968.
The game started off quietly, with no runs scored in the initial innings. Momentum shifted in the fourth inning when Norm Cash hit a two-run homer for the Tigers, setting the stage for a competitive match. The Athletics managed to score two unearned runs in the second inning, taking advantage of errors by the Tigers. Key moments for the Tigers included solo home runs by Bill Freehan in the fifth and ninth innings, which were crucial in maintaining their lead. In the eighth inning, Matty Alou hit a two-run homer for the Athletics, narrowing the gap in the score. However, the pitching of Joe Niekro, coupled with John Hiller securing a save, ensured that the Tigers maintained their lead, resulting in a 6-4 win.
2½ hours
Sep 17, 1968Sep 17, 1968
On Tuesday, September 17, 1968, the Detroit Tigers hosted the New...
New York Yankees vs Detroit Tigers - Clincher - Radio Broadcast / On Tuesday, September 17, 1968, the Detroit Tigers hosted the New York Yankees at Tiger Stadium. Stan Bahnsen took the mound for the Yankees, while Joe Sparma was the starting pitcher for the Tigers. At this point in the season, the Tigers were on the brink of clinching the pennant, leading the American League, while the Yankees were struggling, sitting in the middle of the pack. Mickey Mantle, a perennial star for the Yankees, was nearing the end of his illustrious career, and the 1968 season was notable for the "Year of the Pitcher," with pitchers dominating hitters to an extent not seen in decades.