TTM Stats
- Sent: 7/15/2022 | Received: 8/1/2022 | 16 Days
- ’77 Topps, ’84 Topps, ’87 Donruss, ’87 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 2/28/2023 | Received: 3/11/2022 | 11 Days
- ’85 Donruss, ’86 Donruss, ’87 Donruss, ’88 Score
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 12/20/2023 | Received: 1/21/2024 | 41 Days
- ’84 O-Pee-Chee, ’85 Topps, ’86 Fleer, ’86 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
For more than a decade, Doug DeCinces played third base with a mix of quiet consistency, clutch power, and professionalism. A central figure in the transition from the Brooks Robinson era in Baltimore to the high-flying 1980s California Angels, DeCinces delivered big hits, strong defense, and leadership in key moments of his career. While he may not be a household name to casual fans, his impact was undeniable to the teams he helped shape and lead.
Douglas Vernon DeCinces was born on August 29, 1950, in Burbank, California, and played college baseball at Los Angeles Pierce College. Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1970, DeCinces worked his way through the minors, showing solid power and a strong arm at third base.
He made his Major League debut on September 9, 1973, with the Orioles, and by the mid-1970s, he was tabbed as the heir apparent to Brooks Robinson, Baltimore’s legendary third baseman. Taking over for a Hall of Famer is no easy task, but DeCinces handled it with class and steady improvement.
When Brooks Robinson retired after the 1977 season, the full-time job at third base became DeCinces’ and he stepped up. In 1978, he broke out with 28 home runs and 80 RBIs, showing both power and maturity. Orioles fans, initially slow to warm to anyone replacing Robinson, came to respect DeCinces’ talents and contributions.
One of the most iconic moments of his Orioles career came on June 22, 1979, when DeCinces hit a dramatic walk-off home run at Memorial Stadium to beat the Tigers. That home run is credited with igniting the Orioles’ spirit and rallying them on a run that ended in the 1979 World Series, where they fell to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
In 1982, the Orioles traded DeCinces to the California Angels, opening the door for a young Cal Ripken Jr. at third base. For DeCinces, the move west rejuvenated his career. He had his best offensive season in 1982, hitting 30 home runs with 97 RBIs, earning a Silver Slugger, and finishing third in MVP voting.
He continued to be a key cog for the Angels through the mid-1980s, playing in the postseason again in 1982 and 1986, both times helping lead competitive teams alongside stars like Reggie Jackson, Brian Downing, and Rod Carew.
DeCinces spent his final MLB season in 1987 with the Angels and Cardinals, finishing his career with 1,505 hits, 237 home runs, 879 RBIs, and a .259 career batting average over 15 seasons. He also played a year in Japan with the Yakult Swallows in 1988, adding an international chapter to his career.
After retiring from baseball, DeCinces moved into the business world and became involved in various entrepreneurial ventures. However, his post-baseball life has been marked by legal troubles. In 2011, he was charged with insider trading related to stock purchases and, in 2017, was convicted on multiple counts. In 2019, he was sentenced to probation, community service, and ordered to pay fines and restitution.
Doug DeCinces is remembered on the field as a tough, talented third baseman who never shied away from pressure. He filled the shoes of a legend in Baltimore, found his offensive peak with the Angels, and played in big postseason games. His bat was clutch, his glove dependable, and his leadership unquestioned by teammates.
Though his post-career life took a difficult turn, DeCinces’ impact on the field, particularly during key moments in Baltimore and Anaheim, remains part of the fabric of 1970s and ’80s baseball. A player who answered the call when the moment came, Doug DeCinces stands as an example of how opportunity, preparation, and grit can make for a meaningful career.
The Score on Doug DeCinces – 6.5
Doug has a pretty fun signature. Its got a bubbly element to it, plus it has a few loops in there too. While he has two repetitive letters, he really doesn’t use them in exactly the same way. But I think other elements pick up for that. I think that these days Doug charges and I got some of these before he started doing that.
Thanks Mr. DeCinces! I’m giving these returns a 6.5 overall.
These aren’t my first returns from him. To see some other successful returns, check out these posts:
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.