Kelvin Chapman

Kelvin Keith Chapman

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11", Weight 173 lb.
• School Santa Rosa Junior College
• High School Ukiah High School
• Debut April 5, 1979
• Final Game July 24, 1985
• Born June 2, 1956 in Willits, CA USA

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Biographical Information

Second baseman Kelvin Chapman played pro baseball for a decade, including parts of three seasons in the bigs for the New York Mets.

Signed by the Mets as an undrafted free agent in late 1975, Kelvin debuted with the Marion Mets in 1976, hitting .269 in 62 games. He reached the majors in 1979 and debuted on April 5th. As the Mets Opening Day second baseman, he went 2-for-5 with 2 runs scored against the Chicago Cubs. He hit just .150/.198/.213 over 35 games and was sent down to the Tidewater Tides. He remained at the AAA level for nearly five years. Chapman returned to the bigs with the Mets in May 1984 and platooned at second base with the left-handed hitting Wally Backman. In 75 games, he hit .289/.356/.401 with 13 doubles and 8 steals. The next summer, his line fell to .174/.231/.194, and he was sent back to Tidewater by late July. He was released by New York after the season, ending his pro career. During one game with the Mets, Chapman managed to be thrown out at every base, an unusual feat for a bit player.

Kelvin later became head softball coach at Mendocino College. His son, Jason, was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds but opted for college instead and never played pro ball.