Paul Noce

Paul David Noce

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10", Weight 175 lb.
• School Washington State University
• High School Sequoia High School (Redwood City)
• Debut June 1, 1987
• Final Game May 17, 1990
• Born December 16, 1959 in San Francisco, CA USA

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Biographical Information

After attending Washington State University, infielder Paul Noce was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 14th round of the 1981 amateur draft. In 1984, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs organization for minor league outfielder Terry Austin. He reached the majors with the Cubs in 1987 and started 47 games in place of regular second baseman Ryne Sandberg and regular shortstop Shawon Dunston. In the 3rd inning of a June 26th contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he was caught stealing twice; as of 2010, he is one of just 10 big leaguers to be caught stealing more than once in a single frame. Overall, he hit .228 in 70 games for Chicago.

However, Noce was back in the minors in 1988 and was dealt to the Montreal Expos for Bryan Oelkers that July. After being let go by the Expos that fall, he spent the following summer in the Seattle Mariners organization. Signed by the Cincinnati Reds prior to the 1990 campaign, he spent most of the season with the AAA Nashville Sounds but appeared in one game for Cincinnati, pinch hitting for Ron Oester and getting a single. His playing career ended after 16 games in the San Francisco Giants chain in 1991.

Following his playing days, Noce was a roving baserunning instructor for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1992 and 1993. In 1994, he became the head coach at Hillsdale College amassing a record of 349-548-1 before stepping down in 2013 after 20 seasons.

Noce's father, John Noce, spent 1952-1953 in the California League then went on to become the winningest junior college coach in California during his time at San Mateo Junior College. His brother Doug Noce was a minor league catcher and college coach.

Related Sites

• Paul Noce at the SABR Bio Project