When it comes to baseball legends, Devon White is a name that should not be overlooked. The Jamaican switch-hitting center fielder played for six teams over his 17-year MLB career.
Devon White was known for his speed, power, and defense, winning seven Gold Glove Awards and three World Series championships.
Likewise, he was also a three-time All-Star and had a career batting average of .263 with 208 home runs and 346 stolen bases.
His story is one of grit and determination, having immigrated to the United States as a child and overcoming numerous obstacles to become one of the greatest players of his time.
Today, White continues to inspire future generations as a first base coach for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, leaving a legacy far beyond his playing days.
Want to know more about Devon White? First, have a look at some of the quick facts about him.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Devon Markes Whyte |
| Birth Date | December 29, 1962 |
| Birth Place | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Nickname | Devo |
| Age | 61 Years Old |
| Religion | Not known |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jamaican |
| Father | Not known |
| Mother | Not known |
| Siblings | Not known |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Chinese Zodiac | Tiger |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm/ 1.88m) |
| Weight | 170 pounds (77kg) |
| Build | Athletic |
| Profession | Former Baseball Player, Coach |
| Playing Position | Center Fielder |
| Batting Average | .263 |
| Home Runs | 208 |
| Runs Batted in | 846 |
| Last MLB Appearance | October 5, 2001 (For The Milwaukee Brewers) |
| MLB debut | September 2, 1985 (California Angels) |
| Bats | Switch |
| Throws | Right |
| Career Highlights |
|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Colleen Whyte |
| Children | Three |
| Net Worth | $1 – $5 Million |
| Social Media | |
| Merch | Signed Baseball |
| Last Update | March, 2024 |
Early Life and Family
Devon White’s story begins in Kingston, Jamaica, where he was born Devon Whyte on December 29, 1962.
When he was nine years old, his family immigrated to the United States, where they settled in California. However, due to an administrative error, his last name was misspelled as “White” on their paperwork.
This mistake led to lifelong confusion regarding the spelling of his last name, as he was known as “Devon White” throughout his baseball playing career.
It wasn’t until 2003 that White legally changed his last name back to its original spelling at the request of his children.
Other information about his parents and siblings is not available, and Devon has remained quite private about it.
Education
Devon White attended Park West High School in Manhattan, where he primarily played basketball. He only began playing baseball after watching games on TV with his father.
After finishing high school, the player received a scholarship offer to play both college basketball and baseball at Oklahoma State University.
As a result, he enrolled himself at Oklahoma State University and played for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Career
The former baseball star had a 17-year career in Major League Baseball as a center fielder.
He played for six different teams: the California Angels (1985-1990), the Toronto Blue Jays (1991-1995), the Florida Marlins (1996-1997), the Arizona Diamondbacks (1998), the Los Angeles Dodgers (1999-2000), and the Milwaukee Brewers (2001).
White won seven Gold Glove Awards during his career and was selected as an All-Star three times. Likewise, he had a career batting average of .263 and hit 208 home runs, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively.
One of the most iconic moments of Devon’s career came in Game 3 of the 1992 World Series. In the fourth inning, with two runners on base and no outs, David Justice of the Atlanta Braves hit a deep fly ball to center field.
White sprinted back and made a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch near the wall, then threw to second base to start a rare triple play.
The play was so amazing that even the opposing fans gave him a standing ovation. The catch is considered one of the greatest defensive plays in postseason history and helped the Toronto Blue Jays win their first World Series title.
Coaching Career
After retiring from baseball, White transitioned to coaching and served as the first base coach for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
His contributions to the sport as a player and coach have cemented his place in baseball history as one of the greatest center fielders ever.
Career Highlights and Awards
- 3× All-Star (1998, 1993, 1989)
- 3× World Series champion (1997, 1993, 1992)
- 7× Gold Glove Award (1991–1995, 1988, 1999)
Relationship, Wife, And Kids
Devon White, the baseball coach, is married and has three children with his wife, Colleen Whyte – Thaddeus Whyte, Davellyn Whyte, and Anaya Whyte.
Davellyn Whyte is a former professional basketball player who played in the WNBA for two seasons.
She was born on May 13, 1991, and attended the University of Arizona, where she was a four-time All-Pac-12 selection and scored over 2,000 points in her college career.
She was drafted by the San Antonio Stars in the second round of the 2013 WNBA draft and played for them until 2014.
Likewise, Devon’s daughter, Davellyn, also played overseas in Israel and Turkey. She is currently an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team at Grand Canyon University.
Net Worth
Devon White’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million as of 2024.
However, his exact net worth is not publicly known and may vary depending on different sources and factors.
He earned most of his wealth from being a professional baseball player for 17 years, playing for six different teams and winning three World Series championships.
He also made some income from coaching and other ventures after he retired from playing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Devon White retire from his playing career?
Devon White retired from playing baseball after the 2001 season when he was 38 years old. He played his last game for the Milwaukee Brewers on October 5, 2001.
What is Devon White nationality and ethnicity?
Devon White is an American national since he moved to the U.S. when he was nine and played for American baseball teams. Likewise, his ethnicity is Jamaican since he was born in Kingston, Jamaica.
