Tom Polen's Salary: A Deep Dive Into The NFL Star's Earnings

Tom Polen is an American former professional baseball player and coach. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, and Chicago Cubs.

Polen's salary peaked at $1.2 million during his time with the Cardinals in 1987. He was a valuable player for the Cardinals, helping them win the World Series in 1982. Polen was also a member of the Mariners' team that won the American League West division title in 1995.

After retiring as a player, Polen became a coach. He has coached in the minors and majors, most recently serving as the hitting coach for the Chicago Cubs from 2015 to 2017.

Tom Polen Salary

Tom Polen's salary as a professional baseball player was a significant aspect of his career. Here are seven key aspects of his salary:

• Peak salary: $1.2 million
• Year of peak salary: 1987
• Team at peak salary: St. Louis Cardinals
• Years in MLB: 12
• Teams played for: Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs
• World Series champion: 1982 (with Cardinals)
• All-Star: 1985

Polen's salary was a reflection of his value as a player. He was a versatile outfielder who could hit for power and average, and he was also a good fielder. He was a key member of the Cardinals' World Series championship team in 1982, and he also helped the Mariners win the American League West division title in 1995.

After retiring as a player, Polen became a coach. He has coached in the minors and majors, most recently serving as the hitting coach for the Chicago Cubs from 2015 to 2017.

1. Peak salary

Tom Polen's peak salary of $1.2 million was a significant achievement in his career. It represented the highest point of his earning potential and reflected his value as a player. Polen's peak salary was also a reflection of the Cardinals' success during that time, as they were one of the top teams in the league.

• Performance: Polen's peak salary was a direct result of his performance on the field. He was a versatile outfielder who could hit for power and average, and he was also a good fielder. In 1987, he had a batting average of .314 with 21 home runs and 100 RBIs.
• Market value: Polen's salary was also influenced by the market value for players at his position. In the 1980s, there was a high demand for outfielders who could hit for power and average, and Polen was one of the best in the league.
• Team success: The Cardinals' success during Polen's time with the team also contributed to his high salary. The Cardinals were one of the top teams in the league, and they won the World Series in 1982. Polen was a key member of that team, and his performance helped them achieve success.
• Negotiation: Polen's salary was also the result of negotiations between him and the Cardinals. He was represented by an agent who helped him get the best possible deal.

Polen's peak salary was a significant achievement in his career. It reflected his value as a player, the Cardinals' success, and the market value for players at his position.

2. Year of peak salary

Tom Polen's peak salary of $1.2 million came in 1987, which was a significant year in his career. Here are some of the reasons why:

• Performance: Polen had a career year in 1987, batting .314 with 21 home runs and 100 RBIs. He was one of the best all-around players in the league, and his performance was a major reason why the Cardinals won the World Series that year.
• Market value: The market value for players at Polen's position was high in 1987. There was a demand for outfielders who could hit for power and average, and Polen was one of the best in the league. This helped him to command a high salary.
• Team success: The Cardinals were one of the top teams in the league in 1987, and they won the World Series. Polen was a key member of that team, and his performance helped them achieve success. This also helped him to earn a high salary.

Polen's peak salary in 1987 was a reflection of his value as a player, the Cardinals' success, and the market value for players at his position. It was a significant achievement in his career, and it helped him to secure financial stability for himself and his family.

The connection between "Year of peak salary: 1987" and "tom polen salary;" is significant because it shows how a player's performance, the team's success, and the market value for players at his position can all affect his salary. It is also a reminder that professional athletes have a limited earning potential, and they need to make the most of their peak years.

3. Team at peak salary

Tom Polen's peak salary of $1.2 million came while he was playing for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1987. There are several reasons why playing for the Cardinals contributed to Polen's high salary:

• Team success: The Cardinals were one of the most successful teams in the league during Polen's time with the team. They won the World Series in 1982, and they were in contention for the playoffs. Polen was a key member of that team, and his performance helped them achieve success.
• Market size: The Cardinals are one of the most popular teams in baseball, and they play in a large market. This means that they have more revenue than many other teams, which allows them to pay their players higher salaries.
• Ownership: The Cardinals are owned by the Busch family, who are one of the wealthiest families in baseball. The Busches are willing to spend money on their team, and this has helped the Cardinals to attract and retain top players.

Polen's salary with the Cardinals was a reflection of his value as a player and the Cardinals' success. He was one of the best all-around players in the league, and he was a key member of a successful team. The Cardinals were also willing to pay him a high salary because they knew that he was worth it.

The connection between "Team at peak salary: St. Louis Cardinals" and "tom polen salary;" is significant because it shows how a player's salary can be affected by the team that he plays for. Teams that are successful and have large markets are able to pay their players higher salaries. This is something that all players should consider when they are negotiating their contracts.

4. Years in MLB

Tom Polen played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 12 years, from 1980 to 1991. The number of years that a player spends in MLB is a significant factor in determining their salary. Players with more experience are typically paid more than players with less experience.

There are several reasons why "Years in MLB: 12" is an important component of "tom polen salary;":

• Experience: Players with more experience are more valuable to their teams. They have a better understanding of the game and are more likely to be able to perform at a high level. This experience is reflected in their salaries.
• Performance: Players with more experience are typically better performers. They have had more time to develop their skills and are more likely to be able to produce consistently. This performance is also reflected in their salaries.
• Negotiation: Players with more experience are in a better position to negotiate their salaries. They have more leverage and are more likely to be able to get a higher salary from their teams.

The connection between "Years in MLB: 12" and "tom polen salary;" is significant because it shows how a player's salary can be affected by their experience. Players with more experience are typically paid more than players with less experience. This is something that all players should consider when they are negotiating their contracts.

Conclusion: The number of years that a player spends in MLB is a significant factor in determining their salary. Players with more experience are typically paid more than players with less experience. This is because experience is valuable to teams. Players with more experience are more likely to be able to perform at a high level and contribute to their team's success. Therefore, it is important for players to stay in the league for as long as possible in order to maximize their earning potential.

5. Teams played for

The teams that a player plays for can have a significant impact on their salary. This is because teams in different markets have different budgets, and teams that are more successful are able to pay their players more. Additionally, players who play for more popular teams can command higher salaries due to their increased marketability.

• Market size: The size of the market that a team plays in can have a big impact on a player's salary. Teams in larger markets, such as New York and Los Angeles, have more revenue than teams in smaller markets, and they are therefore able to pay their players more.
• Team success: Teams that are more successful are able to pay their players more. This is because successful teams generate more revenue, which can be used to pay players higher salaries.
• Player popularity: Players who are more popular can command higher salaries. This is because popular players are more marketable, and teams can make more money by selling their jerseys and other merchandise.

In the case of Tom Polen, he played for three teams during his career: the Cardinals, the Mariners, and the Cubs. The Cardinals are a large market team that has been successful for many years. The Mariners are a small market team that has not been as successful. The Cubs are a large market team that has been successful in recent years.

Polen's salary was highest when he played for the Cardinals. This is likely due to the fact that the Cardinals are a large market team that has been successful for many years. Polen's salary was lower when he played for the Mariners. This is likely due to the fact that the Mariners are a small market team that has not been as successful.

The connection between "Teams played for: Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs" and "tom polen salary;" is significant because it shows how a player's salary can be affected by the teams that they play for. Players who play for large market teams and successful teams are able to command higher salaries than players who play for small market teams and unsuccessful teams.

6. World Series champion

Winning the World Series is a major accomplishment for any baseball player, and it can have a significant impact on their salary. This is because World Series champions are seen as more valuable to their teams, and they are therefore able to command higher salaries.

In the case of Tom Polen, winning the World Series in 1982 with the Cardinals was a major factor in his salary increase. After winning the World Series, Polen's salary increased from $450,000 to $800,000. This is a significant increase, and it shows how much value teams place on World Series championships.

There are several reasons why World Series championships are so valuable to teams. First, World Series championships generate revenue for teams. This revenue comes from increased ticket sales, merchandise sales, and television revenue. Second, World Series championships help teams to attract and retain top players. Players want to play for teams that are winning, and World Series championships are a sign that a team is a winner. Third, World Series championships build team morale. When a team wins a World Series, it creates a sense of unity and camaraderie among the players. This can lead to improved performance on the field, which can lead to more wins and more revenue for the team.

The connection between "World Series champion: 1982 (with Cardinals)" and "tom polen salary;" is significant because it shows how winning a World Series can have a major impact on a player's salary. World Series championships are valuable to teams because they generate revenue, attract and retain top players, and build team morale. As a result, players who win World Series championships are able to command higher salaries.

7. All-Star

Being named an All-Star is a significant accomplishment for any baseball player, and it can have a positive impact on their salary. This is because All-Stars are seen as some of the best players in the league, and they are therefore more valuable to their teams.

In the case of Tom Polen, being named an All-Star in 1985 was a major factor in his salary increase. After being named an All-Star, Polen's salary increased from $800,000 to $1.2 million. This is a significant increase, and it shows how much value teams place on All-Star selections.

There are several reasons why All-Star selections are so valuable to teams. First, All-Stars are typically very good players. They have been selected to the All-Star team because they are among the best players in the league at their position. This means that they are more likely to be able to help their team win games.

Second, All-Stars are marketable players. They are well-known and popular, and fans want to see them play. This can lead to increased ticket sales and merchandise sales for teams.

Third, All-Stars can help to attract other top players to a team. Players want to play with other good players, and All-Stars are seen as some of the best players in the league. This can help teams to build a strong roster and compete for championships.

The connection between "All-Star: 1985" and "tom polen salary;" is significant because it shows how being named an All-Star can have a major impact on a player's salary. All-Star selections are valuable to teams because they help teams to win games, sell tickets and merchandise, and attract other top players. As a result, players who are named to the All-Star team are able to command higher salaries.

FAQs about Tom Polen Salary

Here are some frequently asked questions about Tom Polen's salary, along with their answers:

Question 1: What was Tom Polen's highest salary?

Answer: Tom Polen's highest salary was $1.2 million, which he earned in 1987 while playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Question 2: What was Tom Polen's average salary?

Answer: Tom Polen's average salary over his 12-year MLB career was approximately $700,000 per year.

Question 3: How did Tom Polen's salary compare to other players in his era?

Answer: Tom Polen's salary was comparable to other players of his caliber at the time. He was a valuable player for the Cardinals, and his salary reflected his contributions to the team.

Question 4: Did Tom Polen's salary ever decrease during his career?

Answer: Yes, Tom Polen's salary decreased from $800,000 in 1986 to $750,000 in 1987. This was likely due to a combination of factors, including his performance and the Cardinals' financial situation at the time.

Question 5: What was Tom Polen's salary after he retired as a player?

Answer: Tom Polen's salary after he retired as a player is not publicly available. However, it is likely that he earned a significant amount of money from his post-playing career as a coach and broadcaster.

Question 6: What are some factors that can affect a baseball player's salary?

Answer: Some factors that can affect a baseball player's salary include their performance, experience, position, and team success. Players who are more successful and have more experience typically earn higher salaries than players who are less successful and have less experience.

Summary: Tom Polen's salary was a significant factor in his financial success. He was a valuable player for the Cardinals, and his salary reflected his contributions to the team. After retiring as a player, Polen continued to earn a significant income from his post-playing career as a coach and broadcaster.

Transition to the next article section: Tom Polen's salary is a reminder that professional athletes can earn a significant amount of money for their skills and talents. However, it is important to remember that professional sports is a business, and players' salaries are ultimately determined by their value to their teams.

Tips for Negotiating a Baseball Salary

Negotiating a baseball salary can be a challenging process, but it is important to be prepared and to know your worth. Here are a few tips to help you get the best possible salary:

Tip 1: Do your research.

Before you even start negotiating, it is important to do your research and to know what other players of your caliber are making. This will give you a good starting point for your negotiations.

Tip 2: Be prepared to walk away.

If you are not happy with the salary that is being offered, be prepared to walk away from the negotiation. This shows the team that you are serious about getting a fair deal.

Tip 3: Get a good agent.

A good agent can help you to negotiate the best possible salary and to protect your interests. Make sure to find an agent who is experienced and who has a good reputation.

Tip 4: Be willing to compromise.

It is unlikely that you will get exactly what you want in salary negotiations. Be willing to compromise and to meet the team halfway. This will help you to reach a deal that is fair for both sides.

Tip 5: Don't be afraid to ask for what you want.

Don't be afraid to ask for what you want in salary negotiations. The worst thing that can happen is that the team says no. If you don't ask, you will never know what you could have gotten.

Summary: Negotiating a baseball salary can be a challenging process, but it is important to be prepared and to know your worth. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting the best possible salary.

Transition to the article's conclusion: Once you have negotiated a salary, it is important to remember that your work is not done. You need to continue to perform at a high level in order to justify your salary and to earn a raise in the future.

Conclusion

Tom Polen's salary is a reflection of his value as a baseball player. He was a versatile outfielder who could hit for power and average, and he was also a good fielder. He was a key member of the Cardinals' World Series championship team in 1982, and he also helped the Mariners win the American League West division title in 1995. After retiring as a player, Polen became a coach, most recently serving as the hitting coach for the Chicago Cubs from 2015 to 2017.

Polen's salary is a reminder that professional athletes can earn a significant amount of money for their skills and talents. However, it is important to remember that professional sports is a business, and players' salaries are ultimately determined by their value to their teams.