Greg Thayer, a right-handed pitcher who appeared in 20 games for the Minnesota Twins during the 1978 season, passed away on December 12, 2025 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He was 76.
Born October 23, 1949, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Thayer’s baseball journey began in earnest at St. Cloud Tech High School and continued at St. Cloud State University. Thayer attended St. Cloud State on a football scholarship, where he played quarterback and helped the Huskies win a conference championship in 1970. He also played three seasons on the baseball team, leading the Huskies to a conference championship in each of his three seasons on the diamond. He was named all-conference honors in 1971 as a pitcher and outfielder. He was inducted into the St. Cloud State Hall of Fame in 1994 in football and baseball.
His professional career started when the San Francisco Giants selected him in the 32nd round of the 1971 June Amateur Draft. It was a modest draft position, but it opened the door to a steady climb through the minor leagues.
A Long Road Through the Minors
Thayer spent his early professional years in the Giants’ farm system, pitching for several affiliates as he worked to refine his command and durability. After his release by San Francisco in April 1973, he signed with the Minnesota Twins later that year, beginning a second chapter in his minor league career. Over the next several seasons, he pitched at multiple levels of the Twins’ system, earning a reputation as a reliable organizational arm who took the ball whenever needed.
Reaching the Major Leagues
Thayer’s persistence paid off on April 7, 1978, when he made his major league debut for the Twins at the Kingdome against the Seattle Mariners. In that first outing, he threw three innings, allowing two hits and two earned runs while striking out three and walking four. It was the kind of gritty, workman-like appearance that would define his brief time in the majors. He earned his only major league victory on May 6, 1978, in Baltimore, when he pitched 5.2 innings of shutout relief as the Twins scored seven runs in the ninth to rally for a 8-7 victory.
During his time with the Twins during the 1978 season, Thayer appeared exclusively in relief, logging 45 innings across 20 games. He finished the year with a 3.80 ERA, 30 strikeouts, and a 1–1 record — solid numbers for a bullpen arm on a team searching for stability.
After the Twins
Thayer’s final major league appearance came on June 26, 1978, against the Milwaukee Brewers. He was sent back to the minors at the end of June and he never returned to the big leagues. His partial season with Minnesota represented the culmination of years of determination and quiet professionalism. Thayer spent the 1979 season in the Twins minor league system and then he turned up in the Toronto organization in 1980. There is no transaction in B-R documenting the move.
Following his playing career, he contributed to the Sauk Rapids, Minnesota sports community as a baseball coach for many years. He also loved spending time with his friends and enjoyed being out in nature, often combining both as an avid fisherman and bird hunter.
A Place in Twins History
For fans and historians who value the full tapestry of Twins baseball, Greg Thayer’s story is a reminder of the countless players whose contributions may not have made headlines but still mattered. His journey — from Cedar Rapids to St. Cloud, from a 32nd round pick to the mound at Metropolitan Stadium — reflects the perseverance and pride shared by so many who have worn a Twins uniform.
Greg Thayer is survived by his son and daughter, Andy (RaeAnne) Thayer of Golden Valley; Stephanie (Paul) Schlangen of Sauk Rapids; grandsons, Frederick & Walter Schlangen; and brother, Jeff (Kathy) Thayer of Spring Lake Park.
He is preceded in death by his parents and wife Christine.
Greg Allen Thayer’s obituary as well as a beautiful video can be seen here.