Vince Coleman Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Here is a detailed, story-driven profile of Vince Coleman — his journey, net worth, personal life, and the legacy he carved in baseball history.

The Spark of Speed: How Vince Coleman Burst onto the Big Stage

Vincent Maurice Coleman was born on September 22, 1961 in Jacksonville, Florida — a date that marks the birthday of one of baseball’s most electrifying base-stealers. 

Growing up as an only child, raised by his single mother Willie Pearl Coleman, Vince described a humble childhood: “Single woman, no money, I never owned a bicycle as a kid.”  Despite modest beginnings, he found solace and identity in sports — from pickup games with neighborhood kids to competitive athletics in high school.

At Raines High School in Jacksonville, Coleman shone as a punter and kicker on the football team, following in the footsteps of his cousin Gregg Coleman, a successful college and NFL punter.  Later, at Florida A&M University, he continued to excel, this time walking on to the baseball team. His blazing speed immediately caught attention: over two college seasons, he racked up over 100 stolen bases.

That speed — paired with discipline and raw athleticism — made him a natural for professional baseball. In 1982, he was drafted in the 10th round by St. Louis Cardinals. 

By 1985, Vince Coleman made his major-league debut — and from there, there was no looking back.

The Player Who Changed the Game’s Rhythm

From his very first season in the big leagues, Coleman’s impact was seismic. In his rookie year, he stole 110 bases — a record for a rookie, and one of the highest single-season steal totals in MLB history. 

He didn’t just sneak around the bases — he redefined how teams valued speed. Over his career he amassed 752 stolen bases, ranking him among the top all-time leaders. 

Coleman wasn’t merely a one-trick pony. He combined his base-stealing with enough hitting, on-base ability, and plate discipline to make him a consistent offensive threat. 

His nickname, “Vincent Van Go,” underscored exactly what he brought: momentum, urgency, and constant pressure on opposing defenses.

Yet while his talent on the field was undeniable, life off the field proved more turbulent — a contrast that would shape his legacy nearly as much as his stats.

Complex Chapters: Triumphs Off the Field, Personal Trials

Coleman’s background — raised by a hardworking single mother, facing economic hardship — informed much of his drive and intensity.  That hunger helped fuel his meteoric rise. But with fame came scrutiny. High-profile success can magnify missteps, and Coleman’s career was not immune.

Despite soaring achievements, his life off the diamond involved “immaturity and recklessness,” according to a detailed profile by the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). Over time, those issues contributed to turbulence in his career trajectory.

On the personal front, Coleman married Lynette Cecilia Allen in 1987. The couple had two sons: Vince Jr. and Lance.  After their divorce, he later married Denise Coleman — reportedly in a ceremony attended by prominent athletes. 

Despite setbacks, Coleman sought to channel his experience into mentorship. Years after retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and instruction: taking roles as a baserunning and outfield coach in minor-league affiliates, then eventually becoming a baserunning instructor for Chicago White Sox and, later, working with San Francisco Giants minor-league system. 

In his 2018 Hall of Fame induction speech with the Cardinals, he said: “I would love nothing more than to be able to share my craft, my knowledge, and my skill set, and be an inspiration to every kid that walk through [the Cardinals] locker room door.”  That desire to teach — born from a difficult upbringing — became a core part of how Coleman viewed his legacy.

Financial Footprint: The Question of Net Worth

Estimating the net worth of former athletes is always tricky. For Coleman, one persistent figure is US$ 12 million — a valuation used by recognized celebrity-wealth trackers. 

This figure appears to reflect earnings from his playing career, combined with post-playing roles in coaching and instruction. 

It’s worth noting that while such estimates offer a ballpark, they remain just that — estimates. Salaries from Coleman’s playing days, endorsement deals (if any), coaching income, investments, and other financial moves all potentially influence his real net worth. Still, $12 million is broadly accepted as a reasonable public estimate for someone of his background and career arc. 

Legacy Beyond the Stats: Why Vince Coleman Still Matters

It’s easy to sum up Coleman with his stolen-base totals, his All-Star honors, or the blistering speed he brought to the game. 

But his real legacy lies in disruption and influence. At a time when power hitting often dominated headlines, Vince Coleman reminded baseball — and the world — that speed, cunning, and base-path intelligence could still win games. He became the blueprint for the kind of versatile, dynamic leadoff man teams around the league would covet for decades.

Moreover, his later pivot to coaching and mentorship speaks to character — a willingness to give back, to teach, to channel lived experience into something meaningful for younger generations. 

For fans of small-ball, hustle, and the uneasy poetry of a stolen base — Vince Coleman remains a symbol. His birthday, September 22, 1961, marks the beginning of a story of raw talent, grit, and eventual redemption.