Newman spent six years in the Indians’ system but reached the majors with Oakland. He had his best year, by far, in 1979, leading the A’s in home runs (22), games (143), and at-bats (516), sharing catching duties with Jim Essian and playing first base and some third. Traded to Boston with Tony Armas in a December 1982 deal for Carney Lansford, Newman played and hit little his final two seasons. He was the A’s bullpen coach for 1986 and served as their acting manager for 10 games in June and July after Jackie Moore was fired and before Tony LaRussa was hired.
