Heise was a "military brat" born in San Antonio, Texas, but he spent most of his youth in California. As a junior at Vacaville High School in Vacaville, California, he was part of the Bulldogs team that won the 1964 Golden Empire League championship. Heise's American Legion Post 165 team, coached by his father, William, won the league championship in 1965. In February 1965, Heise signed as an amateur free agent with the New York Mets.
He spent 1968 in the minors with the AAA Jacksonville Suns, splitting his time evenly between second base and shortstop in Jacksonville. He received a second September callup to the majors, mostly playing shortstop.
Heise enjoyed his first full season in the majors in 1970. He spent most of the season backing up Hal Lanier at short until an injury to Ron Hunt made him the starting second baseman for the month of September. That year, Heise got a career-high 22 runs batted in (RBI) over 154 at bats. He also hit his first career triple[4] and only career home run, on June 25 and 30, respectively.[5]
Milwaukee Brewers
Heise had played in thirteen games, going hitless in 11 at bats when he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for Floyd Wicker on June 1, 1971.[6] Upon his arrival in Milwaukee, Heise took over as the Brewers' starting shortstop.
Heise began seeing more playing time at third base in 1972. The move allowed Heise to attain career-highs in games (95) and ABs (271).
Heise batted .214 with 21 RBI in 1975. Though he was on the Red Sox post season roster, he did not appear in any post season games.
Though Heise was healthy throughout the 1976 season, he saw incredibly limited action. Heise appeared in only 32 games, and logged just 61 plate appearances.
Heise saw limited playing time in Kansas City in 1977 (54 games played). He was released by the Royals in January 1978, and subsequently retired from active play, at the age of 30.
