Dave Ricketts – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

David William Ricketts built a respectable career as a Major League Baseball catcher in the 1960s. He played six seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates before he finally hung up his cleats in 1970.

Born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania in 1935, Ricketts grew into a reliable backup catcher who found ways to contribute to some of baseball’s more memorable teams of his era.

Ricketts played a key role as a reserve catcher for the 1967 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals and their 1968 pennant-winning squad. He appeared in both World Series during his time with the club.

His career stretched from 1963 to 1970. Over that span, he compiled a .249 batting average with one home run and 20 RBIs in 130 games.

While his hitting stats were modest, Ricketts brought value as a defensive specialist and often mentored younger players.

After his playing days, Dave Ricketts moved into coaching and stuck around professional baseball for decades. He went from college basketball star at Duquesne University to major league catcher, and then became a respected coach.

His path shows just how diverse a baseball career can be. His life really highlights the kind of dedication and adaptability it takes to make it at baseball’s top level.

Early Life and Education

David William Ricketts was born July 12, 1935, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He came from a family with deep athletic roots and strong values.

His journey to professional baseball started at Duquesne University, where he stood out in both baseball and basketball. He also served two years in the United States Army.

Family Background and Hometown

Dave Ricketts grew up in Pottstown as the third of four children in a multiracial family. His father, Richard J. Ricketts Sr., was a light-skinned African American who attended Clark University and served in World War II.

His mother, Margaret E. Ricketts, had Irish roots. Richard Sr. spent 25 years as director of recreational activities at the Bethany Center in Pottstown.

People in the community called him “Mr. Dick,” and they respected him. He often bought new sneakers for kids whose families couldn’t afford them.

The Pottstown community center eventually took his name. Athletics really ran in the Ricketts family.

Dave’s older brother Dick was only 18 months older and also showed serious athletic talent. “Dad brought us up to be ballplayers, and he made a switch hitter out of me,” Dave once said.

Their father pushed them hard, making them “hit baseballs until it got dark.” Both brothers starred at Pottstown High School.

They helped their baseball team win 48 straight games, which got them recognized at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1951, Dave caught for the Pottstown American Legion team that went 25-2 and won the state title, with Dick pitching and playing first base.

Duquesne University and Multi-Sport Athleticism

Dave followed Dick to Duquesne University and became a standout in both baseball and basketball. At 6-foot-2, he made a real impact on the basketball program while keeping baseball as his main focus.

His best basketball moment came in 1955 as a sophomore. He and Dick helped the team win the NIT championship.

That was a big deal for the Duquesne Dukes basketball program. As a senior, Dave averaged 17.9 points and five rebounds per game in basketball.

He also set an NCAA record by making 42 straight free throws. That’s some serious focus and consistency under pressure.

Despite his basketball success, the NBA didn’t draft Dave in April 1957. People noticed his athletic talent, but pro basketball just didn’t open up for him.

Dave graduated from Duquesne in June 1957 with a degree in education. That degree came in handy, since he worked as a math and social studies teacher during baseball off-seasons.

Military Service

After Duquesne, Dave joined the United States Army in October 1957 as a second lieutenant. His ROTC participation in college got him officer status right away.

He was stationed at Fort Eustis, Virginia, and served for two years, from 1957 to 1959. Military service kept him off the baseball field for the 1958 and 1959 seasons.

Even in the Army, Dave stayed active in sports. He played basketball for Fort Eustis and baseball with the Langley Flyers, a team from a nearby Air Force base.

He finished his military service in 1959 and jumped right back into baseball. That fall, he played in the Florida Instructional League and won the batting title while playing several positions.

This strong showing helped him re-enter professional baseball after two years away.

MLB Career Overview

Dave Ricketts played in parts of six Major League Baseball seasons between 1963 and 1970. He mostly served as a backup catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, then finished with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

He debuted at age 28 and put up a .249 batting average with 53 hits, 1 home run, and 20 RBIs in 130 games. Not a huge sample size, but enough to make his mark.

Timeline of Major League Baseball Journey

Ricketts made his MLB debut on September 25, 1963, with the St. Louis Cardinals. He played his first game against the Chicago Cubs and went 2-for-4.

His career was a bit stop-and-go in the 1960s. After his debut, he came back to the Cardinals in 1965 for limited action.

The real peak of his MLB career happened from 1967 to 1969, when he became a regular backup catcher. Those three seasons were his longest stretch in the majors.

Ricketts played his last MLB game on July 30, 1970, with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was 35 when he wrapped up his playing days.

His six-season career actually stretched over seven years because of the gaps between appearances. That’s a pretty familiar story for backup catchers moving between the majors and minors.

St. Louis Cardinals Years

The St. Louis Cardinals gave Ricketts his main shot in the majors from 1963 to 1969. He played in five different seasons wearing their uniform.

As a reserve catcher, Ricketts filled a crucial role on two very successful Cardinals teams. He was part of the 1967 World Series champs and the 1968 National League pennant winners.

His best season came in 1967, when he played in 42 games. That year, he backed up Tim McCarver during their World Series run.

The Cardinals really liked Ricketts for his defensive skills and his ability to call a good game. He handled pitchers well and always showed solid fundamentals.

He hit from both sides of the plate, which gave the Cardinals some flexibility off the bench. That switch-hitting skill made him a handy pinch-hitter, too.

Pittsburgh Pirates Final Season

Ricketts joined the Pittsburgh Pirates for the 1970 season, which turned out to be his last as a player. The move gave him a fresh start after all those years in St. Louis.

The Pirates brought him in for veteran depth at catcher. His experience in high-pressure games made him a good fit for Pittsburgh.

While with the Pirates, Ricketts played in just a handful of games before his career ended in July 1970. The Pirates were on the verge of building their 1971 World Series team.

He played his final MLB game on July 30, 1970, closing the book on his playing career at 35. After that, he stepped away from active competition.

His time with the Pirates was short, but it let him finish up with a new organization. That experience later helped when he came back to Pittsburgh as a coach.

Role as Catcher in the National League

Ricketts played only in the National League during his MLB career. He faced some of the era’s best pitchers and learned to manage different offensive styles across NL teams.

His defensive stats show he had solid fundamentals behind the plate. In 1962, he led Pacific Coast League catchers with 12 double plays, and in 1963, he led International League catchers with 11.

As a switch-hitter, Ricketts gave managers more options. He could match up well against both lefty and righty pitchers.

He finished with a .249 career batting average, which was about what you’d expect from a backup catcher in that era. Defense and game management mattered more than offense for guys in his spot.

Ricketts knew National League hitters and pitchers well, making him valuable in strategic situations. His knowledge of opponents’ tendencies made him a smart reserve.

Statistics and Performance Highlights

Dave Ricketts posted modest offensive numbers during his six MLB seasons, hitting .249 with little power. His defensive work as a catcher mattered more than his hitting, especially for the Cardinals and Pirates.

Batting Average, Home Runs, and Runs Batted In

Ricketts ended his career with a .249 batting average over 130 games. That put him just below average for catchers in the 1960s.

He didn’t have much power—just 1 home run in six seasons. Not unusual for a defense-first catcher back then.

He knocked in 20 runs over his career, mostly through situational hitting instead of extra-base hits. His backup role meant he didn’t get a lot of chances to pile up RBIs.

Ricketts collected 53 hits in the majors, most of them singles. That fits his contact-focused approach. He also scored 15 runs.

Games Played and OPS

Ricketts played in 130 games over six seasons from 1963 to 1970. His playing time was spotty, and some years he barely played at all.

His busiest season was 1967, when he finally exceeded rookie limits and settled in as a backup. That marked his shift from prospect to established backup.

OPS data from the 1960s is a little scarce. Given his low batting average and lack of power, his OPS probably sat well below league average for catchers.

He usually worked as the second or third-string catcher. Offense wasn’t his main job—defense and handling pitchers came first.

Fielding and Catching Records

Fielding stats show Ricketts brought the most value through defense. He managed pitching staffs well during his limited playing time.

As a catcher, Ricketts showed solid game-calling and pitcher management. His arm was good enough to control the running game at the big league level.

He sometimes played third base, too, showing some defensive versatility. That flexibility helped him stick on rosters with limited spots.

Catching records from that era aren’t complete in today’s databases. Still, the fact that teams kept him around for six big league seasons says a lot about his defense.

WAR and Advanced Metrics

WAR (Wins Above Replacement) numbers for Ricketts are hard to pin down because data from the 1960s is incomplete. With limited playing time, his WAR would’ve been pretty low anyway.

Advanced stats from places like Baseball Reference and Retrosheet don’t offer much for players with his usage. His career was more about his role than his stats.

Modern analysis suggests backup catchers like Ricketts added value through steady defense, not offense. The fact that he lasted six seasons in the majors says he did the job teams needed.

Without detailed stats from the 1960s, it’s tough to break down his contributions with modern metrics.

Minor League Experience

Dave Ricketts spent a good chunk of time developing in the minor leagues before reaching the majors. He played for several teams across different leagues, including the Pacific Coast League and International League.

Progression Through Minor League Teams

Ricketts moved through various minor league systems as he developed his catching skills. He played for multiple organizations, picking up experience along the way.

The Portland Beavers in the Pacific Coast League gave him a key developmental stop. That league offered strong competition and valuable experience.

He also suited up for the Atlanta Crackers in the International League, one of the top minors at the time.

Another stop was with the Jacksonville Suns. Each team helped him sharpen his defense behind the plate.

His minor league career got him ready for the grind of major league catching. He learned to handle all kinds of pitchers and situations.

Achievements in Pacific Coast League and International League

Ricketts really made a name for himself as a reliable catcher in both of the big minor leagues. Major league scouts noticed his defensive skills right away.

Among Pacific Coast League catchers, he showed off solid fundamentals and managed games well. He worked with pitchers in ways that stood out.

As one of the International League catchers, Ricketts delivered steady performances behind the plate. His .249 batting average in the majors reflected the skills he picked up during those minor league years.

He spent several seasons in the minors, and that experience paved the way for his big league debut in 1963. Those years in the minors gave him the tools to stick around for six seasons with the Cardinals and Pirates.

Coaching and Managerial Contributions

After his playing days ended in 1970, Dave Ricketts shifted from being a reserve catcher to one of baseball’s most respected instructors. He knew how to develop young catchers and manage bullpens, and both the Cardinals and Pirates valued his expertise for decades.

Transition to Coaching and Bullpen Roles

Ricketts made the jump from player to coach with the Pittsburgh Pirates in August 1970. The Pirates dropped him as a player on August 31, 1970, and named him a coach, but league rules kept him from coaching officially until May 15, 1971.

He took on the role of bullpen coach, where his catching background really paid off. Ricketts understood pitcher mechanics and talked relievers through high-pressure moments.

The Cardinals later brought him back into their organization. He served as their bullpen coach for years, becoming a familiar face in the St. Louis dugout.

His calm presence and technical know-how helped him manage relief pitchers effectively.

Ricketts built a reputation as a top catching instructor. He taught proper technique and game management to young catchers, and folks around the league still talk about his impact.

Farm System and Minor League Managing

Ricketts spent a lot of time in the Cardinals’ minor league system as both a manager and instructor. He worked with different affiliates, helping shape future big leaguers.

He managed in the Gulf Coast League and Appalachian League. These rookie-level leagues gave him a chance to teach the youngest pros the basics and good habits.

The Johnson City Cardinals and Sarasota Cardinals were two affiliates where he left his mark. He focused on helping catchers develop and worked closely with pitching staffs at these early stages.

He always emphasized proper mechanics and mental preparation. Ricketts knew young players needed both technical skills and confidence to move up.

Coaching Impact with Cardinals and Pirates

People all over baseball recognized Ricketts as one of the best catching instructors out there. His influence went way beyond his job title, and he mentored players across several generations.

He worked with the Cardinals for decades. Players often said he was patient and could break down complicated ideas into simple instructions.

Ricketts had a real knack for helping catchers improve their game-calling.

The Pirates also benefited from his experience. Since he worked with both teams, he picked up unique insights into different organizational styles.

Key coaching strengths included:

• Catching technique and mechanics
• Bullpen management and communication
• Mental preparation and confidence building
• Game situation awareness

Former players often credited Ricketts with helping them reach the majors. His impact on their careers sometimes even overshadowed his own playing days, and he left a real legacy as a baseball instructor.

Awards, Legacy, and Personal Life

Dave Ricketts found his biggest success with the St. Louis Cardinals championship teams in the late 1960s. His legacy stretched far beyond his own playing career, thanks to his work as a catching instructor. His personal life showed strong family ties, and he faced illness before passing away in 2008.

World Series Championships

Ricketts played on the 1967 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals team. The Cardinals beat the Boston Red Sox in seven games to take the title.

He also played in the 1968 World Series with the Cardinals, who won the National League pennant that year. The Cardinals lost to the Detroit Tigers in seven games.

During those World Series, Ricketts didn’t get much playing time but still contributed as a backup catcher. In 1967, he went 0-for-3 over three games. In 1968, he appeared in one game and got a hit in his only at-bat.

Across both championships, he played in four World Series games and batted .250 with one hit in four at-bats.

Honors and Hall of Fame Recognition

Ricketts never picked up major individual awards during his playing days. His stats and limited playing time as a backup catcher kept him out of Hall of Fame conversations.

But after he retired, his reputation grew a lot. People started to recognize him as one of the best catching instructors in the sport.

Both the Cardinals and Pirates valued his coaching. Plenty of players benefited from his deep knowledge of catching and his teaching style.

Family, Personal Challenges, and Passing

Ricketts grew up in a baseball family in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. His brother Dick Ricketts also played professional baseball. The two brothers played for the Schoeneck Chicks in the Eastern County League back in 1953.

Dave went to Duquesne University, where he stood out in both baseball and basketball. He was a multi-sport athlete before he focused on baseball.

Later in life, Ricketts dealt with serious health problems. He fought renal cancer in his final years.

He passed away on July 13, 2008, at age 73 in St. Louis, Missouri. It happened just one day after his 73rd birthday.

Burial and Memorial

After he died, Ricketts’s family chose cremation instead of a traditional cemetery burial. They felt this honored his wishes.

People in the baseball community, especially those who worked with him as a coach or instructor, really felt his loss. Former players and colleagues often talk about his dedication to teaching the basics of catching.

Both the Cardinals and Pirates organizations recognized what he brought to their teams. The catchers he mentored during his years as a coach carry his legacy forward.