Del Rice – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Del Rice wrapped up his 17-year Major League Baseball career in 1961 with the Los Angeles Angels, finishing a journey that started way back in 1945 with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Born and raised in Portsmouth, Ohio, Rice carved out a solid career as a defensive-minded catcher. He played for five different teams over nearly two decades in the big leagues.

Rice played from 1945 to 1961, batting .237 with 79 home runs and 441 RBIs. He built a reputation as one of the game’s most reliable defensive catchers. Sure, his offense wasn’t flashy, but teams leaned on his pitch-calling abilities and defensive skills behind the plate.

He helped pitching staffs lead the league in earned run average and caught stealing percentages more than once.

Rice picked up two World Series championships, got chosen as an All-Star, and made a unique transition into coaching and management after hanging up his gear.

His story shows how a player can stick around for years through defensive excellence and baseball smarts, even if the bat isn’t always hot.

From learning the ropes alongside veteran catchers to mentoring young pitchers later on, Rice’s impact on the game went far beyond his final at-bat in 1961.

Early Life and Background

Del Rice started his journey to Major League Baseball in Portsmouth, Ohio. He grew up in a working-class family and showed athletic promise early on.

Scouts noticed his natural ability behind the plate, and that set him up for a professional career that would last almost twenty years.

Family Origins and Childhood

Delbert W. Rice Jr. was born on October 27, 1922, in Portsmouth, Ohio.

He was the only child of Del Rice Sr. and Gladys Rice.

His dad worked for the city electric company, so the family had a stable, middle-class life. Their neighborhood ended up playing a big part in Del’s baseball future.

Young Del always gravitated toward catching. “As far back as I can recall, I was always the catcher on the team,” he once said. “And I always had a good arm.”

Neighbors noticed that strong throwing arm early on. One neighbor, Frank Rickey, just happened to be the brother of Cardinals general manager Branch Rickey.

Frank Rickey scouted for the Cardinals, and he didn’t need to look far to spot Del’s potential.

High School Athletics and Achievements

Rice played basketball, football, and baseball during high school in Portsmouth.

At 6’2″ and 190 pounds, he had the perfect build for a catcher. His athletic versatility helped him down the road in pro sports.

His catching stood out most in high school. The mix of size, arm strength, and instincts behind the plate made him a standout.

Playing different sports helped build his overall athleticism. That foundation paid off during his pro career.

Path to Professional Baseball

Frank Rickey’s connection to the Rice family opened doors for Del. Rickey signed the 18-year-old to a Cardinals contract in 1941.

Rice started his pro career with Williamson of the Class D Mountain State League. He went 3-for-4 with a homer and picked off a runner at first base in his debut.

That hot start faded a bit, though. He finished the season batting .248 in 88 games, with just two more home runs.

Even with those modest numbers, the Cardinals saw enough to keep him around. His defense and ability to work with pitchers were already showing up, even at the lowest levels.

Major League Debut and Rise

Del Rice moved from minor league prospect to big league catcher in 1945. He joined the St. Louis Cardinals at 22.

His early career was all about learning from veteran players and growing as a defensive specialist.

Signing with the St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals signed Rice as an amateur free agent in 1941.

He spent four years in the minors before making his major league debut on May 2, 1945.

Rice was 22 when he first put on a Cardinals uniform. He almost had to leave for military service in 1943, but a physical disqualification kept him out.

The Cardinals liked his size—6’2″, 190 pounds—and the fact that he threw and batted right-handed. That made him a solid prospect for catcher.

The team needed catching help for the 1945 season, and Rice got called up at just the right time.

Initial Seasons and Early Challenges

Rice’s major league career started with a bang when the St. Louis Cardinals sold star catcher Walker Cooper to the New York Giants.

That move left Rice sharing catching duties with veteran Ken O’Dea.

O’Dea, despite being a competitor, became a mentor. He’d played with Hall of Fame catcher Gabby Hartnett back in Chicago, and he taught Rice the tough skills needed behind the plate.

In his first season, Rice hit .261 in 83 games. The Cardinals finished second, just three games behind the Cubs.

That performance showed he belonged in the majors.

The next year, 1946, Rice mostly backed up Joe Garagiola, but he caught regularly when pitcher Harry Brecheen started.

Establishing His Role as Catcher

Rice leaned into his defensive skills as he rose with the Cardinals. In 1947, he caught most of the games and helped the pitching staff post the National League’s lowest team ERA and most strikeouts.

In 1949, his pitch-calling led the staff to another league-best ERA. The Cardinals finished just one game behind the Dodgers.

Rice’s batting average stayed modest, usually around .250, but his defense more than made up for it. He handled pitchers well and controlled the running game.

By the early 1950s, Rice was the Cardinals’ main catcher. It took him nearly a decade to move from amateur to starter, but his defensive chops kept him in the lineup.

Key Career Achievements

Del Rice’s 17-year career included two World Series championships and a reputation as one of baseball’s most reliable catchers.

He won championship rings with the Cardinals in 1946 and the Braves in 1957, plus an All-Star selection.

World Series Champion with Cardinals

Rice played a big part in the Cardinals’ 1946 World Series win over the Red Sox.

He caught all three of Harry Brecheen’s wins in the seven-game series.

He chipped in on offense, too. In Game 2, Rice had a single, double, and walk, scoring twice in a 3-0 win.

Even though he backed up Garagiola most of the year, his chemistry with Brecheen made him vital in the World Series.

The Cardinals reached the Series after beating the Dodgers in baseball’s first playoff tiebreaker. Rice’s defense and timely hitting helped lock up the championship.

Milwaukee Braves Years

Rice joined the Milwaukee Braves in mid-1955, backing up All-Star catcher Del Crandall.

He became pitcher Bob Buhl’s personal catcher, as Buhl preferred Rice’s pitch-calling.

That partnership worked out. In 1956, Rice helped Buhl go 18-8, and the Braves held first place until the final weekend.

Rice got his second World Series ring in 1957 when the Braves beat the Yankees. Buhl again won 18 games with a 2.74 ERA, mostly throwing to Rice.

The Braves made it back to the Series in 1958 but lost to the Yankees. Rice’s time in Milwaukee ended in 1959 after a collision with Willie Mays broke his leg.

All-Star Recognition and Notable Games

Rice earned his only All-Star nod in 1953, though he missed the game with an injury.

That recognition came after his best offensive year in 1952, when he hit .259 with 11 home runs and 65 RBIs.

In 1952, Rice led National League catchers in games, putouts, assists, and baserunners caught stealing.

He caught plenty of memorable games. In 1960 with the Cubs, Rice was behind the plate for Don Cardwell’s no-hitter on May 15.

People in the game respected his pitch-calling. Rice led Cardinals pitching staffs to the league’s lowest ERA in both 1947 and 1949.

Role with Chicago Cubs and Other Teams

Rice spent most of 1960 with the Chicago Cubs, playing in 18 games before the team released him in June after acquiring Jim Hegan.

During that short stint, Rice caught Cardwell’s no-hitter, showing his defense still held up late in his career.

After Chicago, Rice returned to the Cardinals for one game, then joined the Baltimore Orioles.

He made history as the first player signed by the expansion Los Angeles Angels in 1961.

Rice finished his career with the Angels, playing 30 games in their first season. His last major league appearance was August 31, 1961, capping a 17-year career with 1,309 games and a .987 fielding percentage.

Playing Style and Legacy

Del Rice built his 17-season career on top-notch defense and pitcher management, not his bat.

His 43 percent caught-stealing ratio and reputation for working with pitchers made him valuable, even with a modest .237 batting average, 79 home runs, and 441 RBIs in 1,309 games.

Defensive Strengths and Fielding Reputation

Rice stood out as one of the best defensive catchers of his time.

His 43 percent caught-stealing ratio was well above average during the 1940s and 1950s.

At 6’2″ and 190 pounds, he had the arm strength and quick release to control the running game. He framed pitches well and anchored the defense.

Teams kept him around for his defense, even when his bat cooled off. They trusted him to handle pitching staffs and run the game from behind the plate.

His fielding earned him an All-Star selection in 1953 with the Cardinals, during his busiest season with 147 games.

Offensive Skills and Contributions

Rice’s offensive numbers really showed that he prioritized defense as a catcher. He finished with a .237 career batting average, which fell below the major league average, but for catchers back then, it was pretty standard.

In 1952, he had his best offensive season. Rice hit .259 with 11 home runs and 65 RBIs over 147 games. That year stood out as his peak with the Cardinals.

Even though his numbers weren’t flashy, Rice delivered in clutch moments. During the 1946 World Series, he came through with key hits, like a single and a double in Game 2’s 3-0 win over Boston.

He hit 79 career home runs, most of them while playing for St. Louis in his prime. His power stats weren’t eye-popping, but for a defense-first catcher, they did the job.

Relationship with Pitchers

Rice built close working relationships with pitchers throughout his career. When he played in Milwaukee, he became Bob Buhl’s personal catcher, which showed how much pitchers trusted his game-calling.

He brought real value to different teams because he could call pitches and handle all kinds of pitchers. Rice caught for championship teams in both St. Louis and Milwaukee.

The Cardinals and Braves leaned on Rice’s experience to help their younger pitchers. He knew hitters well and stayed sharp in tough innings, giving pitchers an edge.

Teams kept Rice around because he handled pitchers so well, even when his batting stats dipped. They appreciated how he brought out the best in their pitching staffs.

Influence on Teammates and the Game

Rice’s professionalism and defensive skills left a mark on younger catchers. He focused on fundamentals and building trust with pitchers, not just hitting.

He won two World Series championships—one with St. Louis in 1946 and another with Milwaukee in 1957. Rice started important games in both series and proved he could handle pressure.

After his playing career, Rice kept leading. He coached for the Cardinals, Indians, and Angels, sharing what he knew with new generations.

Rice really embodied the classic defensive catcher from the 1940s and 1950s. His career made a case for how much defensive specialists could contribute and stick around in the majors.

Transition to Coaching and Management

When his 17-year playing career ended in 1961, Del Rice jumped right into coaching and managing. Teams valued his defensive know-how and deep understanding of the game, both in the majors and minors.

Final Playing Years and Retirement in 1961

Rice wrapped up his playing days with the Los Angeles Angels during their very first season in 1961. He played his last game on August 31, 1961, at 38 years old.

That year, he filled in as a backup catcher. Rice didn’t play much for the expansion Angels, but he brought experience and helped set the tone for the new team.

The American League expansion club got a boost from Rice’s steady presence. He mentored the younger guys and stayed solid behind the plate.

His retirement closed the book on a career spanning 1,309 games. Sure, the .237 average and 79 home runs tell part of the story, but his leadership and defense mattered more.

Coaching Positions Across Major League Teams

Rice didn’t waste any time after playing—he joined the St. Louis Cardinals as a coach in 1959 while still suiting up as a player. That kind of dual role said a lot about his baseball smarts.

He took his coaching talents to the Cleveland Indians in 1967, where he worked with catchers and pitchers, helping them develop their skills and manage games better.

The California Angels became his main stop in the 1960s. He worked as a major league coach from 1962 to 1966, focusing on the pitching staff.

Rice always pushed for strong defensive fundamentals. The skills he used as a catcher translated naturally into his coaching approach.

Minor League Management Success

Rice found success managing in the minors in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1968, he took over the San Jose Bees in the California League and led them to a first-place finish.

Next up, he managed the El Paso Sun Kings of the Texas League for two seasons. The team went 71-65 in 1969, then improved to 77-59 in 1970.

His biggest minor league triumph came with the Salt Lake City Angels in 1971. Rice guided the Pacific Coast League club to a 78-68 record and a league championship.

That Pacific Coast League title really showed off Rice’s ability to develop talent in the Angels’ system.

Tenure with California Angels

Rice’s long connection with the California Angels peaked in 1972 when he became their major league manager. He took over a team in transition and finished with a 75-80 record in his only season at the helm.

The Angels landed in fifth place in the American League West that year. Rice managed with an emphasis on fundamentals and defense, staying true to his roots behind the plate.

After managing, Rice kept working in baseball as a scout for the San Francisco Giants. He stayed active in the game, evaluating talent until he passed away in 1983.

Rice’s post-playing days spanned more than twenty years with several organizations. His work as a coach, manager, and scout shaped countless players in the Angels and Giants systems.

Personal Life and Lasting Impact

Del Rice’s life wasn’t just about baseball. He stayed close to his family and never forgot his Ohio roots. His marriage to Mary Alice Ruel and his role as a dad helped define who he was, and his coaching career let him influence the next wave of players.

Life Outside Baseball

Del Rice married Mary Alice Ruel on January 30, 1943, while he was still early in his pro career. Their son Ronnie came along in March 1945, right as Rice was breaking into the majors with St. Louis.

During the 1945-46 offseason, Rice showed off his athleticism by playing pro basketball with the Rochester Royals in the National Basketball League. The Royals actually won the league title in their first season.

He played alongside some future legends, like NBA Hall of Famer Red Holzman and NFL Hall of Famer Otto Graham. Rice only played one season of pro basketball before choosing to focus on baseball.

He grew up in Portsmouth, Ohio, and kept close ties to his hometown. His dad worked for the city electric company, and Rice liked to visit home in the offseason.

Community and Family

Family always stayed at the center of Rice’s life. He managed to juggle the demands of pro baseball with being a husband and father.

His marriage to Mary Alice gave him stability during those long, grinding seasons in the majors. They kept their relationship strong even with all the travel.

Rice never lost touch with his Portsmouth community. His neighbor was Frank Rickey, brother of Cardinals GM Branch Rickey, who first noticed Rice’s talent as a young catcher.

“As far back as I can recall, I was always the catcher on the team,” Rice said in an interview. “And I always had a good arm.”

Teammates and coaches respected his work ethic and defensive ability. The way he handled pitchers earned him recognition throughout his career.

Death and Posthumous Recognition

Delbert W. Rice Jr. passed away on January 26, 1983, at age 60. His death ended a life devoted to baseball, both as a player and a coach.

Even after retiring as a player in 1961, Rice stayed involved in the game. He coached for the Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Indians before moving into minor league managing.

He managed the San Jose team in the Class A California League starting in 1968. Rice later ran the El Paso Sun Kings in the Double-A Texas League in 1969.

He left a legacy through the players he mentored and the defensive standards he set. Rice’s role in two World Series championship teams remains a part of baseball history.

Legacy in Baseball History

Rice played 17 seasons and built a reputation as one of the toughest catchers around. He didn’t hit for a high average—just .237—but his defensive skills kept him in the lineup year after year.

He took the field in 1,309 major league games. Not many catchers could throw out runners like Rice, who caught 43 percent of would-be base stealers.

Teams valued him for how well he worked with pitchers. That knack made him a great fit for several franchises over the years.

Rice played a big role in the 1946 and 1957 World Series, winning titles with both the Cardinals and Braves. In the 1946 Series against the Red Sox, he went 3-for-6 at the plate, which is pretty remarkable.

He played during a time when baseball was changing fast, including the integration era. Rice’s steady defense and ability to adapt helped connect different generations of players.

Later, he moved into coaching and managing, and he kept shaping the game from the dugout. Rice always pushed for solid defense and strong pitcher-catcher teamwork, and plenty of young players learned from his example.