Dick Bosman – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Dick Bosman built a solid 11-year career in Major League Baseball, pitching for four teams between 1966 and 1976. Coming out of Kenosha, Wisconsin, the right-hander made his presence felt in the big leagues with his steady control and gritty approach, earning plenty of respect around the American League.

Richard Allen Bosman hung up his spikes in 1976, finishing with 82 wins, 757 strikeouts, and a 3.67 ERA over 308 games. He had some big moments, like leading the American League in ERA in 1969 and tossing a no-hitter against the reigning World Series champion Oakland Athletics in 1974. That no-hitter? He lost the perfect game only because he made a fielding error himself.

Bosman’s baseball path took him from the expansion Washington Senators, to the Texas Rangers, then the Cleveland Indians, and finally the Oakland Athletics. His story really captures the shifting world of 1970s baseball—team moves, wild trades, and a transition from player to coach. After his playing days, he spent decades shaping young pitchers, leaving a real mark on the game as a coach.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Richard Allen Bosman’s road to the majors started in Kenosha, Wisconsin. His dad’s influence and his own pitching talent shaped those early years. Moving from high school ball to the pros, he made some key choices about school and teams that really set his career in motion.

Childhood and Education

Richard Allen Bosman was born on February 17, 1944, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He grew up as the oldest of four, and the only son, born to George and Nella (Kloet) Bosman.

Kenosha, perched on Lake Michigan, had about 90,000 people and sat between Milwaukee and Chicago. George Bosman started as a farmer, then later worked for a trucking company in town.

Dick’s dad played a huge part in his baseball development. George was a fast-pitch softball pitcher—so good, in fact, that a field in Kenosha bears his and his uncle Clarence’s names. George really hoped his son would become a major league pitcher, and he worked hard to push Dick in that direction.

At Bradford High School, Dick pitched for the Red Devils under coach Andy Smith. His high school career peaked in the 1962 state championship game, where he started but lost 2-0 on two unearned runs.

One of his teammates, pitcher Lance Tobert, later signed with the Orioles. Dick’s grades kept him from getting scholarship offers from big schools like the University of Wisconsin, and that academic hiccup shaped his next steps.

Signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates

After high school, Bosman got offers from several major league teams. He picked the Pittsburgh Pirates, signing with scout Paul Tretiak and making his pro ambitions clear.

But Bosman decided to put off his professional career for a year. He enrolled at UW-Parkside, a University of Wisconsin extension in Kenosha, so he could stay close to home and keep up his education.

That summer, in 1962, Bosman played for a semipro team in Kenosha. The experience helped him stay sharp while he went to college.

After a year at Parkside, Bosman felt ready to chase his baseball dream. He left college to go all-in on pro ball.

Transition to Professional Baseball

In 1963, Bosman kicked off his pro career with the Kingsport (Tennessee) Pirates in the Appalachian League. That rookie-level assignment gave him his first taste of organized professional baseball.

His time with the Pirates didn’t last long. In December 1963, the San Francisco Giants picked him up in the first-year player draft, ending his Pittsburgh stint.

Bosman reported to Giants spring training with the big club in 1964. He impressed some folks, but got cut in late March, one of nine pitchers sent down near the end of camp.

The Giants sent him to the Class-A Lexington (North Carolina) Giants in the Western Carolinas League. At just 20, Bosman pitched in 35 games, starting nine, and posted a 3.21 ERA.

His performance got noticed around the league. In December 1964, the Washington Senators grabbed him in the minor league draft, setting up another big change that would shape his major league future.

Major League Career Overview

Dick Bosman pitched 11 seasons in the majors from 1966 to 1976, finishing with an 82-85 record and a 3.67 ERA over 308 games. He played for four teams, starting with the Washington Senators, where he grew into a reliable starter under Ted Williams. Then came the move to Texas, a strong run with Cleveland (including a no-hitter), and finally, a stint with the Oakland Athletics.

Washington Senators and MLB Debut

Bosman made his big league debut on June 1, 1966, at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox. The 22-year-old righty from Kenosha threw 7⅓ innings and picked up a 6-3 win in his first start.

He showed flashes early, but not always steady. In 1966, he went 2-6 with a 7.78 ERA in 12 games. After a trip back to the minors, Bosman returned in 1967 and posted a 3-1 record with a 1.75 ERA in seven starts.

The 1968 season was his first full year in the majors. He appeared in 46 games, starting 10, and finished 2-9 with a 3.69 ERA.

In 1969, with Ted Williams taking over as manager, Bosman said Williams taught him to pitch “from above the neck.” That year, he thrived, going 14-5 and leading the league with a 2.19 ERA.

His best year with Washington was 1970, when he won 16 games. He became the staff ace and tossed a one-hitter against Minnesota on August 13—César Tovar’s leadoff bunt single was the only hit he allowed.

Move to Texas Rangers

When the Senators moved to Arlington, Texas, in 1972, Bosman made the last start in Senators history and the first start in Rangers history. That’s a pretty unique spot in baseball lore.

With Ted Williams still managing, Bosman stayed productive. Over four years with Williams (1969-1972), he went 50-43 with a 3.15 ERA and kept a 2-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

The 1972 season was rough for the Rangers—they finished 54-100. Even so, Bosman held a 3.63 ERA in 29 starts. His last start that year was a gem, a 1-0 three-hit shutout against the White Sox.

Williams left after 1972 and Whitey Herzog took over. Bosman started Opening Day for the fourth year in a row but struggled early in 1973, going 2-5 before a trade sent him packing.

Cleveland Indians Achievements

On May 10, 1973, the Rangers traded Bosman and outfielder Ted Ford to the Cleveland Indians for pitcher Steve Dunning. Bosman didn’t love leaving the only team he’d known, but he eventually warmed up to Cleveland.

His biggest moment came on July 19, 1974, when he threw a no-hitter against the defending World Series champion Oakland Athletics. He needed just 79 pitches and faced only 28 batters. Sal Bando reached base on an error—Bosman fielded a swinging bunt but threw wild to first.

In Cleveland, Bosman joined a rotation with future Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry. He really respected Perry, later saying Gaylord had “some of the best stuff he ever saw a pitcher display.”

Bosman stayed with the Indians through early 1975, offering leadership and steady pitching. That no-hitter was the high point of his career and showed he could shine on the biggest stage.

Final Seasons with Oakland Athletics

In 1975, Oakland A’s owner Charles Finley traded for Bosman and Jim Perry, sending Blue Moon Odom to Cleveland. That move brought Bosman to a team chasing its fourth straight World Series.

Bosman made a real impact in Oakland. In 1975, he won 11 games and helped the A’s take the division. He got a taste of postseason action that year, adding playoff experience to his resume.

Over two seasons with Oakland (1975-1976), Bosman went 15-6 in 49 games with a 3.80 ERA. His last big league appearance came on September 19, 1976, against the Rangers, when he pitched an inning.

The A’s released him in spring training, 1977. At 33, Bosman chose to retire instead of accepting a minor league deal, closing the book on his 11-year career with 82 wins, 85 losses, and 757 strikeouts.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Dick Bosman’s MLB career had some real high points that put him in the history books. His 1969 ERA title and 1974 no-hitter against Oakland stand out as his best moments.

1969 ERA Leadership

Bosman’s best individual season came in 1969 with the Washington Senators. He finished 14-5 and led the American League with a 2.19 ERA.

That season made him a rare bright spot for the struggling Senators. The ERA title showed how tough he could be on hitters all season long.

His 1969 performance established him as one of the top pitchers in the league. The mix of wins and run prevention highlighted his value as a starter.

Near-Perfect No-Hitter in 1974

On July 19, 1974, Bosman tossed a no-hitter for the Cleveland Indians against the defending World Series champion Oakland Athletics. The Indians won 4-0, and Bosman dominated from start to finish.

What made it wild was how close he got to a perfect game—his own throwing error in the fourth inning was Oakland’s only baserunner.

That no-hitter came against a powerhouse Oakland team that later won the 1974 World Series. They’d already won back-to-back titles in 1972 and 1973, so Bosman’s feat looked even better.

He’s the only pitcher in big league history to lose a perfect game because of his own fielding mistake. That little twist just adds to the legend of his no-hitter.

Postseason Experience with Oakland

Bosman joined the Oakland Athletics in 1975 after the trade from Cleveland. He won 11 games and helped the A’s clinch the AL West.

He made his lone postseason appearance in the 1975 AL Championship Series. The A’s faced the Red Sox in what turned out to be their last playoff run of that dynasty.

The Red Sox knocked out Oakland in the ALCS, ending their shot at a fourth straight title. Bosman’s brief playoff experience gave him a little taste of October baseball with a contender.

Statistical Overview

Bosman wrapped up his career with an 82-85 record and a 3.67 ERA over 11 seasons. He struck out 757 batters in 1,591 innings across 308 games.

He peaked in 1970, winning 16 games for the Texas Rangers. That was his top win total for a season and showed his reliability as a starter.

Career Statistics:

• Win-Loss Record: 82-85
• ERA: 3.67
• Strikeouts: 757
• Innings Pitched: 1,591
• Games: 308

His 10.8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) sums up his overall value. Bosman’s consistency and staying power made him a dependable starter in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Team Transitions and Trades

Dick Bosman’s career had some big moves that shaped his journey. He went from the Washington Senators to the Texas Rangers when the franchise moved, then got traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1973, and later to the Oakland Athletics in 1975.

Transition from Senators to Rangers

Bosman experienced a rare transition when the Senators moved to Texas before the 1972 season. That shift turned the franchise into the Texas Rangers, no trade needed.

The move brought new challenges. Bosman had to settle into a different city and connect with a new fanbase, all while keeping up his pitching.

He played for the Rangers in 1972 and part of 1973. That stretch was all about adjusting to the team’s new Texas identity.

Switching from Washington to Texas changed Bosman’s home field and the whole organizational vibe. It marked a real turning point in his career.

Trade to Cleveland Indians

In May 1973, the Texas Rangers sent Bosman to the Cleveland Indians. That move shifted him from the American League West to the American League East.

Bosman spent just over two years with Cleveland, from mid-1973 through May 1975. While with the Indians, he tried to establish himself as a reliable pitcher in their rotation.

The Cleveland chapter really mattered for his development. He picked up valuable experience with a new organization and coaching staff.

His performance with the Indians kept his reputation as a solid major league pitcher intact. Bosman showed he could adapt to new teams and systems.

Trade to Oakland Athletics

Cleveland traded Bosman to the Oakland Athletics in May 1975. This trade brought him to a championship-caliber club.

The Athletics had just wrapped up three straight World Series titles from 1972 to 1974. Bosman joined a veteran roster with big expectations and plenty of playoff experience.

During the 1975 season, Bosman won 11 games and helped Oakland clinch a division title. His contributions mattered to the team’s success that year.

He stayed with Oakland through the 1976 season, which ended up being his last in pro baseball. The Athletics released him during spring training in 1977, bringing his playing career to a close.

Life After Retirement

After his playing days, Dick Bosman moved into coaching roles with several major league organizations. He also became an author and started sharing his baseball knowledge at speaking events.

Coaching Career in MLB

Bosman spent years as a pitching coach after hanging up his cleats in 1976. He worked with several major league organizations throughout his coaching career.

The Baltimore Orioles tapped into Bosman’s expertise. As a former pitcher who’d thrown a no-hitter, he brought valuable insight for developing young pitching talent.

Bosman also took on pitching coach duties for the Chicago White Sox. His knowledge of American League hitters and pitching strategies helped shape the organization’s staff development.

The Texas Rangers organization benefited from Bosman’s coaching abilities. He worked within their system, helping pitchers improve their mechanics and mental approach to the game.

He also spent time coaching with the Tampa Bay Rays organization. Bosman’s decade of major league experience gave him plenty to share about what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

Author and Public Speaker

In 2018, Bosman published Dick Bosman on Pitching alongside co-author Ted Leavengood. The book offered up insights and techniques he’d picked up during his playing and coaching days.

That publication felt like a big milestone in Bosman’s post-retirement life. It let him reach a bigger audience than just the players he coached.

Bosman started speaking publicly at baseball events and clinics. His no-hitter and coaching background made him a popular speaker for baseball gatherings.

Other Post-Playing Endeavors

After retiring in 1976, Bosman stayed connected to the baseball world through various activities. His 11-year major league career gave him a strong base for staying involved in the sport.

Bosman finished his playing days with an 82-85 record and a 3.67 ERA. Those numbers show the solid contribution he made to professional baseball for more than a decade.

Through coaching and writing, he kept giving back to baseball. He passed along the knowledge he gained during his years in the majors.

Legacy and Impact

Dick Bosman’s career left a real mark on pitching instruction and baseball history. His shift from player to coach influenced several organizations, and his no-hitter still stands out in Cleveland baseball lore.

Influence on Pitchers and Teams

Richard Allen Bosman’s biggest legacy came through his long coaching career. He served as pitching coach for four major league organizations: the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and Texas Rangers.

He focused his coaching on fundamental mechanics and mental preparation. Bosman worked with countless pitchers throughout his post-playing years, sharing what he learned from his 11 years in the majors.

Playing for four different teams gave him a range of experience with various pitching styles and approaches. That made him an effective instructor.

In 2018, Bosman and Ted Leavengood published “Dick Bosman on Pitching.” The book captured his decades of pitching wisdom for players and coaches to come.

Recognition in Baseball Community

Bosman’s July 19, 1974 no-hitter against Oakland stands as his most celebrated moment. He threw it against a tough A’s lineup featuring Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson and other stars like Sal Bando and Joe Rudi.

He’s the only pitcher from Kenosha, Wisconsin, to throw a no-hitter in Major League Baseball. That unique feat connects him forever to his hometown’s baseball story.

The no-hitter was nearly perfect—only one baserunner reached on a throwing error. Cleveland fans at Municipal Stadium felt the weight of the moment and screamed on every pitch during the final two innings.

After the game, Bosman grabbed the microphone and thanked the crowd, asking fans to keep supporting the team for the rest of the season.

Retrospective Analysis of Career

Dick Bosman put together an 82-85 record over 308 games from 1966 to 1976. Sure, his win-loss numbers look pretty average, but honestly, he brought more to the table than just stats.

In 1975, he had his best season with Oakland. He went 11-4 and played a big role in helping the A’s take the AL West title.

That year showed he could still make a difference for winning teams, even late in his career.

Career Highlights:

• Threw a no-hitter on July 19, 1974
• Notched an 11-4 record with the 1975 Oakland A’s
• Took the mound in the 1975 ALCS against the Boston Red Sox
• Shifted into a successful coaching career

That Cleveland no-hitter really marked the high point of his playing days. He pulled it off against the defending World Series champs, who were chasing a third straight title at the time.

Later, Bosman dove into coaching, and honestly, he probably made an even bigger impact there than as a player.