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

Dick Tidrow, or “Dirt” as teammates called him, finished up his 13-year Major League Baseball career in 1984. The New York Mets let him go just two months into the season.

He started out as a Cleveland Indians starter but really made his mark as a reliever, especially with the New York Yankees. Those two World Series wins in 1977 and 1978? Tidrow played a big part in both.

Tidrow’s retirement in 1984 closed the book on a career that stretched across five teams and included 100 wins, 975 strikeouts, and a 3.68 earned run average. He bounced from Cleveland to New York, then Chicago, and back to New York, filling whatever pitching role his team needed.

Growing up in San Francisco, Tidrow learned early how to adapt. His stats show he was dependable, no matter what job he had on the mound.

After he hung up his cleats, Tidrow found a second life in baseball’s front office. Still, his playing days really showcase just how much versatility and grit matter in pro sports.

Key Facts About Dick Tidrow’s Retirement in 1984

Dick Tidrow wrapped up his 13-season MLB career on May 7, 1984, with the New York Mets. He’d traveled through five different teams by then.

At 37, he called it a career after shifting from a promising starter to a steady reliever in his later years.

Circumstances Leading to Retirement

Tidrow’s road to retirement really started in 1983 when the Cubs sent him to the White Sox. That trade signaled the beginning of the end, as he struggled to stay sharp.

He signed with the Mets for 1984, hoping for one more run. But his performance dipped during his short time with them.

By May, it was obvious Tidrow didn’t have the same velocity anymore. He wasn’t the workhorse reliever who’d led the National League in games pitched just four years earlier with the Cubs.

Tidrow decided to retire instead of continuing to battle at the MLB level. His final appearance was on May 7, 1984, closing out a career that lasted over a decade.

Final MLB Team and Last Game

The Mets became Tidrow’s last MLB team in 1984. He’d already played for the Yankees from 1975 to 1979, so this marked his second stint in New York.

His last game came on May 7, 1984. There aren’t many details out there about who the Mets played that day or what exactly happened, but the team released him soon after.

Tidrow’s short time with the Mets capped off a unique journey. He’s actually one of just four players who suited up for both New York teams (Yankees and Mets) and both Chicago teams (Cubs and White Sox).

Age at Retirement

Dick Tidrow walked away from pro baseball at 37 years old in 1984. He was born on May 14, 1947, and debuted with Cleveland in 1972, so he’d spent 13 seasons in the big leagues.

That age wasn’t unusual for pitchers back then. Most relievers and starters in the ’70s and ’80s finished up in their mid-to-late thirties.

Tidrow’s ability to last that long, especially after switching from starter to reliever, is pretty impressive. He kept finding ways to contribute, which let him stick around into his late thirties.

MLB Career Overview

Dick Tidrow put together a 13-season MLB career from 1972 to 1984, finishing with a 100-94 record and a 3.68 ERA in 620 games. He started as a rotation guy, then became a bullpen staple, picking up two World Series rings with the Yankees in 1977 and 1978.

Early Years in Professional Baseball

After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1968 to 1971, Tidrow jumped into pro baseball with the Cleveland Indians’ farm system. He spent five seasons working his way up, posting a 33-20 record, a 3.65 ERA, and 441 strikeouts in the minors.

He kept getting better every year. His strong numbers earned him a spot on the big league roster out of spring training in 1972.

At 24, he finally made his MLB debut after years of military service and minor league grind.

Major League Debut and Early Success

Tidrow made his MLB debut on April 18, 1972, facing the Boston Red Sox. It was a rough start—he gave up four earned runs in just one inning and took the loss in a 4-2 game.

He rebounded fast in his next start against the Orioles. Tidrow threw five scoreless innings before giving up a two-run homer in the sixth, but the Indians won 9-2 and he picked up his first big league win.

His rookie season showed flashes of promise. He tossed his first career shutout against the Texas Rangers on July 15, 1972.

Then he threw back-to-back 1-0 shutouts on July 31 and August 4. That kind of dominance made people take notice.

He hit a few bumps mid-season, but Tidrow ended his rookie year with a 14-15 record and a sharp 2.77 ERA.

Teams Played For During Career

Tidrow wore the uniform for five different MLB teams:

• Cleveland Indians (1972-1974)
• New York Yankees (1974-1979)
• Chicago Cubs (1979-1982)
• Chicago White Sox (1983)
• New York Mets (1984)

He spent the most time with the Yankees, where he shifted from starting to relieving. Manager Bill Virdon moved him to the bullpen at the end of the 1974 season, and that really changed the course of his career.

The trade to New York raised some eyebrows at first—some folks called it “The Friday Night Massacre”—but it worked out for both Tidrow and the Yankees. He became a key bullpen guy.

With the Cubs, Tidrow found his groove as a long reliever, teaming up with Hall of Fame closer Bruce Sutter. He led Cubs relievers with 102.2 innings and eleven wins in 1979, even though he joined the team in late May.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Tidrow’s best moments came with the Yankees. He picked up two World Series rings in 1977 and 1978, filling the crucial setup role for closer Sparky Lyle.

His career stats say a lot:

People called him “Dirt” when he played for the Yankees because he’d show up looking a bit scruffy and usually got his uniform dirty before the game even started. That became part of his identity in the majors.

In 1980, he led all of MLB with 84 relief appearances for the Cubs. That versatility helped him thrive as both a starter and reliever.

Tidrow stepped up in the postseason too, pitching in several ALCS and World Series games for the Yankees.

Pitching Style and Strengths

Dick Tidrow built his career on being durable and flexible, pitching as both a starter and reliever over 13 seasons. His fastball-slider combo was his bread and butter, and he racked up 100 wins and 975 strikeouts with it.

Signature Pitch Types

Tidrow’s main weapon was a solid fastball, usually in the low-to-mid 90s. He paired it with a sharp slider that kept hitters guessing.

That slider was his go-to pitch for strikeouts. It had tight spin and broke late, which made it tough for hitters, especially righties.

Later in his career, he added a changeup. As his fastball lost a little zip with age, the changeup helped him keep hitters off balance.

Tidrow showed pretty good control throughout his career. He finished with a 3.68 ERA, so he knew how to throw strikes and avoid too many walks.

Role as Starter and Reliever

Tidrow handled both starting and relieving duties at different points. Early on with the Indians and Cubs, he was mostly a starter.

The Yankees moved him to the bullpen, and that really worked out. His power stuff played up in shorter outings, and he could come in and attack hitters right away.

He was one of those guys you could count on to take the ball. Over his career, he pitched 1,746 innings, showing he was always available and rarely wore down.

In relief, he often entered tough spots. His experience as a starter helped him keep his cool under pressure and face more than just a batter or two if needed.

Career Statistics and Notable Performances

Dick Tidrow finished his career with a 100-94 record and a 3.68 ERA over 13 MLB seasons from 1972 to 1984. He struck out 975 batters in 1,746 innings.

His best years came with the Yankees in the mid-1970s, where he shifted from starter to reliever and helped win two World Series titles.

Win-Loss Records and ERA

Tidrow’s career numbers—100 wins and 94 losses—show he was effective in both starting and relief roles. His 3.68 ERA put him right in the mix as a solid arm for his era.

He had his best season in 1972 with Cleveland, posting a 14-15 record and a 2.77 ERA over 237.1 innings. That year, he was 17% better than league average by ERA+.

His ERA bounced around over the years. In 1979, when he briefly returned to the Yankees, he struggled with a 7.94 ERA in limited outings. But after being traded to the Cubs, he bounced back, finishing with a 2.72 ERA in 63 games.

Strikeouts and Innings Pitched

Across 13 years, Tidrow racked up 975 strikeouts in 1,746 innings. He averaged 5.0 strikeouts per nine innings, which was pretty respectable back then.

He carried the heaviest load with Cleveland. In 1973, he threw 274.2 innings and struck out 138, proving he could handle a full season as a starter.

After moving to the bullpen with the Yankees, his innings dropped but he pitched more effectively.

Tidrow appeared in 620 games, with 138 starts and 244 games finished. In 1980, he pitched in 84 games with the Cubs, showing just how much managers trusted him out of the bullpen.

Memorable Games and Standout Seasons

Tidrow’s standout moments came with the Yankees from 1974 to 1979. He helped them win two World Series in 1977 and 1978, mostly as a setup guy and spot starter.

In 1976, he went 4-5 with a 2.63 ERA and 10 saves in 47 games for New York. That season cemented his role as a key bullpen piece during the Yankees’ championship runs.

The 1977 season was another big one—Tidrow posted an 11-4 record and a 3.16 ERA in 49 games, mixing starts and relief outings. His flexibility made him a huge asset during that championship season.

After joining the Cubs in 1979, he reinvented himself again, posting a 2.72 ERA in 63 games. That ability to adapt kept him in the majors through 1984.

Life and Activities After Retirement

Dick Tidrow didn’t leave baseball behind after 1984. He moved into executive roles with MLB teams and made a real impact as a scout and front office official.

Transition from Player to Executive Roles

Tidrow didn’t just leave baseball behind when he hung up his cleats. Instead, he jumped right into the front office, starting his new chapter as a scout for the New York Yankees, the team where he’d probably made his biggest mark as a player.

He brought a deep, almost instinctive understanding of the game to talent evaluation. Playing for five different MLB teams gave him a unique perspective on what actually makes players thrive in the majors.

In 1994, Tidrow joined the San Francisco Giants front office. That move kicked off a long and pretty remarkable run with the team.

By 1996, he’d taken on the role of special assistant to the general manager. This job let him put his baseball smarts to work, weighing in on all sorts of organizational decisions.

Contributions as Scout and Team Official

Tidrow really left his mark during his years with the San Francisco Giants. From 1997 to 2005, he served as the team’s farm director, guiding the development of minor league players.

He poured his energy into player development, shaping the future of the Giants by spotting and nurturing talent all over the minor league system.

Eventually, he became Senior Vice President of Player Personnel. In that spot, he advised the general manager on who to bring in and how to shape the team.

Tidrow’s presence—kind of intimidating, honestly—and his sharp eye for talent made people across baseball respect him. Players even admitted they got more nervous with him in the stands than pitching in front of packed stadiums.

Legacy in MLB Front Offices

Tidrow spent over two decades working in the Giants’ front office. He played a huge part in shaping their player development and big personnel moves.

His efforts helped set up the Giants for those three World Series titles in the 2010s. That foundation he helped build? It turned out to be absolutely vital for the team’s long run of success.

Tidrow’s move from the field to the front office showed just how well real baseball know-how can translate to executive work. He understood both the art of pitching and what organizations need, making him a real asset in every role he took.

He stuck with the Giants all the way until his death in 2021, leaving behind a legacy as both a solid player and a key executive.

Personal Life and Remembering Dick Tidrow

Dick Tidrow died suddenly on July 10, 2021, at age 74 in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. He left behind a legacy as a devoted family man and a respected baseball figure. His death came as a shock and marked the end of a life spent loving both baseball and family.

Family Background

Born on May 14, 1947, in San Francisco, California, Dick Tidrow served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1968 to 1971. After that, he chased his dream of playing professional baseball.

He balanced a demanding baseball career with his personal life, staying devoted to his family. People described him as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who cherished time with his loved ones.

He lived in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, when he passed away. His family said he had “entered the gates of Heaven” and would now be “attending all MLB games in his private suite from above.”

Community Involvement and Character

Tidrow picked up the nickname “Dirt” with the Yankees, mostly because he’d get his uniform dirty before the game even started. That just showed off his blue-collar work ethic and easygoing personality.

After he stopped playing in 1984, Tidrow stayed close to the game. He started scouting for the Yankees, then joined the Giants in 1994.

He spent 28 seasons with the Giants in different roles. He worked as a major league scout, special assistant to the GM, and farm director from 1997 to 2005.

His last job was Senior Vice President of Player Personnel and Senior Advisor to the General Manager. That long stretch showed just how committed he was to developing young talent and giving back to baseball long after his playing days ended.

Tributes and Commemoration

The San Francisco Giants shared the news of Tidrow’s passing for his family. They made sure to point out just how much he meant to the organization.

People in baseball circles looked back on him as one of the first great setup relievers. He stood out as a key figure in developing the game.

Fans especially remembered his time with the 1983 “Winning Ugly” Chicago White Sox. Over his 13-season career, he made lasting impressions on teammates and fans alike.

The baseball world honored him as a two-time World Series champ and a respected executive. When he passed away suddenly at 74, the community really felt the loss, knowing what he brought both on the field and behind the scenes.

Passantino Bros. Funeral Home in Kansas City took care of the funeral services. His legacy lives on through the many players and executives he mentored during almost thirty years in baseball operations.