Enrique Romo – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Enrique Romo wrapped up his six-year Major League Baseball career in 1982, ending a wild ride that took him from the Mexican League to World Series champion with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Born July 15, 1947, in Santa Rosalía, Mexico, Romo spent eleven years sharpening his skills in Mexican professional baseball before he finally landed with the Seattle Mariners in 1977 at 29.

He threw right-handed and quickly built a reputation for his nasty screwball and the way he mixed speeds and arm angles. Hitters never really knew what was coming.

Romo’s offbeat approach worked, especially when he joined Pittsburgh from 1979 to 1982. He became a key part of their 1979 World Series team.

His story stretches across two baseball worlds, starting with his roots in the Mexican League and ending with his impact on a storied MLB franchise. The numbers—44 wins, 33 losses, and 436 strikeouts in 352 games—don’t quite capture everything about this pitcher who left a unique stamp on the game before he retired after 1982.

Early Life and Path to Professional Baseball

Enrique Romo Navarro grew up in a big family in Baja California, Mexico. His first taste of baseball came thanks to his older brother Vicente, who played a big role in shaping his interest.

He started out in the outfield, but his path soon led him to the mound. That switch would eventually take him through several different Mexican leagues.

Childhood and Family Background

Enrique Romo Navarro was born July 15, 1947, in Santa Rosalía, a port town in Baja California del Sur. His dad, Santos “Santurria” Romo Urías, worked as a policeman, and his mom was Rosario Navarro.

He grew up surrounded by eight siblings—four brothers (Vicente, Eusebio, José María, and Ramón) and four sisters (María Guadalupe, Lidia, Mirsa, and Olga).

Vicente, his older brother, played a huge part in Enrique’s baseball journey. Vicente was already making a name for himself as a pro pitcher and ended up spending eight seasons in Major League Baseball between 1968 and 1974, and again in 1982.

When Enrique was about five, his family moved across the Sea of Cortez to Guaymas in Sonora. That move dropped him right into a city with a deep baseball tradition.

At 16, Enrique joined the Mexican Navy for three years. “If I didn’t play baseball, I would still be in the Navy,” he said in 1980. “But as a boy I always watched the baseball players. I wanted to be one, and my older brother Vicente did well.”

Initial Interest in Baseball

Romo started playing baseball at 12, running around the outfield with a Little League team in Guaymas. He built up a strong, accurate arm out there, which later helped when he switched to pitching.

While serving in the Mexican Navy, Romo kept playing baseball for the service team. One of the coaches noticed his powerful throws from the outfield and told him to try pitching.

Vicente’s success really motivated Enrique to make that move to the mound. Watching his brother thrive as a pro made him want to chase the same dream.

By 1966, at 18, Enrique jumped from military service to pro baseball. He signed with Puerto México in the Mexican Southeast League, a Class A circuit, and that’s when he officially became a pitcher.

Journey Through the Minor Leagues

Romo’s first season with Puerto México in 1966 looked promising, even if the stats were modest. He pitched 61 innings over 22 games, finishing with a 1-2 record and a 3.10 ERA.

He picked up valuable winter ball experience with the Guaymas Ostioneros in La Liga Sonora-Sinaloa. That winter league play became a big part of his development.

In 1967, Romo improved, going 4-5 with a 3.74 ERA in 18 games for Puerto México. That winter, he really broke out—he posted a 15-4 record with a 1.53 ERA for Guaymas.

That performance earned him Rookie of the Year and helped the Ostioneros win the league championship. The success led to his promotion to Mexico’s top professional league in 1968.

By 1968, Romo had moved up to La Liga Mexicana de Béisbol, the country’s top summer league. He spent the next nine seasons there, mostly as a starter, building the foundation for his shot at the majors.

Major League Debut and Career Highlights

Enrique Romo broke into Major League Baseball with the Seattle Mariners in 1977 at 29, bringing 11 seasons of Mexican League experience. Switching from starter to reliever turned out to be a game-changer, and that move led to a trade to Pittsburgh, where he became a big part of their 1979 World Series run.

Seattle Mariners Debut

Romo made his MLB debut on April 7, 1977, against the California Angels at the Kingdome. He threw seven strong innings, allowed just four hits, struck out nine, and gave up only two earned runs. Still, he took the loss—Nolan Ryan shut out the Mariners that day.

He started his career in Seattle’s rotation. In his second start, five days later, he left after seven innings with a 2-1 lead, but the bullpen couldn’t hang on. His third and last start came on April 17, when a hamstring injury forced him out after just 1⅔ innings.

That injury changed everything. When he came back from the disabled list, manager Darrell Johnson moved him to the bullpen for good.

Record-Breaking Rookie Season

That move to relief pitching turned Romo into one of the American League’s top closers. Mariners manager Darrell Johnson said in July 1977, “Enrique Romo is the best reliever in the American League.”

Romo’s rookie stats stood out:

• Record: 8-10 (Seattle struggled to score runs)
• ERA: 2.83
• Saves: 16 (led the team)
• Strikeouts: 105 in 114⅓ innings
• Appearances: 55 games in relief

He led the expansion Mariners with 16 saves, even though the team only won 64 games. His screwball, which he’d perfected in Mexico, baffled left-handed hitters. Mixing arm angles and speeds kept American League batters off balance all season.

Transition to Pittsburgh Pirates

In December 1978, Seattle traded Romo to Pittsburgh along with Rick Jones and Tom McMillan for Odell Jones, Mario Mendoza, and Rafael Vásquez. Pirates GM Pete Peterson said, “Our top priority in trades was a quality pitcher. We have accomplished our objective.”

Romo’s 1978 season in Seattle wasn’t as strong (11-7, 3.69 ERA, 10 saves). He later said, “The ballclub was not good offensively and the defense was shaky. A pitcher doesn’t have a lot of confidence on the mound there.”

Moving to Pittsburgh gave his career new life. Manager Chuck Tanner wanted help for closer Kent Tekulve, who had pitched 135⅓ innings in 91 games the year before. Romo sounded excited: “I am glad to be with a team that can win it all.”

Impact with the Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates picked up Enrique Romo in December 1978, bringing him to a club hungry for a championship. Romo’s screwball and unpredictable delivery made him a perfect fit alongside closer Kent Tekulve in Pittsburgh’s bullpen during their 1979 World Series win.

Key Seasons and Achievements

Romo’s best year came in 1979. He pitched in 84 games for the Pirates, second only to Kent Tekulve’s 94 appearances in the National League.

He put up a 10-5 record, picked up five saves, and carried a 2.99 ERA that season. He kept hitters guessing and often held the Pirates in games as their main setup man.

In 1980, Romo delivered another solid season. Pirates pitching coach Harvey Haddix said, “I think he was the unsung hero of last year’s team. The middle man seldom gets the credit he deserves because he doesn’t get wins or saves.”

Romo’s screwball, thrown from all sorts of arm angles and speeds, really kept hitters off balance. Lefties especially struggled against him.

His last two seasons in 1981 and 1982 didn’t go as well. His performance dropped, and after 1982, he decided to call it quits.

Role in the 1979 World Series Run

Romo played a huge role in the Pirates’ championship season as their main middle reliever. He made 84 appearances, helping stabilize games before Tekulve came in to close things out.

That bullpen was one of Pittsburgh’s biggest strengths in 1979. Romo’s ability to pitch multiple innings and face hitters from both sides made him invaluable to manager Chuck Tanner.

During the postseason, Romo contributed to a team that rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series. His regular season workload had him ready for those pressure moments.

The title really validated the Pirates’ decision to trade for Romo. GM Pete Peterson called him a “quality pitcher” who fit right into their plans that year.

Notable Teammates and Managers

Romo pitched alongside some key Pirates players during his Pittsburgh run. He teamed up with Kent Tekulve to form a tough late-inning combo.

He shared the clubhouse with guys like Dave Parker, Phil Garner, and Mike Easler during the championship season. Funny enough, Easler also played winter ball in Mexico and joined the same Navojoa Mayos team as Romo in 1978-79.

Manager Chuck Tanner used Romo as a setup man, just as he’d hoped. Tanner wanted to take some pressure off Tekulve, who’d thrown a ton of innings the year before.

Rennie Stennett often helped as Romo’s interpreter—Enrique’s English was limited. Spanish-speaking teammates like Stennett and Manny Sanguillen made his move to Pittsburgh a lot smoother.

Final Season and Retirement in 1982

Enrique Romo’s big league career ended suddenly after the 1982 season, following clashes with Pittsburgh Pirates management. His last couple of seasons showed declining performance, and a heated dispute with manager Chuck Tanner pushed him to walk away from pro baseball instead of coming back for 1983.

Performance in Last MLB Years

Romo’s final years in Pittsburgh were a far cry from his best seasons. After his strong 1979 World Series run and a solid 1980, his effectiveness dropped off in 1981 and 1982.

He struggled to find consistency those last two years. The Pirates started leaning on other arms in the bullpen as Romo’s appearances dwindled.

Career Statistics (1977-1982):

• Games: 352 total appearances
• Record: 44 wins, 33 losses
• ERA: Career 3.45 (rough estimate)
• Primary Role: Middle reliever and setup man

His screwball, once his calling card, lost its edge as hitters learned to adjust. Romo had trouble adapting to a changing game and younger competition.

By 1982, the Pirates no longer relied on him as their steady middle reliever. The team started focusing on younger pitchers instead.

Decision to Retire

Romo’s retirement came after a bitter conflict with manager Chuck Tanner in 1982. The dispute escalated, and the team fined him for his conduct.

His agent Seymour Goldstein said Romo “brooded all winter” about the fine after the 1982 season. The pitcher felt the team had disrespected him.

When spring training rolled around in 1983, Romo made his decision. He didn’t report to the Pirates’ camp in Florida, ending his major league career.

Main reasons for his retirement:

• Ongoing conflict with Chuck Tanner
• The team fine that left him bitter
• No support from teammates during the dispute
• Age (35) and fading performance

His teammates didn’t show him much sympathy. The clubhouse atmosphere had turned cold during the conflict.

Romo never really shared his side of the story. He kept quiet about the incident for years after leaving baseball.

Reflection on MLB Legacy

Romo spent six years in the majors, and honestly, his career stands out as a unique success story for Mexican baseball. He showed everyone that players from the Mexican League could really hang with the best in professional baseball.

His biggest moment came during Pittsburgh’s 1979 World Series run. That year, Romo pitched in 84 games, the second-most in the National League, and gave the team crucial middle relief.

Notable career achievements:

• 1979 World Series champion with Pittsburgh Pirates
• 84 games pitched in 1979 (second-most in NL)
• 16 saves in 1977 rookie season with Seattle Mariners
• Successful transition from Mexican League to MLB

Pirates pitching coach Harvey Haddix once called him “the unsung hero” of that 1979 team. Haddix pointed out that middle relievers almost never get their due, even though they’re so important.

Romo used a screwball delivery and switched up his arm angles, which made him tough for left-handed batters. That versatility helped both Seattle and Pittsburgh whenever they needed it.

He left the Pirates on bad terms, and that kept him away from team reunions. Romo never wanted to talk about the 1982-83 conflict, which left his legacy a bit complicated, even after everything he did on the field.

Pitching Style, Strengths, and Career Statistics

Enrique Romo made his mark as a reliable relief pitcher from 1977 to 1982. He built his reputation on consistent performance and the ability to handle different situations.

Pitch Selection and Approach

Romo liked to focus on control and location instead of just throwing hard. He tried to keep hitters guessing by mixing up his pitches.

He handled late-inning pressure well as a right-hander. Whether facing lefties or righties, he stayed effective.

Romo aimed for quick outs, not just strikeouts. That approach helped him save energy during his frequent trips out of the bullpen.

Managers trusted him because he threw strikes and rarely gave up walks. That knack for avoiding trouble made him a go-to guy in tight spots.

Statistical Overview

Romo put up solid numbers over his six seasons with the Mariners and Pirates. He finished with a 44-33 record and a 3.45 ERA in 352 games.

He struck out 436 batters, which is pretty good for a reliever from his era. The Mexican-born pitcher kept things steady throughout his career.

In 1982, Romo pitched 45 games and had mixed results at home and on the road. At home, his ERA was 4.88 over 26 games, while his road ERA dropped to 3.77 in 19 games.

He ended his career with a World Series win as a Pirate. That championship capped off everything he’d worked for.

Noteworthy Games and Milestones

Romo played his last game on October 1, 1982, against Montreal. He pitched one inning, didn’t allow any hits, and didn’t record a strikeout or walk.

His best years came with Pittsburgh, where the Pirates counted on him a lot in big moments.

He broke through as a rookie in 1977 with Seattle, already 29 years old. That late start made his steady MLB run even more impressive.

Even in his final season, Romo managed to appear in 45 games. That kind of workload proved how much managers relied on him, right to the end.

Legacy, Recognition, and Life After Baseball

Enrique Romo left a real mark on both Mexican and international baseball with his unique pitching style and ability to bridge cultures. After retiring, he pretty much vanished from Pirates reunions, but back home in Mexico, people honored his baseball achievements.

Influence on Mexican and International Baseball

Romo’s influence stretched way beyond his six years in the majors. He even inspired future star Fernando Valenzuela, who learned the screwball from Bobby Castillo after Castillo watched Romo pitch.

He showed that talent can come from unexpected places, joining MLB at 29 after 11 seasons in Mexico. Romo’s path proved that taking the long road in international leagues could still lead to the top.

That screwball of his was rare, and he threw it from all sorts of angles and speeds, keeping hitters off balance in both leagues.

Romo’s brother Vicente had already made the family name famous in pro baseball. Together, they became the first brothers inducted into the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame—Vicente in 1992, Enrique in 2003.

Post-Retirement Activities

After 1982, Romo chose a private life. He never showed up at Pirates reunions, not even for the big 1979 World Series anniversaries.

He stayed away from public baseball events, which really set him apart from other former players who go into coaching or broadcasting.

Romo never wanted to talk about why he retired in spring 1983. He kept that story to himself, and honestly, who can blame him?

It’s a sharp contrast to his playing days, when he dealt with the media and teammates, even if he needed interpreters like Manny Sanguillen to help bridge the language gap.

Honors and Tributes

Romo reached his highest recognition when the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame inducted him in 2003. That honor really showed how much he gave to both Mexican and international baseball over a long career.

He put up impressive numbers in the Mexican League. Across nine seasons, he racked up a 109-74 record with a 2.67 ERA. In winter ball, he won 96 games over 13 seasons, which pretty much cemented him as one of Mexico’s top pitchers.

Key Honors:

• Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame (2003)
• First brother pair inducted with Vicente Romo
• LMP Pitcher of the Year (1974-75, 1975-76)
• Member of three Mexican League championship teams

Baseball historian Jesús Alberto Rubio summed up how Mexican fans saw Romo: “Feared by his opponents, respected by his colleagues, and admired by the fans who saw him pitch.”

He hit the peak of his MLB career with a World Series championship in Pittsburgh in 1979. Still, as a middle reliever, people often overlooked his contributions compared to the flashier closers and starters.