Ken Reitz – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ken Reitz put together a memorable, eleven-year run in Major League Baseball before he finally hung up his cleats in 1982. He left a legacy built on defensive brilliance and a steady, if not flashy, bat.

Born in San Francisco, Reitz became a National League fixture during the 1970s. They called him “Zamboni” for his uncanny knack for scooping up grounders on artificial turf. Kenneth John Reitz retired from professional baseball on June 3, 1982, after his last game with the Pittsburgh Pirates at age 30. He played for five different teams and built a reputation as one of the era’s most dependable defensive players.

Throughout his career, Reitz brought the kind of steady consistency that made him valuable to several franchises. He had two separate runs with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he really made his mark.

He won a Gold Glove Award in 1975 and led the National League in fielding percentage six times—a record. His .260 career batting average, 68 home runs, and 548 RBIs only tell part of the story.

From his early days in California to his last appearance on a big-league field, Reitz’s journey showed just how important defensive specialists are in baseball. After retirement, his influence on teammates and fans stuck around. He passed away in 2021 at age 69.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Kenneth John Reitz was born June 24, 1951, in San Francisco, California. That’s where he started building the skills that would eventually land him an 11-season Major League Baseball career.

He started his path to professional baseball at Jefferson High School in Daly City. There, he stood out for the same defensive abilities that would later make him one of the National League’s best third basemen.

Family Background and Childhood

Ken Reitz grew up in the Bay Area during the 1950s and 1960s. His parents encouraged his early love for baseball.

He spent his early years in San Francisco, right when the Giants had just relocated to the city in 1958. That must’ve been pretty exciting for a young baseball fan.

Growing up surrounded by baseball probably fueled his passion for the game. With pro baseball so close by, he got to see it at the highest level.

San Francisco’s mild weather meant he could play ball almost year-round. That definitely gave him more chances to practice than kids in colder places.

High School Achievements

Reitz attended Jefferson High School in Daly City, California. That’s where he really started to polish his glove work.

During his high school years, Reitz earned the “Zamboni” nickname for his smooth fielding at third base. He stuck with that position through his whole pro career.

Scouts took notice of his defense and his steady play at Jefferson. He stood out among his peers, and that caught the eye of Major League teams.

When Reitz debuted in the majors on September 5, 1972, he became the first positional player from Jefferson High to make it. That says a lot about how important those high school years were for him.

Draft into Major League Baseball

The St. Louis Cardinals picked Ken Reitz in the 31st round of the 1969 Major League Baseball draft. He was the 730th overall pick.

Getting drafted that late meant he really had to prove himself in the minors. Most guys picked that low never make it.

The Cardinals saw something special in his glove and his work ethic, though. Their scouts believed he could develop into a big leaguer.

Reitz spent four seasons in the minors from 1969 to 1972, working hard to earn his shot. That dedication paid off when he finally made it to the Cardinals’ roster.

MLB Career Overview

Ken Reitz played 11 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1972 to 1982. He became known as one of the top defensive third basemen of his era.

His career was all about his glove, especially during his two runs with the St. Louis Cardinals. He also made stops with the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

St. Louis Cardinals Years

Reitz made his MLB debut on September 5, 1972, at age 21, with the Cardinals. He went 2-for-3, scored twice, and drove in a run as the Cardinals beat the Expos 5-3.

The next season, he took over third base from Joe Torre, who shifted to first to make room for the rookie. Reitz quickly established himself as a defensive specialist on Busch Memorial Stadium’s artificial turf.

His “Zamboni” nickname came from his habit of scooping up grounders on that turf. Reitz led NL third basemen in fielding percentage in 1973 and 1974. He won the NL Gold Glove Award in 1975, ending Doug Rader’s five-year Gold Glove streak.

When he returned to St. Louis in 1977, Reitz kept flashing the leather. He led the league in fielding percentage at third base again in 1977, 1978, and 1980. In 1977, he set an NL record with just 9 errors at third base. He broke his own mark in 1980 with only 8 errors.

Reitz started the 1980 MLB All-Star Game. He opened that season hitting over .400, though he cooled off and finished at .270.

San Francisco Giants Contributions

On December 8, 1975, the Cardinals traded Reitz to the San Francisco Giants for Pete Falcone. That gave him a chance to play for his hometown team.

Reitz only spent one season with the Giants in 1976. He played 82 games—injuries limited him—but still showed off his glove. He hit .266 and drove in 66 runs that year.

His time with the Giants was short but solid. It was his only chance to play pro ball in his home city. The Giants traded him back to the Cardinals for Lynn McGlothen on December 10, 1976.

Chicago Cubs Experience

The Cardinals sent Reitz to the Chicago Cubs for Bruce Sutter on December 9, 1980. That deal brought one of baseball’s best closers to St. Louis and sent Reitz to Chicago.

He played 82 games for the Cubs in 1981. He led NL third basemen in fielding percentage for the sixth time. His bat, though, really cooled off.

The Cubs released Reitz before the 1982 season. His short stint in Chicago signaled that his MLB career was winding down. Even though his glove stayed sharp, his offense just wasn’t there anymore.

Final MLB Season and Pittsburgh Pirates

After the Cubs let him go, Reitz signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in mid-May 1982. This was his last stop in the big leagues.

He really struggled with the Pirates, going hitless in 11 plate appearances. His bat couldn’t keep up, and his defense couldn’t make up for it anymore.

He played his last major league game on June 3, 1982, just before his 31st birthday. The Pirates released him two days later, ending his 11-year MLB career.

Career Statistics:

• Batting Average: .260
• Home Runs: 68
• RBIs: 548
• Games Played: 1,344
• Fielding Percentage: .970 (highest ever for NL third basemen)

Skills, Positions, and Playing Style

Ken Reitz made his name with his defensive skills at third base, earning the “Zamboni” nickname for his ground-ball scooping on turf. He also played second base, shortstop, and pinch hit sometimes, but third base was his home.

3B Defensive Excellence

Reitz dominated NL third base with his glove in the 1970s. He led all third basemen in fielding percentage six times, a record that shows just how good he was.

He won the 1975 Gold Glove Award, breaking Doug Rader’s five-year streak. That “Zamboni” nickname? He got it from his knack for fielding grounders on Busch Memorial Stadium’s turf.

During his best years, he set error records. In 1977, he made only 9 errors at third base, a National League record. In 1980, he did even better, just 8 errors.

Reitz retired with a .970 career fielding percentage at third base. That was the best ever for NL third basemen with over 1,000 games at the position.

Performance as 2B, SS, and PH

Reitz could handle multiple infield spots. He played second base and shortstop here and there, though not nearly as often as third base.

Later in his career, he pinch hit more often. In his final season with Pittsburgh in 1982, he came up 11 times, mostly as a pinch hitter before calling it quits.

That flexibility made him useful to managers. They knew they could trust his glove anywhere in the infield.

Batting Skills and RBI Contributions

Reitz finished with a .260 career batting average and 548 RBIs in 1,344 games. His offense improved during his first five full seasons, with his RBI totals climbing from 42 in 1973 to 79 in 1977.

He hit a career-high 17 homers in 1977. That matched his combined total from the previous three years.

His best season with the bat was probably 1980. He started off hitting over .400, cooled off, but still finished at .270 and made the All-Star team.

Reitz rarely fell into long slumps. After hitting .235 as a rookie, he dipped below .250 only once in the next seven years. That kind of consistency at the plate is pretty underrated.

Notable Achievements and Honors

Ken Reitz earned a spot as one of baseball’s top defensive third basemen. He won a Gold Glove, made an All-Star team, and set some National League records that really highlighted his glove work.

Gold Glove Award and Other Accolades

He won the Gold Glove Award in 1975 with the Cardinals. That meant he was the best defensive third baseman in the NL that year.

The award snapped Doug Rader’s five-year Gold Glove streak. Reitz earned it by handling grounders on the Busch Stadium turf like nobody else.

His “Zamboni” nickname came from that same skill. Not many players mastered the unique challenges of artificial turf the way he did.

He also picked up the National League Player of the Month award in May 1977. That was during one of his best offensive stretches with the Cardinals.

All-Star Selection

Reitz made his only All-Star team in 1980, during his second stint with St. Louis. He started at third base for the National League that year.

The 1980 season was a career high point for him, both at the plate and in the field. He opened the year hitting over .400 before cooling off.

Even after the hot start faded, Reitz finished 1980 with a .270 average. That All-Star appearance capped a run of years where his defense made him one of the most respected players in the league.

Records and Statistical Milestones

Reitz led National League third basemen in fielding percentage a record six times during his career. He topped the league in 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1980, and 1981.

He retired with a .970 career fielding percentage. At the time, that stood as the best mark for National League third basemen, which says a lot about how steady he was on defense.

In 1977, Reitz set the National League record for fewest errors by a third baseman, making just 9 mistakes. He actually broke his own record in 1980 by committing only 8 errors.

His career offensive numbers included a .260 batting average and 548 RBIs over 1,344 games. Defense was definitely his calling card, but Reitz still chipped in with solid offense throughout his 11 seasons.

Life After Baseball and Personal Legacy

After retiring in 1982, Ken Reitz stayed involved in baseball through coaching and instruction. He kept close ties with the St. Louis Cardinals organization and the local community.

The former third baseman built a lasting legacy by working with young players and staying connected with Cardinals fans.

Coaching and Community Involvement

Ken Reitz jumped into coaching and player development after he hung up his cleats. He worked as a roving instructor for several baseball organizations, passing on his defensive know-how to younger players.

He focused a lot on infield fundamentals, teaching proper positioning and technique to up-and-coming third basemen. The skills that earned him the “Zamboni” nickname turned into valuable lessons for others.

Reitz got involved in youth baseball programs and worked with amateur players at different levels. His experience on the artificial turf at Busch Stadium gave him unique advice for modern players.

He showed up at baseball camps and clinics, always emphasizing the basics of defense. His patient teaching style helped a lot of infielders develop their game.

Family and Personal Relationships

Kenneth John Reitz settled in St. Charles, Missouri after his playing days ended. He built a close-knit family with his son Brett and daughter Corrie.

The family grew to include six grandchildren who brought plenty of joy to his later years. Reitz kept a pretty low profile and preferred spending time with family over making public appearances.

His children and grandchildren became his main focus during retirement. He lived in the same St. Charles home where he passed away on March 31, 2021.

He was 69 years old when he died. His family surrounded him during his final days, offering comfort and support.

Connection to Cardinals and Fan Base

Reitz kept his relationship with the St. Louis Cardinals organization strong even after he retired. Cardinals fans remembered his defensive skills and always considered him part of the team’s history.

His nickname “Zamboni” stuck around as part of team lore. Fans especially loved how he handled ground balls on the artificial turf at Busch Memorial Stadium.

The Metro League, where Reitz stayed active, mourned his passing in 2021. His death left “an ocean of red-clad baseball fans” remembering what he meant to the game.

The Cardinals organization recognized his role in the team’s defensive tradition.

Death, Tributes, and Enduring Impact

Ken Reitz died on March 31, 2021, at age 69 in St. Charles, Missouri. His passing prompted heartfelt tributes from the St. Louis Cardinals organization and the wider baseball community.

Passing and Community Response

Ken Reitz died at home in St. Charles, Missouri, on March 31, 2021. The former Major League third baseman was 69 when he passed.

The St. Louis Cardinals put out an official statement after hearing the news. The team expressed sadness over losing someone who spent eight seasons with the franchise.

His son Brett Reitz shared a touching tribute on behalf of the family. “On behalf of my dad and my family I’d like to thank the Cardinals organization for allowing my father to live out his dream,” Brett said in the statement.

The family spoke about Reitz’s deep connection to baseball and St. Louis. “The only thing my dad loved as much as his family was baseball. He ate, slept and breathed baseball, and truly loved the city of St. Louis and the Cardinals,” Brett said.

His six grandchildren called him “Grandpa Kenny.” The family described his loss as heartbreaking and said he would be truly missed.

Legacy in Baseball History

Ken Reitz really left a lasting impact on MLB, especially with his sharp defensive skills at third base.

People called him “Zamboni” because he seemed to glide across the artificial turf at Busch Stadium, cleaning up grounders with ease.

Reitz hit several defensive milestones in his career. He actually became the first National League third baseman to start 150 games and commit fewer than 10 errors in a season, and he did that twice.

Between 1973 and 1981, he led the NL in fielding percentage at third base six times. That 1975 Gold Glove Award? It really summed up how good he was during his best years.

Former players and coaches often talk about Reitz’s positive influence after his playing days ended. One former Major Leaguer’s son even said his favorite baseball memories came from playing for Ken Reitz in the youth league.

Reitz played in 1,344 Major League games, with 1,100 of those for the St. Louis Cardinals. Over his career, he racked up more than 11,000 innings in the field.