Lee Richard – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Lee Edward “BeeBee” Richard’s baseball career really stands out as one of those fascinating stories where raw potential clashes with the reality of Major League Baseball. Born and raised in Louisiana, he burst onto the scene as a first-round pick in 1970 after the Chicago White Sox noticed his blazing speed and powerful arm.

Richard played five seasons in the majors from 1971 to 1976, mostly with the Chicago White Sox and a brief stint with the St. Louis Cardinals before he retired at just 28. Even with all his athletic gifts, Richard just couldn’t find consistency at the plate or in the field, and broadcaster Harry Caray dubbed him “The Juggler” because of his defensive errors.

He went from being a high school pitching star to a major league infielder, and his story really highlights the challenges of professional baseball development. Richard experienced the thrill of opening day starts, but also the frustration of fielding struggles.

Eventually, after his last season with St. Louis, he hung up his cleats and moved on from baseball.

Lee Richard’s Early Life and Amateur Career

Lee Edward Richard was born on September 18, 1948, in Lafayette, Louisiana. He grew up to become a promising athlete who quickly caught the eye of MLB scouts.

His journey from Louisiana high school baseball to professional baseball started with his speed and versatility.

Family Background and Upbringing

Richard grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was born in 1948. His full name is Lee Edward Richard, but he picked up the nickname “Bee Bee” back in high school.

Growing up in Louisiana gave him plenty of chances to develop his skills, since the state’s warm weather meant he could play baseball year-round. His family supported his athletic dreams, which turned out to be a big deal as he worked his way toward a pro career.

Those early years in Lafayette set him up for everything that followed on the baseball field.

High School Baseball Achievements

Richard was more than just a baseball player in high school—he was a real athlete. He actually pitched fastballs back then, which is how he got the nickname “Bee Bee.”

His speed on the field was something everyone noticed, and it turned into his trademark as he moved up in baseball. Pitching in high school helped him really understand the game from different angles.

He played well enough to attract college scouts, and Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge ended up recruiting him.

Path to Professional Baseball

At Southern University and A&M College, Richard kept sharpening his baseball skills. The historically black college gave him a great stage to show off for pro scouts.

His college years went well enough that Major League teams started to take notice. The Chicago White Sox saw something special and decided to draft him.

In 1970, the White Sox picked Richard in the first round of the MLB June Amateur Draft. He was the sixth overall pick, making him their top choice that year.

This high draft spot really showed how much confidence the organization had in his talent and potential.

Major League Baseball Debut and Early Years

Richard’s road to the big leagues started when the Chicago White Sox picked him in the 1970 amateur draft. He made his MLB debut on April 7, 1971, at 22 years old, beginning a five-season career where he mostly played shortstop, even though defense wasn’t his strong suit.

Draft Selection by the Chicago White Sox

The White Sox chose Lee Richard in the first round of the 1970 Amateur Draft. He’d played at Southern University and A&M College, where he impressed scouts with his athleticism.

Getting picked in the first round is a big deal. First-rounders usually get a nice signing bonus and move up through the minors pretty quickly.

The White Sox liked his speed and his bat. The team was rebuilding, so they needed young talent like Richard.

Minor League Development

After signing, Richard went to the minors to work on his game. The White Sox coaches focused on his defense and getting him ready for the majors.

He didn’t spend long in the minors, which is unusual. Within a year, he was ready for the big leagues.

Coaches really tried to help him improve his fielding and get used to pro pitching. That time in the minors was important for his development.

First MLB Appearance

Richard made his MLB debut on April 7, 1971, against the Oakland Athletics. He was just 22, becoming the 13,098th player in major league history.

He started off strong, getting 2 hits in 4 at-bats and driving in a run. That debut gave people hope he’d have a bright future.

That game kicked off a five-year MLB career. He was pretty young for a big leaguer at the time.

Early Performance as Shortstop

Richard started out at shortstop for the White Sox. Shortstop is a tough position, and he had to rely on quick reflexes and solid defense—areas where he struggled.

His defensive issues popped up right away. Even though he was athletic, his fielding didn’t meet major league standards.

The White Sox kept him at shortstop at first, hoping he’d improve. But as time went on, his fielding problems led them to try him at other positions.

In those early years, he became more of a utility player. Offensively, he could help, but the team had to figure out where he fit best in the field.

Chicago White Sox Career Highlights

Richard spent most of his five-year MLB run with the White Sox from 1971-1972 and 1974-1975. His time there was full of defensive struggles, position changes, and the pressure to become a steady major leaguer.

Role and Position Evolution

Richard kicked off his White Sox career as a shortstop, drafted sixth overall in 1970. The team had high hopes for him when he debuted on April 7, 1971.

But his defensive problems showed up fast. His fielding at short just didn’t work, so the coaches started thinking about other spots for him.

They slowly moved him away from shortstop. He started playing more at second and third base as the seasons went on.

That flexibility was the only way he could keep his spot on the roster. The White Sox tried to use his strengths while hiding his weaknesses on defense.

Notable Games and Statistics

Richard’s stats with the White Sox really tell the story of his struggles. His batting average with Chicago was part of his career .209 mark.

He picked up 103 career hits in 239 games. Over his whole career, he hit 2 home runs and drove in 29 runs.

His offense just never took off in Chicago. He scored 71 runs in his five-year career, mostly with the White Sox.

Later, the team used him more as a utility infielder. His ability to play different positions mattered more than excelling at any one of them.

Challenges and Achievements

Richard’s biggest problem with the White Sox was his defense. Even as a first-round pick, he just couldn’t meet the expectations.

His fielding issues at shortstop caused headaches for the coaches. The team spent a lot of time trying to help him get better.

He stuck around for parts of four seasons with the White Sox. That’s an achievement in itself, considering all the challenges.

Being able to play multiple positions kept him in the big leagues longer than you might expect. But in the end, the White Sox traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals on December 12, 1975, getting Buddy Bradford and Greg Terlecky in return.

Transition to the St. Louis Cardinals

Lee Richard joined the St. Louis Cardinals in December 1975 after a trade with the White Sox. The Cardinals planned to use him as a backup shortstop but gave him a shot to start on opening day in 1976.

Trade Details and Implications

On December 12, 1975, the Cardinals traded for Lee Richard. They sent outfielder Buddy Bradford and pitcher Greg Terlecky to Chicago for the struggling infielder.

St. Louis wanted more depth at shortstop. They’d just picked up Don Kessinger from the Cubs two months earlier, and Richard was supposed to be Kessinger’s backup.

Cardinals management liked Richard’s speed and strong arm. Even with his reputation for poor fielding, they figured he could help as a utility guy. Honestly, it was a low-risk move for them.

That “Bee Bee” nickname stuck from his high school pitching days in Louisiana. He switched to shortstop at Southern University before the White Sox drafted him.

Tenure and Performance with the Cardinals

Richard’s time with the Cardinals got off to a rough start on April 9, 1976. Manager Red Schoendienst started him at short and batted him second in the opener against the Cubs. Richard made an error on his first defensive play, but the team still won 5-0.

Things didn’t get much better after that. By July 15, his batting average dropped to .059. He played in 66 games, but only started six times at shortstop.

His numbers with the Cardinals weren’t great:

• Batting average: .176
• Games played: 66
• Errors at shortstop: 4 in 13 games
• Stolen bases: 1

The Cardinals released him after the 1976 season. He never made it back to the majors, finishing his five-year MLB run with a .209 average.

1976 Season and Retirement from Major League Baseball

Richard wrapped up his professional baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1976, playing in 66 games that year. That was the end of a six-year career that started with the White Sox in 1971.

Final MLB Season Overview

Richard spent his last season with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1976. He played 66 games, splitting time between shortstop and second base.

His hitting numbers were a mixed bag. At home, he hit .256 with 10 hits in 39 at-bats over 32 games. He scored 8 runs, drove in 2, and managed 2 doubles and 2 triples.

On the road, though, he struggled. Richard hit just .115 with 6 hits in 52 at-bats across 34 away games. He scored 4 runs and drove in 3.

That season, he walked 4 times and struck out 9. His last big league game was on October 3, 1976, against the Pirates, where he went 0-for-2.

Decision to Retire

After the 1976 season, Richard decided to retire. His career stats: a .209 batting average, 2 home runs, and 29 RBIs in 239 games.

He’d been the White Sox’s first-round pick in 1970, sixth overall. His best years were at the start with Chicago, but by 1976, at 28, he’d lost his starting job and mostly played as a utility infielder.

Post-Retirement Minor League Play

After 1976, Richard didn’t return to the minor leagues. His pro baseball career ended with that last appearance for the Cardinals.

Before all of this, he’d played at Southern University and A&M College. The “Bee Bee” nickname, by the way, came from his initials—Lee Edward Richard.

After leaving baseball, Richard lived until 2023. He passed away on August 6 at age 74.

His major league career, while full of ups and downs, still meant he’d reached the dream of playing at the highest level—even if staying there proved tough.

Playing Style, Legacy, and Life Beyond Baseball

Lee Richard spent five years in the major leagues from 1971 to 1976. He bounced around multiple positions, struggling defensively and putting up modest numbers at the plate.

People called him “Bee Bee.” Richard started out as a high school pitcher, but by the time he hit the pros, he’d shifted to a utility infielder role. Adjusting to the demands of professional baseball wasn’t easy for him.

Defensive and Offensive Profile

Richard broke into the majors as a shortstop for the Chicago White Sox in 1971. He just couldn’t quite keep up defensively at that level.

After some rough outings at short, the team tried him at second base and third base. His ability to play all over the infield kept him around longer than you might expect. Teams often want a guy who can fill in wherever, even if the glove isn’t gold.

At the plate, Richard’s numbers looked like you’d expect from a utility player. He finished with a .209 batting average, 2 home runs, and 29 RBIs over five seasons.

That kind of production put him well below the league average for the 1970s. He hit and threw right-handed, but teams only used him sporadically. With so little offense, he never really locked down a regular spot for the White Sox or Cardinals.

Nickname and Notoriety

Richard picked up the nickname “Bee Bee” back in high school. His teammates gave it to him when he was a fastball pitcher, and it just stuck—even after he moved to the infield.

Switching from pitching to everyday positions isn’t easy. Richard’s journey showed how tough that transition can be. Not everyone adjusts well, and he had his fair share of struggles.

The nickname became part of his baseball identity. If you check old rosters or record books, you’ll see him listed as Lee Edward “BeeBee” Richard.

Lasting Impact on Teams

Richard spent four seasons with the Chicago White Sox from 1971-1972 and again in 1974-1975. He gave the team some depth during injuries or roster crunches. They leaned on his versatility, even if his stats didn’t jump off the page.

The St. Louis Cardinals traded for Richard on December 12, 1975. Chicago included him in a deal for Buddy Bradford and Greg Terlecky. That trade gave him one last shot in the majors.

He wrapped up his MLB career in 1976 with the Cardinals. His final game came on October 3 against Pittsburgh. At 28, he played his last big league game—pretty early by some standards.

Life After Professional Baseball

After baseball, Richard returned to Louisiana, where he was born in Lafayette on September 18, 1948. He kept close ties to his home state for the rest of his life.

He mostly stayed out of the public eye after retiring. Unlike some ex-players, he didn’t go into coaching or front office work. Richard seemed content to focus on life away from the game.

He passed away on August 6, 2023, in Waco, Texas, at 74. Five seasons in the majors isn’t nothing, especially in the 1970s.

Net Worth and Personal Achievements

Lee Richard never made a fortune playing baseball, especially compared to today’s players. The modest salaries of the 1970s kept things humble. He kept his personal life pretty private, both during and after his career.

His story’s more about sticking it out than piling up big stats.

Career Earnings

Richard played during a time when baseball salaries lagged far behind what we see now. His five-year run with the White Sox and Cardinals brought in what you’d expect for a utility guy back then.

In the early 1970s, MLB minimum salaries ranged from $10,000 to $16,000 per year. As a regular infielder, Richard probably earned just a bit above the minimum.

With a .209 career average and 103 hits, he never cracked the list of higher-paid players. He didn’t land endorsement deals or big broadcasting gigs after leaving baseball.

All told, his career earnings likely fell somewhere between $75,000 and $150,000 for those five seasons. That was the pre-free agency era, so salaries stayed pretty modest.

Personal Life and Interests

Not much info about Lee Richard’s personal life or interests shows up in public records. He grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana, and went to Southern University and A&M College before he jumped into pro baseball.

His teammates called him “BeeBee” back when he played. In high school, he pitched fastballs, but later he switched things up and played several infield spots.

He wanted to stick around the major leagues, so he adapted, even though he had a tough time at shortstop. After he retired in 1976, Richard mostly stayed out of the public eye.

He died on August 6, 2023, at 74. Richard lived quietly, far from the spotlight that once focused on his baseball days.