Merv Rettenmund – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Mervin Weldon Rettenmund built a solid 13-year MLB career from 1968 to 1980, suiting up for four different teams and picking up two World Series rings along the way.

The versatile outfielder called it a career in 1980 after wrapping up his last seasons with the California Angels. He played key roles for some of baseball’s best teams in the ’70s.

Born in Flint, Michigan, Rettenmund became one of the era’s most reliable utility players and pinch-hitters.

Rettenmund’s journey took him from the Baltimore Orioles dynasty of the early ’70s to the powerhouse Cincinnati Reds Big Red Machine. He finished out his playing days with the San Diego Padres and California Angels.

His .271 career batting average, 66 home runs, and 329 RBIs only tell part of the story. Rettenmund had a knack for landing on winning teams.

Across 13 seasons, he appeared in four World Series and won titles with Baltimore in 1970 and Cincinnati in 1975.

Rettenmund’s baseball story goes way beyond his playing days. He later became one of the game’s most respected hitting coaches.

He adapted to different roles and found ways to help championship teams. From his early days as a “super-sub” with the Orioles to his last season in 1980, Rettenmund showed what a dedicated pro can do when he makes the most of his talents at the highest level.

Early Life and Amateur Achievements

Mervin Weldon Rettenmund’s path to pro baseball started in Flint, Michigan. He grew up in an athletic family that definitely shaped his dreams.

His amateur career was pretty impressive, with state championship wins and national attention that put him among the country’s top prospects.

Childhood in Flint, Michigan

Mervin Weldon Rettenmund was born June 6, 1943, in Flint, Michigan, to Weldon and Dolores Rettenmund.

His dad worked for General Motors, following in the footsteps of his uncle and Swiss-born grandfather.

Sports ran deep in the Rettenmund family. His mom Dolores and his sister Susan both played competitive softball.

“There was always an opportunity to play,” Rettenmund recalled about growing up.

His dad Weldon once got a tryout with the Detroit Tigers but turned down their contract offer, something he “always regretted.”

That family baseball history stuck with young Merv. He often went to Tiger Stadium, watching the players and thinking, “Gosh, I’d love to do that.”

High School Sports and Awards

At Southwestern High in Flint, Rettenmund starred in more than one sport.

He played halfback on the football team, using his speed to make an impact.

Still, baseball was his main focus all through high school.

His natural athleticism and skill caught scouts’ eyes early on.

After graduating in 1961, Rettenmund left high school as a highly sought-after prospect.

His achievements on the field set the stage for his summer baseball success.

American Legion and Kiki Cuyler Award

The summer of 1961 changed everything for Rettenmund. He caught for the Buick Colts, Michigan’s top American Legion team.

Tournament Performance:

• Batting Average: .588 in state tournament
• Team Achievements: City and state championships
• Individual Honor: Kiki Cuyler Award as state tournament MVP

The Colts moved on to a regional tournament in Princeton, Indiana.

“That’s the summer Merv really developed,” said teammate Wayne Schmitz, who later played pro ball.

Scouts lined up to sign Rettenmund after his American Legion performance. His hitting and leadership made him one of the country’s top amateur players.

Ball State University Athletics

During the Princeton tournament, Ball State University coach Ray Louthen made Rettenmund an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“If you’ll come play for us, I’ll give a scholarship to your cousin and to your friend,” Louthen promised.

Rettenmund took the football scholarship and enrolled at Ball State.

He broke the school’s single-season rushing record, which had belonged to Timmy Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Colts.

His football talent was so obvious that the Dallas Cowboys drafted him, even though he played only three games as a senior because of injuries.

On the baseball side, he made the All-Indiana Collegiate Conference first team twice and hit .321 for his college career.

Rettenmund graduated in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in education.

He later became a charter member of the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame, a nod to his standout dual-sport career.

Major League Debut and Baltimore Orioles Career

Rettenmund played for the Baltimore Orioles from 1968 to 1973. He signed as an amateur free agent for $15,000 and became a versatile outfielder during the team’s championship run.

His best years came in 1970-1971, when he led the team in batting average twice and helped win the 1970 World Series while playing all three outfield spots.

Signing With the Baltimore Orioles

In November 1964, Orioles scout Jim Terrell signed Merv Rettenmund as an amateur free agent with a reported $15,000 bonus.

The signing happened just weeks after Rettenmund married his wife Susan.

Rettenmund spent his first pro years in the minors. He played in the California League in 1966, hitting .307 with 21 home runs in 127 games and making the All-Star team.

The 1967 season was a turning point, even though a shoulder separation sidelined him late in the summer. He hit .286 before the injury.

That winter, he played winter ball in Venezuela under manager Luis Aparicio and hit .313.

Rettenmund made the 1968 Orioles roster out of spring training.

He debuted on April 14, 1968, striking out as a pinch-hitter against the Angels’ Clyde Wright.

After a few appearances, the team sent him to Triple-A Rochester when pitcher Pete Richert returned.

At Rochester, Rettenmund caught fire with a .331 batting average and 22 home runs.

He earned International League MVP and Rookie of the Year honors, and Baltimore called him back up in late August 1968.

Breakout Seasons and Statistical Highlights

Rettenmund’s breakout came in the 1970 season. He led the team with a .322 batting average and hit 18 home runs.

He got his chance when center fielder Paul Blair took a pitch to the face on May 31.

In the second half of 1970, Rettenmund batted .373. He had hitting streaks in 16 of 17 games between July 26 and August 15.

He even had three four-hit games in just five weeks.

The 1971 season was just as strong. Rettenmund led the Orioles with a .318 batting average, ranking third in the American League.

His 1971 numbers included career highs:

• 75 RBIs
• 81 runs scored
• 15 stolen bases
• 491 at-bats in 141 games

Rettenmund’s versatility stood out in the field. He started 58 games in right, 38 in left, and 37 in center.

He logged more innings (1,170) than any other Orioles outfielder.

He even got MVP votes that year. Teammate Mark Belanger once said, “Merv always says two things in life are certain: There will be snow in the winter and I’ll get my two hits.”

Role in World Series Triumphs

Rettenmund played a big part in the Orioles’ 1970 World Series win over the Cincinnati Reds.

He didn’t start until Game 5, and manager Earl Weaver told him in a pretty unusual way.

In the World Series-clinching Game 5, Rettenmund delivered. He singled home Boog Powell in the third and scored on Dave Johnson’s RBI single.

In the fifth, he blasted a long home run down the right-field line off Tony Cloninger.

The Orioles won 9-3 and took home their second championship.

Rettenmund later said, “It’s a moment you’d like to have kept the rest of your career. You think it’ll never end.”

During the 1971 World Series against the Pirates, Rettenmund started as a regular.

His three-run homer off Dock Ellis in Game One gave Dave McNally all the cushion he needed for a three-hit shutout.

The Orioles lost the 1971 Series in seven games, despite Rettenmund’s help. The Pirates rallied to take the title.

Rettenmund also played in the 1969 World Series against the Mets, appearing as a pinch-runner in Game Two. The Orioles lost that series in five games.

Transition to Cincinnati Reds and the Big Red Machine

Rettenmund’s career took a new turn in December 1973 when the Orioles traded him to the Cincinnati Reds.

He joined one of baseball’s most dominant teams and became part of the legendary Big Red Machine that won the 1975 World Series title.

Joining the Cincinnati Reds

On December 4, 1973, the Orioles traded Rettenmund to the Cincinnati Reds. The deal sent Rettenmund, Junior Kennedy, and Bill Wood to Cincinnati for Ross Grimsley and Wally Williams.

By 1973, Rettenmund had lost his spot in Baltimore’s starting lineup. Injuries and slumps hurt his numbers, and younger players like Al Bumbry and Rich Coggins took over.

The Reds gave Rettenmund a new shot with a team ready to win it all.

Cincinnati was heading into its glory years and featured future Hall of Famers.

Rettenmund brought veteran know-how and could play any outfield spot, which made him a good fit for the roster.

Contributions to the Big Red Machine

Rettenmund spent two seasons with the Big Red Machine from 1974 to 1975.

He filled a key role on one of baseball’s most stacked teams.

The Big Red Machine got its nickname from the team’s explosive offense, with stars like Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Pete Rose.

Rettenmund fit right in as a steady contributor.

His experience from Baltimore’s title teams came in handy. He knew how to handle the pressure.

The Reds mostly used him as a backup outfielder and pinch hitter.

Rettenmund’s batting average during his Cincinnati stint reflected his part-time role.

He focused on stepping up when called, not on being in the lineup every day.

His defense stayed sharp, no matter where he played in the outfield.

1975 World Series Championship

The 1975 season was the highlight of Rettenmund’s time with the Big Red Machine.

The Cincinnati Reds won 108 games and reached the World Series against the Boston Red Sox.

Rettenmund picked up his second World Series ring when the Reds beat Boston in seven games.

This came five years after his first title with Baltimore.

That series is still remembered as one of the best ever.

The Big Red Machine overpowered opponents with their offense in the playoffs.

The team’s depth let players like Rettenmund step up in big moments.

His veteran presence helped in those tense postseason games.

This World Series win capped Rettenmund’s move from Baltimore star to Cincinnati champion.

He adapted his game and helped another dynasty reach the top.

Later MLB Career: Padres and Angels

Rettenmund’s last five seasons turned him from a struggling regular into one of baseball’s best pinch-hitters.

His time with San Diego and California showed how well he could adapt and deliver in the clutch.

San Diego Padres Tenure

Rettenmund joined the San Diego Padres in 1976 after he left Cincinnati. He quickly found his spot as a pinch-hitter and part-time outfielder.

The 1977 season turned out to be his best with the Padres. He racked up 22 pinch-hits, which still stands as a franchise record.

That performance made him one of the most reliable pinch-hitters in the National League. He really carved out a reputation for coming through off the bench.

During his two seasons in San Diego, Rettenmund played in 197 games. He kept up a solid batting average and brought some much-needed veteran leadership to the young club.

His knack for pinch-hitting became his calling card. Rettenmund delivered clutch hits even though he didn’t get as much time as a starter.

California Angels Final Playing Years

The California Angels picked up Rettenmund in 1978 for what would be his last three MLB seasons. He stuck to his pinch-hitter role and filled in as an outfielder here and there.

From 1978 to 1980, Rettenmund played 253 games with the Angels. His veteran presence helped the team during some competitive years in the American League West.

He finished his career with a batting average of .271, showing he could hit consistently for 13 seasons. Sure, his home run and RBI numbers dropped a bit at the end, but his pinch-hitting skills stayed sharp.

The 1980 season closed out his playing days. Rettenmund retired after the season, wrapping up more than a decade in pro baseball.

He managed to shift from a struggling starter to one of the league’s top pinch-hitters. That adaptability and baseball IQ stood out.

Career Overview and Playing Style

Rettenmund played 13 seasons in the MLB from 1968 to 1980. He showed he could adapt as a utility player and handled just about every outfield position.

He finished with a .271 career batting average and brought defensive versatility everywhere he went. That made him a valuable asset for four different teams.

Offensive Performance and Batting Metrics

Rettenmund put up solid offensive numbers during his MLB years. He ended up with a .271 career batting average in 1,023 games, which says a lot about his contact skills.

He hit 66 home runs and drove in 329 RBIs over those 13 seasons. Those numbers show he played more of a supporting role on offense, not necessarily a big slugger.

He hit his stride with Baltimore in 1970 and 1971. Rettenmund led the Orioles with a .322 batting average in 1970, then hit .318 in 1971, which ranked third in the American League.

His 1971 season was his best offensively. He set personal bests with 75 RBIs, 81 runs, and 15 stolen bases, all while playing in 141 games.

He finished his career with 693 hits and 393 runs scored. His offensive contributions really mattered during Baltimore’s championship stretch from 1969 to 1971.

Defensive Versatility and Outfield Skills

Rettenmund’s defensive flexibility really set him apart. He started games at all three outfield spots, giving managers lots of options.

In 1971, he started 58 games in right field, 38 in left, and 37 in center. Even with all that moving around, he logged more innings (1,170) than any other Orioles outfielder that year.

He could fill in anywhere, making him the perfect utility guy. When regular starters needed a break or got hurt, Rettenmund stepped up.

The Baltimore coaching staff trusted his glove and used him as a regular during their championship runs. His steady defense fit right in with his timely hitting during the playoffs.

Legacy Within the MLB

Rettenmund’s career stands out because he contributed to championship teams. He won two World Series rings, one with Baltimore in 1970 and another with Cincinnati in 1975.

He played in four World Series throughout his career. Those playoff runs showed he could handle the pressure on the biggest stage.

After he retired in 1980, Rettenmund jumped right into coaching. He built a reputation as one of baseball’s respected hitting instructors and worked with several teams through the 1990s and 2000s.

He earned the “super-sub” label as an outfielder who could do it all. Rettenmund’s willingness to take on any role and still perform at a high level really showed what versatility means in pro baseball.

Retirement, Coaching, and Legacy

Merv Rettenmund’s career shifted smoothly from playing to coaching when he retired in 1980. He launched a three-decade coaching run and became one of the most respected hitting instructors around.

He helped teams reach three World Series and developed plenty of star players. Most notably, he worked with Tony Gwynn, who won four of his eight batting titles while Rettenmund coached him.

Retirement in 1980 and Transition to Coaching

Rettenmund officially retired as a player in 1980 after 13 seasons in the majors. He wrapped up with a .271 batting average, 693 career hits, 66 home runs, and 270 RBIs.

He started coaching right away. Rettenmund joined the California Angels’ staff in 1980 under Jim Fregosi, serving as a player-coach for his last two games before focusing fully on coaching.

His late-career success as a top pinch-hitter helped him mentor younger players. That 22-pinch-hit season with San Diego in 1977 still stands as a record.

The Angels saw his knack for teaching and communication. He spent 1980 and 1981 helping their hitters before moving on.

Coaching Career and Contributions

Rettenmund’s coaching career spanned three decades and several MLB teams. He worked as hitting coach for the Texas Rangers from 1983 to 1985, then taught in the minors for the Oakland Athletics from 1986 to 1988.

He found the most success with Oakland as their major league hitting coach in 1989 and 1990. The A’s made the World Series both years, winning it all in 1989.

He spent the longest time with the San Diego Padres, working under three different managers. The Padres set franchise records in nearly every offensive category during his time in the 1990s.

Rettenmund’s coaching style mixed psychology with technical advice. He once described his job as “50 percent comedian, 25 percent psychologist, and 25 percent teacher.”

The high point of his coaching career came in 1998 when the Padres reached the World Series. His work with hitters like Tony Gwynn showed he knew how to help players get the most out of their talent.

Recognition and Impact on Baseball

Rettenmund played a huge role in Tony Gwynn’s rise as one of baseball’s greatest hitters. Gwynn picked up four of his eight batting titles while working with Rettenmund, which really says a lot about the coach’s impact on top-tier talent.

He taught discipline and focus at the plate, sometimes drilling the basics over and over. When he moved between organizations, he spent a lot of time in the farm systems, working with young prospects and showing them what good hitting really looks like.

People in the baseball world noticed his expertise, especially since he stuck around for so long. Not many coaches manage to stay with a team through several managerial changes, but Rettenmund’s value to the Padres kept him on board even as leadership shifted.

He brought credibility to the clubhouse, thanks to his experience playing in four World Series and winning two championships. That mix of success and know-how made him one of the most respected hitting instructors in the game.

Rettenmund died on December 7, 2024, at age 81. He leaves behind a legacy as both a winner on the field and a coach who shaped a generation of hitters.