Pedro Borbón – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Pedro Borbón pitched for twelve seasons in Major League Baseball before hanging it up in 1980. He grew up in Santa Cruz de Mao, Dominican Republic, and became one of the most reliable, durable relievers of the 1970s. Between 1970 and 1978, no National League pitcher appeared in more games.

Most fans remember Borbón as a key piece of the Cincinnati Reds’ “Big Red Machine” dynasty. He helped the team grab two World Series titles in 1975 and 1976. With his rubber arm and knack for pitching multiple innings, he became a go-to guy for manager Sparky Anderson, who people called “Captain Hook” for his endless pitching changes.

Borbón finished his career with a 69-39 record, a 3.52 ERA, and 80 saves. Not bad for a guy who didn’t even pick up a baseball until his teens.

Let’s dig into Borbón’s baseball journey, from his days as a late-blooming amateur in the Dominican Republic to his final big league appearance. His story shows just how much grit and skill it took to thrive as a relief pitcher back in baseball’s so-called golden era.

Pedro Borbón’s Early Life and Path to Major League Baseball

Pedro Borbón Rodriguez was born December 2, 1946, in Mao, now part of Valverde Province, Dominican Republic. His path to Major League Baseball started with humble roots and, honestly, a pretty late introduction to the game.

He eventually signed with the St. Louis Cardinals organization in 1964.

Childhood and Family Background

Borbón grew up in modest circumstances in Mao. Most sources say he probably didn’t get much formal education, maybe not even high school. That was pretty normal for young men in the Dominican Republic back in the 1940s and 1950s.

From the start, Borbón had a fiery, competitive edge. He loved cockfighting and even listed it as a hobby during his pro career. That passion for rooster fighting really matched the intensity he’d later bring to the mound.

Oddly enough, Borbón said he didn’t start playing baseball until he was about 16. That’s late, especially for someone from the Dominican Republic. He first played catcher, but after taking a bat to the head while reaching for a pitch, he decided pitching seemed safer—and a better use of his strong arm.

Journey From the Dominican Republic to the USA

At 17, Borbón signed with the St. Louis Cardinals as an amateur free agent in October 1964. That contract became his ticket out of the Dominican Republic and into American pro ball.

The Cardinals sent him to his first minor league stop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for the 1966 season. That move must’ve been a shock—going from the Caribbean to the Midwest and trying to develop his baseball skills at the same time.

During this era, Major League teams started looking for talent in the Dominican Republic more than ever. Borbón joined an early wave of Dominican players who would eventually change the game forever.

Minor League Development

Borbón spent three solid years in the Cardinals’ farm system from 1966 to 1968. His minor league numbers kept getting better as a relief pitcher:

• Cedar Rapids (1966): 6-1 record, 1.96 ERA
• St. Petersburg (1967): 5-4 record, 2.29 ERA
• Modesto (1968): 8-5 record, 2.34 ERA

The Cardinals used him almost exclusively in relief, with only three starts in those three years. Even with those strong numbers, Borbón stayed in Single-A the whole time and never got promoted in their system.

When the Cardinals left him off their 40-man roster after 1968, Borbón became eligible for the Rule 5 draft. The California Angels picked him up, which meant they had to keep him in the majors for the entire 1969 season. That rule ended up changing his career and finally gave him a shot at the big leagues.

Major League Career Highlights and Teams

Pedro Borbón’s 12-year Major League career stretched from 1969 to 1980. He started with the California Angels, hit his stride during a decade with the Cincinnati Reds’ Big Red Machine, and wrapped up with short stints for the Giants and Cardinals.

California Angels Debut

Borbón made his Major League debut on April 9, 1969, for the Angels in a 7-3 win over the Seattle Pilots. He came in during the fifth inning as a reliever, taking over for Andy Messersmith.

He impressed right away, tossing three scoreless innings, giving up just two hits, and striking out two. He even picked up his first career win that day.

He only spent that one season with the Angels, pitching in 22 games and finishing with a 2-3 record and a 6.15 ERA.

In November 1969, the Angels traded Borbón to the Cincinnati Reds in a five-player deal. That trade changed everything, landing him with the team where he’d make his biggest mark.

Cincinnati Reds and Big Red Machine Era

Borbón turned into one of the game’s most effective, durable relievers with the Reds from 1970 to 1979. He always seemed to be near the top of the National League in games pitched, ranking in the top five for six straight seasons from 1972 to 1977.

Key Stats and Achievements:

• World Series Titles: 1975, 1976
• Games Pitched: More than any NL pitcher from 1970-1978
• Innings Per Season: No fewer than 121 innings each year from 1972-1977
• Career Record: 69-39, 3.52 ERA, 80 saves

He formed a reliable bullpen duo with Clay Carroll through 1976. Along with relievers like Wayne Granger, Will McEnaney, and Rawly Eastwick, Borbón gave Sparky Anderson the freedom to change pitchers as often as he liked.

Tony Pérez, a Hall of Famer and Borbón’s teammate, once said, “He may have been the most critical part of that great bullpen because he was such a rubber arm. He’d give two, three innings, whatever you needed. He could pitch every night.”

Borbón really shined in the postseason. In four National League Championship Series, he went 1-0 with a 1.26 ERA across 10 games. He dominated the 1976 NLCS, throwing 4⅓ scoreless innings during the Reds’ sweep.

San Francisco Giants and Brief Tenures With Other Teams

After almost a decade with the Reds, Borbón got traded to the Giants halfway through 1979. He finished that season in San Francisco but didn’t stick around for 1980.

The St. Louis Cardinals picked him up just before the 1980 season. Borbón made his last big league appearance on May 25, 1980, for the Cardinals. He pitched in only 10 games before they released him, ending his Major League career.

In a wild twist, Borbón came back as a replacement player for the Reds during the 1994-95 MLB strike at age 48. That move annoyed a lot of pro-union folks, but it showed his lasting bond with the Reds.

The Cincinnati Reds inducted Borbón into their Hall of Fame in 2010 to honor his role in their glory days.

Pitching Style, Role, and Contributions

Pedro Borbón made his name as one of the most reliable relief pitchers in the 1970s. His strong arm, fiery attitude, and durability set him apart. He became a crucial piece in the Reds’ championship runs.

Signature Skills and Pitching Approach

Coach Ted Kluszewski once called Borbón’s arm “million-dollar.” He could throw hard, with excellent control, and his fastball was his bread and butter. He always seemed cool under pressure.

Borbón’s durability might’ve been his best trait. Manager Sparky Anderson said, “He can throw, and throw and throw. Even when I don’t plan to use him, he wants to throw in the bullpen.”

He brought a real edge to the mound, attacking hitters and refusing to back down. That intensity helped him stay sharp even when Anderson called on him night after night.

After he joined the Reds, Borbón’s control got a lot better. From 1972 to 1977, he kept his command while averaging over 70 games a season. Anderson trusted him in the biggest moments.

Versatility in the Bullpen

With the Reds, Borbón became the go-to guy for multi-inning relief. He often pitched two or three innings at a time, and back-to-back games didn’t faze him.

In one two-week stretch in 1972, he made five relief appearances, pitching 14⅓ innings. He gave up only one run and six hits, picking up four saves and a win. That stretch showed just how effective and reliable he could be, even with a heavy workload.

He averaged 126 innings per season from 1972-1977, which is a ton for a reliever. That kind of durability let Anderson use him in all sorts of situations—short relief, long relief, you name it.

Borbón could protect leads, keep games close, or eat innings when the starters struggled. His versatility made him a huge asset for the Reds during their best years.

Reputation Among Teammates and Managers

Anderson leaned on Borbón during the Reds’ championship runs. Borbón appeared in 20 postseason games and put up a 2.42 ERA.

His teammates respected his work ethic and competitive fire. Tony Perez said, “I always enjoyed his company on and off the field. He was a great guy.” That kind of praise came from watching Borbón deliver under pressure.

Even though he had a bit of a temper at times, Borbón kept strong relationships with the other pitchers. His willingness to pitch often helped keep the rest of the bullpen fresh.

The Reds honored him with a Hall of Fame induction in 2010. From 1972-1977, he put up a 52-27 record, a 3.06 ERA, and 70 saves—one of the best stretches for any reliever in franchise history.

Achievements and Records in Major League Baseball

Pedro Borbón made a name for himself as one of the game’s most reliable relievers during his 12-year career from 1969 to 1980. He finished with a 69-39 record, a 3.52 ERA, and played a huge role in the Cincinnati Reds’ championship teams of the ’70s.

Key Stats and Performance Metrics

Borbón’s numbers tell the story of a workhorse reliever. He pitched in 593 games over 12 seasons, logging 1,026.2 innings with a .639 winning percentage.

His best years came with the Reds from 1972 to 1977, when he consistently pitched in 60 or more games every season. In 1973, he set a personal best with 80 appearances and an outstanding 2.16 ERA.

He racked up 80 saves in his career, working as both a setup man and closer. His durability was almost unheard of—he could go multiple innings whenever the team needed. Sparky Anderson loved having him available, saying Borbón “could pitch every night” and never shied away from tough spots.

After some early struggles, Borbón’s control improved a lot in Cincinnati. He turned into a steady, high-leverage arm you could count on.

Postseason Appearances and Impact

Borbón really shined in the postseason, especially when the Cincinnati Reds dominated the mid-1970s. He put together a 0.63 ERA while pitching in seven National League playoff games from 1973 to 1976.

He took the mound in several National League Championship Series with the Reds. The team grabbed four National League pennants during his time, and honestly, their strong bullpen—anchored by Borbón and Clay Carroll—played a massive role.

Borbón could pitch multiple innings, which made him a go-to guy in October. He handled crucial middle relief and even closed out games when the Reds needed it.

His teammates started calling him “Dracula” because he always stayed calm, no matter the pressure. That nickname stuck, and it says a lot about his presence on the mound.

The Reds leaned on Borbón’s experience and steady hand all decade long. He helped put Cincinnati on the map as the dominant National League team of that era.

World Series Championships

Borbón won two World Series championships with the Cincinnati Reds in 1975 and 1976. Those years marked the peak of the legendary “Big Red Machine” dynasty.

The 1975 World Series against the Boston Red Sox really showed how important Borbón was. He pitched in several games during the seven-game series, helping the Reds finally win their first championship since 1940.

In 1976, Borbón played his part as the Reds swept the New York Yankees in the World Series. His work out of the bullpen helped keep leads safe and gave the team stability in tight spots.

That championship was the highlight of his career and locked in his place in Reds history. Borbón’s steady arm made him a key piece of the Reds’ winning formula, giving manager Sparky Anderson someone he could trust in any situation.

Retirement in 1980 and Later Activities

Pedro Borbón wrapped up his twelve-year Major League Baseball career in 1980. He finished with a solid 69-39 record and a .639 winning percentage.

The Dominican-born reliever stayed involved in baseball after retiring, and he kept close ties with the Cincinnati Reds even when he wasn’t playing anymore.

Circumstances of Retirement

Borbón retired from professional baseball in 1980, ending a career that started in 1969. His last few seasons still saw him pitching reliably for several teams.

He made his mark as a dependable bullpen arm throughout his time in the majors. Borbón pitched for the California Angels, Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, and St. Louis Cardinals.

He had his best years with the Reds, helping them win championships. Borbón’s 0.63 ERA in seven National League playoff games from 1973 to 1976 stands out.

The Reds traded Borbón in 1979, just a year before he retired. That move really marked the end of his most successful stretch with the team.

Post-Retirement Involvement in Baseball

After hanging up his glove in 1980, Borbón stayed connected to the Reds. He kept up his relationship with the team, even after they traded him away.

In August 1989, nine years after retiring, Borbón showed up in the Reds clubhouse. He offered to lift what he called a “hex” he’d put on the team after the 1979 trade.

He even mentioned team owner Marge Schott during his visit. The whole thing was a bit unusual and showed he still cared deeply about the team’s fortunes.

Borbón kept busy with baseball activities after retiring. Coming back to the clubhouse years later just proved how strong his bonds with the game and the Reds really were.

Life After Professional Baseball

Borbón settled in the United States after retiring in 1980. He stayed connected to both his Dominican roots and his new American communities.

He lived in a few places, including Ohio, where he remained close to the Reds community. Those connections kept him involved with baseball and its fans.

Borbón tried his hand at other things too, including working as a licensed barber. That job gave him a way to meet people and stay active in his community.

He kept his personal life mostly private. Borbón was married and had children, raising them with the values he picked up from baseball.

He passed away in 2012 in Pharr, Texas. People still remember him as a reliable reliever who played a big part in championship teams.

Legacy, Honors, and Net Worth

Pedro Borbón left his mark on baseball, especially through mentoring Dominican players and helping build the Cincinnati Reds’ championship dynasty. The Reds inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2010, and at the time of his death in 2012, his net worth was estimated at $8 million.

Influence on Dominican Players

Borbón paved the way for Dominican players in Major League Baseball during the 1970s. His success with the Reds helped open doors for others from his home country.

His son, Pedro Borbón Jr., followed his lead and pitched in the majors for nine seasons between 1992 and 2003. The younger Borbón played for four different teams.

Borbón’s influence went beyond his family. His durability and skill as a reliever showed that Dominican players could thrive in specialized roles. Between 1970 and 1978, he appeared in more games than any other National League pitcher.

After retiring, Borbón stayed involved in baseball development. He often worked at youth camps and teamed up with former teammate Clay Carroll to teach young players.

Recognition and Tributes

The Cincinnati Reds put Borbón into their Hall of Fame in 2010, honoring his big role in the team’s 1970s success. That recognition covered his part in four National League pennants and two World Series championships.

Key Achievements:

• 2× World Series champion (1975, 1976)
• Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame inductee (2010)
• 69-39 career win-loss record
• 3.52 career ERA with 80 saves

Borbón even found a little pop culture fame thanks to the 1980 movie “Airplane!” The film joked about him being replaced by pinch hitter Manny Mota. His son said Borbón got a kick out of the reference and liked to mention it.

Tony Pérez, his Hall of Fame teammate, praised Borbón’s dependability. “He may have been the most critical part of that great bullpen because he was such a rubber arm,” Pérez said. “He could pitch every night. And he wasn’t intimidated by anything.”

Estimated Net Worth and Personal Life

When Pedro Borbón passed away, his net worth sat at about $8 million. Most of that came from his 12 years in Major League Baseball, plus some later baseball gigs.

Besides baseball, Borbón also worked as a licensed barber. That job gave him some extra cash and showed how he liked to keep things practical when it came to money.

He spent his later years living in Pharr, Texas, with his wife, Maria. Together they raised three kids: Pedro Jr., Gabriela, and Maria.

His daughter Maria married Carlos Peguero, who played outfield in the majors too.

Borbón died from cancer on June 4, 2012, at 65. His wife, children, five grandsons, and two granddaughters survived him.

The family chose cremation and didn’t hold a memorial service.

During the 1994-95 MLB strike, Borbón actually came back as a replacement player for the Cincinnati Reds at age 48. That move really shows he never lost his passion for the game, even long after he’d officially retired.