Pete Richert – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Pete Richert wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1974, capping off 13 seasons full of dramatic highs and steady, sometimes overlooked, professional achievement. This left-handed pitcher from Floral Park, New York, found his own place in baseball lore by showing off his versatility as both a starter and reliever with six different teams.

He started out as an undersized high school prospect and ended up a two-time World Series champion. His story really captures how pitching roles shifted in pro baseball through the 1960s and early ’70s.

Richert left the game in 1974 with an 80-73 record, a 3.19 ERA, and 925 strikeouts over 1,165.2 innings pitched. He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Senators, Baltimore Orioles, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia Phillies. A blood clot in his shoulder forced him out in his final season, ending things at age 34 after surgery.

He had just moved from starter to reliever and found real success with the Orioles, especially during their run of three straight World Series appearances, 1969 through 1971.

From the moment he made his MLB debut in 1962—striking out the first six batters he saw—to his last game in ’74, Richert’s career mirrored a changing sport. His path through amateur ball, early pro success, championship teams, and then retirement, offers a window into the life of a skilled pitcher who kept adapting.

His 13-year journey? It’s a story of persistence, adaptation, and the real ups and downs of professional baseball in one of its most interesting eras.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Pete Richert was born October 29, 1939, in Floral Park, New York. He learned the game at Sewanhaka High School, where he grew his skills on the mound.

His move from a high school pitcher to professional baseball started in 1958 when the Los Angeles Dodgers signed him as a free agent.

Background and Hometown

Richert grew up in Floral Park, a small Long Island community. Born Peter Gerard Richert, he came from an area that produced its share of talented athletes.

Floral Park, honestly, was a great place for a young baseball player. The town’s youth baseball programs and tight-knit community gave kids like Richert a real shot at developing their skills.

He attended Sewanhaka High School, where the baseball program was solid. Those high school years really laid the groundwork for his future as a pro.

Long Island baseball in the 1950s was no joke. Scouts showed up often, hoping to spot the next big thing. That kind of competition pushed Richert to step up his game and made sure pro teams noticed him.

Development as a Pitcher

At Sewanhaka, Richert stood out as a left-handed pitcher. His natural talent and work ethic drew the attention of scouts.

Left-handed pitching always seemed to be in demand, and Richert’s knack for striking out batters only made him more valuable.

His coaches at Sewanhaka helped him refine his mechanics and control. They taught him different pitches that would later serve him well in the pros.

He already showed off his strikeout ability back in high school. That skill really became his trademark, starting with his wild debut in 1962.

Amateur Career Highlights

Richert’s high school career peaked during his senior year. Scouts started showing real interest, seeing the potential that would lead to a 13-year major league run.

The Dodgers, in particular, liked what they saw. They signed him in 1958, right after he finished high school.

There aren’t many stats or records left from his amateur days. Still, if the Dodgers signed him that quickly, he had to be among the best in his area.

His jump to pro baseball happened fast. The Dodgers put him in their minor league system right away, sending him to Class-C Reno in 1958.

MLB Debut and Rookie Accomplishments

Pete Richert made his big league debut on April 12, 1962, with the Dodgers against the Cincinnati Reds. His first appearance became legendary—he struck out six straight batters.

First Appearance with Los Angeles Dodgers

Richert stepped onto the mound as a reliever at Dodger Stadium, just 22 years old. He came in during the second inning, taking over for Stan Williams with two outs.

He’d made the Dodgers roster after spring training and worked his way up through the minors, including a stint in Spokane.

Richert joined a Dodgers staff that already boasted Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale. Not a bad group to learn from, right?

Record-Breaking Strikeout Streak

Richert’s debut set some wild MLB records. He struck out the first six batters he faced, one after another.

He even fanned future Hall of Famer Frank Robinson. Richert also became the first player ever to notch a four-strikeout inning in his debut.

It started when he struck out Vada Pinson to end the second. In the third, he struck out Robinson, Gordy Coleman, Wally Post, and Johnny Edwards.

Coleman actually reached first on a passed ball, even though he struck out. Then, Tommy Harper went down as the sixth consecutive strikeout in the fourth.

Richert threw 3.1 innings and didn’t give up a hit. The Dodgers rallied for the win, so he picked up his first Major League victory.

“I knew what I was doing, that I was striking out hitters,” Richert said. “I was just trying to do as best I could and get past those hitters.”

Transition to Major League Level

After that record debut, Richert pitched in six more games during his first month. His ERA climbed to 5.14, though, and the Dodgers sent him down to Triple-A Omaha.

Breaking into the Dodgers rotation wasn’t easy with Koufax and Drysdale around. Richert suffered an arm injury in Omaha and only appeared in nine games there.

Once he healed up, the Dodgers brought him back later that season. He made 12 more appearances for L.A. in 1962, including 11 starts.

Richert finished his rookie year 5-4 with a 3.87 ERA. His best game came on September 6 against Pittsburgh—a complete-game four-hitter with eight strikeouts and just one run allowed.

Professional Career Overview

Pete Richert pitched in the majors from 1962 to 1974, racking up an 80-73 record and a 3.19 ERA over 429 games. He played for six teams and shifted from promising starter to effective reliever, helping win two World Series titles.

Pitching Style and Key Strengths

Richert threw hard for a lefty, relying on velocity and a real knack for strikeouts. At 5’11” and 165 pounds, he wasn’t exactly intimidating, but he managed to surprise hitters with his speed.

Strikeouts became his thing. He notched 925 strikeouts in 1,165.2 innings, and as of 2024, he ranked 177th all-time in strikeouts per nine innings.

That ability was obvious from day one. On April 12, 1962, he struck out the first six batters he saw in his MLB debut and managed a four-strikeout inning—still the only pitcher to do that in his first game. He even struck out Frank Robinson.

Former Dodgers star Don Newcombe helped Richert improve his control in the minors. That better command, paired with his velocity, made him tough on both lefties and righties.

Role Evolution: Starter to Reliever

Richert started out as a starter with the Dodgers, but he really hit his stride as a reliever with the Orioles. Manager Hank Bauer saw his potential in the bullpen and made the switch in 1967.

With the Washington Senators from 1965-1967, Richert had his best years as a starter. In 1965, he won 15 games with a 2.60 ERA. The next year, he went 14-14 with a 3.37 ERA and a career-high 195 strikeouts.

Moving to the bullpen changed everything for him. In 1969, he went 7-4 with 12 saves and a 2.20 ERA over 44 relief outings. His best stretch came in 1970—7-2, 13 saves, and a 1.98 ERA in 50 games.

Richert called 1970 his best season. He had two streaks of 8.2 hitless innings in relief. That kind of consistency made him crucial to Baltimore’s bullpen during their run of three straight World Series appearances.

Notable Teammates and Opponents

Richert shared the field with some of the game’s biggest names. With the Dodgers, he pitched alongside Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax.

His time with the Orioles meant he played with Frank Robinson, who later got traded back to the Dodgers with him. He also worked with Jim Palmer, even saving Game 1 of the 1970 World Series for Palmer.

Richert made the All-Star team in 1965 and 1966. In the 1965 game, he pitched two scoreless innings and struck out Willie Mays and Willie Stargell. The next year, he took the loss after giving up the winning run to Maury Wills.

His most memorable moment as an opponent probably came in the 1969 World Series. He threw a ball that hit J.C. Martin during a bunt, letting the winning run score in the 10th inning of Game 4.

Teams Played For

Pete Richert played for six MLB teams between 1962 and 1974. He spent the most time with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles, and had his best years as a starter with the Washington Senators.

Los Angeles Dodgers Years

Richert started his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1962 and made a splash right away. On April 12, 1962, he struck out the first six batters he saw at Dodger Stadium against the Cincinnati Reds.

He pulled off a four-strikeout inning in that debut, the only pitcher to do so in his first major league game. That season, Richert went 5-4 as a spot starter behind legends like Drysdale and Koufax.

In 1963, he posted a 5-3 record for the Dodgers team that swept the Yankees in the World Series. He didn’t pitch in the Series, but he was part of the squad.

After 1964, the Dodgers traded Richert, along with Frank Howard, Ken McMullen, Dick Nen, and Phil Ortega, to the Washington Senators. He later returned to the LAD for two seasons (1972-1973) as a reliever, putting up strong ERAs of 2.25 and 3.18.

Washington Senators Tenure

The Washington Senators picked up Richert in a big trade after the 1964 season.

He spent 1965 to 1967 with the Senators, and honestly, those were the best years of his career as a starting pitcher.

In 1965, Richert racked up a career-high 15 wins with a 2.60 ERA, which was also his best. That year, he made his first All-Star team, and he pitched two scoreless innings, striking out both Willie Mays and Willie Stargell.

In 1966, Richert went 14-14 with a 3.37 ERA and set a personal best with 195 strikeouts. On April 24, he fanned seven Tigers in a row, breaking the record at the time.

That performance got him his second straight All-Star nod.

He started 1967 slow, going just 2-6, so the Senators traded him to the Baltimore Orioles. During his two full seasons in Washington, he built a reputation as one of the AL’s most reliable starters in the mid-1960s.

Baltimore Orioles Contributions

The Baltimore Orioles traded for Richert during the 1967 season, sending Mike Epstein and Frank Bertaina to Washington.

Manager Hank Bauer switched Richert from starter to reliever, and honestly, that move gave his career new life.

Richert became a huge part of the Orioles’ bullpen during their dynasty years, pitching in three straight World Series from 1969 to 1971.

In 1969, he went 7-4, saved 12 games, and posted a 2.20 ERA in 44 relief outings.

His best year was 1970, when he finished 7-2 with 13 saves and a 1.98 ERA over 50 games. He helped the Orioles win the World Series, saving Game 1 in relief of Jim Palmer against the Reds.

The 1969 World Series had a wild moment for Richert in Game 4 against the Mets. His throw hit J.C. Martin on a bunt, letting the winning run score in the 10th. Replays showed Martin ran inside the baseline, but the play stood.

Final Seasons and Retirement in 1974

Pete Richert’s final season in the majors came in 1974, when he played for two National League teams.

He split his last 34 games between the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies, and somehow kept his ERA at a strong 2.27 over 31.2 innings.

St. Louis Cardinals Period

Richert started his last year with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1974.

He joined their bullpen as a lefty relief specialist, working to help out the team early in the season.

The Cardinals gave Richert a limited role, but his experience as a veteran pitcher added value to their staff.

He didn’t stay long before moving to his final team.

Philadelphia Phillies Stint

The Philadelphia Phillies picked up Richert during the 1974 season.

He closed out his career in a Phillies uniform, pitching relief in the National League.

Richert made his final MLB appearance on September 2, 1974, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He faced one batter and gave up a hit. That was the last outing of his 13-year career.

Between both teams in 1974, Richert went 2-1 with a sharp 2.27 ERA in 34 games.

Even at age 34, he showed he could still pitch effectively.

Retirement Decision and Context

Richert decided to retire after the 1974 season, hanging it up at 34.

He pitched from 1962 to 1974, bouncing around several teams.

He finished with 80 wins and 73 losses in 446 career games.

Over the years, he played for five different teams—most notably the Dodgers, Senators, and Orioles before that last National League season.

His 2.27 ERA in his final year proved he still had it when he chose to walk away.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Pete Richert put together a solid 80-73 record with a 3.19 ERA over 13 big league seasons.

He tallied 925 strikeouts and 13.2 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), showing his value as a lefty for five different teams.

Win–Loss Record and Key Stats

Richert wrapped up his MLB career with 80 wins and 73 losses, good for a .523 winning percentage.

He kept a 3.19 ERA across 1,165.2 innings, a sign of steady effectiveness over his 13 years.

He struck out 925 batters and walked 424, which gave him a 2.18 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He allowed 959 hits, averaging 7.4 per nine innings.

Richert’s 13.2 WAR put him among the more valuable pitchers of his era.

His top season came in 1965 with Washington, when he posted a 4.9 WAR, a 15-12 record, and that sparkling 2.60 ERA.

He pitched in 429 games, starting 122 and also working as a reliable reliever with 51 saves.

He finished 22 games and threw three shutouts as a starter.

Awards and Recognitions

Richert made two All-Star teams during his best years with the Senators in 1965 and 1966.

Those honors marked him as one of the American League’s top lefty arms.

He got MVP consideration both years, finishing 25th in 1965 and 26th in 1966.

That 1965 season really stood out, as he anchored Washington’s rotation with a 2.60 ERA.

Richert never won the Cy Young or other major awards, but his consistency and durability made him a valuable asset to every team he joined.

Postseason Appearances

Richert made his biggest postseason impact with the Orioles from 1967-1971.

He played a key role in Baltimore’s World Series runs during those years.

The lefty helped Baltimore reach the playoffs several times, mostly pitching in relief during big games.

He brought veteran poise and reliable left-handed pitching to the postseason, even if detailed stats from that era can be hard to find.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Pete Richert left a real mark on baseball with his record-setting debut and his role on championship teams.

His unique achievements set new standards for relief pitching, and he earned respect from teammates and opponents.

Historical Significance

Richert’s MLB debut on April 12, 1962, set a record that still stands.

He struck out the first six batters he faced against the Reds, including future Hall of Famer Frank Robinson.

That game brought another first—Richert became the only player to record a four-strikeout inning in his debut.

Notable Debut Stats:

• Strikeouts: 6 in a row
• Innings pitched: 3.1
• Hits allowed: 0
• Earned runs: 0
• Result: Win

No one else has matched striking out their first six MLB batters, even after more than 60 years.

Baseball record books still mention Richert’s debut as one of the most impressive first games in sports.

Influence on Pitching Standards

Richert’s move from starter to reliever with the Orioles helped shape how teams use bullpens today.

Manager Earl Weaver put Richert in specific spots, especially against tough lefties.

His success in relief helped the Orioles win titles from 1969-1971.

Richert gave Baltimore crucial innings during their 1970 World Series run.

He struck out batters at a high rate in short outings, which set the tone for future relief specialists.

His career strikeout rate of over one per inning was pretty impressive for that era.

Career Relief Stats (1968-1974):

• Games: 298
• Saves: 51
• ERA: 2.93
• Strikeouts per 9 innings: 8.7

Richert made his slider a signature pitch after working with coach Danny Ozark.

That pitch development changed how relievers approached their job.

Reputation Among Peers

Richert’s teammates and opponents always noticed his competitive spirit and professionalism. People respected his work ethic in clubhouses across several teams.

Earl Weaver often singled out Richert for how he handled pressure. The manager gave him crucial at-bats against top hitters like Carl Yastrzemski.

On those Orioles championship teams, Richert’s teammates appreciated what he brought to the bullpen. He pitched alongside other well-known relievers, like Eddie Watt and Dick Hall.

People saw more than just stats when they talked about Richert. He prepared carefully and understood opposing hitters better than most.

Richert showed real professionalism when he changed teams. He adjusted quickly to new roles with six different MLB organizations.

Former teammates liked to mention his positive attitude, even when he bounced from roster to roster. He found ways to help right away after trades, which made him a valuable guy for several franchises.