Rennie Stennett – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Rennie Stennett carved out a memorable decade-long career in Major League Baseball before hanging up his cleats in 1981. The Panamanian second baseman played for just two teams, spending most of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1971 to 1979, then finishing up with the San Francisco Giants from 1980 to 1981.

Stennett retired from professional baseball after the 1981 season at just 32 years old. He left behind a .274 career batting average, 41 home runs, and 432 RBIs across 1,237 games.

The Giants released him in April 1982, even though he still had three years and $2 million left on his contract. That move brought a sudden end to what really had been a promising career, packed with both personal milestones and team success.

Stennett’s name might not ring out for everyone these days, but his impact on the game goes far beyond his stats. His journey from the Panama Canal Zone to the big leagues, his spot in baseball history, and that wild single-game performance still in the record books—these all tell the story of a player who squeezed every bit out of his talent during baseball’s golden 1970s.

Early Life and Background

Renaldo Antonio Stennett Porte was born on April 5, 1951, in Colón, Panama. He grew up in the same neighborhood as future Hall of Famer Rod Carew.

Stennett’s early years in the Panama Canal Zone shaped his athletic development. He played multiple sports before finally focusing on baseball.

Childhood in Colón, Panama

Stennett grew up in the Panama Canal Zone, a place that felt pretty different from the rest of Panama. Unlike many Panamanians, he spoke English as his main language since the Canal Zone was a U.S. possession back then.

This language difference led to some funny situations early on. At 15, he pitched for a sandlot team with future major leaguer Manny Sanguillen catching for him. Even though both came from Panama, they needed a translator to talk during games.

Sanguillen, already in the Pirates’ minor league system, remembered their early connection. “I remember Rennie well,” Sanguillen said. “Whenever I wanted to go out to the mound to talk to him, I had to ask the third baseman to come over and translate for us.”

Education and Early Interests

Stennett attended Paraiso High School, just like Rod Carew had years before. He stood out as a multi-sport athlete, excelling in volleyball, basketball, and track.

His basketball skills were something else. He once scored a school-record 45 points in a game, showing off the athleticism that would help him in baseball.

Baseball, though, always had his heart. Major league teams like the Yankees, Giants, and Astros started showing interest in him early on.

His dad, who worked on Canal tugboats, told him to turn down those early offers. “They wanted me to come to the States to further my education,” Stennett explained. “But my father wanted me to remain at home and go through high school.”

Signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates

After finishing high school, Stennett signed his first professional contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Scout C. Herbert Raybourn, who worked the Canal Zone, brought him into the Pirates organization.

Stennett later appreciated his father’s advice. “I’m glad I did because I don’t think I’d ever made it as a pitcher,” he said, knowing his position change was key to his future.

At 18, he started his pro career in the Pirates’ minor league system. His first stop was Gastonia in the Class A Western Carolinas League, where he moved from pitching to the outfield.

Major League Baseball Career Highlights

Rennie Stennett spent 11 years in the majors, from 1971 to 1981. He delivered a historic seven-hit performance and won a World Series championship with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

He wrapped up his career with two seasons playing for the San Francisco Giants.

Debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates

Stennett made his big league debut on July 10, 1971, with the Pirates at 22. He played his first game against the Atlanta Braves and went 0-for-4.

In his early years, the Pirates mostly used Stennett as a utility guy. He played second base, shortstop, and outfield, and that versatility made him valuable.

In 1973, Stennett stuck with the utility role but had a tough time at the plate. His batting average dipped to .242, though he managed a personal best 10 home runs.

Things changed in 1974 when Dave Cash got traded to Philadelphia. That move finally gave Stennett a shot at being the Pirates’ regular second baseman. He grabbed the opportunity and really started to show what he could do.

Key Achievements and Records

Stennett’s biggest claim to fame came when he got seven hits in a nine-inning game. Only one other MLB player has ever done that in a regulation game.

His top team achievement came in 1979, when the Pirates won the World Series. Stennett played a key role in the infield during their title run.

Career Statistics:

• Batting Average: .274
• Home Runs: 41
• Hits: 1,239
• RBIs: 432
• Fielding Percentage: .978 (second base)

He really shined on defense at second base. That .978 fielding percentage shows just how reliable he was out there.

Role in All-Black and Latino Lineup

The Pittsburgh Pirates made history by fielding lineups with plenty of Black and Latino players. Stennett, as a Panamanian, was part of this groundbreaking era.

His presence helped open doors for Latin American players in the majors. The Pirates organization really led the way on diversity during the 1970s.

For young players from Panama and other Latin American countries, seeing Stennett out there meant a lot. He showed what was possible in pro baseball.

Season with the San Francisco Giants

In 1980, Stennett joined the San Francisco Giants after nine seasons with Pittsburgh. He played his last two MLB seasons with the Giants, from 1980 to 1981.

His time in San Francisco closed out his major league career. Stennett played his final game on August 24, 1981, against the St. Louis Cardinals, going 0-for-1.

The Giants leaned on Stennett’s experience and versatility. Even though his production dropped from his peak, he still gave the team a steady veteran presence.

After retiring from the Giants, Stennett tried to make a comeback with the Pirates in 1989 at age 38. The team released him at the end of spring training, and that officially ended his pro baseball journey.

Notable Games and Career Milestones

Rennie Stennett made baseball history on September 16, 1975, when he collected seven hits in a nine-inning game against the Chicago Cubs. He also played a key role in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1979 World Series championship team.

Seven-Hit Game Record

On September 16, 1975, Stennett pulled off one of baseball’s rarest feats: seven hits in seven at-bats during a nine-inning game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The Pirates rolled over the Cubs, winning 22-0 in what still stands as Wrigley Field’s worst defeat.

Stennett almost didn’t play that day. “I got to the ballpark and I wasn’t supposed to play that day. I had twisted my ankle and it was badly swollen,” Stennett recalled. “But I taped up the ankle and I played.”

His seven hits tied the National League record set by Wilbert Robinson in 1892. The hits included doubles, singles, and a triple, with Stennett scoring five runs and driving in two. He even set a record for most times getting two hits in one inning.

That performance sparked a hot streak. The next night in Philadelphia, Stennett picked up three more hits, setting a new record for most hits in consecutive nine-inning games with 10.

1979 World Series Championship

Stennett played a crucial role in the Pirates’ 1979 World Series win, their first title since 1971. The team came back from a 3-1 deficit against the Baltimore Orioles to win the series in seven games, becoming only the fourth team in World Series history to do that.

As the Pirates’ starting second baseman, Stennett provided steady defense and timely hitting during the championship run. His veteran presence helped anchor the infield while the team battled back against Baltimore.

The 1979 championship was the highlight of Stennett’s career. After missing out on the 1971 postseason roster as a rookie, he finally got his World Series ring with Pittsburgh.

Memorable Moments and Contributions

Stennett took part in a historic moment on September 1, 1971, when the Pirates fielded the first all-minority starting lineup in Major League Baseball history. He started at second base in that game against the Philadelphia Phillies, and Pittsburgh won 10-7.

His flexibility made him a valuable piece for the Pirates. Stennett played second base, shortstop, third base, and all three outfield spots. That adaptability helped him stick on the roster through some competitive years.

Teammates and opponents respected his steady play. “He hits everything we throw him,” said Reds catcher Johnny Bench. Pirates GM Joe Brown said, “There hasn’t been a player in baseball, not even Pete Rose, who has hustled more than Stennett.”

Retirement and Post-Baseball Life

Rennie Stennett ended his Major League Baseball career in 1981, finishing with the San Francisco Giants. His retirement came during a strike-shortened season that forced leagues to adopt a split-season format.

Retirement in 1981

Stennett’s last MLB season happened during one of baseball’s most chaotic years. The 1981 players’ strike wiped out a big chunk of the schedule. That labor dispute pushed many veteran players toward retirement.

After the 1981 season, the Giants picked up Duane Kuiper from Cleveland to play second base. That move ended Stennett’s time in San Francisco.

At 32, he wrapped up his career with a .274 batting average, 41 home runs, and 432 RBIs in 1,237 games. He played mostly for the Pirates (1971-1979) and finished with the Giants (1980-1981). His record-setting 7-for-7 game in 1975 and his 1979 World Series ring stood out as his top achievements.

Business Ventures and Philanthropy

Not much is known about Stennett’s business activities after he left baseball. A lot of former players from his era went into coaching, broadcasting, or business ventures connected to baseball.

Teammates remembered Stennett as a complete player who brought professionalism to everything he did. That reputation probably helped him in whatever he chose to do after baseball, though details about his business ventures are pretty scarce.

Life After Professional Baseball

Stennett lived a pretty private life after he left the game. He spent his later years away from the spotlight that came with being a pro athlete.

His impact on baseball, especially as one of the leading Latin American players of his time, still gets recognized by fans and historians.

Sadly, Stennett battled cancer in his final years. He passed away on May 18, 2021, at the age of 72.

His death marked the end of a life that contributed a lot to baseball history, both through his record-setting performances and his role on the Pirates’ championship team.

Legacy, Impact, and Recognition

Rennie Stennett left a real mark on baseball with his historic seven-hit game and his role in breaking barriers for Latin American players. His achievements helped pave the way for future Panamanian players and earned him a lasting place in baseball history.

Influence on Panamanian Baseball

Stennett really blazed a trail for Panamanian baseball players in MLB. He grew up in the same neighborhood as Rod Carew, and they both went to Paraiso High School. That connection put Panama on the map as a place for baseball talent.

When Stennett found success with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he made it easier for other Latin American players to follow. He actually played in MLB’s first all-Black starting lineup on September 1, 1971. That night, the Pirates put nine minority players on the field, and it became a huge moment for baseball’s integration.

Stennett’s journey from the Canal Zone to the big leagues inspired a lot of young players in Panama. He proved that Central American talent could go toe-to-toe with the best in the world.

Honors and Awards

Stennett’s most famous moment happened on September 16, 1975. He picked up seven hits in seven at-bats against the Chicago Cubs. That tied the National League record for hits in a nine-inning game, matching Wilbert Robinson’s record from 1892.

Key Career Achievements:

• World Series champion (1979)
• Seven hits in a nine-inning game (1975)
• 18-game hitting streak (1971)
• Career .274 batting average
• 41 home runs and 432 RBI

Brandon Crawford managed seven hits in a game in 2016, but he needed 14 innings and eight at-bats to get there. Stennett’s feat still stands out.

Commemoration and Remembrance

After Stennett died in 2021 following a tough battle with cancer, his old teammates remembered him as a complete player. People respected his hustle and dedication all over the baseball world.

The Pirates organization honored what he brought to the team during the 1970s. His role in the 1979 World Series championship team still stands out as a highlight in franchise history.

Stennett’s seven-hit game keeps getting celebrated as one of baseball’s wildest performances. That achievement really shows off his skill and determination at the top level of the sport.

Statistical Overview and Research Resources

You can find Rennie Stennett’s baseball stats all over the internet, with his .274 career batting average and 1,239 hits standing out as big numbers. These days, baseball research leans on databases from Sports Reference LLC, plus play-by-play data from Retrosheet.

Career Statistics and Records

Stennett put up solid numbers over his 11-season career from 1971 to 1981. He finished with a .274 batting average, 41 home runs, and 432 RBIs in 1,237 games.

That famous seven-hit game against the Cubs happened on September 16, 1975. He tied the National League record for hits in a nine-inning game, a mark Wilbert Robinson set way back in 1892.

Key Career Highlights:

• 1,239 career hits
• 500 runs scored
• Played multiple positions (2B, 3B, SS, OF)
• World Series champion (1971)

Stennett showed his versatility in his defensive statistics. He mostly played second base but actually appeared at six different positions. After he became a regular starter in 1974, his fielding percentage at second base got a lot better.

Research with Sports Reference LLC

Baseball-Reference.com, run by Sports Reference LLC, is the go-to place for Stennett’s stats. The site covers everything, including his minor league numbers and advanced metrics.

They track his rise through Pittsburgh’s farm system. He batted .288 at Gastonia in 1969, then led the Carolina League with a .326 average at Salem in 1970.

Available Data Includes:

• Season-by-season stats
• Fielding metrics by position
• Postseason performance
• Minor league records

Sports Reference LLC keeps detailed biographical info, confirming Stennett was born April 5, 1951, in Colon, Panama. The site also follows his Hall of Fame status, noting his Hall Rating of 25.

Role of Retrosheet Data

Retrosheet gives us play-by-play data that really deepens our understanding of Stennett’s historic performances. This organization captures game-level details you just can’t find in traditional box scores.

If you’re curious about Stennett’s wild seven-hit game against Chicago, the database becomes especially useful. Retrosheet tracks the exact order of his hits and what was happening during each at-bat.

Retrosheet Contributions:

• Inning-by-inning breakdowns
• Situational hitting data
• Defensive positioning information
• Historical context for records

Researchers use this detailed documentation to verify Stennett’s achievements. By combining traditional stats with play-by-play data, we get a fuller picture of his impact on baseball history.