Rich Dauer – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Rich Dauer played his entire 10-year Major League Baseball career with the Baltimore Orioles. He became a steady presence at second base during one of the franchise’s best eras.

He was born in San Bernardino, California, in 1952. Dauer made his MLB debut on September 11, 1976, and stayed with Baltimore until he retired after the 1985 season.

Dauer built his career on exceptional defensive skills and clutch performances. He helped the Orioles win the 1983 World Series and set fielding records that still stand. Teammate Jim Palmer called him “Wacko” for his sense of humor, but Dauer was anything but erratic on the field.

In 1978, he set American League records for second basemen with 86 consecutive errorless games and 425 straight errorless chances.

Dauer’s story goes beyond stats. He journeyed from college All-American at USC to World Series champ, then moved into coaching for almost two decades. He left a real mark on the Baltimore organization.

His .257 batting average, 43 home runs, and 372 RBIs only tell part of the story. Dauer really lived “The Oriole Way”—he valued teamwork and resilience.

Rich Dauer’s Playing Career Overview

Rich Dauer played all 10 years of his Major League Baseball career with the Baltimore Orioles, from 1976 to 1985. He made a name for himself as a reliable infielder and excelled defensively at second base.

He appeared in two World Series, set impressive fielding records, and provided steady offense that helped anchor the Orioles’ infield during some of their best years.

Early MLB Debut and Tenure With the Orioles

Dauer debuted in the majors on September 11, 1976, after the Orioles drafted him 24th overall in 1974. He struggled at first, managing just four hits in 39 at-bats during his initial call-up.

The 1977 season wasn’t easy for him either. He started with only one hit in his first 41 at-bats and lost his starting spot to Billy Smith for a bit. Dauer later credited Brooks Robinson and Lee May for helping him adjust to big-league pitching.

By the end of 1977, Dauer won back the second base job. He batted .243 with 74 hits, 15 doubles, five home runs, and 25 RBIs over 96 games, and he posted a .982 fielding percentage at second.

From 1978 through 1984, Dauer held down second base almost every day. He also started several games at third base. His consistency made him a cornerstone of Baltimore’s infield during those competitive years.

Defensive Excellence as an Infielder

Dauer’s defensive skills truly set him apart. In 1978, he set two American League single-season fielding records for a second baseman.

He played 86 consecutive errorless games at second base, which is pretty remarkable. Dauer also handled 425 straight errorless chances, building his reputation as one of the league’s steadiest infielders.

The Orioles relied on Dauer’s defensive stability. He turned double plays smoothly and made the routine plays look easy, giving the team confidence in their middle infield.

Dauer could also fill in at third base when needed, giving manager Earl Weaver some flexibility. That versatility made Dauer even more valuable to the Orioles.

Career Statistics and Milestones

Over 10 years, Dauer put together solid offensive numbers to go with his defense. He finished with a .257 batting average, 43 home runs, and 372 RBIs in 1,140 games—all with Baltimore.

Career Highlights:

• World Series Championships: 1983 (as player)
• World Series Appearances: 1979, 1983
• Batting Average: .257
• Home Runs: 43
• RBIs: 372
• Games Played: 1,140

His best postseason performance came in Game 4 of the 1983 World Series against the Phillies. Dauer went 3-for-4 with a run and three RBIs, including the game-winner in a 5-4 Orioles victory.

During the 1983 championship season, Dauer became part of a quirky trio nicknamed “The Three Stooges” by Ken Singleton. Dauer played “Larry,” with Todd Cruz as “Curly” and Rick Dempsey as “Moe”—the bottom third of the order that helped push the team to success.

Dauer’s career wrapped up after the 1985 season. He struggled at the plate, saw his playing time drop, and the Orioles didn’t offer him a new contract. No other teams called, so Dauer retired from pro baseball.

World Series Appearances and Highlights

Rich Dauer played in two World Series with the Orioles. He hit a memorable home run in Game 7 of the 1979 series against Pittsburgh and later celebrated a championship victory over the Phillies in 1983.

1979 World Series Against the Pirates

The 1979 World Series was Dauer’s first shot at the game’s biggest stage. The Orioles faced the Pirates in a dramatic seven-game series.

In Game 7, Dauer hit a home run that scored the first run of the game. That clutch performance showed he could deliver under pressure.

The Pirates eventually won the series, which stung for Baltimore. Still, the experience proved valuable for Dauer and his teammates. His determination during that series became part of his legacy.

That Game 7 home run remains a highlight of Dauer’s career. It proved he could come through when it mattered most.

1983 World Series Victory Over the Phillies

Four years later, Dauer got another chance. The 1983 World Series matched the Orioles against the Phillies.

This time, the Orioles took the title. Dauer celebrated his first and only World Series ring. That championship stood as the peak of his playing days.

Dauer’s earlier World Series experience paid off. He helped lead a veteran team that knew how to win. The title cemented his place in Orioles history.

The 1983 championship capped one of the most successful stretches in franchise history. Dauer played a key role as the starting second baseman throughout the run.

Legacy and Honors

Rich Dauer’s impact on baseball earned him spots in several halls of fame. The Orioles inducted him in 2012, and the College Baseball Hall of Fame followed in 2021. Dauer’s influence stretched beyond stats—he embodied the “Oriole Way.”

Orioles Hall of Fame Induction

The Orioles inducted Rich Dauer into their Hall of Fame in 2012. They honored his decade as their steady second baseman from 1976 to 1985.

Dauer’s induction highlighted his role on the 1983 World Series champs. He was a key part of the Orioles’ best years in the late ’70s and early ’80s.

His fielding records—86 consecutive errorless games and 425 errorless chances in 1978—played a big part in his Hall of Fame nod.

The honor recognized more than stats. Dauer led by example and represented the reliable, team-first approach that defined those Orioles teams.

College and Minor League Hall of Fame Honors

Rich Dauer joined the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021, a nod to his standout college career at USC in the early ’70s.

At USC, Dauer played a huge role in the team’s national championship runs. He earned All-American honors at third base.

His college success set the stage for his pro career. USC’s baseball program was a powerhouse during Dauer’s time.

The College Baseball Hall of Fame induction came later in his life but really validated his impact at all levels of baseball.

Impact on the Oriole Way and Team Culture

Rich Dauer lived out the “Oriole Way”—a philosophy that put teamwork above individual stats. Hall of Famer Jim Palmer often said that stars alone don’t win championships.

Dauer’s influence on team culture went beyond his numbers. Teammates remembered how he fostered unity and kept things positive in the clubhouse.

He brought that same approach to his coaching career with the Houston Astros. As first base coach, he helped the Astros win the 2017 World Series by focusing on player development.

The “Oriole Way” was all about fundamentals and putting the team first. Dauer’s career reflected those values—he led by example and always put the team ahead of himself.

Collegiate and Minor League Achievements

Rich Dauer made a name for himself in college, setting records at San Bernardino Valley College before helping USC win back-to-back College World Series titles. He dominated with the Rochester Red Wings in the minors, picking up awards and earning a quick call-up to the majors.

San Bernardino Valley College Records

Dauer started at San Bernardino Valley College in 1970, choosing to focus on baseball after playing four sports in high school. He left football, basketball, and track behind to concentrate on the diamond.

In 1972, Dauer picked up state player of the year honors. He set school records for 65 hits, 16 doubles, and 43 RBIs that season.

The Oakland Athletics saw his talent early and drafted him twice—first in the fifth round in 1971, then again in the ninth round in 1972.

Even with pro offers, Dauer decided to keep playing college ball. That choice let him transfer to a major university and keep developing.

Success With University of Southern California

After transferring to USC, Dauer became a key part of one of college baseball’s top programs. The Trojans won College World Series titles in 1973 and 1974 with Dauer in the lineup.

He led the team in batting average both championship years. Dauer’s steady hitting helped USC in big moments.

The Orioles drafted him in the first round, 24th overall in 1974, recognizing his college success.

USC later inducted him into the University of Southern California Hall of Fame in 2005. His impact on those championship teams earned him that honor.

Triple-A Achievements in Rochester

Dauer spent just one year with the Rochester Red Wings, Baltimore’s Triple-A affiliate, but he made it count. In 1975, he showed why the Orioles moved him up so quickly.

He won the International League’s Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year awards in his lone Triple-A season.

Dauer led the league with a .336 batting average, proving himself as the top hitter. That performance earned him a call-up to Baltimore in 1976.

The Rochester Red Wings inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2019. Even though he only spent one season there, his impact lasted decades.

Post-Retirement Career and Coaching

After stepping away from playing in 1985, Rich Dauer moved into coaching roles across Major League Baseball. He served as first base coach for the Houston Astros and worked as a roving infield instructor for several organizations.

Coaching Roles in Major League Baseball

Dauer jumped right into coaching as soon as his playing days wrapped up. In 1993, he took on the role of roving infield instructor with the Baltimore Orioles organization.

He brought a real knack for fielding to the job, making him a huge help for developing players. Teams saw how well he could teach young infielders the basics.

After working with the Orioles, Dauer joined the Kansas City Royals system. He kept coaching in both the minor and major leagues.

His coaching career stretched across decades. Dauer kept finding ways to stay involved in pro baseball, even as health issues eventually slowed him down.

First Base Coach for Houston Astros

Dauer made his biggest mark as the Houston Astros’ first base coach. That spot brought him back to the majors after years spent developing players.

In this role, he worked side-by-side with baserunners and gave plenty of strategic advice during games. Since he played infield himself, he saw game situations from all angles.

This job let him pass on his knowledge to a new crop of players. He teamed up with the Astros’ staff to shape the team’s offensive game plan.

Dauer showed his dedication to baseball long after his playing career ended. He adapted what he knew and pitched in wherever the team needed him.

Mentorship and Influence on Players

All through his coaching years, Dauer focused on teaching young players the fundamentals of infield defense. He took a patient approach, which really helped players sharpen their defensive skills.

Former players often said Dauer played a big part in helping them master fielding techniques. They remembered his push for consistency and solid preparation as trademarks of his coaching.

Key coaching strengths:

• Infield positioning and footwork
• Game situation awareness
• Mental approach to defense
• Professional conduct and work ethic

Dauer didn’t just focus on technical skills. He also taught players about the professional side of baseball, like how to stick to routines and keep their heads in the game during those long seasons.

He always valued fundamentals more than flashy plays. That mindset helped a lot of players build the kind of defense that lasts.

Personal Life, Health, and Legacy

Rich Dauer faced some tough health challenges later in life, which really tested his spirit. He married Chris King and raised three kids, all while staying connected to his community.

Health Challenges and Recovery

Dauer’s health problems started during the Houston Astros’ 2017 World Series celebration parade. On November 2, 2017, he slipped on a wet floor and hit his head the night before the event.

At first, he seemed okay, but then he started showing worrying symptoms. During the parade, he collapsed on stage, and people rushed him to Houston Methodist Hospital.

Doctors found a subdural hematoma, a serious brain injury. They told his family the odds were grim, just a 3 percent chance he’d make it.

Surgeons worked for three hours to relieve the pressure on his brain and stop the bleeding. Somehow, Dauer pulled through the surgery.

A few months later, he came back to throw the first pitch at Minute Maid Park. Still, his health issues didn’t stop there.

Later, Dauer suffered a massive stroke that caused severe brain damage. He spent time in intensive care and had to go through several surgeries and treatments.

Before he passed away on February 3, 2025, he was staying in a rehab facility in Jacksonville, Florida. His daily schedule involved over three hours of therapy.

Community Involvement and Family

Dauer married Chris King, and together they had three children: Casey Lynn, Kelsey, and Katie. His family stuck by him during all his health struggles.

His daughter Kelsey Hoffman started a GoFundMe in 2024 to help pay for his growing medical expenses as things got worse.

Dauer even popped up in the 1988 film Stealing Home as the coach of the San Bernardino Spirit. That little role showed he still felt close to baseball after hanging up his cleats.

People knew him for his friendly personality and natural leadership. Teammates and fans alike remembered how he kept things light but made sure everyone stayed focused.

Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer spoke up after Dauer’s death, calling his personality “infectious” and saying it was a big part of the “Oriole way.”

Net Worth and Later Years

No one really knows the exact details about Dauer’s net worth. His 10-year stretch with the Baltimore Orioles gave him a solid financial foundation while he played.

Once he retired, he jumped right into coaching and spent 19 years in that world. He even served as first base coach for the Houston Astros, picking up another World Series title in 2017.

Medical bills from his brain injury and stroke hit hard and made things tough financially. His family’s fundraising efforts showed just how much ongoing care can cost.

Dauer’s legacy isn’t just about numbers or stats. The Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame inducted him, which says a lot about what he meant to the team.

He kept pouring his energy into baseball through his coaching. Dauer worked with younger players and stayed close to the game he loved.