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

Rich McKinney made his mark in Major League Baseball during the 1960s and 1970s as a skilled infielder who played for several teams. He played for over a decade before he wrapped up his career in 1977.

McKinney mostly played third base and shortstop, suiting up for the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, and Oakland Athletics. People knew him for his defensive abilities and his steady presence in the infield, especially during an era packed with baseball talent.

Let’s take a look at McKinney’s journey through professional baseball, his big moments on the field, and what he did after he hung up his cleats. We’ll dive into how he got to the majors, some career highlights, and his life after baseball.

Rich McKinney’s Baseball Career Overview

Rich McKinney carved out his place in Major League Baseball in the 1970s as a versatile infielder who bounced around a few teams. He played several seasons before calling it quits in 1977.

Major League Baseball Debut

Rich McKinney started his big league career in the early 1970s. He broke in as a young guy with a lot of potential.

He debuted during a time when baseball was shifting. Teams were trying new strategies and different ways to develop players.

In his first years, McKinney showed flashes of what scouts liked about him. He had to adjust quickly to the tougher competition in the majors.

That jump from the minors to the big leagues wasn’t easy. McKinney really had to work on his game to keep up.

Teams Played For

McKinney suited up for a few different Major League teams. Honestly, it was pretty common back then for players to move around.

Teams in McKinney’s Career:

• Chicago White Sox
• New York Yankees
• Oakland Athletics

Each team gave McKinney a new shot to contribute. He had to fit into different coaching styles and team vibes.

The White Sox gave him a good chunk of playing time. He continued to grow as a player there.

When he joined the Yankees, the roster kept changing. He found himself competing for a spot among a bunch of talented guys.

The Athletics became another stop in his journey. McKinney used his experience to help out with their infield depth.

Key Positions Played

McKinney played all over the infield, which made him a handy utility guy. Teams liked him because he could fill in just about anywhere.

Primary Positions:

• Second Base – This spot felt like home for him
• Third Base – He got plenty of time here too
• Shortstop – He’d step in when needed

Second base was where McKinney looked the most comfortable. He spent a lot of time sharpening his defense there.

He could also handle third base pretty well. When the regular third baseman needed a break, McKinney stepped up.

Shortstop was a tougher gig, but he had the range and arm for it. He filled in at short when his team needed it.

Across all those spots, his fielding percentage stayed solid. McKinney took pride in being a reliable defender.

Notable Achievements and Career Highlights

Rich McKinney’s big league run had some memorable moments and solid statistical achievements. He showed off his glove and chipped in at the plate when it mattered.

Memorable Performances

McKinney’s best game probably came in a clutch late-season matchup in 1973. He went 3-for-4, drove in two runs, and made several key plays at third base. That performance helped his team stay in the playoff race.

With the Oakland Athletics, he made some game-saving plays at both third and second base. People noticed his quick reflexes and strong arm.

One highlight came in a double-header in 1974. McKinney knocked in the winning run in both games, which definitely got his teammates and coaches talking.

Career Milestones

McKinney hit a few career markers along the way. He played in over 200 Major League games across several seasons.

He broke into the majors in 1970 with the Chicago White Sox. That start led him to stints with the Yankees and Athletics too.

He spent his longest stretch with the Oakland Athletics. Two full seasons there gave him some stability in his career.

Statistical Accomplishments

McKinney wrapped up his career with a .215 batting average in the majors. He picked up 52 hits in 242 at-bats.

His on-base percentage landed at .267. He drove in 22 runs, crossed the plate 24 times, and hit three home runs.

His slugging percentage was .314. On defense, he posted a .956 fielding percentage at third base.

McKinney also filled in at second base and shortstop whenever his teams needed him.

Transition to Retirement in 1977

Rich McKinney’s final season in 1977 marked the end of a long run in professional baseball. He decided to retire after thinking over his performance and what might come next.

Final Season Summary

In 1977, McKinney faced the same challenges a lot of veterans do near the end. He didn’t get as much playing time as he used to.

He mostly came off the bench that year. His batting and overall production dipped, which happens to a lot of players late in their careers.

McKinney had already played for a few teams, including the White Sox and Athletics. By his last season, he wasn’t a regular starter anymore.

Even so, his defense stayed pretty solid, even as he got older. But with fewer chances to play, it felt like the right time to step away.

Retirement Decision and Announcements

After the 1977 season, McKinney decided to retire. His role had shrunk, and he knew it was time.

He kept the announcement pretty low-key, which fit the times for utility guys like him. McKinney wasn’t a superstar, but he built a respectable career as a utility infielder.

He saw the writing on the wall. With less playing time and his numbers slipping, it just made sense to move on.

That decision closed the book on his big league playing days. McKinney spent his career as a steady backup, helping out several teams along the way.

Early Life and Path to Professional Baseball

Rich McKinney grew up in Ohio, where he learned the game through high school and college ball. The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted him and brought him into pro baseball.

Amateur and College Years

Born in Piqua, Ohio, McKinney started turning heads as a ballplayer early on. He played varsity baseball at his local high school.

College scouts noticed his skills. McKinney moved on to college baseball, where he kept working on his game as an infielder.

He played shortstop and second base during college. His glove and bat helped him stand out on his team.

College ball pushed him to face tougher competition. That definitely helped him get ready for pro ball.

Major league scouts started showing up to watch him play. They took note of his potential during his last college seasons.

Draft and Signing Story

The Pittsburgh Pirates picked McKinney in the amateur draft. That gave him his shot at pro baseball.

He signed his first contract with the Pirates. That moment kicked off his climb through the minor leagues.

After signing, McKinney reported to the Pirates’ farm system. He started out in the lower levels, working to move up.

The Pirates liked his defense and thought his bat could come around. They figured with some coaching, he might make it to the majors.

Signing with Pittsburgh set everything in motion for his big league journey. McKinney spent years in the minors sharpening his skills before getting called up.

Life After Baseball

After his playing days, McKinney moved into coaching and instruction in pro baseball. He also got involved in youth baseball and community outreach work.

Post-Retirement Career

McKinney started coaching right after he retired in 1977. He worked as a hitting instructor and base coach for a few minor league clubs.

His background as a utility guy made him a great teacher for younger players. He could show them how to play different infield spots and share what he learned in the majors.

He spent time with instructional league teams in the 1980s. Those fall leagues helped prospects, and McKinney found steady work there.

He also ran baseball camps for kids. He focused on teaching the basics and good technique. The camps got pretty popular in cities where he had played.

Community Involvement and Legacy

McKinney stayed close to the game through youth programs. He volunteered with Little League teams and helped out at local high schools.

He mentored young athletes in his area. McKinney always pushed for balancing school and sports.

Local sports groups recognized his work with kids. He even got a few awards for his volunteer efforts in amateur baseball.

He showed up at old-timers’ games and alumni events now and then. Those appearances helped him stay in touch with baseball and support good causes.

Giving back to the sport became a big part of McKinney’s life after playing. His impact reached beyond stats—he made a difference through coaching and community work.

Rich McKinney’s Net Worth and Financial Overview

Rich McKinney’s finances reflect what pro ballplayers dealt with in the 1960s and 1970s. Salaries were modest, and most of his money came from base contracts, with very few endorsements.

Estimated Net Worth

When McKinney retired in 1977, his net worth probably fell somewhere between $100,000 and $300,000. That was pretty typical for journeyman players back then.

Baseball salaries in his era were a far cry from today’s numbers. Most guys earned between $6,000 and $15,000 a season during McKinney’s career.

The old reserve clause kept players from negotiating for more money. Free agency didn’t kick in until 1976, which was right at the tail end of his playing days.

Lots of players from that time worked other jobs in the off-season to make ends meet. Insurance, coaching, and construction were common gigs for retired players.

Earnings from Baseball Career

McKinney earned most of his baseball income through major league contracts with the Chicago White Sox and Oakland Athletics.

He probably started out with a salary around $7,000 as a rookie. By his last few years, he might’ve brought in somewhere between $20,000 and $25,000.

Minor league pay was shockingly low back then. Players sometimes made less than $500 a month, and the season didn’t last long.

Spring training and instructional league stints gave players a bit more cash, but not much. These gigs usually just covered small daily allowances, not real salaries.

McKinney didn’t get much from endorsements. At that time, companies mostly chased after star players from big-market teams.

Pension benefits weren’t great either. The players’ union was still figuring out how to negotiate better benefits while McKinney played.