Ron Hunt – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ron Hunt made a name for himself in baseball over a 12-season career from 1963 to 1974. He played for five teams: the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Montreal Expos, and St. Louis Cardinals.

As a second baseman, he kept a solid .273 batting average and picked up two All-Star selections. But honestly, people remember him more for something way more unusual.

Hunt owns the modern major league record for most times hit by a pitch in a single season—he got plunked 50 times in 1971 with the Montreal Expos. He crowded the plate and didn’t mind taking a fastball to the ribs if it meant getting on base. That attitude helped him lead the National League in hit-by-pitch for seven straight years from 1968 to 1974.

Growing up in St. Louis, Hunt’s career shows how a player can squeeze every drop out of their abilities with determination and a bit of a different approach. From his rookie days with the struggling Mets to helping Lou Brock chase stolen base records with the Cardinals, Hunt’s story is really about persistence and finding your own way to make an impact.

Early Life and Background

Ron Hunt’s journey to the majors started in St. Louis, Missouri. He was born there on February 23, 1941.

His family life wasn’t easy, but he built a strong athletic base at Ritenour High School. That’s where pro scouts first noticed him.

Birth and Family Origins

Ronald Kenneth Hunt grew up in northeast St. Louis. Some tough family moments shaped his childhood, especially after his parents split.

“My parents broke up when I was little,” Hunt told Newsday. “My grandparents took care of me most of the time.”

He thought of himself as a city kid at first, but later moved with his mom and grandparents to Overland. His grandparents, honestly, became his biggest supporters.

“They loved me so much they’d do anything for me,” Hunt said.

That family support meant a lot, especially when he ended up finishing his pro career with his hometown Cardinals in 1974.

Ritenour High School Athletics

At Ritenour High, Hunt played both third base and pitched. He showed off his flexibility and baseball smarts.

His high school play drew scouts’ attention. He played all over the diamond, which probably helped him later.

Those years at Ritenour set him up for what came next. He graduated in June 1959, ready for the next level.

Signing with the Milwaukee Braves

After graduation, Hunt signed with the Milwaukee Braves—the reigning National League champs then. That had to feel pretty exciting.

The Braves liked what they saw and offered him a pro contract. Hunt started out at third base for their Class D team in McCook, Nebraska.

At 18, he played alongside future Hall of Famer Phil Niekro (who was 20) and Pat Jordan (also 18). In 1960, the Braves moved him from third base to second. That switch would end up defining his whole career.

Influences Shaping His Career

Growing up, Hunt’s favorite player was Red Schoendienst, a second baseman who helped the Braves win pennants in ’57 and ’58. Maybe that made the move to second base easier for him.

For three seasons in the minors, Hunt played for Jimmy Brown, a former Cardinals second baseman. Brown’s coaching made a real difference as Hunt learned his new spot.

When Mets scout Solly Hemus came around in 1962, he asked Brown what he thought. “He said he thought the kid could make the major leagues,” Brown told Hemus.

Hunt’s rough playing style started to show during those years. That approach would later impress Casey Stengel at Mets spring training.

Major League Baseball Debut and Early Success

Ron Hunt broke in as a promising second baseman with the New York Mets in 1963. He quickly became the team’s first All-Star and built a 12-year career that took him to five teams.

Joining the New York Mets

Hunt spent four years in the Braves’ minor league system before the Mets bought his contract in October 1962. They added him to their big league roster.

At first, they used him as a bullpen catcher, not his usual role. Hunt went to manager Casey Stengel and said if they weren’t going to use him at second, he wanted to go to the minors and play there.

Stengel listened and made Hunt the regular second baseman. That move worked out for both sides. Hunt’s willingness to speak up showed the determination he’d carry through his career.

The Mets, still a new team, needed players who could help right away.

Rookie Season Highlights

In 1963, Hunt put up numbers that surprised people. He hit .272 with 10 homers and 42 RBIs, starting 142 games at second base.

Those 10 home runs ended up being his career high. He finished second to Pete Rose for National League Rookie of the Year, which was still a big deal.

Key 1963 Stats:

• Batting Average: .272
• Home Runs: 10 (career high)
• RBIs: 42
• Games Started: 142

He got hit by pitches 13 times his rookie year. That was just the beginning of what would become his trademark. Stengel even offered bonuses to anyone willing to take a pitch for the team.

Role with Casey Stengel and Early Teammates

Casey Stengel influenced Hunt in more ways than just putting him in the lineup. He encouraged Hunt’s aggressive plate approach and willingness to take a hit for the team.

Hunt liked the bonus system for hit-by-pitches and leaned into it. Since he didn’t have much power, he looked for other ways to help out offensively.

His teammates respected that. Taking a beating for the team earned Hunt plenty of credibility in the clubhouse. The Mets were still finding their identity in those days.

The partnership with Stengel set Hunt up for later success. Stengel’s experience managing legends like Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra gave Hunt a mentor to learn from.

1964 All-Star Game at Shea Stadium

Hunt’s 1964 season was even better—he hit .303 and became the Mets’ first-ever starting All-Star. That happened during Shea Stadium’s opening season.

The All-Star Game was at Shea, so Hunt got to represent the Mets in their new park. He went 1-for-3 in the game, helping out the National League.

That All-Star nod meant a lot for both Hunt and the team. The Mets hadn’t had much to cheer about, so his achievement felt special for fans.

His .303 average that year showed he was improving. He also tied his career-high with 42 RBIs and got hit by 11 pitches, continuing to develop his unique approach.

Professional Career Overview

Ron Hunt played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1963 to 1974. He made his mark as a tough, aggressive second baseman, mostly known for getting hit by pitches.

He played for five teams, starting with the Mets, then the Dodgers, Giants, Expos, and finally his hometown Cardinals.

Tenure with New York Mets (1963–1966)

Hunt debuted on April 16, 1963, with the Mets at age 22. The team bought his contract from the Braves in October 1962 after scout Solly Hemus gave him the thumbs up.

During spring training, Hunt’s aggressive style caught Casey Stengel’s eye. He helped the Mets win their first game of the 1963 season, ending an eight-game losing streak with a clutch two-run double in the ninth against the Braves.

In his rookie year, Hunt led the Mets in several offensive categories. He tallied 145 hits, 64 runs, 28 doubles, and hit .272. He also led the team with 13 hit-by-pitches, which became his calling card.

He finished second to Pete Rose for Rookie of the Year in 1963. Both guys played hard and had similar reputations for hustle.

In 1964, Hunt became the first Met to start an All-Star Game. Players, managers, and coaches picked him as the NL’s starting second baseman. He singled off Dean Chance in the game at Shea Stadium.

Hunt ran into some bad luck in 1965. Phil Gagliano collided with him on a play, separating Hunt’s left shoulder. He needed surgery and two metal pins, missing a chunk of the season, but came back in August.

Season with Los Angeles Dodgers

The Mets traded Hunt and Jim Hickman to the Dodgers in November 1966. In return, New York got two-time NL batting champ Tommy Davis and Derrell Griffith.

Hunt only spent one season in L.A. in 1967. He kept up his aggressive style and knack for getting on base.

That year with the Dodgers was a bit of a transition for Hunt. He stayed true to his scrappy reputation, crowding the plate and finding ways to get on.

San Francisco Giants Years

Hunt joined the Giants in 1968 and stayed with them through 1970. This is when he really started getting hit by pitches at a crazy rate.

From 1968 on, Hunt led the National League in hit-by-pitch for seven straight seasons. His batting stance made it almost inevitable—he choked up on the bat and planted himself right next to the plate.

Jim Murray from the L.A. Times joked that Hunt “couldn’t reach the ball unless two-thirds of his body was in the strike zone.” Hunt once said, “I don’t stand close to the plate. I sit right on it.”

Hunt knew what he was doing. Getting on base any way he could helped his team, and he was willing to take the pain for it. That willingness to get hit became his signature.

Montreal Expos and St. Louis Cardinals

Hunt really hit his stride with the Montreal Expos from 1971 to 1974. In 1971, he put up a .402 on-base percentage, racking up 145 hits, 58 walks, and an absurd 50 hit-by-pitches.

He kept it up in 1973, posting a .418 OBP with 124 hits, 52 walks, and 24 HBPs. Hunt once joked, “Some people give their bodies to science, I give mine to baseball.” Honestly, it’s hard to argue with that.

On September 29, 1971, Cubs pitcher Milt Pappas plunked Hunt for his 50th HBP of the season. That set a modern record, and nobody’s touched it since.

The Cardinals picked up Hunt on waivers from the Expos on September 5, 1974. Since he grew up in St. Louis, he got to wrap up his career right at home.

Hunt jumped in right away as a pinch-hitter for the Cardinals. Out of eight plate appearances, he got on base five times, good for a .625 OBP.

His patience at the plate helped Lou Brock break Maury Wills’ single-season stolen base record.

After the 1974 season, Hunt retired holding three major league records for getting hit by pitches: most in a career (243), most in a season (50), and most in a game (three, tied).

Playing Style and On-Field Achievements

Ron Hunt made his mark as a reliable second baseman. He squeezed every bit of value out of his unconventional approach at the plate.

His .273 career batting average and steady glove made him a solid contributor on five teams over 12 seasons.

Position Versatility: Second Base, Shortstop, Third Base

Hunt spent most of his big league career at second base from 1963 to 1974. He became the Mets’ everyday second baseman in 1963 after he went to manager Casey Stengel asking for a shot.

That moment happened while Hunt was working as a bullpen catcher. He told Stengel to send him to the minors to play second if they weren’t going to use him. Stengel surprised him by making him the starting second baseman.

Hunt’s steady defense at second base kept him in the lineup day after day. He played in 1,483 games, showing some real durability.

His reliable glove earned him starting jobs with several teams. Even when his bat cooled off later in his career, managers trusted him to hold down the position.

Second base just fit Hunt’s game. He had decent range and sure hands, and he kept the keystone locked down year after year.

Batting Approach and Offensive Strengths

Hunt’s approach at the plate was all about making contact and getting on base, whatever it took. Over 12 seasons, he hit .273 with 39 homers and 370 RBIs.

His best offensive year came in 1964, when he hit .303 for the Mets and became their first All-Star.

Hunt almost never struck out. He went down swinging just 382 times in 5,235 at-bats—about once every 13.7 at-bats. That’s some serious discipline.

In 1973, he set an Expos record by striking out only 19 times in 401 at-bats. No Expo with at least 400 at-bats has struck out less.

He showed a little pop early on, hitting 10 home runs in 1963. After his last homer on September 21, 1971, he went 1,302 at-bats without another.

Hunt didn’t have much power, but he made up for it by developing a strange specialty—getting hit by pitches. He became a master at it and used it to get on base all the time.

Defensive Performance and Fielding Skills

Hunt’s defense at second base was steady, nothing flashy. He fielded reliably and kept his spot in the lineup throughout his career.

His glove work was consistent enough that managers could trust him, even if his bat wasn’t hot. Hunt’s stability in the field made him valuable to every team he played for.

He had enough range and arm for the position. While he didn’t make the highlight reels, he made the routine plays and avoided big mistakes.

That consistency meant he could stick as a starter, even when he struggled at the plate. Teams knew what they were getting from him every day.

Hunt’s experience showed in how he positioned himself and read the game. He knew how to play different hitters and situations at second base.

His defense paired well with his knack for getting on base. Hunt’s steady glove made him a well-rounded player who helped his teams in a bunch of ways.

Record-Breaking Hit By Pitch Legacy

Ron Hunt carved out a unique place in baseball history by getting hit by pitches at a rate nobody else could match. His 1971 record of 50 HBPs in a season still stands, and his career total of 243 put him among the all-time leaders for decades.

1971 Single-Season Hit By Pitch Record

Hunt’s most famous feat came in 1971 with the Expos, when he got plunked 50 times. That set the modern MLB record.

He took his 50th HBP on September 29, 1971, in Montreal. Since 1900, nobody has topped that—only Hughie Jennings had more in a season, with 51 way back in 1896.

Hunt’s Peak HBP Years:

• 1968: 25 HBP
• 1969: 25 HBP
• 1970: 26 HBP
• 1971: 50 HBP
• 1972: 26 HBP
• 1973: 24 HBP

From 1968 to 1974, Hunt led the National League in HBPs for seven straight seasons. That’s a record for most seasons and most consecutive seasons leading the league in getting hit.

Career HBP Numbers and Comparisons

When Hunt retired in 1974, his 243 career HBPs stood as the post-Dead Ball Era record. Don Baylor eventually passed him in 1987, finishing with 267.

Craig Biggio later broke Baylor’s record in 2005, ending up with 285. Hughie Jennings still holds the all-time mark from the 1890s with 287.

Modern Era Career HBP Leaders:

1. Craig Biggio: 285
2. Don Baylor: 267
3. Ron Hunt: 243

Hunt averaged more than 20 HBPs a year over his 12 seasons. He had five seasons with 20-plus HBPs besides his wild 1971 campaign.

Impact on Baseball Strategy

Hunt’s willingness to get hit by pitches changed the way some players and teams thought about reaching base. He crowded the plate and didn’t flinch at inside pitches, turning it into a weapon.

The second baseman’s technique was simple—stand close and don’t bail out. That approach kept his on-base percentages high year after year.

He showed that taking a pitch for the team could actually be a real offensive strategy. Teams like the Expos valued his knack for getting on base, especially when he played with legends like Willie Mays and Willie McCovey late in their careers.

Players today still bring up Hunt’s style when talking about plate discipline and finding creative ways to get on. His records are still the gold standard for anyone who tries to use HBPs as a weapon.

Career Statistics and Recognition

Ron Hunt put together a solid big league career, standing out as one of baseball’s most unusual players. He made two All-Star teams and got inducted into the Montreal Expos Hall of Fame.

Career Batting and Fielding Stats

Hunt wrapped up his Major League Baseball career with a .273 batting average in 1,483 games from 1963 to 1974. He collected 1,429 hits, 39 homers, and 370 RBIs, scoring 745 runs.

His best year at the plate was 1964, when he hit .303 for the Mets. He only reached double-digit homers once, with 10 as a rookie in 1963.

Hunt was almost impossible to strike out. He fanned just 382 times in 5,235 at-bats, or once every 13.7 at-bats. In 1973, he set an Expos record by striking out only 19 times in 401 at-bats.

Probably his most famous stat: he got hit by pitches 243 times. He led the National League in that category for seven straight seasons, including the record 50 in 1971.

All-Star Selections and Awards

Hunt made the All-Star team twice, in 1964 and 1966. His first nod came in ’64, when he became the Mets’ first-ever starting All-Star.

That game was at Shea Stadium, his home park, and he picked up a hit in three at-bats. His second All-Star trip in 1966 was more memorable for what it meant to the team.

In the 1966 game, Hunt laid down a sacrifice bunt in the 10th inning, moving Tim McCarver to second. Maury Wills then drove in the winning run for the National League.

He also finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in 1963, losing out to Pete Rose.

Legacy with Teams and Hall of Fame Rankings

The Montreal Expos honored Hunt by inducting him into their Hall of Fame. He spent nearly four seasons with Montreal from 1971-1974, batting .277 along the way.

His best season with the Expos came in 1973, when he hit .309. In 1971, he scored 89 runs and set the post-1900 record for HBPs.

Hunt’s motto, “Some people give their bodies to science; I give mine to baseball,” really summed up his approach. He held the post-dead-ball era HBP record with 243 until Don Baylor broke it in 1987.

After hanging up his spikes, Hunt stayed involved in baseball, working with youth programs and coaching.

Life After Retirement

When Hunt retired in 1974, he started a new chapter marked by both personal challenges and family ties. The physical toll from his fearless playing style eventually led to serious health problems, but his St. Louis roots always stayed close.

Transition Out of Baseball

Hunt’s baseball career ended pretty abruptly in March 1975 when the Cardinals released him during spring training. The team had brought him back for one last shot after he played just a dozen games with them in 1974.

He wrapped up 12 years in the majors with a .273 average, 39 home runs, and 370 RBIs in 1,483 games. He also held the big league records for HBPs in a career (243), a season (50 in 1971), and a single game (three, tied).

Leaving pro baseball wasn’t easy for Hunt. He once said, “Some people give their bodies to science; I give mine to baseball.” Looking back, it’s almost eerie how true that turned out.

He settled on a farm in Wentzville, Missouri, not far from St. Louis. Hunt stayed connected to the game, collecting memorabilia and filling a whole room with baseballs from his career—including the one that hit him for number 243.

Health Challenges and Head Trauma

Hunt’s aggressive style left him with some serious health issues down the road. His wife Jackie said he suffered several concussions playing high school football, plus four more in the majors.

In recent years, doctors diagnosed Hunt with Parkinson’s disease. His cardiologist, Dr. Sam Bishara, first spotted early signs during a heart valve replacement and thought Hunt’s athletic injuries might be the cause.

Medical research backs that up. Studies show head trauma and concussions can raise Parkinson’s risk by 20-30 percent per year of playing. Now Hunt deals with tremors in his left hand, balance problems, and trouble with everyday tasks.

Hunt’s Current Symptoms:

• Tremors in his left (writing) hand
• Balance issues, especially when turning right
• Memory lapses
• Lower muscle tone
• Difficulty with daily routines

Even with all that, Hunt doesn’t regret how he played. When asked if he’d do it differently, he shot back, “Hell no. I’m still married.”

Community Involvement and Family Life

Hunt and his wife Jackie have been together for 57 years. They raised two kids, Tracy and Ron Jr.

The family still feels close to their New York roots. They show up at Mets events pretty often and keep in touch with old teammates and fans.

Tracy, their daughter, usually speaks for the family. She once described her dad’s health by saying, “He’s a shell of the man that he once was.” The family talks openly about Hunt’s health struggles, hoping to shine a light on what sports-related head trauma can do in the long run.

Hunt still meets baseball fans whenever he can. Even though his tremors make it tough, he signs autographs anyway.

In 2019, the family went to Opening Day at Citi Field. Hunt handed out signed photos and took pictures with fans.

The Hunts really value their New York connections. They’ve kept up relationships with neighbors from their days in Queens’ Maspeth neighborhood. When they visit, they often meet up at sports bars on Long Island.

Net Worth and Legacy

Nobody really knows Hunt’s exact net worth, but he seems to have found financial stability after retirement instead of amassing huge wealth. Most of his income probably comes from pension benefits, plus the occasional baseball appearance here and there.

When you look at Hunt’s legacy, it’s hard to ignore his truly unique spot in baseball history. For seven years straight, he led the National League in hit-by-pitches. He even practiced a special technique—yep, in front of a mirror—to boost his chances of getting on base.

He held the modern era record with 243 career hit-by-pitches until Craig Biggio broke it in 2005. Still, nobody has topped Hunt’s single-season record of 50 hit-by-pitches in 1971.

Modern players who managed to pass Hunt’s career total actually averaged way fewer hit-by-pitches per season. That says a lot about how unusual Hunt’s tactics were. He never hesitated to take one for the team, and fans—especially New York Mets fans—loved him for his blue-collar attitude.