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

Ron Tompkins managed to carve out a pretty unique spot in baseball history—even though he never actually won a major league game. This tall, lanky pitcher from San Diego played for the Kansas City Athletics and Chicago Cubs during two short MLB stints in 1965 and 1971.

He retired from pro baseball in 1971 after an 11-year career. That included 40 major league appearances and, maybe most memorably, a spot on a 1968 Topps rookie card next to future Hall of Famer Johnny Bench.

Tompkins’ major league stats weren’t flashy, but his journey through pro baseball is a story of persistence and adaptation. He went from throwing overhand fastballs to pitching submarine-style, always battling arm troubles and bouncing through six different organizations.

He notched three saves for the Cubs in 1971. He also became one of just three Kansas City Athletics pitchers to start a game before age 21.

His story doesn’t stop with his playing days. Tompkins was a high school star in California, then worked his way through the minors, and eventually transitioned into life after baseball. He turned down a USC scholarship as a promising prep standout and wrapped up his career in Triple-A, showing the grit it took to chase a baseball dream back when opportunities were pretty limited.

Early Life and Background

Ronald Everett Tompkins was born on November 27, 1944, in San Diego, California. There, he grew into a standout pitcher.

His athletic talents showed up early at Chula Vista High School, where he shined in both baseball and basketball.

Birthplace and Family Origins

Ronald Everett Tompkins entered the world in San Diego on November 27, 1944. He grew up in Southern California, which turned out to be a great place for a young athlete.

His family encouraged his love of sports from a young age. San Diego’s weather made it easy to train and play baseball year-round.

Tompkins grew into an impressive athlete as a teenager. He hit 6’4″ in high school, and that tall, skinny frame earned him the nickname “Stretch” later in his career.

Education and Early Baseball Influences

Tompkins went to Chula Vista High School and quickly made a name for himself as a dominant pitcher. His fastball and presence on the mound got the attention of scouts and coaches.

During his high school years, he put up some eye-popping stats. In 1961, Tompkins went 9-4 with a 1.03 ERA and struck out 137 hitters. That performance landed him on the All-CIF Baseball Second Team as a pitcher.

His senior year was even better. Tompkins finished with a 12-4 record and a 0.85 ERA at Chula Vista High. He also led his team to victory in the San Diego Lions Club baseball tournament in 1962, throwing a no-hitter against Escondido and earning MVP honors.

He wasn’t just a baseball guy at Chula Vista. Tompkins also starred in basketball, where his height made him a top scorer and rebounder. He even got involved in student government, showing he was well-rounded.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Ronald Everett Tompkins pitched in Major League Baseball for two teams over six years. He finished with a 0-2 record and a 3.96 ERA. His career ran from 1965 to 1971, but he spent most of that time in the minors between short MLB stints.

MLB Debut and Initial Season

Ron Tompkins made his MLB debut on September 9, 1965, with the Kansas City Athletics. He was only 20 when he reached the majors.

The young pitcher from San Diego took the mound in 5 games during his debut season that September. He got called up late, so he had just a small window to show what he could do.

Even with limited chances, Tompkins flashed some promise as a right-handed pitcher. That debut kicked off what would become a tough, winding road through pro baseball.

Years with Kansas City Athletics

Tompkins’ time with the Kansas City Athletics was short but marked his entry into MLB. After his September 1965 appearances, he struggled to stick on the big league roster.

He went back down to the minors after that first stint. Tompkins spent a lot of time working on his game in the Athletics’ farm system.

Eventually, the Athletics lost Tompkins in a series of moves. He bounced through the Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Royals, and Milwaukee Brewers systems during his minor league run.

Time with Chicago Cubs

Tompkins found his biggest MLB opportunity with the Chicago Cubs in 1971. That year was his last as a pro.

He pitched in 35 games as a reliever for the Cubs that season. That made up most of his 40 total MLB outings.

His final MLB appearance came on September 29, 1971, closing the book on his baseball career. Even with more chances in Chicago, Tompkins never did notch a win.

People called him “Stretch” for obvious reasons. Over his MLB career, he struck out 24 hitters and kept a solid 3.96 ERA.

Performance and Career Statistics

Ron Tompkins put up modest numbers during his brief MLB run, tallying 24 strikeouts in 50 innings. He finished with a 3.96 ERA and never got that elusive major league win.

Pitching Achievements and Playing Style

Tompkins earned the nickname “Stretch” thanks to his 6-foot-4, 198-pound frame. He showed some versatility with the Cubs in 1971.

That year, he pitched in 35 games, all in relief. Tompkins managed 3 saves during his Cubs run, proving he could handle closing out games.

His career strikeout-to-walk ratio sat at 1.00, which suggests he had decent control. Tompkins allowed 7.2 hits per nine innings, which was pretty respectable for that era.

He posted his best stats in 1965 with Kansas City, putting up a 3.48 ERA in five appearances over 10.1 innings.

Career ERA and Key Stats

Tompkins wrapped up his MLB career with a 3.96 ERA in 40 total games. That ERA was respectable for pitchers in the late ’60s and early ’70s.

He pitched 50 innings, gave up 40 hits, and allowed 22 earned runs. Tompkins walked and struck out 24 batters each.

His career WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) came in at 1.280. Tompkins also had a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.

Win–Loss Record

Tompkins never got a win in the big leagues, ending with an 0-2 record. Both losses happened during his 1971 season with the Cubs.

He didn’t have many chances to win as a reliever. The Athletics barely used him in 1965, giving him just one start in five games.

The Cubs used Tompkins only in relief in 1971. He pitched in 35 games but couldn’t grab a win.

He still managed three saves for Chicago. As a middle reliever and occasional closer, Tompkins showed the team trusted him in key spots.

Notable Highlights and Milestones

Ron Tompkins had his best pro season in 1971 with the Cubs, where he became a key bullpen arm and picked up three saves. But his most lasting claim to fame? That 1968 Topps rookie card with future Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench.

1971 MLB Season Recap

Tompkins had his top MLB season in 1971 with Chicago. He pitched in 35 games out of the bullpen and posted a 4.08 ERA over 39⅔ innings.

May was his best month—he allowed only 2 earned runs in 7 appearances. That stretch earned him a regular spot in Leo Durocher’s bullpen.

Key 1971 Stats:

• Games: 35
• Saves: 3
• ERA: 4.08
• Strikeouts: 20
• Walks: 21

He notched his first save against Cincinnati on June 2 with two perfect innings. During that game, he got Johnny Bench to ground out to short.

Tompkins struggled later in the season and ended up in Durocher’s “doghouse” in July and August. He didn’t pitch much late in the year but finished strong in September.

Memorable Moments and Historical Context

Tompkins made his MLB debut on September 9, 1965, with the Kansas City Athletics against the California Angels. He came in as a reliever in the seventh, retired Jim Fregosi and Willie Smith, and got out of a bases-loaded jam.

His first big league strikeout came against Dick Nen of the Washington Senators on September 22, 1965. Tompkins joined Catfish Hunter and Don Buschhorn as the only Kansas City pitchers to start a game before turning 21.

Later in his career, Tompkins switched to a submarine delivery to ease the strain on his sore arm. That change helped him earn a spot on the Cubs’ 1971 roster.

Career MLB Totals:

• Record: 0-2
• Games: 40
• Saves: 3
• ERA: 3.96
• Innings: 50

Tompkins never got that elusive major league win, ending with an 0-2 record between both teams.

Sharing a Rookie Card with Johnny Bench

The 1968 Topps Rookie Stars card with Tompkins and Johnny Bench is still one of the most valuable baseball cards from that era. The card featured both as Cincinnati Reds prospects.

Bench became a Hall of Famer, so the card is a hot item for collectors. Depending on its condition, it can fetch several hundred bucks today.

On the field, Tompkins actually held his own against Bench. Bench went 0-for-2 with a walk against him, so Tompkins kept a perfect record against the future Hall of Famer.

That card is a cool piece of baseball history, matching a short MLB career with one of the game’s all-time greats. This link has kept Tompkins’ name alive among collectors long after his playing days.

Life After Baseball and Retirement

Ronald Everett Tompkins left professional baseball and built a successful career in commercial real estate. Later, he worked over two decades for Interstate Brands.

He stayed close to his San Diego roots and focused on family and business in his post-baseball life.

Transition Out of Professional Sports

Tompkins retired from professional baseball in 1973 at just 28. An injury derailed his comeback attempt. On February 14, 1973, a lawnmower accident badly hurt the index finger on his right hand. He needed five stitches and couldn’t throw during spring training with the Chicago Cubs.

He finished his final professional season with Triple-A Wichita in 1973. Control issues plagued him—he walked 61 batters and struck out only 49. That was a sharp drop from his dominant 1972 season, where he posted a 1.65 ERA with 20 saves.

The transition after 11 seasons in pro baseball wasn’t easy. He had already started working as a commercial real estate agent during the offseasons. That side job gave him a foundation for his post-baseball career.

Personal Endeavors Post-Retirement

After his baseball retirement, Tompkins kept working in commercial real estate for a while. Eventually, he joined Interstate Brands. He started out as a route driver and, over more than 20 years, worked his way up to district manager.

Tompkins had two sons, Mark and Bryan, with his former wife Cherri. He stayed in Southern California and settled in Laguna Niguel. That’s where he lived until his death on February 4, 2023.

Even after leaving baseball, Tompkins kept his connection to the game alive. His famous 1968 Topps Rookie Stars card, shared with Johnny Bench, became a hot item for collectors. Depending on its condition, the card could fetch several hundred dollars.

Later in life, he developed Parkinson’s disease and heart problems. Those health issues eventually led to his death at age 78.

Legacy, Recognition, and Remembering Ron Tompkins

Ron Tompkins left a legacy built on perseverance and respect, not just stats. People recognized him as “one of the real nice guys in baseball.” He kept up friendships with teammates long after his playing days.

Reputation Among Teammates and Fans

Tompkins earned respect throughout baseball for his character and grit. Players and coaches often praised his work ethic and positive attitude during his years in the majors and minors.

They called him “Stretch,” thanks to his 6’4″ frame and his knack for stretching out his career by adapting. When arm troubles threatened to end things, Tompkins switched from an overhand delivery to a submarine style.

That move showed his commitment to the game. In 1971, Tompkins said, “You develop a love for the game after so long and just keep going. It can be a tough life, there’s a lot of traveling involved and at times you have to take a lot of abuse, so you have to love it to stay with it.”

He became a reliable reliever with the Chicago Cubs, finally seeing his persistence pay off. Manager Leo Durocher trusted him enough to put him on the Opening Day roster in 1971.

Impact on the Game

Tompkins made his mark in MLB history as part of a rare Kansas City Athletics milestone. He was one of just three A’s pitchers to start a game before turning 21, joining Catfish Hunter and Don Buschhorn.

No other team pulled off that feat until the Atlanta Braves did it in 2018. That puts Tompkins in a pretty unique club that spans five decades of baseball.

His rookie card with Johnny Bench turned into a valuable collector’s item. The 1968 Topps Rookie Stars card can fetch several hundred dollars if it’s in decent shape.

Tompkins showed that you could keep a major league career going if you adapted and stuck with it. Switching to submarine pitching gave him more years in the game and offered a bit of a blueprint for other pitchers facing tough times.

Obituary and Tributes

Ron Tompkins died on February 4, 2023, at age 78 in Laguna Niguel, California. Complications from Parkinson’s disease and heart disease took his life.

Family and close friends posted about his passing on social media. His son Mark shared some details about Ron’s life after baseball, mentioning his more than 20 years with Interstate Brands.

After leaving baseball, Tompkins started as a route driver and moved up to district manager. During his playing days, he also spent time working as a commercial real estate agent.

People in the baseball world remembered him with warmth. The obituary pointed out he “pitched in 40 games in the majors in the 1960s and ’70s” and that his sons Mark and Bryan, from his former wife Cherri, survive him.