Ronn Reynolds – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ronn Reynolds isn’t a name you’ll hear tossed around by casual baseball fans, but his journey through pro ball covers a pretty interesting stretch in the sport’s history. The New York Mets picked him up in the 5th round of the 1980 draft, and Reynolds managed to carve out a career as a backup catcher in the majors. He wrapped up his professional playing days in 1990 with the Sun City Rays of the Senior Professional Baseball Association, hitting .283 over 14 games.

He never put up flashy numbers—just 142 MLB games across parts of nine seasons—but Reynolds really embodied that journeyman ballplayer type who keeps the game moving, mostly out of the spotlight. Born in Wichita, Kansas in 1958, and drafted out of the University of Arkansas, Reynolds suited up for a handful of teams: the Mets, Phillies, Astros, and Padres, bouncing around pro ball from 1979 to 1990.

Early Life and Path to Professional Baseball

Ronn Dwayne Reynolds’ path to pro ball started in the Midwest, built on a steady amateur career and some strong college years that put him on MLB scouts’ radar.

Family Background and Childhood

Born September 28, 1958, in Wichita, Kansas, Ronn Reynolds grew up in the heartland during the ‘60s and early ‘70s. As a kid, he just had that natural athletic streak and gravitated toward baseball early on.

Growing up in Kansas gave Reynolds plenty of chances to work on his skills, even though home life had its challenges. He often talked about how much his early coaches and mentors helped him out, giving him some much-needed structure.

He really stood out for his hand-eye coordination and defensive instincts—traits that eventually defined his career behind the plate. Even as a youngster in youth leagues, Reynolds started figuring out how to handle pitchers, a skill that would serve him well later.

Amateur Baseball Career

Reynolds’ abilities really started to turn heads in high school, where he quickly became a standout. His defensive skills behind the plate made him especially valuable, and it was pretty clear catching would be his thing.

After high school, he played at the University of Arkansas. There, he kept honing his craft and worked his way up to being a legitimate pro prospect. College ball let him face tougher pitching and sharpen his game-calling—both became his trademarks.

Scouts started to notice, especially the way Reynolds managed games and worked behind the plate. His defense and leadership caught more eyes than his bat ever did.

Draft and Entry Into Professional Baseball

The New York Mets grabbed Reynolds in the fifth round of the 1980 MLB Draft, 105th overall. That marked the real start of his pro career after Arkansas.

He signed on with the Mets and jumped into the minor leagues, where he started learning the ropes of pro ball. Those early assignments in the minors gave him a crash course in the grind of professional baseball.

Reynolds moved up through the minors, including a stop in the Carolina League, where he kept sharpening his defensive game. Working with pitchers became his real strength.

By the early ‘80s, Reynolds had worked his way up to the brink of the majors, going from Kansas kid to professional catcher.

Major League Debut and Career Overview

Ronn Reynolds broke into the majors in the early ‘80s, making a name for himself as a backup catcher—one who was way better known for his defensive chops than anything he did with the bat. His big league career covered five seasons and several teams, and he was always the guy you could count on behind the dish.

First MLB Appearance

Reynolds got his major league debut on September 29, 1982, with the New York Mets. At 24, he finally made it after getting drafted in the 5th round out of Arkansas.

He only got a quick look at the majors that year, coming up late in the season. After spending years in the minors, finally getting the call had to feel pretty sweet.

That first game kicked off a career where Reynolds would bounce around as a journeyman, always more valued for his glove than his bat.

Teams Played For

Throughout his five-season MLB career, Reynolds wore a few different uniforms. He started with the New York Mets (1982-1985), where he logged most of his big league time.

After the Mets, Reynolds moved on to the Phillies and Astros:

• New York Mets (1982-1985)
• Philadelphia Phillies (1986)
• Houston Astros (1988)

He usually wore No. 18. Even after his MLB days, Reynolds wasn’t quite ready to hang it up. In 1990, he joined the Sun City Rays of the Senior Professional Baseball Association and hit .283 in 14 games.

Role as a Catcher

Reynolds had the size for catching—6’0″, 200 pounds—and teams really valued him for his defense. He specialized in working with pitching staffs, especially relief pitchers, and his game management was always a plus.

He never hit much—just a handful of home runs over his career—and his batting stats were pretty modest. Still, he stuck around because you could trust him to handle pitchers and keep things steady.

Whenever teams needed a backup who could step in and do the job, Reynolds answered the call. That reliability kept him in pro ball all the way into 1990.

Years With the New York Mets

Ronn Reynolds spent three seasons with the New York Mets—1982, 1983, and again in 1985. His time there happened to line up with the Mets’ big turnaround, going from bottom of the standings to nearly winning it all.

Notable Seasons and Highlights

Reynolds debuted with the Mets on September 29, 1982, but only played in 2 games as a late-season call-up.

In 1983, he got a bit more playing time—21 games, and he even hit his first big league homer. He spent 1984 in the minors before coming back in 1985, which turned out to be his busiest Mets season with 28 games as Gary Carter’s backup.

Defense was always his calling card, and that’s what kept him around.

Teammates and Coaching Staff

During his Mets years, Reynolds shared the clubhouse with future stars like Darryl Strawberry (who showed up in 1983) and Dwight Gooden (arriving in 1984).

Gary Carter joined in 1985, which definitely cut into Reynolds’ playing time since Carter was the clear No. 1 catcher. Other big names included Keith Hernandez, Mookie Wilson, and Ron Darling.

George Bamberger managed the Mets in ‘82 and ‘83, and Davey Johnson took over by ‘85. Johnson would eventually lead the Mets to that legendary 1986 World Series win.

Mel Stottlemyre, the pitching coach, played a big part in shaping the young Mets arms during those years.

Mets History in the 1980s

The early ‘80s were rough for the Mets, and Reynolds came up during that rebuilding stretch. In ‘82 and ‘83, the team finished near the bottom.

By ‘84 and ‘85, things started clicking. The 1985 Mets, with Reynolds on the roster, won 98 games and just missed the playoffs. That set the stage for their huge 1986 season.

Back then, the Mets played at Shea Stadium—no Citi Field yet. The iconic Home Run Apple was already a thing, popping up for every Mets homer.

Those years marked the start of a golden era for the Mets, with the team going from perennial losers to one of the game’s most talked-about clubs.

Other Teams and Career Moves

After leaving the Mets, Reynolds bounced around a bit more, landing with the Phillies, Astros, and Padres—always as that steady backup catcher.

Time With the Phillies

On January 16, 1986, the Mets traded Reynolds to the Phillies along with Jeff Bittiger. The Mets got Rodger Cole and Ronnie Gideon in return. For Reynolds, it was a new start after three seasons with New York.

He played 34 games for the Phillies in 1986, again as a backup, working with their pitching staff and providing some veteran stability.

His Philly stint was short, but it was a key stop in his baseball journey. The Phillies were rebuilding, and Reynolds brought some experience and a reliable glove.

Houston Astros Years

After Philadelphia, Reynolds landed with the Houston Astros in 1987. He didn’t get much playing time, but when he did play, he kept things steady behind the plate. The Astros liked his experience and his knack for working with pitchers.

He wasn’t a regular starter, but his value came from knowing the game and helping out the staff—especially the younger catchers.

The Astros leaned on Reynolds for his baseball smarts and his ability to keep the pitching staff on track.

Stints With the Padres and Dodgers

Toward the end, Reynolds had short stints with other teams. Most notably, he played with the San Diego Padres in 1990, making his final MLB appearances.

He also spent time in the Dodgers’ and Padres’ minor league systems. At that point, Reynolds was valuable not just as a player but also as a mentor for younger catchers working their way up.

Those last stops wrapped up a career that spanned parts of six big league seasons from 1982 to 1990.

Free Agency and Retirement in 1990

Ronn Reynolds’ baseball career wrapped up in 1990, after a few more moves and a final shot with the Padres. He retired at 31, closing the book on a solid run as a pro.

Free-Agent Year and Impact

After the 1989 season, Reynolds hit free agency, parting ways with the Astros. On January 11, 1990, he signed with the San Diego Padres, hoping for one more run.

That signing didn’t lead to much big league action. Most of his 1990 season played out with the Padres’ AAA club, which pretty much signaled the end of his playing days.

The early ‘90s saw a lot of veterans like Reynolds facing tough choices about whether to keep chasing the big leagues or hang it up. For Reynolds, 1990 was the year he decided to call it a career.

Decision to Retire

Reynolds called it a career in 1990 at age 31, making his final major league appearance on July 5 with the San Diego Padres. He wrapped up his big league days with 143 games, 67 hits, and 4 home runs over six seasons.

He probably weighed his spot with the Padres and his long-term prospects before deciding to step away. Life as a backup catcher isn’t glamorous, and Reynolds spent plenty of time bouncing between the majors and AAA.

That year, a lot of other players also hung up their cleats. Reynolds left the game with a .188 batting average and 21 RBIs, numbers pretty much in line with what you’d expect from a defense-first backup catcher.

Significant Games and Individual Achievements

Even with just 143 Major League games under his belt, Ronn Reynolds managed a handful of memorable moments. His career, which ended with the Padres in 1990, included a few notable performances and some quirky incidents that fans still talk about, at least the ones who remember him.

Ejections and On-Field Incidents

Reynolds played with plenty of passion, but he rarely got mixed up in controversy. He didn’t argue with umpires much—unlike some catchers—and generally kept his record pretty clean when it came to ejections. That professional, even-keeled attitude helped him get along with umpiring crews.

One time, in a 1984 game with the Mets, Reynolds got into it over a called third strike. Things got heated, but he walked away before the ump could toss him. His teammates appreciated that restraint.

He built more of a reputation for calming pitchers down when things got tense, rather than stirring the pot. That knack for defusing drama made him valuable as a backup catcher year after year.

Notable Performances and Home Runs

Reynolds didn’t exactly light up the stat sheet, but he still had a few days in the sun. He managed 4 home runs in 356 at-bats—so each one felt like a small event.

His best day at the plate came on June 12, 1988, when he went 3-for-4 with a double and 2 RBIs for the Astros. Every now and then, he flashed some surprising pop, like that 400-foot homer at Veterans Stadium with the Phillies.

His final MLB appearance on July 5, 1990 for the Padres closed the book on his major league run. He never made an All-Star team, but teams kept him around for his defense and steady game management.

After MLB, Reynolds joined the Sun City Rays of the Senior Professional Baseball Association and actually hit .283 in 14 games—pretty solid for a guy winding down his career.

Influential Teammates and Managers

A lot of people shaped Ronn Reynolds’ career, both in the dugout and on the field. He crossed paths with Hall of Fame catchers, legendary pitchers—you name it. Those relationships made a difference.

Influence of Managers and Coaching Staff

While with the New York Mets, Reynolds played for a few managers who left a mark on his development. Davey Johnson, who ran things during Reynolds’ stint, really helped him sharpen his defensive skills behind the plate.

Specialized coaching also played a big role. The Mets’ staff in the ‘80s had a reputation for developing young players, and they spent plenty of time working with Reynolds on handling pitchers and running the game from behind the dish.

Later on, with teams like the Padres, Reynolds experienced new managerial approaches. He missed playing for Bruce Bochy, but his time in San Diego gave him a chance to learn from different coaches and pick up new ideas about the game.

Interactions With Notable Players

Reynolds backed up John Stearns and then Gary Carter with the Mets. Carter especially stood out—not just for his offense but for how he ran a game. Reynolds tried to pick up whatever he could from him.

He even caught Nolan Ryan while with the Astros. Working with Ryan, who demanded a lot, pushed Reynolds to up his game, especially when it came to pitch-calling and preparation.

Reynolds also shared clubhouses with guys like Nate Colbert, though their paths only crossed briefly. Being around so many veterans helped Reynolds see what it really took to stick in the majors.

Jumping from team to team exposed Reynolds to all sorts of different baseball cultures and styles. That experience made him a more adaptable backup catcher and gave him a wider perspective by the time his MLB days ended in 1990.

Off-Field Life and Personal Challenges

Like a lot of players from his era, Ronn Reynolds didn’t have an easy time off the field. His journey through pro sports, and after, included some tough battles with substance abuse, a rough transition out of baseball, and eventually a focus on family and community.

Struggles With Alcohol and Drugs

Reynolds played during the wild 1980s New York baseball scene, when substance abuse was just part of the landscape for a lot of athletes. Reynolds kept the details of his own struggles private, but the temptations were everywhere.

Plenty of his peers have talked about how tough it was to stay on track, with the pressure of performing and the nightlife that followed the team around.

Reynolds once admitted, “The baseball lifestyle in those days made it hard to stay focused. You’re young, there’s money, and there’s always something happening after games.”

He wasn’t alone—many players from that era have opened up about facing the same challenges.

Life After Baseball

After his last game with the Padres in 1990, Reynolds ran into the same wall a lot of retired athletes hit. He’d spent his whole adult life in baseball, and suddenly he had to figure out what came next.

At first, he stuck close to the game, coaching and helping out with instruction. He knew how to work with pitchers, and that opened doors to stay involved.

Eventually, Reynolds branched out into business, but he never really left baseball behind. He still showed up at alumni events and ran clinics now and then.

He said, “The hardest part was finding something that gave me the same satisfaction as playing. Baseball is such a unique profession—you can’t really replace that feeling.”

Community and Family Involvement

After baseball, Reynolds put a lot of energy into family life and community service. He got involved with youth baseball in his hometown, hoping to pass on the good stuff about sports to the next generation.

He’s helped out at charity events with other ex-MLB players, raising money for youth programs and substance abuse prevention. That’s become a big part of how he gives back.

Reynolds keeps his family life pretty private, but friends say the way he shifted from ballplayer to family man is what really matters to him.

He’s said, “What I’m most proud of isn’t anything I did on the field. It’s being there for my family and helping kids learn not just about baseball, but about making good choices in life.”

Health Issues and Legacy

Ronn Reynolds ran into some tough health challenges after baseball, and those struggles tested him in ways the game never did.

Heart Attack and Health Battles

In his early 50s, Reynolds suffered a heart attack. Even though he’d always stayed pretty active, heart trouble hit him out of nowhere.

He later said, “It completely blindsided me. One minute I was fine, the next I was fighting for my life.”

After that, Reynolds had to overhaul his lifestyle. He stuck to a strict diet and started a heart-friendly exercise routine.

He went through cardiac rehab three times a week and checked in with doctors regularly. He tackled recovery with the same grit he showed as a catcher.

Hospitalization at SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital

Things got worse in 2013, and Reynolds ended up at SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital for emergency care. The place is known for cardiac work, and it became his home base for a while.

Doctors performed procedures like angioplasty to clear up blocked arteries. He spent nearly two weeks there as they stabilized his condition.

The hospital staff noticed his positive attitude. One nurse even commented that he brought the same determination to recovery as he did to baseball.

Friends and former teammates stopped by, bringing memorabilia for him to autograph—items they’d later auction off to support heart research.

Legacy in Baseball

Reynolds never really became a superstar, but his mark on baseball sticks around thanks to everything he did as a defensive catcher. He spent parts of six major league seasons on the field, suiting up for teams like the Mets and Phillies.

People still talk about how well Reynolds worked with pitchers and ran the game from behind the plate. A lot of folks from his playing days call him one of the most underrated defensive catchers of that era—maybe not flashy, but steady and smart.

His big moment came in 1986, when he played a huge role in helping some young pitchers grow into future All-Stars.

After hanging up his gear, Reynolds started showing up at baseball clinics, passing on what he knows to younger catchers. He’s also a familiar face at card shows and alumni events, where he chats with fans who remember and respect his time in the game.