Pat Osburn
Encyclopedia
Larry Patrick "Pat" Osburn (May 4, 1949 in Murray, Kentucky
) is a retired professional baseball
pitcher
. Osburn played six seasons in professional baseball, including two in Major League Baseball
with the Cincinnati Reds
(1974) and the Milwaukee Brewers
(1975). He was drafted a total of four times, but did not sign after his first three selections. In the 1970 Major League Baseball Draft
(secondary phase), Osburn was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds and eventually signed. Over his career, Osburn went 0–1 with a 6.53 earned run average
(ERA) and five strikeouts in six games, one start
.
Osburn began his professional career with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians
in 1971. He played for the Indians, who were in the Cincinnati Reds' affiliated minor league
organization, for the next four seasons (1971–1974). He also played for the Triple-A Sacramento Solons
(1975) in the Milwaukee Brewers organization, and the Double-A Jacksonville Suns
(1976) in the Kansas City Royals
organization. Over his minor league career, Osburn went 43–37 with a 3.61 ERA in 134 games, 114 starts.
in Clearwater, Florida
where he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals
in the 33 round of the 1967 Major League Baseball Draft
. While attending Clearwater High School, Osburn played quarterback
on the football
team and was honored with the "Black and Blue Award" by The Evening Independent
after he was injured in a game in September 1966. After the 1967 baseball season, the St. Petersburg Times
named Osburn as the "Most Valuable Baseball Performer". Osburn went on to attend Manatee Community College
. He played for the United States national baseball team
in the 1968 World Amateur Baseball Championship where he struck out
10 in seven innings pitched
against the Cuba national baseball team
.
At Manatee Community College in 1969, Osburn went 10–1 with a 0.74 earned run average
(ERA), and 158 strikeouts. Osburn was drafted twice in 1969, first by the Chicago White Sox
in the second round of the June amateur draft
, and then by the Seattle Pilots
in the first round of the June secondary draft. Osburn said he did not sign with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago White Sox because he did not want to undersell himself, and the he was weary of signing with the Pilots because it was an organization that he "hadn't heard of". He ended-up not signing with the Pilots and instead went on to attend Florida State University
. Osburn was selected in the first round of the 1970 Major League Baseball Draft
by the Cincinnati Reds, and eventually signed.
organization. He attended spring training
with the Reds, officially making it his professional debut. Reds' manager
Sparky Anderson
hinted during spring that it could be a possibility that Osburn could make the final 25-man roster., however, on April 2, Osburn was sent to the minor leagues
. He was assigned to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians
. In July, Osburn had the lowest earned run average
(ERA) in the American Association
. On the season, he went 8–8 with a 2.51 ERA, five complete games, two shutouts, and 125 strikeouts in 27 games, all starts. Osburn was fifth in the league in strikeouts, and ninth in ERA. Osburn joined the Reds as a non-roster invitee for spring training in 1972. He started the season with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. On the season, Osburn went 8–8 with a 5.28 ERA, one complete game, and 71 strikeouts in 26 games, 24 starts. In 1973, Osburn again started the season with the Indians of the American Association. During the season, Osburn had a five game winning streak until August 18. He finished the season with a record of 11–7 with a 3.69 ERA in 28 games, 27 starts.
Out of spring training in 1974, Osburn made the Reds' 25-man roster. He made his major league debut on April 13, against the Atlanta Braves
, where in two innings pitched
Osburn gave-up three earned runs. After sustaining an injury in June, Osburn was sent down the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians by the Reds. Pitcher Dick Baney
was called-up in place of Osburn. In the majors that season, Osburn was involved in no decisions with a 8.00 ERA, and four strikeouts in six games. During his time in the minors, Osburn went 2–3 with a 2.54 ERA, one complete game, and 28 strikeouts in 11 games, seven starts. The Associated Press
reported that Osburn "quit" after being sent to the minors.
for John Vukovich
. Osburn was the lat player to be cut from the spring training roster and sent to the minor leagues in 1975. He was then assigned to the Triple-A Sacramento Solons
of the Pacific Coast League
. Early into the season, Osburn was placed on the disabled list with a sore arm. It was noted by The Evening Independent that Osburn was got better as the year went on. On August 28, the Brewers noted that they would only call-up one player when the roster expanded to 40 players on September 1, and that it would be Osburn. In the minors that season, Osburn went 7–7 with a 4.62 ERA, three complete games, one shutout, one save, and 85 strikeouts in 28 games, 15 starts. In the majors, Osburn went 0–1 with a 5.40 ERA, and one strikeout in six games, one start. On December 22, 1975, Osburn was traded by the Milwaukee Brewers to the Kansas City Royals
for outfielder Kenzie Davis. Osburn spent the entire 1976 season with the Double-A Jacksonville Suns
of the Southern League
. On the season, he went 7–4 with a 2.32 ERA, seven complete games, two shutouts, and 52 strikeouts in 14 games, all starts. That season would prove to be his last in professional baseball.
State Senator
Wilbur H. Boyd. Osburn was also the brother-in-law
of catcher
Milt May
. Osburn and his wife had their first child, a girl, in 1974. During his playing career, Osburn resided in Holmes Beach, Florida
.
Murray, Kentucky
Murray is a city in Calloway County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 17,741 at the 2010 census and has a micropolitan area population of 37,191. It is the 22nd largest city in Kentucky...
) is a retired professional baseball
Professional baseball
Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. In these leagues, and associated farm teams, players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system....
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
. Osburn played six seasons in professional baseball, including two in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
with the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
(1974) and the Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
(1975). He was drafted a total of four times, but did not sign after his first three selections. In the 1970 Major League Baseball Draft
1970 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1970 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign- Background :The regular and secondary phases of the January draft proved more fruitful to major league clubs than the June draft...
(secondary phase), Osburn was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds and eventually signed. Over his career, Osburn went 0–1 with a 6.53 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
(ERA) and five strikeouts in six games, one start
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
.
Osburn began his professional career with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians
Indianapolis Indians
The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis...
in 1971. He played for the Indians, who were in the Cincinnati Reds' affiliated minor league
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
organization, for the next four seasons (1971–1974). He also played for the Triple-A Sacramento Solons
Sacramento Solons
The Sacramento Solons were a minor league baseball team based in Sacramento, California. They played in the Pacific Coast League during several periods . The current Sacramento River Cats began play in 2000...
(1975) in the Milwaukee Brewers organization, and the Double-A Jacksonville Suns
Jacksonville Suns
The Jacksonville Suns are a minor league baseball team based in Jacksonville, Florida. The team is currently a member of the Southern League and is the class Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins Major League Baseball team...
(1976) in the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
organization. Over his minor league career, Osburn went 43–37 with a 3.61 ERA in 134 games, 114 starts.
Amateur career
Osburn attended Clearwater High SchoolClearwater High School
Clearwater High School is a public high school located in Clearwater, Florida. It is a member of the Pinellas County School System. The school's nickname is the Tornadoes. Their colors are Crimson and Gray which is also the name of their fight song. The school is known for great athletic teams in...
in Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater is a city located in Pinellas County, Florida, US, nearly due west of Tampa and northwest of St. Petersburg. In the west of Clearwater lies the Gulf of Mexico and in the east lies Tampa Bay. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 108,787. It is the county seat of...
where he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
in the 33 round of the 1967 Major League Baseball Draft
1967 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1967 Major League Baseball draft.- Background :The June draft was filled with talented prospects who would go on to pro careers...
. While attending Clearwater High School, Osburn played quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
on the football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
team and was honored with the "Black and Blue Award" by The Evening Independent
The Evening Independent
The Evening Independent was St. Petersburg, Florida's first daily newspaper. The sister evening newspaper of the St. Petersburg Times, it was launched as a weekly newspaper in March 1906 under the ownership of Willis B. Powell. In November 1907, it became a daily paper as the St...
after he was injured in a game in September 1966. After the 1967 baseball season, the St. Petersburg Times
St. Petersburg Times
The St. Petersburg Times is a United States newspaper. It is one of two major publications serving the Tampa Bay Area, the other being The Tampa Tribune, which the Times tops in both circulation and readership. Based in St...
named Osburn as the "Most Valuable Baseball Performer". Osburn went on to attend Manatee Community College
Manatee Community College
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, formerly known as Manatee Community College, is a Florida state college with campuses in Bradenton, Venice and Lakewood Ranch...
. He played for the United States national baseball team
United States national baseball team
The United States National Baseball team represents the United States in international baseball competition. The United States has won the previous two Baseball World Cups, having lost this title to the Netherlands in 2011, and is currently second in the IBAF World Rankings, behind Cuba.The team...
in the 1968 World Amateur Baseball Championship where he struck out
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
10 in seven innings pitched
Innings pitched
In baseball, innings pitched are the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of batters and baserunners that are put out while the pitcher on the pitching mound in a game. Three outs made is equal to one inning pitched. One out counts as one-third of an inning, and two...
against the Cuba national baseball team
Cuba national baseball team
The Cuba national baseball team is the national team of Cuba. The team is made up of amateur players from the Cuban national baseball system, as there are no professional sports leagues in Cuba...
.
At Manatee Community College in 1969, Osburn went 10–1 with a 0.74 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
(ERA), and 158 strikeouts. Osburn was drafted twice in 1969, first by the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
in the second round of the June amateur draft
1969 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1969 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign- Background :The Washington Senators tabbed slugging outfielder Jeff Burroughs of Wilson High School in Long Beach, CA as the nation's number one pick...
, and then by the Seattle Pilots
Seattle Pilots
The Seattle Pilots were an American professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington for one season, . The Pilots played home games at Sick's Stadium and were a member of the West Division of Major League Baseball's American League...
in the first round of the June secondary draft. Osburn said he did not sign with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago White Sox because he did not want to undersell himself, and the he was weary of signing with the Pilots because it was an organization that he "hadn't heard of". He ended-up not signing with the Pilots and instead went on to attend Florida State University
Florida State University
The Florida State University is a space-grant and sea-grant public university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a comprehensive doctoral research university with medical programs and significant research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation...
. Osburn was selected in the first round of the 1970 Major League Baseball Draft
1970 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1970 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign- Background :The regular and secondary phases of the January draft proved more fruitful to major league clubs than the June draft...
by the Cincinnati Reds, and eventually signed.
Cincinnati Reds
In 1971, Osburn began his professional career in the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
organization. He attended spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
with the Reds, officially making it his professional debut. Reds' manager
Manager (baseball)
In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
Sparky Anderson
Sparky Anderson
George Lee "Sparky" Anderson was an American Major League Baseball manager. He managed the National League's Cincinnati Reds to the 1975 and 1976 championships, then added a third title in 1984 with the Detroit Tigers of the American League. He was the first manager to win the World Series in both...
hinted during spring that it could be a possibility that Osburn could make the final 25-man roster., however, on April 2, Osburn was sent to the minor leagues
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
. He was assigned to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians
Indianapolis Indians
The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis...
. In July, Osburn had the lowest earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
(ERA) in the American Association
American Association (20th century)
The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the...
. On the season, he went 8–8 with a 2.51 ERA, five complete games, two shutouts, and 125 strikeouts in 27 games, all starts. Osburn was fifth in the league in strikeouts, and ninth in ERA. Osburn joined the Reds as a non-roster invitee for spring training in 1972. He started the season with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. On the season, Osburn went 8–8 with a 5.28 ERA, one complete game, and 71 strikeouts in 26 games, 24 starts. In 1973, Osburn again started the season with the Indians of the American Association. During the season, Osburn had a five game winning streak until August 18. He finished the season with a record of 11–7 with a 3.69 ERA in 28 games, 27 starts.
Out of spring training in 1974, Osburn made the Reds' 25-man roster. He made his major league debut on April 13, against the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
, where in two innings pitched
Innings pitched
In baseball, innings pitched are the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of batters and baserunners that are put out while the pitcher on the pitching mound in a game. Three outs made is equal to one inning pitched. One out counts as one-third of an inning, and two...
Osburn gave-up three earned runs. After sustaining an injury in June, Osburn was sent down the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians by the Reds. Pitcher Dick Baney
Dick Baney
Richard Lee Baney is an American former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox with the 9th pick of the secondary phase of the 1966 amateur draft, and later drafted by the Seattle Pilots from the Red Sox as the 33rd pick in the 1968 expansion draft...
was called-up in place of Osburn. In the majors that season, Osburn was involved in no decisions with a 8.00 ERA, and four strikeouts in six games. During his time in the minors, Osburn went 2–3 with a 2.54 ERA, one complete game, and 28 strikeouts in 11 games, seven starts. The Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
reported that Osburn "quit" after being sent to the minors.
Later career
On October 22, 1974, the Cincinnati Reds traded Osburn to the Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
for John Vukovich
John Vukovich
John Christopher Vukovich was an American third baseman and coach in Major League Baseball best known for his years of service with the Philadelphia Phillies. He played in parts of ten seasons from 1970 to 1981 for the Phillies, Cincinnati Reds, and Milwaukee Brewers...
. Osburn was the lat player to be cut from the spring training roster and sent to the minor leagues in 1975. He was then assigned to the Triple-A Sacramento Solons
Sacramento Solons
The Sacramento Solons were a minor league baseball team based in Sacramento, California. They played in the Pacific Coast League during several periods . The current Sacramento River Cats began play in 2000...
of the Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
. Early into the season, Osburn was placed on the disabled list with a sore arm. It was noted by The Evening Independent that Osburn was got better as the year went on. On August 28, the Brewers noted that they would only call-up one player when the roster expanded to 40 players on September 1, and that it would be Osburn. In the minors that season, Osburn went 7–7 with a 4.62 ERA, three complete games, one shutout, one save, and 85 strikeouts in 28 games, 15 starts. In the majors, Osburn went 0–1 with a 5.40 ERA, and one strikeout in six games, one start. On December 22, 1975, Osburn was traded by the Milwaukee Brewers to the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
for outfielder Kenzie Davis. Osburn spent the entire 1976 season with the Double-A Jacksonville Suns
Jacksonville Suns
The Jacksonville Suns are a minor league baseball team based in Jacksonville, Florida. The team is currently a member of the Southern League and is the class Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins Major League Baseball team...
of the Southern League
Southern League (baseball)
The Southern League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the Southern United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The original league was formed in , and shut down in . A new league, the Southern Association, was formed in , consisting of twelve teams...
. On the season, he went 7–4 with a 2.32 ERA, seven complete games, two shutouts, and 52 strikeouts in 14 games, all starts. That season would prove to be his last in professional baseball.
Personal life
Osburn's father is named William M. Osburn. Osburn engaged Valerie Iris Irene Boyd, daughter of FloridaFlorida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
State Senator
State Senator
A state senator is a member of a state's Senate, the upper house in the bicameral legislature of 49 U.S. states, or a legislator in Nebraska's one house State Legislature.There are typically fewer state senators than there are members of a state's lower house...
Wilbur H. Boyd. Osburn was also the brother-in-law
Brother-in-law
A brother-in-law is the brother of one's spouse, the husband of one's sibling, or the husband of one's spouse's sibling.-See also:*Affinity *Sister-in-law*Brothers in Law , a 1955 British comedy novel...
of catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
Milt May
Milt May
Milton Scott May is a former professional baseball player and coach who played in the Major Leagues from to for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, and San Francisco Giants. May was a catcher who hit for a fairly high batting average during the era in which...
. Osburn and his wife had their first child, a girl, in 1974. During his playing career, Osburn resided in Holmes Beach, Florida
Holmes Beach, Florida
Holmes Beach is a city on Anna Maria Island in Manatee County, Florida, United States. The population was 4,966 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 5,100. It is part of the Bradenton–Sarasota–Venice Metropolitan Statistical Area...
.