Pete Richert
Encyclopedia
Peter Gerard Richert is a former Major League Baseball
left-handed
pitcher
. He pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers
(1962–64, 1972–73), Washington Senators
(1965–67), Baltimore Orioles
(1967–71), St. Louis Cardinals
(1974) and Philadelphia Phillies
(1974).
In his Major league debut on April 12, against the Cincinnati Reds
at Dodger Stadium
, Richert set a record by striking out
the first six batters he faced. His Dodgers trailing 4-0, he entered the game with two outs in the top of the second inning and struck out Vada Pinson
for the final out. Richert then recorded a four-strikeout third inning in which his victims were Frank Robinson
(his future Oriole teammate), Gordy Coleman
(who reached first base on a passed ball
by Johnny Roseboro
), Wally Post
and Johnny Edwards
; his record-tying sixth strikeout was of Tommy Harper
leading off the fourth. To date, Richert is the only pitcher to record a four-strikeout inning in his Major League debut. Richert won the game in 3 1/3 innings of relief
, giving up no hits or walks and striking out seven. That year, he went 5-4 as a spot starter in a rotation led by the future Hall-of-Fame duo of Don Drysdale
and Sandy Koufax
. In he went 5-3 on a Dodger team that won the World Series
; Richert did not pitch in the Series, which the Dodgers swept from the New York Yankees
.
After the season Richert, Frank Howard
, and two other players were traded to the Washington Senators for two players (one of whom was fellow pitcher Claude Osteen
) and $100,000 cash. Richert’s two full seasons with the Senators, and , were the two best seasons of his career. In the former he won a career-high 15 games with a 2.60 earned run average
, also a career high. In the latter he went 14-14 with a 3.37 ERA and set a career-high with 195 strikeouts. He also struck out seven consecutive batters in an April 24 game against the Detroit Tigers
in the latter year, but still lost, 4-0. Richert was also an All Star
during both seasons and was the losing pitcher in the latter game, giving up a single to ex-Dodger teammate Maury Wills
, which scored Tim McCarver
for the winning run in the 10th inning.
After going 2-6 to start the season Richert was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in the same deal that sent Mike Epstein
to Washington. Richert went 7-10 as an Oriole in this, his final season as a starter. In he went 6-3 with a 3.47 earned run average in his first season as a relief pitcher.
Richert pitched on an Oriole team that played in three consecutive World Series
from to . In 1969 he went 7-4 with 12 saves and a 2.20 ERA. The Orioles lost the World Series
in surprising fashion to the New York Mets
, and Richert was involved in a controversial play that ended Game Four. In the bottom of the tenth, with the game tied at 1-1, J. C. Martin
laid down a bunt and was hit by Richert’s throw; the error allowed Rod Gaspar
to score the winning run from second. Television replays would later show that Martin had been running inside the baseline, which could have resulted in him being called out for interference.
In Richert went 7-2 with 13 saves and a 1.98 ERA. He was a member of the World Championship
Orioles team that year, the Orioles defeating the Cincinnati Reds
in five games. Richert saved Game One of that Series in relief of Jim Palmer
.
During a 13-year baseball career, he compiled 80 wins
, 925 strikeout
s, and a 3.19 earned run average
.
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...
left-handed
Left-handed
Left-handedness is the preference for the left hand over the right for everyday activities such as writing. In ancient times it was seen as a sign of the devil, and was abhorred in many cultures...
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...
. He pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
(1962–64, 1972–73), Washington Senators
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
(1965–67), Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
(1967–71), 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...
(1974) and Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
(1974).
In his Major league debut on April 12, against 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....
at Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium, also sometimes called Chavez Ravine, is a stadium in Los Angeles. Located adjacent to Downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium has been the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers team since 1962...
, Richert set a record by striking 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....
the first six batters he faced. His Dodgers trailing 4-0, he entered the game with two outs in the top of the second inning and struck out Vada Pinson
Vada Pinson
Vada Edward Pinson, Jr. was an American center fielder and coach in Major League Baseball. Pinson played in the major leagues for 18 years, from 1958 through 1975, and his greatest seasons were with the Cincinnati Redlegs/Reds, for whom he played from 1958–68.Pinson combined power, speed and...
for the final out. Richert then recorded a four-strikeout third inning in which his victims were Frank Robinson
Frank Robinson
Frank Robinson , is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and manager. He played from 1956–1976, most notably for the Cincinnati Reds and the Baltimore Orioles. He is the only player to win league MVP honors in both the National and American Leagues...
(his future Oriole teammate), Gordy Coleman
Gordy Coleman
Gordon Calvin Coleman was a Major League first baseman with the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds ....
(who reached first base on a passed ball
Passed ball
In baseball, a catcher is charged with a passed ball when he fails to hold or control a legally pitched ball that, with ordinary effort, should have been maintained under his control. When, as a result of this loss of control, the batter or a runner on base advances, the catcher is thereby charged...
by Johnny Roseboro
Johnny Roseboro
John Junior Roseboro was a Major League Baseball catcher and coach, who was born in Ashland, Ohio.-Career:A left-handed-hitter, Roseboro had a lifetime .249 batting average with 104 home runs and 548 RBI in 1585 games played with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers , Minnesota Twins and...
), Wally Post
Wally Post
Walter Charles Post was a right fielder in Major League Baseball. From 1949 through 1964, Post played for the Cincinnati Reds & Redlegs , Philadelphia Phillies , Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians...
and Johnny Edwards
Johnny Edwards (baseball player)
John Alban Edwards was a former professional baseball catcher known for his excellent defensive skills. He played in the Major Leagues for the Cincinnati Reds , St...
; his record-tying sixth strikeout was of Tommy Harper
Tommy Harper
Tommy Harper is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder and third baseman. He played with the Cincinnati Reds , Cleveland Indians , Seattle Pilots , Milwaukee Brewers , Boston Red Sox , California Angels , Oakland Athletics , and the Baltimore Orioles .-High School...
leading off the fourth. To date, Richert is the only pitcher to record a four-strikeout inning in his Major League debut. Richert won the game in 3 1/3 innings of relief
Relief pitcher
A relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
, giving up no hits or walks and striking out seven. That year, he went 5-4 as a spot starter in a rotation led by the future Hall-of-Fame duo of Don Drysdale
Don Drysdale
Donald Scott "Don" Drysdale was a Major League Baseball player and Hall of Fame right-handed pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was one of the dominant starting pitchers of the 1960s, and became a radio and television broadcaster following his playing career...
and Sandy Koufax
Sandy Koufax
Sanford "Sandy" Koufax is a former left-handed baseball pitcher who played his entire 12-year Major League Baseball career for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers...
. In he went 5-3 on a Dodger team that won the World Series
1963 World Series
The 1963 World Series matched the two-time defending champion New York Yankees against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with the Dodgers sweeping the Series in four games to capture their second title in five years, and their third in franchise history....
; Richert did not pitch in the Series, which the Dodgers swept from the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
.
After the season Richert, Frank Howard
Frank Howard (baseball player)
Frank Oliver Howard , nicknamed "Hondo", "The Washington Monument", and "The Capital Punisher", is a former left and right fielder, coach and manager in Major League Baseball who played most of his career for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Senators/Texas Rangers...
, and two other players were traded to the Washington Senators for two players (one of whom was fellow pitcher Claude Osteen
Claude Osteen
Claude Wilson Osteen , nicknamed "Gomer" because of his resemblance to Gomer Pyle, is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He pitched for six different teams: the Cincinnati Redlegs/Reds , Washington Senators , Los Angeles Dodgers , Houston Astros , St...
) and $100,000 cash. Richert’s two full seasons with the Senators, and , were the two best seasons of his career. In the former he won a career-high 15 games with a 2.60 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...
, also a career high. In the latter he went 14-14 with a 3.37 ERA and set a career-high with 195 strikeouts. He also struck out seven consecutive batters in an April 24 game against the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
in the latter year, but still lost, 4-0. Richert was also an All Star
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
during both seasons and was the losing pitcher in the latter game, giving up a single to ex-Dodger teammate Maury Wills
Maury Wills
Maurice Morning "Maury" Wills is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and switch-hitting batter who played most prominently with the Los Angeles Dodgers , and also with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Montreal Expos...
, which scored Tim McCarver
Tim McCarver
James Timothy "Tim" McCarver is an American former Major League Baseball catcher, and a current sportscaster in residence for Fox Sports.-Playing career:...
for the winning run in the 10th inning.
After going 2-6 to start the season Richert was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in the same deal that sent Mike Epstein
Mike Epstein
Michael Peter Epstein , nicknamed SuperJew, is a former Major League Baseball player for the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Senators, Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, and California Angels from –....
to Washington. Richert went 7-10 as an Oriole in this, his final season as a starter. In he went 6-3 with a 3.47 earned run average in his first season as a relief pitcher.
Richert pitched on an Oriole team that played in three consecutive World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
from to . In 1969 he went 7-4 with 12 saves and a 2.20 ERA. The Orioles lost the World Series
1969 World Series
The 1969 World Series was played between the New York Mets and the Baltimore Orioles, with the Mets prevailing in five games to accomplish one of the greatest upsets in Series history, as that particular Orioles squad was considered to be one of the finest ever...
in surprising fashion to the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
, and Richert was involved in a controversial play that ended Game Four. In the bottom of the tenth, with the game tied at 1-1, J. C. Martin
J. C. Martin
Joseph Clifton Martin is a former Major League Baseball player. The left-handed hitting, right-handed throwing Martin played for the Chicago White Sox from 1959-1967, New York Mets in 1968 and 1969 and Chicago Cubs from 1970-1972.Martin was scouted by the White Sox as an amateur free agent in 1956...
laid down a bunt and was hit by Richert’s throw; the error allowed Rod Gaspar
Rod Gaspar
Rodney Earl Gaspar is a former Major League Baseball outfielder.A switch hitter, Gaspar played for the New York Mets and San Diego Padres ....
to score the winning run from second. Television replays would later show that Martin had been running inside the baseline, which could have resulted in him being called out for interference.
In Richert went 7-2 with 13 saves and a 1.98 ERA. He was a member of the World Championship
1970 World Series
-Game 1:Saturday, October 10, 1970 at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, OhioThe Jackson 5 performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" prior to the game, which almost became an embarrassment when the group realized shortly before their performance that they weren't familiar with the lyrics...
Orioles team that year, the Orioles defeating 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....
in five games. Richert saved Game One of that Series in relief of Jim Palmer
Jim Palmer
James Alvin "Jim" Palmer , nicknamed "Cakes", is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He played his entire 20-year baseball career for the Baltimore Orioles . He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in .As of 2008, Palmer and his wife Susan have homes in Palm Beach, Florida, and...
.
During a 13-year baseball career, he compiled 80 wins
Win (baseball)
In professional baseball, there are two types of decisions: a win and a loss . In each game, one pitcher on the winning team is awarded a win and one pitcher on the losing team is given a loss in their respective statistics. These pitchers are collectively known as the pitchers of record. Only...
, 925 strikeout
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....
s, and a 3.19 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...
.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball all-time saves leaders
- List of Texas Rangers Opening Day starting pitchers
- List of Washington Senators Opening Day starting pitchers