Rich Hinton, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who helped the Cincinnati Reds win the 1976 World Series as part of the famous Big Red Machine team, passed away at age 78. The death happened earlier this month at his home in Florida, leaving behind a legacy from his time in the majors and his college days.
Early Life and Rise in Baseball
Hinton grew up in Arizona and starred in both baseball and football at Marana High School. His talent shone through early, setting the stage for a strong college career.
At the University of Arizona, Hinton became a standout pitcher from 1967 to 1969. He posted an impressive 32-8 record with a 1.84 ERA. Those numbers still rank high in the school’s history, with his wins fourth all-time and ERA third among pitchers with at least 100 innings.
His success led to being drafted in the third round by the Chicago White Sox in 1969. That marked the start of his professional path.
Journey Through Major League Teams
Hinton’s MLB career spanned six seasons, filled with trades and stints across several teams. He debuted in 1971 with the White Sox, throwing a scoreless relief inning against the New York Yankees.
Over the years, he pitched for multiple clubs. Here is a quick look at his team history:
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- Chicago White Sox (1971, 1975, 1978-79)
- New York Yankees (1972)
- Texas Rangers (1972)
- Cincinnati Reds (1976)
- Seattle Mariners (1979)
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He finished with a 9-17 record and a 4.87 ERA overall. His career included 116 appearances, mostly in relief roles.
Trades defined much of his time in the league. After his debut season, the White Sox sent him to the Yankees. Later, he moved to the Rangers for cash. He also spent time in the minors, including a full year at Triple-A in 1973 with the Cleveland Indians organization.
In 1975, Hinton returned to the majors with the White Sox after a year in the minors. His resilience showed as he bounced between teams and levels.
Key Role in 1976 Reds Championship
The highlight of Hinton’s career came in 1976 with the Cincinnati Reds. He joined the Big Red Machine, a powerhouse team that dominated baseball.
That season, Hinton made 12 appearances for the Reds, starting one game. He went 1-2 with a 7.64 ERA. Though he did not pitch in the postseason, he contributed during the regular season and earned a World Series ring.
The Reds swept the New York Yankees in the World Series, securing their second straight title. Hinton shared the dugout with stars like Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, Ken Griffey Sr., and George Foster.
In June of this year, Hinton reunited with some of those teammates in Cincinnati. It was a chance to relive the glory days of that championship run.
Later Years and Life After Baseball
After 1976, Hinton pitched in Mexico for a season before returning to the majors. In 1978 and 1979, he appeared in 59 games split between the White Sox and Mariners.
Those were his final MLB seasons. He retired with 116 total appearances and moved on to new ventures.
In retirement, Hinton settled in Sarasota, Florida, and worked as a general contractor into his 70s. He stayed connected to baseball, spending time with former teammate Pat Darcy, another Arizona native, late in life.
| Season | Team | Games | Wins-Losses | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | White Sox | 3 | 0-0 | 0.00 |
| 1972 | Yankees/Rangers | 12 | 1-1 | 4.50 |
| 1975 | White Sox | 15 | 1-0 | 4.82 |
| 1976 | Reds | 12 | 1-2 | 7.64 |
| 1978 | White Sox | 29 | 2-6 | 4.63 |
| 1979 | White Sox/Mariners | 45 | 4-8 | 4.91 |
Remembering a Baseball Contributor
Hinton’s story reflects the ups and downs of a journeyman pitcher. From college stardom to a World Series title, he left his mark on the game.
Fans and former players recall him as a dedicated teammate. His passing comes amid other recent losses in baseball, like the death of Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson late last year, reminding everyone of the sport’s rich history.
Share your memories of Rich Hinton or the 1976 Reds in the comments below. If this story touched you, pass it along to fellow baseball fans.
