Rich Hinton, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who won a World Series with the Cincinnati Reds in 1976, has passed away at the age of 78. The death occurred earlier this month at his home in Florida. Hinton is remembered for his role on the legendary “Big Red Machine” team and a professional career that saw him play for several clubs.
From Arizona Star to Professional Prospect
Hinton first made a name for himself as a multi-sport athlete in Arizona, excelling in both baseball and football at Marana High School. His talent on the mound was undeniable, setting the stage for a dominant college career.
Playing for the University of Arizona from 1967 to 1969, Hinton became one of the program’s most successful pitchers. He compiled an impressive 32-8 record with a remarkable 1.84 ERA. These statistics remain among the best in the school’s history. His 32 wins are still the fourth-most all-time for the university.
His collegiate success caught the eye of professional scouts, and the Chicago White Sox selected him in the third round of the 1969 MLB draft, launching his journey into professional baseball.
A Journeyman’s Path Through the Majors
Hinton’s MLB career lasted six seasons and was characterized by frequent team changes. He made his major league debut with the White Sox in 1971, pitching a scoreless inning against the New York Yankees.
He would go on to play for several different organizations, often moving as part of trades or transactions. His career path included stops with the following teams:
- Chicago White Sox (1971, 1975, 1978-79)
- New York Yankees (1972)
- Texas Rangers (1972)
- Cincinnati Reds (1976)
- Seattle Mariners (1979)
Throughout his career, Hinton showed resilience, even spending a full season in the minor leagues with the Cleveland Indians organization in 1973 before returning to the majors. He finished his career with a 9-17 record and a 4.87 ERA in 116 total appearances, most of which were as a relief pitcher.
A Championship Ring with the Big Red Machine
The absolute pinnacle of Rich Hinton’s career came in 1976 when he joined the Cincinnati Reds. That team, known as the Big Red Machine, was a powerhouse filled with future Hall of Famers like Johnny Bench and Tony Perez.
During that championship season, Hinton made 12 appearances for the Reds, including one start. While he did not pitch during the postseason, his contributions during the regular season were part of the team’s incredible success. The Reds swept the New York Yankees in the World Series that year, securing their second consecutive title.
For his role on the team, Hinton earned a World Series ring, a cherished accomplishment for any player. He even had a chance to reunite with some of his 1976 teammates in Cincinnati in June of this year to celebrate that historic championship run.
Hinton’s Career Statistics at a Glance
Here is a look at Rich Hinton’s season-by-season performance in the major leagues.
| 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 |
Life Beyond the Diamond
After the 1976 season, Hinton briefly pitched in Mexico before making a comeback to the majors for two final seasons. He played his last games in 1979, split between the White Sox and the Seattle Mariners.
Following his retirement from baseball, Hinton settled in Sarasota, Florida. He found a second career as a general contractor, a job he continued into his 70s. In his later years, he remained connected to the game and spent time with former teammate and fellow Arizona native, Pat Darcy.
