Rich Hinton, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who earned a World Series ring with the famed 1976 Cincinnati Reds, has passed away at the age of 78. His death occurred earlier this month at his home in Florida. Hinton is remembered for his contributions to the Big Red Machine and a career that saw him play for several major league teams.
From Arizona Star to a Professional Prospect
Growing up in Arizona, Rich Hinton was a standout athlete in both baseball and football at Marana High School. His early talent on the diamond set the foundation for a remarkable collegiate career.
At the University of Arizona from 1967 to 1969, Hinton became one of the program’s most dominant pitchers. He compiled an impressive 32-8 record with a stunning 1.84 ERA. These statistics remain among the best in the school’s history, with his win total ranking fourth all-time.
His success in college did not go unnoticed, leading the Chicago White Sox to select him in the third round of the 1969 MLB draft, officially launching his professional journey.
A Journeyman’s Path Through the Majors
Hinton’s major league career lasted six seasons and was defined by his role as a journeyman pitcher, moving between several organizations. He made his debut in 1971 with the White Sox, pitching a scoreless inning against the New York Yankees.
His career path took him to the Yankees and Texas Rangers in 1972. He also spent a full season in the minor leagues in 1973 with the Cleveland Indians’ Triple-A team, showing his resilience. He would later return to the White Sox and also play for the Seattle Mariners.
Hinton’s career statistics reflect his time as a valuable arm out of the bullpen and an occasional starter.
| 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 |
The 1976 World Series with the Big Red Machine
The absolute highlight 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 featuring future Hall of Famers like Johnny Bench and Tony Perez.
During that championship season, Hinton made 12 appearances, including one start. Though he did not pitch in the World Series, his contributions during the regular season helped the team secure the title and earned him a championship ring. The Reds went on to sweep the New York Yankees, winning their second consecutive championship.
Just this past June, Hinton had the chance to reunite with some of his 1976 teammates in Cincinnati, celebrating the legacy of that historic team.
Life After Baseball and a Lasting Legacy
After his time with the Reds, Hinton pitched a season in Mexico before returning to the majors for his final two years. He played for the White Sox and the expansion Seattle Mariners in 1979 before retiring.
In his post-baseball life, Hinton settled in Sarasota, Florida, where he worked as a general contractor well into his 70s. He remained connected to the game and his Arizona roots, spending time with fellow Arizona native and former teammate Pat Darcy. Hinton’s career is a testament to the perseverance of a journeyman who reached the very pinnacle of the sport.
