TTM Stats
- Sent: 3/28/2022 | Received: 4/6/2022 | 8 Days
- ’69 Topps, ’72 Topps, ’75 Topps, ’76 Topps, ’77 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Merv Rettenmund may not be a household name like some of his contemporaries, but his contributions to baseball were invaluable during his playing days and beyond. He played from 1968 to 1980 with the Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, and California Angels. His journey through Major League Baseball (MLB) saw him contribute to multiple World Series championships, and later, he became a highly respected hitting coach, influencing generations of players.
Rettenmund was born on June 6, 1943, in Flint, Michigan and would come to be known for his consistency, versatility, and ability to rise to the occasion, but his path to professional baseball was not a typical one. After excelling in multiple sports in high school, he attended Ball State University, where he played both baseball and football. Rettenmund’s athletic prowess caught the attention of baseball scouts, and in 1964, he signed with the Baltimore Orioles as an amateur free agent.
Rettenmund’s minor league career was marked by steady improvement and a reputation for being a disciplined hitter with a good eye at the plate. He made his MLB debut with the Orioles on April 14, 1968. Though he started as a reserve outfielder, it didn’t take long for him to prove his value to the team.
He quickly established himself as a reliable player for the Orioles, contributing both offensively and defensively. He was part of a dominant Orioles team that featured Hall of Famers like Brooks Robinson and Frank Robinson. Rettenmund’s breakout year came in 1970 when he hit .322 with 18 home runs and 58 RBI, helping the Orioles win the American League pennant and eventually the World Series. His ability to get on base and come through in clutch situations made him a key contributor to the team’s success.
One of Rettenmund’s most memorable seasons came in 1971 when he batted .318. The Orioles made it to the World Series again that year, though they fell short against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1973, Rettenmund was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, where he became part of the legendary “Big Red Machine” teams. Although his playing time was more limited in Cincinnati, he provided valuable depth and experience. He was part of the Reds’ 1975 World Series-winning team, further adding to his list of accolades.
Rettenmund’s career also included stints with the San Diego Padres and California Angels. While he never regained the full-time starter role he had with the Orioles, his versatility and professionalism were appreciated wherever he played. He retired after the 1980 season with a career batting average of .271, 66 home runs, and 329 RBI.
After his playing days were over, Rettenmund transitioned into coaching, where he found even greater success. He became one of the most respected hitting coaches in baseball, known for his ability to communicate effectively with players and help them refine their approaches at the plate. Rettenmund’s coaching career included stops with the Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, and San Diego Padres, among others. As a hitting coach, Rettenmund played a key role in helping the 1989 Oakland Athletics win the World Series.
His influence was particularly noted in the development of young hitters and his ability to work with veterans to extend their careers. Rettenmund’s coaching philosophy emphasized patience, understanding each player’s unique strengths, and building confidence through preparation.
This is the third successful return I’ve received from him. To see the other successful returns, check out these posts:
The Score on Merv Rettenmund – 7.5
Like a lot of players from his era, Merv’s signature is all about good hand writing. These were the days (hey, I actually was at the tail end of those days actually) where you learned handwriting and cursive in school. That certainly helps you get some nice autographs from guys like Merv. My favorites of this much are the 1972 Topps and the 1976 Topps.
Thanks Mr. Rettenmund! I’m giving this return a 7.5 overall.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.