Dave Ricketts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dave Ricketts |
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| Catcher | |||
| Born: July 12, 1935 Pottstown, Pennsylvania |
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| Died: July 13, 2008 (aged 73) St. Louis, Missouri |
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| debut | |||
| September 25, 1963, for the St. Louis Cardinals | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| July 30, 1970, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .249 | ||
| Home runs | 1 | ||
| Runs batted in | 20 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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David William Ricketts (July 12, 1935 – July 13, 2008) was an American catcher and coach in Major League Baseball. He played for parts of six seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Dave Ricketts was a reserve catcher for the 1967 World Series champion Cardinals. He was also with their team that won the pennant in 1968.
After his playing career, Ricketts became a longtime bullpen coach. He coached for the Pirates from 1971 to 1973, helping them win the 1971 World Series. He then coached for the Cardinals from 1974–1975 and 1978–1991. During this time, the Cardinals won the 1982 World Series and pennants in 1985 and 1987. Throughout his playing career, he had a batting average of .249. He hit 1 home run and had 20 runs batted in in 130 games.
Early Life and College
Dave Ricketts was born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. His older brother, Dick, was also a talented athlete. Dick was the first player chosen in the 1955 NBA Draft for basketball. He also pitched briefly for the Cardinals in 1959.
Dave Ricketts played basketball with his brother at Duquesne University. He graduated in 1957 with a degree in education. On August 17, 1957, he married Barbarann Boswell. They had a daughter named Candace and a son named David Jr. Ricketts served in the military from 1958 to 1959.
Playing in the Big Leagues
Dave Ricketts played as a catcher in Major League Baseball. He was known for his defensive skills. In 1962, while playing for the Portland Beavers in the minor leagues, he led all catchers in his league with 12 double plays. The next year, playing for the Atlanta Crackers, he led catchers in the International League with 11 double plays.
He made his Major League debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963. He played for the Cardinals in 1963, 1965, and from 1967 to 1969. In 1970, he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a valuable reserve player, especially for the Cardinals' championship teams.
A Champion Coach
After his playing days, Dave Ricketts became a highly respected baseball coach. He started as a bullpen coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1971. That year, the Pirates won the World Series.
He then joined the St. Louis Cardinals as a bullpen coach. He coached for them for many years, from 1974 to 1975 and again from 1978 to 1991. During his time as a Cardinals coach, the team had great success. They won the 1982 World Series. They also won the National League pennant in 1985 and 1987.
Ricketts also spent two seasons as a manager in the Cardinals' minor league system. He managed the Sarasota Cardinals in 1976. In 1977, he managed the Johnson City Cardinals.
Later Life
Dave Ricketts passed away on July 13, 2008, just one day after his 73rd birthday. He is remembered as a dedicated player and a successful coach who helped several teams achieve championship glory.
