Merv Rettenmund

Mervin Weldon Rettenmund (June 6, 1943 – December 7, 2024) was an American professional baseball player and coach. He played in Major League Baseball as an outfielder from 1968 through 1980, most notably as a member of the Baltimore Orioles dynasty that won three consecutive American League pennants from 1969 to 1971 and, won the World Series in 1970. Rettenmund also won world championships as a player for the Cincinnati Reds and as a coach for the Oakland Athletics (1989).

Early life Rettenmund attended Flint Southwestern High School, where he played baseball and American football. In the summer after his senior year, he played as a catcher for the Buick Colts of the Michigan American Legion, contributing to the team winning the city and state championships. He turned down a contract offer from the Detroit Tigers of MLB. He accepted a football scholarship from Ball State University, so the school could sign more baseball players. He lettered in baseball and football, receiving all-league honors in both sports.

As a football player, he played at running back and wide receiver. As a senior, he only played in 3 games after suffering a severe ankle sprain. He set the school career record for rushing yards per attempt: 7.6 yards (on 161 career carries). In baseball, he was a two-time All-Indiana Collegiate Conference selection. He set the school career home run record.

In 1976, he was inducted into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame.

Professional career Rettenmund was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 19th round (257th overall) of the 1965 NFL draft. Unbeknownst to the Cowboys, he had signed a professional baseball contract with the Baltimore Orioles of MLB one day earlier on November 28. Rettenmund, along with Junior Kennedy and Bill Wood, was sent to the Cincinnati Reds for Ross Grimsley and Wally Williams on December 4, 1973.

After posting his two best seasons in 1970 and 1971, his production steadily declined to the end of his career in 1980. His batting average after the 1971 season stood at a solid .306 with 35 home runs and 165 RBI, but from 1972 to 1980 he hit only .246 with 31 home runs and 164 RBI. He was an effective pinch hitter, batting .276 (66-for-239) with 5 home runs and 39 RBI.

In 13 seasons, he played in 1,023 games and finished with a .271 batting average, 66 home runs and 329 runs batted in. He recorded a .985 fielding percentage while playing all three outfield positions.

After his major league playing career, Rettenmund served as hitting coach for the Texas Rangers (1983–85), the Athletics (1989–90), the Padres (1991–99), the Atlanta Braves (2000–01), and the Detroit Tigers (2002).

After three years out of the majors, Rettenmund returned as hitting coach of the Padres in June 2006, replacing Dave Magadan. However, he was replaced on July 31, 2007, by Wally Joyner.

Personal life and death Rettenmund later resided in San Diego, California. He died there on December 7, 2024, at the age of 81.

Other honors Named a Distinguished Graduate of Ball State University in 1972. Inducted as a charter member of the Ball State University Hall of Fame in 1976.