Ron Rightnowar

Ronald Gene Rightnowar (born September 5, 1964) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers during the 1995 season.

Rightnowar was the first replacement player during the 1994–95 MLB strike to subsequently play in the majors.

Early life and education Rightnowar graduated from Whitmer High School in Toledo, Ohio. He also attended and played baseball at Eastern Michigan University.

Minor league career After college, the Detroit Tigers signed Rightnowar as an amateur free agent on September 30, 1986.

In 1988, Rightnowar was promoted to the Lakeland Flying Tigers in the High-A Florida State League, where he went 2–0 in 17 games with 32 strikeouts and just 11 walks in innings pitched. Rightnowar also posted a 1.46 ERA.

The players strike ended before the 1995 MLB season began. Rightnowar pitched in spring training games, sufficient for the players union to classify Rightnowar and similar players as strike-breakers. After the strike, he was sent down to Triple-A New Orleans, where he started the season.

After Cal Eldred went on the disabled list, the Brewers promoted Rightnowar to the major leagues on May 19. He was to be the first replacement player to join the Brewers that season. Before he even threw a pitch, Rightnowar was given a frosty reception from the major-leaguers. "My first day, everyone was kind of cold toward me," Rightnowar said. "I understood. I respect their right to be angry. But then I called the leaders on the club and asked to speak to the team. I wanted to tell them my side of the story." Rightnowar's teammate Kevin Seitzer said Rightnowar regretted breaking the picket line. On May 22, Rightnowar won his first big-league game against the Cleveland Indians, pitching two innings of relief and giving up one earned run. "That first major-league victory - man, what a great feeling!" Rightnowar said after the game. "This is really special."

Rightnowar stayed with the Brewers until August 5, when he was sent down to New Orleans. He finished his season with New Orleans with a 1–1 record and a 2.67 ERA. Rightnowar also struck out 22, walked 9, saved 10 games, and pitched in innings in 25 games.

Retirement

On October 16, 1995, Rightnowar was granted free agency.