Remembering Rich Hinton: From Arizona Star to “Big Red Machine” Member

Rich Hinton, a former major league pitcher and member of the Cincinnati Reds’ legendary 1976 “Big Red Machine” championship team, passed away earlier this month at his Florida home at the age of 78. His death was reported by Greg Hansen of the Arizona Daily Star, marking the end of a life that spanned from small-town Arizona to World Series glory and beyond. While Hinton’s major league statistics might not place him among baseball’s elite—he finished with a 9-17 record and 4.87 ERA across six seasons—his journey through professional baseball offers a fascinating glimpse into the sport during the 1970s and the remarkable path of a dedicated athlete who lived his baseball dream.

Born in Arizona, Hinton’s talent emerged early as he excelled in both baseball and football at Marana High School before becoming a genuine star at the University of Arizona. His collegiate career was truly remarkable, as he compiled a stellar 32-8 record with a 1.84 ERA between 1967-69. These numbers weren’t just good for his era—they’ve stood the test of time, with his win total still ranking fourth and his ERA third in Wildcats baseball history (minimum 100 innings). This exceptional performance caught the attention of major league scouts, leading the Chicago White Sox to select him in the third round of the 1969 draft and launch his professional journey. Within two years of signing, Hinton made his major league debut with a scoreless inning against the New York Yankees—the team that would soon become his next baseball home.

Hinton’s major league career exemplified the often-transient nature of professional baseball, particularly for pitchers in that era. After his brief seven-game stint with the Yankees in 1972, he was traded to the Texas Rangers for cash, beginning a pattern of movement between organizations that would characterize his career. The following year brought another trade to Cleveland, though he spent the entire 1973 season at the Triple-A level without making a major league appearance. His career path included returns to the White Sox organization, a season with the Cincinnati Reds during their championship year, a year pitching professionally in Mexico City, and final major league stints with the White Sox and Seattle Mariners. This baseball odyssey took Hinton through five different major league organizations across parts of six seasons, showcasing both the challenges and opportunities faced by players of his generation.

The 1976 season stands as the highlight of Hinton’s career, when he made 12 appearances for the Cincinnati Reds team that would go on to win the World Series. While his 7.64 ERA and limited role meant he didn’t pitch in the National League Championship Series or World Series, being part of the “Big Red Machine”—widely considered one of baseball’s greatest teams—connected him to baseball royalty. Teammates like Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, Ken Griffey Sr., and George Foster were among the game’s elite players, and Hinton maintained these connections throughout his life. Just months before his passing, he joined former teammates at a reunion in Cincinnati, celebrating their shared achievement and the bonds formed during that championship season. His friendship with fellow Tucson native and former Reds pitcher Pat Darcy also provided meaningful connection in his later years, linking his Arizona roots with his major league experiences.

Interestingly, Hinton’s later career showed remarkable perseverance and a late-career renaissance that doubled his major league experience. After spending the entire 1977 season pitching in Mexico City—showing his willingness to continue his career wherever opportunities arose—Hinton returned to the majors with the White Sox in 1978 at age 32. Over the next two seasons with Chicago and Seattle, he made 59 appearances, doubling his previous total of major league games. This unexpected late-career productivity demonstrated Hinton’s determination and love for the game, providing him with additional major league memories before his playing days concluded. While his overall statistics might not have matched his collegiate dominance, Hinton’s ability to extend his major league career into his thirties speaks to his adaptability and dedication to baseball.

Following his retirement from baseball, Hinton built a successful post-playing career and life in Sarasota, Florida, working as a general contractor well into his seventies. This second act showed the same commitment and work ethic that had characterized his baseball career, as he transitioned from professional athlete to businessman with apparent success. His passing leaves behind not only family and friends but also teammates and baseball fans who remember his contributions to the game. From his dominant days as an Arizona Wildcat to his role on the championship Reds and his journeyman career across multiple organizations, Rich Hinton’s baseball journey represents the diverse experiences of many players who briefly touch the major leagues but leave lasting impressions on the teams and communities they serve. While not every player achieves Hall of Fame status, each contributes to baseball’s rich tapestry, and Hinton’s story—from Arizona to Cincinnati to Sarasota—reminds us of the many paths through America’s pastime.