Does Merv Rettenmund belong in the Orioles Hall of Fame?

[drjohnnyfeva]

1 hour ago, Ridgway22 said:

As an off-the-wall reference to defensive prowess, Strat-O-Matic Baseball (for those that aren't familiar) is a card and dice baseball simulation (and now a computer version) that produces realistic results. Its been around since about 1960, and I replayed the Orioles seasons from about 1971-1985, then real life took over. I still blame Strat for an approximate 1.00 reduction in my overall high school and college GPA's.

Strat-O-Matic defensive ratings are 1, 2, 3, or 4, with a ratting of 1 being gold glove / very good, and 4 representing poor. So, Brooks and Belanger were consistently 1's at their respective positions, and when Boog and Trumbo played outfield, they were 4's, etc. (note fielding rating of 5 was added later)

Outfield arms are measured from +5 to -6, with guys like Clemente and Dwight Evans getting the -5's, and Mickey Rivers and Johnny Damon with +2's and +3's.

I went back and checked Merv's defensive ratings for 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, and they were remarkably consistent for each season:

Left Field  2
Right Field 2
Center Field 3

His arm was rated -1 for 1969, 70, 71, and -2 for 1972

So, using this single reference source, he was an above average outfielder capable of playing all three outfield positions, with a slightly above average arm.

I look at Merv as a slightly above average lunch-pail guy.  Would that be accurate?  I love those kinds of players in all sports.  Like Patrick Ricard on the Ravens.  Kelly Gregg, also... NT leverage master extraordinaire.  These kinds of players, regardless of sport, are essential in teams.

My friend and I dabbled with that game and a Pro Wrestling one like it in the late 70's and 80's.

Edited December 23, 2020 by drjohnnyfeva

[Ridgway22]

19 hours ago, drjohnnyfeva said:

I look at Merv as a slightly above average lunch-pail guy.  Would that be accurate?  I love those kinds of players in all sports.  Like Patrick Ricard on the Ravens.  Kelly Gregg, also... NT leverage master extraordinaire.  These kinds of players, regardless of sport, are essential in teams.

My friend and I dabbled with that game and a Pro Wrestling one like it in the late 70's and 80's.

I think lunch-pail guy is a good descriptor.... here's a quote from a Sports Illustrated article about Merv Rettenmund from October 4, 1971 (coincidentally, my 9th birthday, and the exact day I found out I'd be seeing the Orioles play the Tokyo Giants in Tokyo a few weeks later!)

"At a time when rebellion is fashionable, even at the old ball park, Merv Rettenmund is an organization man. He seldom grumbles, rarely gripes. He admires his teammates, obeys his manager, respects his owner. He is the compleat ballplayer: a hitter, a runner, a thrower. He will give you—oh Lord—nine innings of baseball."

https://vault.si.com/vault/1971/10/04/well-hes-that-kind-of-guy