Rick Dempsey
Hard-nosed Rick Dempsey caught more games than any other player in Baltimore Orioles history. A scrappy receiver who handled the pitching staff well, Dempsey was never adept at the plate, but he did deliver some clutch hits for the Orioles over the years. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1983 World Series, when he hit .385 and slugged a homer in the clinching Game Five victory. His trade to the O's from the Yankees in a huge 10-player swap on June 15, 1976, was the break he needed to get him playing time in the big leagues. He spent 24 seasons in the majors, winning two world series rings, the first with Baltimore in '83, and the other as a backup catcher for Tommy Lasorda's Dodgers in 1988. He was famous for his enjoyable performances during rain delays, including a Babe Ruth impression and his imitation of teammate Jim Palmer.
Played For
Minnesota Twins (1969-1972)
New York Yankees (1973-1976)
Baltimore Orioles (1976-1986)
Cleveland Indians (1987)
Los Angeles Dodgers (1988-1990)
Milwaukee Brewers (1991)
Baltimore Orioles (1992)
Factoids
On August 23, 1989, Rick Dempsey hit a solo homer in the 22nd inning off former teammate Dennis Martinez to win a 1-0 game for the Dodgers over the Expos. It's the latest inning in which a solo homer was hit to win a 1-0 game.
Description
According to Brooks Robinson: "His attitude and hustle are a great plus. He is truly a hard-nose player and has grown in stature as far as handling pitchers and calling a game. For him to improve at the plate he is going to have to make up his mind to go to right field."
Scouting Report
"Is excellent at blocking pitches in the dirt and fielding chops and bunts. Outstanding accuracy with his throws on attempted steals. He might have the best arm in the league." — from the 1984 Scouting Report
Born
John Rikard Dempsey was born on September 13, 1949, in Fayetteville, TN.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: C
Primary Team: BAL
College: Pierce JC
Major League Debut
September 23, 1969
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1969
Darrell Evans
Bill Buckner
Carlton Fisk
Steve Garvey
Bill Russell
Toby Harrah
Vida Blue
Jerry Reuss
Thurman Munson
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1998 |
BBWAA |
1 |
.2% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1979 American League Championship Series
1979 World Series
1983 American League Championship Series
1983 World Series
1988 National League Championship Series
1988 World Series
Awards and Honors
1983 ML WS MVP
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