Ronn Reynolds: 1980's Mets Backup Catcher (1982 - 1985)

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Ronn Dwayne Reynolds was born September 28th, 1958, in Wichita, Kansas. After attending Community College, the six foot, 200lb catcher went to the University of Arkansas where he joined a long list of Arkansas Razorbacks to make the big leagues.

He was originally drafted by the Oakland Athletics but did not sign. In 1980 Reynolds was selected by the New York Mets in the 5th round. He was first assigned to Little Falls in the NY / Penn. League & then the Lynchburg Mets.

He spent the next two seasons with AA Jackson, in 1982 he belted 10 HRs collecting 110 hits batting .255 while posting a .344 on base %. His defensive play was most impressive.

Mets Career: The Mets brought him up at the very end of the 1982 season where had his debut in the final two games of the season going 0-4.

Trivia: Mets broadcasters, mainly Ralph Kiner, Bob Murphy & Tim McCarver had fun with the idea Reynolds used two n's in his first name.

1983: Reynolds was with the Mets early in the season, appearing in an April 27th 2-1 win over the Reds, striking out twice against Joe Price.

On May 8th he hit a sac fly driving in his first career run, one of his two RBIs that season, coming in a 10-5 win over the Reds. On May 20th he had a three-hit game in a 4-0 win over the Dodgers at Shea Stadium.

In June after batting just .197 in 24 games, he was sent back down to AAA Tidewater. That season veteran Ron Hodges finally got the main catcher's job after a decade with the team. Hodges was at the end of his career; Junior Ortiz was right behind him as back up & would play in 68 games. Reynolds played in 24 games, Mike Fitzgerald eight games & Mike Bishop in three games.

 1984: This season, Mike Fitzgerald won the main catcher's position. Reynolds was AAA Tidewaters main catcher, hitting a career high 11 HRs there while batting .261. 

1985: In the off season the Mets acquired All Star catcher Gary Carter. Carter was a work horse behind the plate, catching 143 games. Reynolds saw action in a backup role, playing in 28 games batting .209 (9-43) with just one RBI. Behind the plate he threw out 9 of 19 base stealers. 

Trivia: In George Plimpton's 1985 April Fools hoax article in Sports Illustrated "The Curious Case of Sidd Finch" Reynolds was the catcher who caught the fictitious' Finch's 168 mph fastball.

The Mets traded Reynolds to the Phillies for two minor leaguers before the 1986 Championship season. There he played a career high 43 games in a backup role to John Russell & Darren Daulton. In April 1987 he was sent to the Houston Astros for Jeff Calhoun & saw action in 38 games behind Alan Ashby.

Triple Steal: On October 1st, 1987, Reynolds was the victim of a rare triple-steal in a game against the Atlanta Braves. With the bases loaded, Reynolds made a return throw to the Astros pitcher, Danny Darwin. 

The Braves Gerald Perry broke for home plate on the throw. Darwin threw back to Reynolds, but he dropped the ball & all three runners were safe, credited with stolen bases. Reynolds was injured on the play & had to leave the game.

Reynolds was released that October then signed with the Brewers, playing two years at AAA Denver. In 1990 he signed with the San Diego Padres & appeared in eight games getting one hit in 15 at bats.

The following year he played in the Mexican League before retiring.
Career Stats: In a six-year career he batted .188 with 67 hits 4 HRs 12 doubles & 21 RBIs in 143 games. Behind the plate he caught 139 games throwing out 27% of would-be base stealers.

Honors: In December 2023 it was announced he was inducted to the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame.

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