Rick Ownbey: One of the Two Mets Pitchers Traded To Get Keith Hernandez (1982 - 1983)
The six foot three right hander was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates but he did not sign choosing to attend Santa Anna College.
On August 22nd, in his next start at Atlanta, Ownbey gave up four runs including a HR to Glenn Hubbard taking a no decision. On August 28th he took no decision allowing two runs over seven innings over the Braves at Shea Stadium.
In 1980, he was drafted by the New York Mets in the 13th round getting a $2000 signing bonus.
On September 3rd, he gave up just one run in nine innings taking a 1-0 loss to the Reds Frank Pastore. The only run came in the 4th inning, when Ownbey balked with Dave Concepcion on third base, allowing him to score.
On September 8th, Rick earned his first career win, a one run complete game over the Pirates at
Three Rivers Stadium where he fanned three & walked seven.
In his first year at the A ball & AA ball combined he impressed at 9-1 with a 1.80 ERA. After going 10-7 at AA Lynchburg, he was promoted to AAA in 1982. After a solid start there he was brought up to a poor Mets pitching staff in August.
MLB Career: On August 18th, Ownbey made his MLB debut in a start at Riverfront Stadium, giving up five runs on six hits in a 9-2 loss to the Reds.
On September 15th, he gave up five runs matching his season high & walked eight batters in a 6-5 extra inning loss in Montreal where he got no decision.
In eight starts, Ownbey went 1-2 with a 3.75 ERA, 28 strikes out & 43 walks in 50.1 innings.
1983: In 1983 the Mets brought back Tom Seaver & added veteran Mike Torrez to the otherwise young staff. Craig Swan, Walt Terrell, Ed Lynch & Ownbey all entered the season with hopes of staying part of the starting staff.
From April 30th to May 9th, Rick lost three straight starts, giving up 11 runs in 14 innings as his ERA rose to 6.20.
On June 10th at Shea Stadium, he came in relief in the 14th inning pitching four shut out innings over the Expos earning the win when Dave Kingman hit a walk off HR in the bottom of the 17th.
Post Mets Career: Ownbey spent the rest of the season at AAA Louisville going 7-5 with a 3.63 ERA in 15 starts. In 1984 he pitched in four games for the Cardinals at the major league level going 0-3. In 1985 he spent the year back at AAA Louisville going 10-9.
In 1986 Rick made 17 relief appearances for the Cardinals going 1-3 with a 3.80 ERA. At the end of the year he was granted free agency & signed with the Kansas City Royals. He pitched four games at AA Memphis
Injuries ruined his career & he never pitched in the majors again. In a four year career, Ownbey went 3-11 with a 4.11 ERA in 39 appearances.
Three Rivers Stadium where he fanned three & walked seven.
In his first year at the A ball & AA ball combined he impressed at 9-1 with a 1.80 ERA. After going 10-7 at AA Lynchburg, he was promoted to AAA in 1982. After a solid start there he was brought up to a poor Mets pitching staff in August.
MLB Career: On August 18th, Ownbey made his MLB debut in a start at Riverfront Stadium, giving up five runs on six hits in a 9-2 loss to the Reds.
In eight starts, Ownbey went 1-2 with a 3.75 ERA, 28 strikes out & 43 walks in 50.1 innings.
1983: In 1983 the Mets brought back Tom Seaver & added veteran Mike Torrez to the otherwise young staff. Craig Swan, Walt Terrell, Ed Lynch & Ownbey all entered the season with hopes of staying part of the starting staff.
Ownbey made two relief appearances before making his first
start on April 30th.
start on April 30th.
On June 10th at Shea Stadium, he came in relief in the 14th inning pitching four shut out innings over the Expos earning the win when Dave Kingman hit a walk off HR in the bottom of the 17th.
On June 13th, Rick made his last Mets appearance, finishing off a 7-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs.
Blockbuster Trade: At the 1983 trade deadline, Ownbey was the last piece of a big trade for the Mets. Ownbey & reliever Neil Allen went to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Keith Hernandez. It turned out to be one of the best trades the Mets ever made as Hernandez became one of the best Mets in franchise history, leading them to a 1986 Championship.
Blockbuster Trade: At the 1983 trade deadline, Ownbey was the last piece of a big trade for the Mets. Ownbey & reliever Neil Allen went to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Keith Hernandez. It turned out to be one of the best trades the Mets ever made as Hernandez became one of the best Mets in franchise history, leading them to a 1986 Championship.
Post Mets Career: Ownbey spent the rest of the season at AAA Louisville going 7-5 with a 3.63 ERA in 15 starts. In 1984 he pitched in four games for the Cardinals at the major league level going 0-3. In 1985 he spent the year back at AAA Louisville going 10-9. In 1986 Rick made 17 relief appearances for the Cardinals going 1-3 with a 3.80 ERA. At the end of the year he was granted free agency & signed with the Kansas City Royals. He pitched four games at AA Memphis
Injuries ruined his career & he never pitched in the majors again. In a four year career, Ownbey went 3-11 with a 4.11 ERA in 39 appearances.