Who was Ken Reitz?
Ken Reitz was a former baseball third baseman who played 11 seasons in the Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1972 to 1982. He was best known for his defensive skills at the hot corner, earning the nickname “Zamboni” for his ability to scoop up ground balls on the artificial turf of Busch Stadium. He won the Gold Glove Award in 1975 and was an All-Star in 1980. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He retired with the highest all-time career fielding percentage for National League third basemen at .970 after leading the league in fielding percentage a record six times
How did Ken Reitz die?
Ken Reitz passed away on March 31, 2021, at the age of 69. His son, Brett Reitz, announced his death and thanked the Cardinals organization and the fans for their support. The cause of death has not been determined yet, pending an autopsy, but foul play was not involved, according to his son
What was Ken Reitz’s legacy?
Ken Reitz was a beloved figure in the Cardinals history, as he was part of the team that reached the World Series in 1975 and 1980. He was also a mentor and a friend to many of his teammates, especially Keith Hernandez, who credited Reitz for helping him win his first Gold Glove in 1978. Reitz stayed connected with the Cardinals after his retirement, attending reunions and fan events. He also coached high school baseball and softball in his hometown of Daly City, California. He was inducted into the Jefferson High School Hall of Fame in 2010.
Ken Reitz will be remembered as a talented and hard-working player, a loyal and generous teammate, and a devoted and loving father. He is survived by his son, Brett, his daughter, Ashley, and his six grandchildren
