Gene Richards, baseball player, 1977-1984

Gene Richards

Born: 9/29/1953 in Monticello, SC, USA

MLB Debut: 1977-04-06 | Final Game: 1984-09-30

Bats: L | Throws: L | Height: 6'0" | Weight: 175 lbs

Full name: Eugene Richards

Biography

Gene Richards was a dynamic position player who enjoyed a solid career in Major League Baseball from 1977 to 1984. Born in 1953, Richards made his mark during an era characterized by a transition toward more aggressive offensive strategies. Over the course of 1,026 games, he amassed 1,028 hits, contributing to a commendable career batting average of .290. His impactful presence at the plate was complemented by his speed on the bases, where he successfully stole 247 bases, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing defenses and change the dynamics of the game. Richards' career was highlighted by his versatility and consistency as a hitter, as evidenced by his 26 home runs and 255 RBIs. His ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for, including the San Diego Padres and the New York Yankees. Gene Richards' contributions to the game during a time of evolving baseball strategies solidified his legacy as an influential player who exemplified the blend of speed and skill that defined a generation of baseball talent.

Career Batting Statistics

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS PIV
1026 3549 502 1028 127 63 26 255 247 356 436 0.290 0.357 0.383 0.739 3336.8

Season-by-Season Batting

Fielding Statistics

Career Fielding Totals by Position

Position G GS PO A E DP
1B 83 75 657 46 20 63
OF 806 763 1550 74 47 8

Season-by-Season Fielding

Career Games by Position

Position Games
First Base 83
Left Field 628
Center Field 186
Right Field 14

Awards & Honors

Year Award Notes
1977 Player of the Week Week of 1977-09-16

College History

School Name City State Years Attended
South Carolina State University Orangeburg SC 1972, 1973, 1974

Award Voting History

Year Award League Finish Points Won Points Max Votes First
1980 Most Valuable Player NL 22th 1.0 336 0
1977 Rookie of the Year NL 3rd 4.0 24 4