Ken Reitz, who was born in San Francisco and played one season with the Giants but spent most of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, has died at age 69.
The passing of Reitz was announced by his son Brett Reitz and reported by the Cardinals. No cause of death was announced.
We are saddened over the recent passing of Cardinals infielder, Ken Reitz.
Our thoughts are with Ken’s family and his many friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/giqplEajQ8
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) April 1, 2021
A product of Jefferson High School in Daly City, Reitz was regarded as one of the best fielding third baseman in the Major Leagues and won a Gold Glove award in 1975. He was traded to the Giants in 1976 in exchange for pitcher Pete Falcone, then returned to the Cardinals in 1977 in a trade for pitcher Lynn McGlothen.
A career .260 hitter with limited speed, Reitz’s fielding prowess earned him the nickname “Zamboni” and he twice set National League records for least errors in a season with nine in 1977 and eight in 1980.
In his one season with the Giants, Reitz hit .267 with eight home runs and 66 RBIs in 155 games. Reitz played eight of his 11 seasons in his two stints with the Cardinals in addition to his one year in San Francisco, one with the Chicago Cubs and his final season with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1982.
In 1993, Reitz was inducted into the San Mateo County Sports Hall of Fame.
Reitz, who battled drug and alcohol problems throughout his career, ended his playing days with two seasons for the Class A San Jose Bees in 1986 and 1987. Nicknamed the “Bad News Bees,” teammates who were attempting to rebound from substance abuse issues included pitcher Steve Howe, infielder Derrel Thomas and first baseman Daryl Sconiers.
