Ken Reitz, R.I.P.

Former MLB third baseman Ken Reitz passed away yesterday. No cause of death has been released. He was 69.

A native of San Francisco, Reitz was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 31st round of the 1969 MLB Draft. Reitz made his big league debut late in the 1972 season and would become the team's starting third baseman the following season when Joe Torre moved to first base. 

Reitz's defensive prowess earned him the nickname "Zamboni". He would lead the NL in fielding percentage for third basemen six times between 1973 and 1981 although there would be only Gold Glove in 1975. Following the '75 season, the Cardinals traded Reitz to the San Francisco Giants for pitcher Pete Falcone. After a single season in his hometown, the Giants would return Reitz to St. Louis in a deal for pitcher Lynn McGlothen. Reitz would have his best offensive numbers for the Cardinals in 1977 with career high in HRs (17) and RBIs (79). In 1980, he would earn his lone NL All-Star appearance.

Prior to the 1981 season, the Cardinals traded Reitz to the Chicago Cubs for future Hall of Fame closer Bruce Sutter. Reitz would end his big league career with a handful of games with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1982. He would rejoin the Cardinals' organization in 1983. After a year out of baseball, Reitz would play in the minor leagues with the Texas Rangers in 1985 before playing independent ball for the San Jose Bees in 1986 and 1987. In 1344 big league games, Reitz had a lifetime batting average of .260 with 58 HR and 548 RBI along with a lifetime fielding percentage of .970 which is 9th on MLB's all-time list for third basemen.