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Players who left the game on their own terms: former infielder Richie Hebner: one-time third baseman has fond memories of his career, but wishes he had the chance to play in an All-Star game

Baseball Digest, Oct, 2004 by Kevin Glew

WHEN RICHIE HEBNER IS not at the ballpark, you might find him with one foot in the grave.

No, the former Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman is not dying, but he does spend an inordinate amount of time in cemeteries.

"I dug 30 graves last winter," said Hebner, who works for his family's grave digging business in the off-season. "In baseball you hear these players complaining when they pop one up. I never hear anyone complain when I'm doing that (digging graves). The company is pretty quiet."

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As fate would have it, the Boston native turned out to be as good with the bat as he is with the shovel. Growing up with five brothers, the determined youngster got plenty of practice honing his baseball skills. And by the age of 18, he had impressed the Pirates enough to select him with their first pick in the 1966 amateur draft.

A wide-eyed Hebner made his major league debut in September 1968; however, it wasn't until the start of the next season that he would record his first hit.

"It was off of Bob Gibson. I wanted the ball, but I didn't dare ask for it because Gibson looked so vicious," he recalled.

The gritty infielder hit .301 that year to lead all National League rookies. After another solid campaign in 1970, the gutsy Bostonian would play a key role on the Pirates' 1971 World Series-winning team. The young third basemen slugged a game-winning homer in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series and added three more hits--including another round-tripper--in the series' finale.

Hebner was also part of a strong Bucs squad that captured another division title in 1972, only to lose to Cincinnati in the NLCS on a wild pitch by Bob Moose.

"It was a long walk back to the dugout in that old Cincinnati stadium on the best of days, but that day it seemed like a $10 cab ride," he recalled.

The loss, however, was put into perspective that off-season when teammate Roberto Clemente was killed after his plane carrying relief supplies to Nicaragua crashed into the ocean.

"We went down there (to Puerto Rico) to pay our respects and there must have been 5,000 people standing on the shore. I swear the people thought he was going to walk out of that water," he said.

Burdened by Clemente's death, the Pirates failed to win their division in 1973, but recovered to capture the National League East title the following two seasons--making it five division crowns in Hebner's first seven seasons.

After the 1976 campaign, the hardworking veteran signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he would play first base and participate in two more post-seasons. But when the Phils signed Pete Rose after the 1978 campaign, the enthusiastic infielder was traded to New York Mets.

Despite leading Mets in RBI in 1979, Hebner was dealt to the Detroit Tigers in the off-season. It was in the Motor City that he would enjoy his finest season (82 RBI in 104 games) in 1980.

"One regret I have is never playing in an All-Star game," he said. "I had 62 RBI at the All-Star break that year and I didn't get picked."

The well-travelled vet found himself back in Pittsburgh at the end of the 1982 season and for the 1983 campaign, before signing with Chicago Cubs. Used primarily as a pinch-hitter, he hit .333 in 1984 and helped propel the Cubs into the post-season.

Hebner spent one more season in Chicago before moving into the coaching ranks. Along with stints as batting coach for the Red Sox and Phillies, the outspoken Beantowner has served in the Pirates, Blue Jays, and Devil Rays (his current post is with the Durham Bulls, the Rays' Triple A affiliate) organizations.

The hard-nosed, former player admits that some of today's players can be frustrating to work with.

"They're giving money away in the majors today, so if you can't turn it up a notch here at Triple A, pack your bags and start a new life," he said. "Some players just don't want to bust their tail."

As for coaching in the big leagues again, Hebner would welcome the opportunity, but he isn't holding his breath.

"Whatever happens, happens. I don't stay up at night worrying about it," he said.

Players who left the game on their own terms: former infielder Richie Hebner: one-time third baseman has fond memories of his career, but wishes he had the chance to play in an All-Star game

Baseball Digest, Oct, 2004 by Kevin Glew

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