Dick Bates
From BR Bullpen
Charles Richard Bates
- Bats Left, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 190 lb.
[edit] Biographical Information
Dick Bates experienced a short cup of coffee in the Majors in 1969 for the Seattle Pilots. His only game came on April 27 against the Oakland Athletics. Coming in to relieve pitcher Mike Marshall - who had already given up five runs - in the 6th inning with no men on and no outs, Bates allowed a home run to the very first batter he faced - Rick Monday. He did manage to strike out the next two batters he faced - Dick Green and Dave Duncan - and he then forced opposing pitcher Rollie Fingers to ground out.
He was fairly unimpressive in the 7th inning. First, he walked Bert Campaneris, who then stole second. He struck out Tommie Reynolds, so at that point the Athletics had a man on second with one out. Reggie Jackson grounded out, so it looked like Bates was going to be able to get through the inning unscathed. But, he went on to walk Sal Bando and then allow a double to Danny Cater, which drove Campaneris home. Monday - who'd already hit a home run off of Bates - now hit a double which drives in Cater. Before he could get the third out, John Morris was called in to relieve for Bates.
The Athletics beat the Pilots in the game, 13-5. Bates' career ERA was 27.00.
