Rick Rhoden

Richard Alan Rhoden (born May 16, 1953) is a professional golfer and was a Major League Baseball pitcher. During his 16 year baseball career, he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1974–1978), Pittsburgh Pirates (1979–1986) and Houston Astros (1989) of the National League; and the New York Yankees (1987–1988) of the American League.

Early years

Rhoden was born and raised in Boynton Beach, Florida. Rhoden overcame a childhood bone disease, osteomyelitis, and wore a brace until age 12. He attended Seacrest High School (which became Atlantic High) in Delray Beach, Florida, where he was the star pitcher for the school's baseball team. He did not attend college after graduating from high school in 1971, but played minor league baseball in Daytona Beach, El Paso, and Albuquerque until he was called up to the majors in 1974.

Major League Baseball career

Rhoden broke into the big leagues, at the age of 21, with the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 5, 1974.

He was elected to the All-Star team twice (1976 with the Dodgers and 1986 with the Pirates), and won three Silver Slugger Awards (1984–1986).