- Rick Mahler
Infobox MLB retired
bgcolor1=#af0039
bgcolor2=#0f437c
textcolor1=white
textcolor2=white
name=Rick Mahler
position=Pitcher
bats=Right
throws=Right
birthdate=August 5 ,1953 Austin, Texas
deathdate=death date and age|2005|3|2|1953|8|5Jupiter, Florida
debutdate=April 20
debutyear=by|1979
debutteam=Atlanta Braves
finaldate=August 6
finalyear=by|1991
finalteam=Atlanta Braves
stat1label=Win-Loss
stat1value=96-111
stat2label=ERA
stat2value=3.99
stat3label=Strikeout s
stat3value=952
teams=
*Atlanta Braves (1979-1988)
*Cincinnati Reds (1989-1990)
*Montreal Expos (1991)
*Atlanta Braves (1991)
highlights=
*Led NL in games started in 1985 and 1986Richard Keith Mahler (Born
August 5 ,1953 in Austin,Texas - DiedMarch 2 ,2005 in Jupiter,Florida ) was astarting pitcher inMajor League Baseball who played for theAtlanta Braves (1979–1988, 1991),Cincinnati Reds (1989–1990) andMontreal Expos (1991). His brother Mickey was also a major league pitcher, with the two being teammates in 1979.In a 13-year career, Mahler posted a 96-111 record with 952
strikeout s and a 3.99 ERA in 1951.1 innings.Born in
Austin, Texas , Mahler graduated from John Jay High School and then attended Trinity University, both inSan Antonio, Texas . After being signed by the Braves as an amateur free agent in 1975, he made his debut in the 1979 season.Mahler started on opening day for the Braves in the 1982 season, when Atlanta went on to win the National League West title, and made four straight opening day starts beginning in 1985. In 1987, he tied an NL record with his third opening day
shutout . His best season came in 1985, when he went 17-15 with a 3.48 ERA. He pitched twice in the post-season, with the Braves in 1982, and in 1990 with the Cincinnati team that went on to win the1990 World Series . Mahler was a key member of that Reds' pitching staff as a spot starter and reliever, going 7-6 and contributing 4 saves. He also appeared in 10 games with the Expos in 1991 before returning to Atlanta in the mid-season.After retiring, Mahler served as a minor league pitching coach for the
Kansas City Royals andFlorida Marlins , and was a roving instructor for theSt. Louis Cardinals . He also managed St. Louis' Double-A affiliate in theTexas League from 1996–1997.Mahler died at age 51 of a heart attack at home in
Jupiter, Florida , while preparing for his second season as a minor league pitching coach for theNew York Mets .External links
*baseball-reference|id=m/mahleri01
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