| Rick Mahler | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born:(1953-08-05)August 5, 1953 Austin, Texas, U.S. | |
| Died: March 2, 2005(2005-03-02) (aged 51) Jupiter, Florida, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 20, 1979, for the Atlanta Braves | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| August 6, 1991, for the Atlanta Braves | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 96–111 |
| Earned run average | 3.99 |
| Strikeouts | 952 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Richard Keith Mahler (/ˈmeɪ.lɜːr/; August 5, 1953 – March 2, 2005) was astarting pitcher inMajor League Baseball who played for theAtlanta Braves (1979–1988, 1991),Cincinnati Reds (1989–1990) andMontreal Expos (1991). His brotherMickey was a major league pitcher as well; the two were Braves teammates in 1979. The brothers had also played together for the Triple-ARichmond Braves.
In his 13-year career, Mahler posted a 96–111 record with 952strikeouts and a 3.99ERA in 1951.1innings.
Born inAustin, Texas, Mahler graduated fromJohn Jay High School and then attendedTrinity 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 1982, when Atlanta won theNational League West title. He made four straight opening day starts beginning in 1985. In 1987, he tied an NL record with his third opening dayshutout. His best season came in 1984, when he went 13-10 with a 3.12 ERA while hitting .296 at the plate. In 1985, he won his first 7 straight starts and ended up 17-15 with a 3.48 ERA. He pitched twice in the postseason, with the Braves in 1982, and with the1990 World Series championCincinnati Reds. In postseason play, Mahler pitched3+1⁄3 scoreless innings. Mahler was a key member of the 1990 Reds' pitching staff as a spot starter and reliever, going 7–6 and contributing four saves. He also appeared in ten games with theMontreal Expos in 1991 before returning to Atlanta in mid-season.
After retiring, Mahler served as aminor leaguepitching coach for theKansas City Royals and theFlorida Marlins, and he was a roving instructor for theSt. Louis Cardinals. He also managed St. Louis' Double-A affiliate in theTexas League from 1996 to 1997.
Mahler died at age 51 of aheart attack at home inJupiter, Florida, where he was preparing for his second season as a minor league pitching coach for theNew York Mets.[1]