Bob Rauch: Former 1970's Mets Pitcher (1972)

Robert John Rauch was born on June 16, 1949, in Brookings, South Dakota. By high school he was living in Rialto, California, then attended San Bernardino Valley College.

The six-foot four right hander was originally signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1967 spending three seasons in their organization before getting drafted away by the New York Mets in 1970.

He pitched well at AA ball Memphis going 9-4 in 1971 posting a 1.48 ERA. He was promoted to AAA Tidewater in 1972 making 21 appearances going 1-2 with three saves & a 2.72 ERA.

Mets Career: That June he was called up to the Mets staff to pitch out of the bullpen. On June 29th, 1972, Rauch made his debut relieving Gary Gentry at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, allowing two runs in the 5th inning of a 9-4 loss. 

Three days later he came into a tied game, in the bottom of the 9th inning at Pac Jarry in Montreal. Rauch walked the leadoff man, then after a sacrifice bunt he intentionally walked Ron Hunt. 

Rauch then lost Mike Jorgensen, walking him to load the bases. He struck out Bob Bailey for the second out. Rauch then walked in the winning run, by walking Ron Fairly with the bases loaded

On September 10th, he earned his only career save. It came at Shea Stadium in relief of pitcher Brent Strom in a win over the St. Louis Cardinals. In his next game he earned a hold in a 11-6 win.

Rauch appeared in 19 games for the '72 Mets posting a 5.00 ERA while going 0-1 with one save. He struck out 23 batters while walking 21, pitching in 27 innings.

That November, Rauch was traded along with Brent Strom to the Cleveland Indians for reliever Phil Hennigan. Rauch pitched in the minor leagues through 1975 never making it back to the majors again.