I actually remember Ron Theobald. How, I have no earthly idea. Why I can remember Ron Theobald, but not remember to get the trash out on Thursday mornings is an enigma that provides mild frustration to me and something more than mild frustration to my wife. If there's a forgettable player in this set, it's probably Ron Theobald.
The Brewers picked him up as a minor league throw-in in 1970. He'd been in the minors since 1964. That may not be all that unusual, except that Ron was a college player, so he should have been a little more advanced. Still in 1971 he won the second base job from Ted Kubiak and hit well enough to bat second most of the year. He hit .276, which wasn't bad, although he didn't even have gap power.
In 1972 he fell to earth, hitting just .220, although he drew enough walks that his OBP stayed at its 1971 level of .342. His power numbers still weren't there and his "slugging" percentage was an anemic .256. Ouch. He still got most of the playing time at 2nd base, mostly because he was slick with the glove. He teamed with Rick Auerbach for a keystone combination that combined for 3 HR, 49 RBI and hit .219. Oh. Ron was also 0/7 on stolen base attempts. Needless to say, the Brewers found a new second baseman in 1973 and Ron never saw the big leagues again.
I hate to talk about how somebody looks (well, not really, but I'd hate to offend Ron or his family if they happened to Google this), but in this photo Ron looks like he's about 50. He just doesn't look like a pro baseball player. Ron does show excellent form for executing the sacrifice bunt. I think he was a fundamentally sound ballplayer who wasn't much for hitting. Baseball had a lot more room for guys like Ron in 1972 than it does today.
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Is it the photography or just the era, but so many players back then looked older than they were.
ReplyDeleteIt is because we were younger then.
DeleteAt first glance of this card, I thought he was the manager.
ReplyDeleteYou remember Ron Theobald? Not even Ron Theobald remembers Ron Theobald.
ReplyDeleteTheobald looks about 63 years old in this picture.
ReplyDeleteThese comments are so true.
ReplyDeleteIsn't Ron Theobald the guy that does the Six Flags commerials now?
"Baseball had a lot more room for guys like Ron in 1972 than it does today."
ReplyDeleteAmen to that. With salaries so out-of-whack, teams today can't afford to keep a common player around very long. Thank you Marvin Miller.
I was actually fortunate enough to meet Ron Theobald last evening at work in a small tavern in Northern Wisconsin that is in an even smaller town. What a nice guy! He is up this week to do some fishing and for a little R&R. I can't say enough about how sweet and kind this man is. He still has a lot of spunk too! It's baseball's loss if you ask me. What a funny vivacious and sweet GENTLEMAN.
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting here right now with Ron.
ReplyDeleteBTW, how do you pronounce Theobald?
DeleteThanks,
im Related to Ron Hes My step Great Uncle
ReplyDeleteHey im Tj. My Grandma Joan Grempler Married Gus theobald and according to gus He's Ron theobalds cousent. Gus lives in baltimore Md . And works for the J.O spice Company. He says Hi. Ill chek this page every now and then to see if Ron responds if you see him please tell him about my Comment and Gus so he'll Maby Write Back. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI never knew who this was until i read this blog.
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ReplyDeleteGreat memorabilia you have here. I love reading into stuff like this.
ReplyDeleteWas reading a book, LINE DRIVE to my son, who is 7. The 1st story in the book, "The Dream Machine" is all about Ron Theobald and how he was spotted in a car after being cut by the Brewers in spring training in 1973. My son loved the story and asked, "is he still alive?" After looking him up, I found that he did die in 2016, he wished he could have met him, me too.
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