Rick Renteria is not a new name in the baseball world. From playing the fields to managing the team behind the scenes, he has done it all. Moreover, the former baseball player was one of the excellent infielders of his team and led them to victories many times.
The athlete is also recognized for his coaching and managerial works. He served as a coach and manager for Chicago White Sox for several years. Although Rick was highly qualified, he was fired by Sox during his coaching career.
So, what caused Rick Renteria's firing from the baseball club; let's find out in this biography.
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Rick Renteria Comes From A Baseball Loving Family
The former sportsman was born Richard Avina Renteria on December 25, 1961, in Harbor City, California. His parents emigrated from Mexico to the U.S.A. in the late 1950s.
Rick Renteria's father, Salvador Renteria, was a huge baseball fan. He always used to listen to baseball games on the radio. Renteria's mother, Angela Renteria, shared a similar passion. She often played baseball with her children in parks.
Rick comes from an extended family with eight siblings. He was exposed to sports earlier after watching his four older brothers playing recreational ball.
Rick Renteria's parents were avid baseball fans and taught their children how to play the sports. Photo Source: Social Media.
With all the exposure, Renteria naturally developed a love for baseball. He was serious about the sports making his playing ability stand out among other players.
Eventually, after graduating from South Gate High School, the teen was drafted by an MLB team in 1980.
Rick Renteria Net Worth And Career
The former baseballer played for some of the most significant MLB teams in his career. He was selected straight out of high school, so his skills must have been extraordinary. Similarly, after getting professional training, Rick's skills must have improved even more.
The sportsperson's paycheck amounted to millions of dollars per season during his coaching career. He must have also been paid handsomely as a manager.
Hence, looking at his successful career, Rick Renteria's net worth is undoubtedly substantial.
Earnings From Playing Career
Aforementioned, Rick Renteria had showcased his potential earlier in high school. Afterward, the Pittsburgh Pirates picked him in the 1980 Major League Baseball draft. However, he only made his MLB debut on September 14, 1986.
The baseball player only competed for the Pirates for a month before being traded to the Seattle Mariners in December 1986. He played with the team for the 1987 and 1988 seasons. In addition, Rick also played for the Mariners' affiliate, the Calgary Cannons, in the 1988 and 1989 seasons.
Aside from MLB, the American player competed with Mexican League's Charros de Jalisco in 1991 and 1992. Afterward, he made a comeback in an MLB match with the Florida Marlins. Furthermore, the athlete gained much recognition for his batting and versatility while playing for the Marlins.
Rick Renteria played for several Major League and Mexico League teams in his baseball career. Photo Source: Social Media.
Renteria ended his MLB career with 422 at-bats and a .237 batting average in his 184 games. His last match was with the Diablos Rojos del Mexico in 1996.
The baseballer's playing career was divided between Major League and Mexican League matches. Hence, Rick Renteria's net worth must have increased throughout his baseball career.
Income From Coaching And Managerial Career
Although Rick quit playing professionally, he wasn't done with the sports. As a result, he began a managerial job with the Brevard County Manatees in 1998. In addition, he was a manager for the Lake Elsinore Storm and Portland Beavers for few seasons.
The Chicago Cubs eventually hired the former baseballer as a manager on November 7, 2013. However, only after one season the Cubs let him go on October 31, 2014. Additionally, the team didn't reveal the reason behind his firing.
Rick Renteria joined Chicago White Sox after being fired from Chicago Cubs. Photo Source: Social Media.
The former MLB manager took a year off before returning as Chicago White Sox's bench coach in 2016. He later replaced Sox's former manager Robin Ventura in 2017.
Renteria signed a three-year contract with the club, which guaranteed him a paycheck of $1.1 million the first season. His salary for the second season was said to be $1.2 million and $1.3 million for the final year.
Sudden Terminal of Contract
Rick spent the first three years as a manager rebuilding the baseball team. His efforts eventually led Sox to playoffs for the first time since 2008 in 2020. However, they lost to the Oakland Athletics in the 2020 American League Wild Card Series. Two weeks later, Renteria was fired on October 12, 2020.
Sox's general manager, Rick Hahn, addressed the contract termination to be a mutual decision. However, it was hard to believe, considering the former manager still had a year of contract left.
The former coach's firing upset many fans and the players at that time. He was later nominated for the 2020 American League Manager of the Year. But, he finished as a runner-up behind Kevin Cash.
Although Rick Renteria's managerial and coaching career came to an abrupt halt, he must have earned a hefty amount during his serving period.
Rick Renteria Is Married To Ilene Renteria And A Father Of Four
Although the former manager has lost his job, he still has a loving family to whom he can go back. His partner, Ilene Renteria, has been by his side from his early baseball playing days. In addition, the latter has been credited for supporting Rick's climb up the baseball ladder.
The couple has been married since 1983. However, both seemed to have dated for a while before the wedding.
Rick Renteria's wife, Ilene Renteria, has always been supportive of his playing and managerial careers. Photo Source: Social Media.
Rick Renteria's wife, Ilene Renteria, is a philanthropist and has supported several charities over the years. For instance, she and her spouse hosted a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for Mercy Home's children and staff through their program, Club 36, in 2019.
Rick Renteria Children
The duo is proud parents of four children. Their firstborn, Joseph Renteria, was a petty officer, first class stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes as per a 2019 Chicago Tribune article. Moreover, he has previously been on a mission in Africa and Panama.
Rick Renteria's second son, Anthony Renteria, has followed in his father's footsteps. San Diego Padres, which is owned by Peter Seidler, drafted him in 2012.
Renteria's other son, Michael Renteria, developed an interest in swimming. And finally, Rick's daughter, Alexandria Renteria, switched to dancing from playing softball.
Rick Renteria's children are progressing in each of their respective careers. Photo Source: Social Media.
Rick Renteria is currently enjoying a comfortable life with his family. Since his firing, he has remained away from the spotlight. Nonetheless, we wish him to be successful in whichever career he chooses in the future.
Trivia And Facts
- Rick Renteria was a bench coach for San Diego Padres from 2008 to 2013.
- He is nicknamed Secret Weapon.