Former big leaguer Roric Harrison passed away last week at age 76. Harrison was a right-handed pitcher who posted a 4.24 ERA in 140 games with the Orioles, Braves, Indians, and Twins over parts of five MLB seasons from 1972-78, and also pitched for four other organizations at the minor league level during his 14-year career in pro baseball.
Harrison’s minor league career included an memorable season with Triple-A Rochester (then the Orioles’ top affiliate) in 1971 that saw him post a 2.81 ERA over 170 innings to help lead the Red Wings to the International League title. Though Harrison only pitched for the Wings for that one year, his big role in a championship season merited induction in the club’s Hall Of Fame in 2001.
Rochester Community Baseball Inc. CEO/COO Naomi Silver paid tribute in an official statement from the club: “It’s with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to Roric Harrison, a true legend in Red Wings history. His outstanding performance during the 1971 season remains unmatched and serves as a testament to his exceptional talent. Beyond his athletic prowess, Roric was an invaluable part of our community and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to his family during this difficult time. His memory and legacy will remain an integral part of our franchise’s illustrious tapestry.”
Harrison spent the majority of his MLB career with the Braves, tossing 358 innings over 73 games with the team from 1973-75. His debut season with Baltimore in 1972 saw the righty post a 2.30 ERA in 94 frames, and also saw Harrison achieve a unique bit of trivia. 1972 was the last season before the American League adopted the DH, so Harrison became the last AL pitcher to hit a home run in a game before Bobby Witt Sr. achieved the feat during interleague play in 1997.
We at MLB Trade Rumors send our condolences to Harrison’s family and loved ones.
Remember him from my youth. RIP Roric.
I had the pleasure of meeting Roric Harrison, and having lunch with him in late 1971 or early 1972….upon the completion of his terrific season as a Rochester Red Wing. The Red Wings held a promotion for fans that enabled them to meet the entire championship team of ‘71 at McCurdy’s (former Rochester downtown department store). My father and I were seated at the table with Roric Harrison. I marveled at how great of a hitter he was…beyond his superb pitching capabilities. I believe he homered several times during that magical 1971 season when the Wings won it all in AAA. Roric was extremely friendly and talkative…and made the experience very pleasurable. It was also great being able to walk around the room to meet the other players…many stars (Bobby Grich, Don Baylor & manager Joe Altobelli)…everyone was kind and eager to share their autograph for the group of us that attended. I was 13….if memory serves me right….I think Roric told me that he came up as an outfielder in the Houston organization….which explained why he was so skilled with the bat. That was a very cool experience for a young baseball fan….talking baseball with his heroes.
that’s awesome. I love stories like these. Thanks for sharing it.
RIP to that guy
❤️ Big hugs and much love to Roric! Warm thoughts and positive vibes to his family! ❤️
I just want to say how much I appreciate MLB Trade Rumors covering the passing of former MLB players, no matter if they were stars, or just role players. They are a part of the MLB family, and are a part of memories for many people. It could have been that they were the starting pitcher in the first game you attended, or hit a home run in a memorable game you attended. No matter if they were well known or not, they should be remembered. Keep it up guys, and thank you!
RIP.
Roric Harrison was traded, at different times, for Jim Bouton and Blue Moon Odom; and was part of a somewhat blockbuster trade involving Pat Dobson, Davey Johnson and Johnny Oates going to the Atlanta Braves, and (former ROY) Earl Williams going to the Orioles.
Cool info.
Blue Moon Odom is a name I know well. Good dude.
Part of the O’s trade for Earl Williams which turned out to be a total bust. But I was a fan of Roric for two odd reasons. I always thought he had a cool first name and the guy could hit. Five homers in 92 AB over a two-year period. Pretty decent for a pitcher. RIP, Roric.
Alas, poor Roric, I knew him well…
I had the pleasure of knowing Roric and his wife for the last 8 years of his life here in Houston. Roric was a gentle and kind man and we became good friends. It was great talking baseball with him and quizzing him on how he pitched to all of the greats in the 70s. What great stories he had! Thanks to MLBtraderumors for putting together this lovely tribute for suck a kind man. Trivia fact: Roric was the last AL pitcher to hit a homerun before they switched to the DH. That changed last year when Ohtani hit a homerun on the day he was pitching. He will surely be missed..
Wonderful personal story, TB Murphy. Thank you for sharing it with us.