Who Is Del Rice? Age, Biography and Wiki
Del Rice was born on October 27, 1922, and passed away in 1983. As of 2025, he would have been 102 years old. Rice, an influential figure in American baseball, began his professional career in the major leagues in the early 1940s. His journey took him through multiple teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers, and Chicago White Sox, and he eventually transitioned into a managerial role, contributing his expertise to future generations of players.
| Occupation | Basketball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 27, 1922 |
| Age | 60 Years |
| Birth Place | Portsmouth, Ohio, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 26 January, 1983 |
| Died Place | Garden Grove, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Del Rice's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Del Rice was known for his athletic build, standing at approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighing around 180 pounds (82 kg) during his playing days. His imposing stature and exceptional skills behind the plate as a catcher made him a valuable asset to his teams.
Body Measurements:
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Del Rice is remembered primarily for his professional contributions rather than his personal relationships, as he was a private individual. He was married to his wife, who supported him throughout his career, though details about their relationship remain largely undisclosed. Rice, by all accounts, cherished his family life while dedicating much of his time to baseball.
Net Worth and Salary
Although Del Rice's exact net worth is not publicly documented, it is estimated that he earned a substantial amount throughout his career, both as a player and manager. Baseball contracts during his era varied greatly, but figures suggest he earned in the low six-figure range annually during his peak. After retirement, he was involved in mentoring opportunities that likely contributed additional income.
Estimated Net Worth: $1 million - $3 million at the time of death (adjusted for inflation over time).
Career, Business and Investments
Del Rice’s baseball career spanned decades, beginning in the 1940s and culminating in a managerial role in the late 1970s. His expertise behind the plate set him apart from peers, and his strategic approach to managing teams in the minor leagues helped develop future stars. In addition to his playing and managing roles, Rice was known for his thorough understanding of the game's mechanics.
While specific details about his business ventures are limited, it is known that many players invest in various enterprises post-retirement, and Rice likely participated in similar endeavors.
Delbert Rice Jr. (October 27, 1922 – January 26, 1983) was an American professional baseball player, coach and manager. He played for 17 seasons as a catcher in Major League Baseball from 1945 to 1961, most notably for the St. Louis Cardinals. Although Rice was a relatively weak hitter, he sustained a lengthy career in the major leagues due to his valuable defensive abilities.
Social Network
Del Rice's social presence in the modern age remains largely historical, as social media platforms did not exist during his lifetime. However, he is celebrated by fans on various forums dedicated to baseball history. In recent years, events and anniversaries regarding his contributions to the sport have sparked conversations on platforms like Facebook and Twitter among baseball enthusiasts.
Shortly after the season began, the Cardinals sold the contract for their star catcher, Walker Cooper to the New York Giants, leaving Rice to share catching duties with Ken O'Dea.
Although they competed for the same job, the veteran O'Dea, who had played with Hall of Fame catcher Gabby Hartnett in Chicago during the 1930s, provided Rice with valuable help in learning the intricacies of catching in the major leagues.
Rice posted a .261 batting average in 83 games as the Cardinals finished in second place, three games behind the Chicago Cubs.
Education
Del Rice attended local schools in his hometown and pursued a career in baseball right after finishing high school, foregoing a traditional college education. His skills developed on the field ultimately made him a significant figure in the American baseball landscape.
In conclusion, Del Rice's legacy continues to resonate within the world of baseball. His accomplishments as a player and manager have left an enduring mark, making him a respected figure among fans and historians alike. As of 2025, he is remembered not just as an athlete, but as a mentor and leader who influenced the game for generations.
A native of Portsmouth, Ohio, Rice threw and batted right-handed and was listed as 6 ft tall and 190 lb. He attended Portsmouth High School where he starred in football, basketball and track as well as baseball. He was contracted as an amateur free agent by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1941.
Although Rice received his induction notice into the military in 1943, he was turned down because of a physical disqualification. After playing in the minor leagues for four seasons, he made his major league debut with the Cardinals on May 2, 1945, at the age of 22.
