#19 Richard Zinniger

Position: Left Hand Pitcher Height: 5-10 Weight: 185 Roster Years: 1968-1969 Hometown: Encinitas, CA

1983 Hall of Fame Inductee

Former Athletic Director Glen Tuckett said Rich was perhaps the most courageous pitcher he ever coached. When it came time to "bear-down" with a man on third, you would have to beat him with a stick to score a run, said Tuckett.

Concentration was just one of the qualities that has led Rich to success on the field and off. Before coming to BYU, he had proven himself as an outstanding athlete. He was all-league in basketball and baseball at San Dieguito High School in San Diego. Rich went on to be named all-conference in baseball at Palomar Junior College before continuing his career at BYU.

In 1969, Rich emerged as one of BYU's greatest pitchers. He was selected as an All-American and was also chosen as an all-conference and all-district seven performer. He led the Cougars to many a victory with his excellent curveball and outstanding athletic ability.

Rich's career didn't end at BYU but continued successfully into professional baseball. Following the 1969 season at BYU, Rich was drafted by the San Diego Padres and went on to be named the minor league player of the year.

Rich has carried his successful ways into business and family life.

Personal

• Born in September
• Father is Andrew
• Majored in physical education

Career Highlights

• Selected as an All-American, All-Conference and All-District Seven performer
• Won 11 games his senior year while striking out 137 

Before BYU

• Prepped at San Dieguito High where he was two-time all-league and team MVP
• Won the Crickmore Scholarship
• Played in the County-City High School All-Star game
• Played for the LaMesa Collegians
• Was all-conference for two years at Palomar Junior College
• Was team MVP
• Received the Sportsmanship Award

After BYU

• Drafted by the San Diego Padres

Post BYU Honors and Societies

• Named the Minor League Player of the Year
• Inducted into the BYU Hall of Fame in 1983

Stats

Year     ERA  W-L APP  GS  CG  SV    IP   H   R  ER  BB  SO
1968    2.94  5-3  12  10   4   -  67.3  54  34  22  44  74
1969    2.34 11-2  15  12  10   - 100.0  79  33  26  45 137