Larry Biittner (1946-2022) *75

was an American professional baseball player. He played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball as an outfielder and first baseman. Biittner was originally drafted by the Washington Senators in the 10th round of the 1968 amateur draft, and would go on to play several different positions, including all three outfield positions, first base and designated hitter.

On December 20, 1973, the Rangers traded Biittner to the Montreal Expos for Pat Jarvis.

On May 17, 1976, the Expos traded Biittner and Steve Renko to the Chicago Cubs for Andre Thornton. Biittner was a good contact hitter. His best season came with the Cubs in 1977 when he played in a career-high 138 games, hit 28 doubles and batted .298. In October 1980, Biittner filed for free agency. On January 12, 1981, he signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Reds. He played for the Reds for two seasons until he was released in December 1982.

Biittner's role in the second half of his career was as a pinch-hitter and he became quite successful, finishing 12th all-time in total pinch hits at the end of his career with 95. Biittner was also the first free agent signed by the Reds. Cincinnati famously avoided signing free agents during the late '70s before finally jumping in with the Biittner signing in 1981.

Later in December 1982, the Texas Rangers signed Biittner as a free agent. After one season with the Rangers, Biittner was released on October 31, 1983.