Warren Richard “Rick” Renick, a Minnesota Twins player, coach, and longtime baseball teacher whose career spanned more than five decades, passed away on January 31, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. He was 81.
Born March 16, 1944, in London, Ohio, Renick graduated from Madison South High School and continued his education at The Ohio State University before signing with the Minnesota Twins as an amateur free agent in 1965. His combination of athleticism, baseball intelligence, and quiet steadiness would define his career both on and off the field.
A Historic Debut and Five Seasons in Minnesota
Rick Renick made one of the most memorable first impressions in Twins history. On July 11, 1968, in his very first major-league at-bat, he became the first player in Minnesota Twins history to homer in his first MLB plate appearance — taking Detroit Tigers left-hander Mickey Lolich deep. It remains one of the franchise’s great debut moments. Oddly enough, Mickey Lolich passed away just four days after Renick did.
Across five seasons with Minnesota (1968–72), Renick appeared in 276 games and provided invaluable versatility, logging time at third base, shortstop, left field, right field, and first base. He finished his Twins career with:
- 122 hits
- 20 home runs
- 71 RBI
- .221 batting average
- 276 games
His best season came in 1970, when he posted a 1.0 WAR and helped the Twins capture the AL West title. He also appeared in both the 1969 and 1970 American League Championship Series, contributing to one of the most competitive eras in team history.
A Championship Coach and a Lifelong Teacher of the Game
After his playing days, Renick transitioned naturally into coaching and managing — roles in which he became widely respected for his preparation, clarity, and ability to connect with players.
He served as an aggressive third base coach for the 1987 Minnesota Twins, helping guide the club to its first World Series championship. His coaching career also included time with the Kansas City Royals, Montreal Expos, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Florida Marlins, as well as extensive work throughout the minor leagues for several teams.
One of his proudest achievements came in 1999, when he managed the Edmonton Trappers (then a Twins affiliate) to the Pacific Coast League championship. Players consistently described him as steady, fair, and deeply committed to teaching the game the right way.
A Life Beyond Baseball
Though baseball shaped much of his professional life, Renick found equal joy in a quieter pursuit: farming. His love for working the land was a lifelong passion, grounding him and bringing him peace away from the ballpark.
Remembering Rick Renick
From homering in his first major-league at-bat to coaching third base during a World Series run, from managing championship teams to tending the fields he loved, Rick Renick lived a life defined by devotion — to baseball, to family, and to the simple joys that grounded him. The Twins community remembers him with gratitude, admiration, and affection.
Family and Legacy
Rick was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Libby Renick, his sister, Mary Kelly, and his parents. He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Ty Renick, daughter in law, Katherine Garcia-Renick, Shad Renick, daughter in law, Kelly Renick, and Joshua Renick, as well as his grandchildren, Arianna, Elijah, and Aiden. Rick is also survived by his sister Charlotte Sifrit and her children as well as his sister Mary’s children.
Twinstrivia.com would like to pass on our condolences to the Renick family, friend and fans. Thank you for the memories.
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