Rettenmund attended Southwestern High School, where he played baseball and American football. In the summer after his senior year, he played as a catcher for the Buick Colts of the Michigan American Legion, contributing to the team winning the city and state championships. He turned down a contract offer from the Detroit Tigers of MLB. He accepted a football scholarship from Ball State University, so the school could sign more baseball players. He lettered in baseball and football, receiving all-league honors in both sports. As a football player, he played at running back and wide receiver. As a senior, he only played in 3 games after suffering a severe ankle sprain. He set the school career record for rushing yards per attempt: 7.6 yards. In baseball, he was a two-time All-Indiana Collegiate Conference selection. He set the school career home run record. In 1976, he was inducted into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame.
Professional career
Rettenmund was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 19th round of the 1965 NFL Draft. Unbeknownst to the Cowboys, he had signed a professional baseball contract with the Baltimore Orioles of MLB one day earlier on November 28. In 1965, he was assigned to the Single-A Stockton Ports to finish out the year. In 1966, he played in the California League and received All-Star honors after hitting.307 with 21 home runs in 127 games. In 1967, he hit.286, before suffering a separated shoulder late in the summer. He played in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League during winter. In 1968, he received the Minor League Player-of-the-Year award. He helped the Orioles win the 1969 and 1971 American League pennant, the 1970 World Series and the 1973 AL Eastern Division, the Reds win the 1975 World Series and the Angels win the 1979 AL Western Division. He also served as hitting coach for the 1989 World Series champion Oakland Athletics, as well as the Athletics' 1990 A.L. pennant-winners, and the 1998 National League champion Padres. He finished 19th in voting for the 1971 AL MVP for playing in 141 Games and having 491 At Bats, 81 Runs, 156 Hits, 23 Doubles, 4 Triples, 11 Home Runs, 75 RBI, 15 Stolen Bases, 87 Walks,.318 Batting Average,.422 On-base percentage,.448 Slugging Percentage, 220 Total Bases, 4 Sacrifice Hits, 3 Sacrifice Flies and 2 Intentional Walks. After the trade of Frank Robinson to the Los Angeles Dodgers in early-December 1971, Rettenmund began the 1972 season as the Orioles' starting right fielder. By 1973, he was out of the starting lineup due to injuries, prolonged batting slumps and the emergence of Al Bumbry and Rich Coggins. Rettenmund, along with Junior Kennedy and Bill Wood, was sent to the Cincinnati Reds for Ross Grimsley and Wally Williams on December 4, 1973. In 13 seasons, he played in 1,023 Games and had 2,555 At Bats, 393 Runs, 693 Hits, 114 Doubles, 16 Triples, 66 Home Runs, 329 RBI, 68 Stolen Bases, 445 Walks,.271 Batting Average,.381 On-base percentage,.406 Slugging Percentage, 1,037 Total Bases, 36 Sacrifice Hits, 20 Sacrifice Flies and 15 Intentional Walks. He recorded a.985 Fielding Percentage at all 3 outfield positions in his major league career. After his major league career, Rettenmund served as hitting coach for the Texas Rangers, the Athletics, the Padres, the Atlanta Braves, and the Detroit Tigers.
Personal life
After three years out of the majors, Rettenmund returned as hitting coach of the Padres in June, 2006, replacing Dave Magadan. However, he himself was replaced in mid-season the next year, by Wally Joyner Rettenmund currently resides in San Diego, California.
Other honors
Named a Distinguished Graduate of Ball State University in 1972.
Inducted as a Charter Member of the Ball State University Hall of Fame in 1976.
