Dennis Ribant, a starting pitcher for the Mets of the mid-1960s, died Monday at 81. No cause of death was given.
Mets broadcaster Howie Rose announced the news on Twitter on Thursday.
“In 1966, he became the first Mets starter to turn in a solid season, going 11-9, and was promptly traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for OF Don Bosch (didn’t work out) and P Don Cardwell, a 1969 Met. RIP.”
The right-hander pitched briefly for the Mets in 1964 and 1965 but found success in 1966, going 11-9 with a 3.50 ERA and 10 complete games as a starter.
He also had a 1.14 ERA in 13 relief appearances.
Thanks in part to Ribant’s performance, the 1966 season was the first in which the Mets didn’t finish in last place in the National League.
Ribant and Don Shaw, who was acquired during the season, were the first Mets starters to finish with winning records.
Rose told Amazin’ Avenue in 2014, that Ribant started one of the most memorable games of his childhood, against Juan Marichal and the Giants, which included Ribant breaking up Marichal’s perfect game in the sixth inning.
“For whatever reason, Mets manager Wes Westrum allowed Ribant to hit,” Rose recalled. “My friend and I were looking at each other going “WHAT!? We haven’t had a baserunner yet, never mind a hit, and he’s letting Ribant hit and—wouldn’t you know it—Dennis hits this little thirty-eight-hop ground ball through the middle for the first hit.”
The pitcher credited legendary teammate Warren Spahn and pitching coach Harvey Haddix with helping him on his change-up, according to the Society of American Baseball Research.
Ribant began his professional career in the Milwaukee Braves system before being traded to the Mets for veteran pitcher Frank Lary in 1964.
Following his Mets days, he pitched for the Pirates, Tigers, White Sox, Cardinals and Reds.
He also played in the minor leagues in the Pirates, Padres and Phillies organizations.
Ribant, who lived in California, sold life insurance in his post-baseball career.
Ribant is survived by his wife Elizabeth, two children, Deron Ribant and Tracy Young, three grandchildren, Cortland Ribant, Jack Young and Peyton Young, and sister Marcia Kamin.
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