Ricky Horton – St. Louis Cardinals Legend Reflects on 30 Years Since His Pitching Career
Ricky Horton, a left-handed pitcher born in Poughkeepsie, NY, carved out a respectable career in Major League Baseball during the 1980s. His seven-year MLB journey included notable stints with the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers. But it’s his connection to the Cardinals organization that has endured long past his playing days.
Standing 6’2″ and weighing 195 pounds, Horton was selected in the 4th round of the 1980 draft by the Cardinals after attending Virginia.
After making his MLB debut on April 7 with St. Louis, Horton developed into a versatile arm who could both start and relieve. His career statistics show a pitcher who was reliable if not spectacular – posting a 3.76 ERA with 319 strikeouts and a 1.36 WHIP across his time in the majors. Perhaps most interesting is how Horton’s Cardinals connection has continued through his second career as a broadcaster for the team, keeping him relevant to new generations of St. Louis baseball fans.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Ricky Neal Horton’s journey to becoming a Cardinals pitcher and broadcaster began on the East Coast before his collegiate career shaped his path to professional baseball. His roots and education laid the foundation for his seven-year MLB career.
Poughkeepsie, New York
Ricky Horton was born on July 30, 1959, in Poughkeepsie, New York, a mid-sized city along the Hudson River. Growing up in this New York community, Horton developed his baseball skills as a left-handed pitcher.
Though he would later become strongly associated with St. Louis Cardinals baseball, his New York origins remained part of his identity. Interestingly, despite his East Coast roots, Horton had an early fondness for the Cardinals. As he once mentioned, he “always had a soft spot for the Redbirds,” even during his youth in New York.
His development in Poughkeepsie set him on a path toward collegiate baseball and eventually the major leagues.
University of Virginia
Horton’s baseball career gained momentum when he attended and played college baseball at the University of Virginia. As a left-handed pitcher for the Cavaliers, he developed the skills that would later define his professional career.
His performance at Virginia caught the attention of MLB scouts, particularly those from the St. Louis Cardinals organization. The Cardinals selected Horton in the 1980 MLB Draft, taking him in the fourth round as the 93rd overall pick.
His collegiate experience at Virginia proved invaluable, refining his pitching technique and preparing him for professional competition. This foundation at UVA helped launch him into a seven-year major league career that would include stints with the Cardinals, Dodgers, and White Sox.
Professional Baseball Career
Ricky Horton’s journey through professional baseball spanned seven seasons, taking him from St. Louis to Los Angeles and Chicago before hanging up his cleats. His left-handed pitching prowess earned him two trips to the World Series and a respected position in baseball circles.
Draft and Minor League
The St. Louis Cardinals selected Ricky Horton in the fourth round of the 1980 MLB Draft, taking him with the 93rd overall pick. The Poughkeepsie, New York native came out of Virginia, where he had developed a reputation for pinpoint control.
Horton worked his way through the Cardinals’ farm system with steady progress and determination. His minor league numbers showed promise, particularly his ability to limit walks and keep hitters off-balance with his pitching arsenal.
The development period wasn’t particularly long for Horton. He showed enough skill and maturity on the mound that the Cardinals brought him to the major leagues within four years of drafting him.
St. Louis Cardinals Tenure
Horton made his MLB debut on April 7, 1984 with the Cardinals at age 24. He proved immediately valuable as a versatile left-hander who could both start and relieve.
His rookie season showed his potential, as he posted solid numbers working primarily out of the bullpen. Horton’s ability to get both left-handed and right-handed batters out made him a valuable piece of the Cardinals’ pitching staff.
The pinnacle of his Cardinals career came in 1985 and 1987 when the team reached the World Series. Though they fell short both times, Horton gained valuable postseason experience.
During his Cardinals tenure, Horton was known for his reliability and versatility, becoming a fan favorite for his contributions both on and off the field.
Other MLB Teams
After four seasons with St. Louis, Horton was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988. The change of scenery proved fortunate as the Dodgers won the World Series that year, giving Horton a championship ring.
His time in Los Angeles was brief but productive. Following his stint with the Dodgers, Horton moved to the Chicago White Sox where he continued his career as a reliever.
The final stop in Horton’s MLB journey came with a brief appearance for the White Sox in 1990 before his playing career concluded.
Career Highlights and Statistics
| Season | Team | W-L | ERA | G | GS | SV | IP | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984-87 | Cardinals | 24-19 | 3.87 | 152 | 32 | 1 | 346.2 | 188 |
| 1988 | Dodgers | 3-4 | 3.76 | 41 | 2 | 1 | 67.0 | 36 |
| 1988-90 | White Sox | 8-9 | 4.15 | 49 | 15 | 0 | 121.1 | 56 |
| Total | 35-32 | 3.93 | 242 | 49 | 2 | 535.0 | 280 |
Horton’s career spanned seven MLB seasons with consistent performance throughout. His versatility was a hallmark, appearing in 242 games with 49 starts and 193 relief appearances.
His most memorable achievement came with the 1988 World Series champion Dodgers. Though not a strikeout pitcher (280 in 535 innings), Horton succeeded through excellent control and inducing weak contact.
Following his playing career, Horton transitioned to broadcasting, becoming a familiar voice on Cardinals broadcasts and maintaining his connection to the organization where his professional journey began.
Post-Playing Career
After hanging up his cleats, Ricky Horton transitioned smoothly from the pitcher’s mound to the broadcast booth and community service, becoming a beloved figure in St. Louis beyond his playing days.
Broadcasting with Cardinals
Horton found his second calling as a radio broadcaster for the St. Louis Cardinals, bringing his insider perspective and baseball knowledge to fans across Cardinal Nation. He currently splits his broadcasting duties between television and radio, providing color commentary alongside play-by-play announcers.
On television, Horton appears regularly on Fox Sports Midwest (now Bally Sports Midwest) broadcasts, offering insightful analysis of pitching mechanics and game strategy. His easy-going personality and technical expertise make complex baseball concepts accessible to casual viewers.
On the radio side, Horton can be heard on KMOX broadcasts, continuing the station’s long tradition of Cardinals baseball coverage. His transition to broadcasting exemplifies how former players can successfully leverage their playing experience into media careers.
Community Involvement
Beyond the broadcast booth, Horton has made significant contributions to the St. Louis community. He serves as the director of the St. Louis Fellowship of Christian Athletes, an organization he became involved with during his playing days.
In January 2023, Horton addressed students at William Woods University, sharing insights from his seven-year MLB pitching career and his broadcasting experience. His speaking engagements typically blend baseball stories with life lessons on perseverance and character.
Horton regularly participates in Cardinals community initiatives and charity events. His continued presence at team alumni gatherings and ceremonial events keeps him connected to the organization and its fans.
His community work demonstrates how athletes can use their platform for positive influence long after their playing careers end, making him one of the more visible former Cardinals in the St. Louis region.
Achievements and Awards
Ricky Horton had a notable career with the St. Louis Cardinals that included several significant achievements. The left-handed pitcher won 32 games in his career, showing his value on the mound.
His rookie season in 1984 proved to be one of his strongest. Horton posted a career-best 9 wins that year, establishing himself as a promising talent in the Cardinals’ pitching rotation.
One of Horton’s most significant achievements was participating in two World Series with the Cardinals. He pitched in both the 1985 and 1987 World Series, giving him experience on baseball’s biggest stage.
Horton also earned recognition for his sportsmanship. He became the St. Louis Cardinals’ 2008 AT&T National Sportsmanship Awards honoree, joining distinguished company that includes Hall of Famer Lou Brock.
Career Statistics Highlights:
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Career Wins | 32 |
| Best Season Wins | 9 (1984) |
| World Series Appearances | 2 (1985, 1987) |
| MLB Debut | April 7 |
While Horton didn’t capture major individual awards like the Cy Young or MVP during his playing career, his contributions to two pennant-winning Cardinals teams remain an important part of his legacy in St. Louis baseball history.
Fantasy Baseball Impact
Ricky Horton’s career offers interesting insights for today’s fantasy baseball enthusiasts, particularly for those who appreciate historical player comparisons when making draft decisions.
Pitcher Rankings
Ricky Horton, while not a dominant starter during his career, maintained value as a versatile and reliable pitcher during the Cardinals’ World Series years. His flexibility between starting and relief roles would translate to a multi-category contributor in modern fantasy formats.
In today’s fantasy baseball terms, Horton would likely rank as a mid-tier option with situational upside. His profile resembles current swingmen who provide value through ratio stabilization and occasional wins or holds.
| Stat Category | Career Value | Fantasy Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Career ERA | 3.99 | Moderate |
| WHIP | 1.37 | Low-Moderate |
| Role Flexibility | High | Valuable for roster flexibility |
Fantasy Baseball Lineups
When constructing fantasy lineups, players with Horton’s profile serve as valuable depth pieces. Unlike top prospects such as Cade Horton, Ricky Horton represents the type of steady performer who helps balance fantasy rosters.
His career demonstrates the importance of targeting pitchers who can accumulate innings across different roles. Modern fantasy managers should note that Horton’s ability to avoid catastrophic outings made him more valuable than his base statistics might suggest.
For daily fantasy players and those in leagues with Game Score Projections, pitchers in Horton’s mold require careful matchup analysis. His historical performances against specific lineups would have made him an intriguing play against certain teams, particularly when pitching at home.
Legacy
Ricky Horton has carved out a unique legacy with the St. Louis Cardinals organization that extends well beyond his playing days. The left-handed pitcher, born in Poughkeepsie, NY, made his mark during the mid-1980s with the Cardinals.
His influence on baseball continues today through his role as a Cardinals broadcaster, where he shares insights gained from his seven-year MLB career. Horton’s broadcasting style brings technical pitching knowledge and personal experiences to fans.
Recently, Horton demonstrated his deep connection to Cardinals history when he voiced a remembrance of the legendary Whitey Herzog, highlighting the organization’s appreciation for its storied past.
Collectors and baseball historians remember Horton through his baseball cards, including his 1985 Topps rookie card and his 1988 Topps issue.
Ricky Horton’s MLB Career Stats
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| MLB Seasons | 7 |
| Teams | Cardinals, White Sox, Dodgers |
| Height/Weight | 6’2″, 195 lbs |
| Career ERA | 3.99 |
| Throws | Left |
Horton continues to inspire young athletes through speaking engagements, having recently addressed students at William Woods University about his experiences in professional baseball.
His lasting impact on the Cardinals organization demonstrates how players can transition successfully to broadcasting roles, keeping their baseball knowledge relevant for new generations of fans.
Ricky Horton in Popular Culture
Ricky Horton has made his mark beyond the baseball diamond, establishing himself as a beloved figure in Cardinals culture through his broadcasting work and special appearances.
Field of Dreams Appearance
When news broke that the St. Louis Cardinals would participate in the iconic Field of Dreams Game, Ricky Horton was elated by the announcement. “It may be magical in a lot of ways,” Horton remarked about the Cardinals’ participation in this celebration of baseball nostalgia.
The Field of Dreams Game is inspired by the 1989 film starring Kevin Costner. It has become a cultural touchstone that bridges baseball’s storied past with its present. Horton’s enthusiasm for the Cardinals’ involvement highlighted his deep connection to baseball traditions.
As both a former pitcher and current radio broadcaster for the Cardinals, Horton brought unique perspective to the event. He shared insights that only someone who had worn the uniform could provide.
