RIP - Bill Plummer

 

Bill Plummer, the Reds' backup catcher from 1972-77, passed away on March 12, 2024 at age 76. 

 

Plummer was signed by the Cardinals in 1965, then was selected by the Cubs in the Rule 5 draft after the 1967 season. Because of the rules, he remained on the Cubs' roster for all of 1968, but only saw action in 2 games. 

 

In January 1969 the Cubs traded him to the Reds for pitcher Ted Abernathy. Plummer got a few cups of coffee with the Reds in '70 and '71, then backed up Johnny Bench from 1972-77. 

 

After his release during Spring Training 1978, he was signed by the Mariners, and spent his final season as Bob Stinson's backup. 

 

Plummer retired after playing for the Mariners' AAA team in Spokane during the 1979 season. 

 

He coached for the Mariners during the 1980s, and managed the team in 1992.  

 

Cincinnati Enquirer obituary