Bill Plummer's journey through the world of professional baseball is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Born on March 21, 1947, in Oakland, California, Plummer embarked on his baseball career as a catcher. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1965 amateur draft but did not sign with them. Instead, he began his professional career with the Chicago Cubs, who selected him in the 1968 Rule 5 draft.
Plummer made his Major League Baseball debut with the Cubs in 1968, but his time with the team was brief. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 1970, where he would spend the majority of his playing career. As a backup catcher, Plummer played behind the legendary Johnny Bench, which limited his playing time but provided him with the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the game.
During his tenure with the Reds, Plummer was part of the team during their "Big Red Machine" era, a period in the 1970s when the Reds were one of the most dominant teams in baseball. Although he was not a regular starter, Plummer contributed to the team's success with his defensive skills and ability to handle the pitching staff. He was part of the Reds' roster when they won the World Series in 1975 and 1976, adding championship experience to his resume.
After his time with the Reds, Plummer played briefly for the Seattle Mariners in 1978. His playing career in the major leagues concluded after the 1978 season, but his involvement in baseball was far from over. Transitioning from player to coach, Plummer began a new chapter in his baseball career.
Plummer's coaching career included various roles in both the minor and major leagues. He served as a coach for the Seattle Mariners and later took on managerial roles in the minor leagues. His experience as a player, particularly his time with the Reds, provided him with valuable insights that he applied to his coaching and managerial positions.
In 1992, Plummer was named the manager of the Seattle Mariners, a role that marked the pinnacle of his coaching career. Although his tenure as manager was short-lived, lasting only one season, it was a significant step in his post-playing career. Plummer continued to work in baseball in various capacities, including scouting and player development, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of players.
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