Ronn Reynolds

Born in Wichita, Ronn Reynolds caught and led Southeast High School to a state championship in 1976.  From there, he attended Garden City Community College on a football scholarship and would later become the first Broncbuster to play in the major leagues.

After Garden City, Reynolds went to Arkansas and led the Razorbacks to a runner-up finish in their first-ever College World Series.  On a team that included future major leaguers Kevin McReynolds and Johnny Ray, Reynolds hit .347, was named all-Southwest Conference and All-American.  He was drafted by Oakland in the fifth round but elected to return to Arkansas for his senior season.

After his senior year, Reynolds was again drafted in the fifth round, this time by the New York Mets.  He signed with the Mets and made his major league debut with them in 1982.  Reynolds served as a back-up to John Stearns and, later, Hall of Fame member Gary Carter.

While with the Mets, Reynolds took part of one of the most famous and elaborate pranks in sports history.  In George Plimpton’s Sports Illustrated story on April 1, 1985, Reynolds is quoted and pictured with his hand in pain from catching the 168-mph fastball of Sidd Finch.  Finch was concocted by Plimpton as an April Fool’s joke.

Reynolds played for Philadelphia, Houston and San Diego over the final three seasons of his career.  In all, he played in 143 games over six major league seasons.

Reynolds began working in the construction industry following his baseball career.  He held project manager and business development positions with Key Construction in Wichita.