Standing at a modest 5'9" and 160 pounds, Bartell defied physical expectations with his exceptional skills on the field. He batted and threw right-handed and was known for his aggressive style of play and fiery attitude, traits that earned him the nickname "Rowdy Richard."
Bartell's baseball journey began at a young age. Growing up in Alameda, California, he attended Alameda High School, where he honed his baseball skills. In 1926, while still in high school, Bartell received the prestigious Cal-Hi State baseball player of the year award. This recognition was a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport.
After graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 1931, Bartell's remarkable abilities earned him a Rhodes Scholarship. He spent the next three years studying at Oxford University in England. However, his passion for baseball led him back to the United States, where he embarked on a career that would leave an enduring legacy.
Bartell's MLB journey took him to several teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates (1927–30), Philadelphia Phillies (1931–34), New York Giants (1935–38, 1941), Chicago Cubs (1939), and Detroit Tigers (1940–1941). His career was marked by frequent trades, often under acrimonious circumstances. Despite the challenges, Bartell consistently showcased his exceptional skills, winning admirers and critics alike.
Throughout his career, Bartell achieved impressive statistics. He achieved a batting average of .300 over a full season five times and led the National League in double plays four times, as well as in putouts and assists three times each. His skillful hitting led to a career-high batting average of .320 in 1930, and he collected seasons of 40 doubles and 100 runs three times by 1934.
Bartell's contributions extended beyond his individual achievements. He played a pivotal role in helping the Philadelphia Phillies achieve a fourth-place finish in the 1932 season, marking their only first-division finish in a span of 32 seasons (1918–42). In 1933, he earned a spot in the first-ever All-Star Game, solidifying his status as one of the game's greats. He was also selected to the All-Star Game again in 1937.
Traded to the New York Giants in 1935, Bartell played a key role in the team's two National League pennants in 1936 and 1937. His outstanding performance in the 1936 World Series, where he hit .381, contributed significantly to the Giants' success. Bartell's reputation for being outspoken was evident when he was hit in the chest with a tomato thrown from the stands during a game against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1937.
Bartell's versatility was showcased when he played with the Chicago Cubs in 1939 and then joined the American League with the Detroit Tigers in 1940. In his first season with the Tigers, he partnered with second baseman Charlie Gehringer to secure an AL pennant for the team. Bartell's enduring commitment to the game led him to return to the New York Giants as a player-coach in 1941.
Throughout his 18-season career, Bartell compiled an impressive batting average of .284 with 79 home runs and 710 runs batted in. He also accumulated 1,130 runs, 2,165 hits, 442 doubles, 71 triples, 109 stolen bases, and 748 bases on balls. Defensively, he maintained an impressive .955 fielding percentage, primarily as a shortstop but also playing at third and second base. In 18 World Series games, Bartell maintained a .294 batting average with 10 runs, 6 doubles, 1 home run, 7 RBI, and 7 walks.
After retiring from playing, Bartell continued his involvement in baseball as a manager in the minor leagues and as a coach for the Detroit Tigers (1949–52) and Cincinnati Redlegs (1954–55). His contributions to the sport were celebrated, and he received numerous awards and honors, including the Oklahoma Will Rogers Award (1979) and the University of Oklahoma's Distinguished Alumnus Award (1990). He was also inducted into the DeMolay Hall of Fame on June 21, 1996.
Dick Bartell's legacy extends beyond the baseball field, exemplifying the values of leadership, commitment, and excellence that he cultivated as a Senior DeMolay and throughout his illustrious career in baseball. His dedication to both the sport and the principles of DeMolay serves as an enduring inspiration to future generations.
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