College Career: Rich spent two years at Odessa College in Odessa, Texas, where he had two outstanding years with Coach Zimmerman and the Odessa Wranglers. After two seasons with the Wranglers Rich was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Pro Career: In six seasons with the Pirates, Rich pitched in 202 games with a winning percentage of .333. In his first season with the Pirates, Rich started three games before getting moved to the bullpen. Two years after this transition, Rich recorded 29 saves in one season. After the six seasons with the Pirates he totaled 49 saves for them while averaging 29+ strikeouts per year. Rich’s career ERA with Pittsburgh was 4.38. After six seasons with Pittsburgh, Rich was apart of a trade deal that sent him to the Cardinals of St. Louis.