A Lineup of Players Who Share the Initials of the Late Actor who Portrayed The Natural

With the passing of Robert Redford, film fans have been recalling their favorite lead roles for the actor. Baseball enthusiasts all agree no doubt that their pick would be The Natural, the 1984 film in which Redford portrays fictional slugger Roy Hobbs from the Bernard Malamud novel.

Even though Hobbs was not a real person, nor was Redford a professional ball player, The Natural endures as one of the best baseball flicks ever. The actor has often commented on his love for the sport, sometimes joking that he would rather his character had played for his favorite Boston Red Sox rather than the Phillies.

He was even cited having named among his favorite players Philadelphia legend Robin Roberts, who happened to share the same initials. Perhaps Redford would have liked these other players as well, all guys whose monogram is R.R.

Starting Pitcher, Rick Rueschel

Best known for making six straight Opening days starts for the Cubs, Reuschel spent twenty years in the major Leagues and won 214 games.

Starting Pitcher, Robbie Ray

Currently one of the top left handers in the game, Ray has come back from two injury-riddled seasons to lead the Giants in victories.

Starting Pitcher, Rick Rhoden

During his fifteen years in the Bigs Rhoden was considered the best-hitting hurler of his time and, after his baseball career ended, his ability to wing a golf club earned him qualification for the U.S. Open Tour.

Relief Pitcher, Ron Reed

After debuting for Atlanta in 1966 Reed spent the next eighteen years as a quality middle reliever, mostly for the Braves and the Phillies.

Relief Pitcher Ricardo Rincon

Mostly overlooked because of the powerful offense on the Nineties Indians, Cleveland's postseason appearances were greatly enhanced with Rincon as the set up man.

Relief Pitcher, Ron Robinson

Cincinnati's versatile right hander known as “The Bird” was effective as a starter and out of the bullpen, but he is most remembered for coming to within one out of a perfect game when Montreal pinch hitter Wallace Johnson doubled with two out in the bottom of the ninth.

Catcher, Rene Rivera

Because he was such a great defensive backstop, Rivera endured for thirteen years and played for eleven different teams.

First base, Rip Radcliff

Rip tore up the baseball during his ten seasons from 1934-44, mostly with the Hite Sox, amassing a.311 career batting average.

Second Base, Ryan Raburn

Raburn's career spanned twelve seasons, mainly with the Tigers and Indians.

Shortstop, Rafael Ramirez

Raffy was a key component of the early eighties Braves, earning an All-Star nod in '84 and finishing as a runner up for Most Valuable Player the preceding year.

Third Base Rich Rollins

This RR was a two-time All-Star and MVP runner up, while also helping the Twins to the 1965 pennant.

Left Field, Rob Refsnyder

He has spent the past four seasons with Boston, but he was drafted and spent his early years with the Yankees.

Center Field, Randy Ready

Randy was always ready to pack because in thirteen years he played for six different teams, after which he played an additional season in Japan.

Right Field, Roger Repoz

The big left handed slugger spent nine seasons between the Yankees and Angels, averaging sixteen home runs a year.

DH Ron Roenicke

Mostly remembered for being a reliable pinch-hitter, as well as the brother of Gary and father of Josh, Roenicke was considered one of the best switch-hitters of the decade off the Eighties.

Utility, Rich Reese

Teammate of an earlier mentioned RR, Reese spent nine of his ten years in the Majors with the Twins.