28-05-2025
Former Orioles, Twins Pitcher, Cincinnati Native, Dies Unexpectedly at 54
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Scott Klingenbeck, a pitcher who appeared in 39 games for the Baltimore Orioles, Minnesota Twins and Cincinnati Reds over parts of four major league seasons, died unexpectedly on May 20. He was 54.
Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Scott Klingenbeck, sadly, who passed away Monday evening. Scott was a good friend, mentor and coach to many throughout his life. He was a multi-sport athlete (Baseball/Basketball) at Elder/Oak Hills, and experienced much success… — Oak Hills Boys Bball (@OakHillsMBB) May 21, 2025
The Cincinnati native also spent time in the Texas Rangers and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations across nine professional seasons (1992-99).
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Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati posted a heartfelt message in response to Klingenbeck's passing on its Facebook page Wednesday: "The Oak Hills Athletic Department is deeply saddened by the passing of 1989 alumnus Scott Klingenbeck. Scott was a proud Highlander whose legacy and spirit will always be remembered. Our thoughts andprayers are with his family, friends and all who knew and loved him during this difficult time."
Klingenbeck was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles out of Ohio State in the fifth round of the 1992 MLB Draft. He debuted a mere two years later, as a replacement for injured starter Ben McDonald.
Pitcher Scott Klingenbeck of the Texas Rangers in action during a spring training game against the Detroit Tigers at the Joker Merchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida on March 2, 1998.
Pitcher Scott Klingenbeck of the Texas Rangers in action during a spring training game against the Detroit Tigers at the Joker Merchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida on March 2, 1998.
Rick Stewart /Allspo
Klingenbeck was the winning pitcher in the Orioles' win over the Detroit Tigers on June 2, 1994. But he had yet to make a name for himself — the Associated Press recap of the game story identified him as "Klingenbecker."
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McDonald returned to the O's rotation, and Klingenbeck returned to the minor leagues, after that game. After making six more major league appearances in 1995, Klingenbeck was traded to the Minnesota Twins for Scott Erickson, with the Twins in the midst of a long rebuild.
Klingenbeck would make 28 appearances for the Twins over the 1995 and 1996 seasons, going 1-3 with an 8.30 ERA.
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In April 1997, Klingenbeck was sent to the Cincinnati Reds as part of a conditional deal with the Twins. But Klingenbeck's first chance to pitch for his hometown team would have to wait. He spent all of 1997 (and most of 1998) in the minor leagues.
Klingenbeck went 12-8 with a 3.96 ERA for Triple-A Indianapolis in 1997, and was 6-2 with a 2.86 ERA for the Reds' top farm team in 1998, when he got the call-up.
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Klingenbeck went 1-3 with a 5.96 ERA in four starts for the Reds in June 1998. After the fourth game, he was outrighted to Triple-A and elected free agency.
"I'm sad that I'm leaving," Klingenbeck told the Associated Press, after asking teammates to sign autographs for him in the Reds' clubhouse. "This is where I grew up. Now I've got to go on and at least get somewhere by the time the second half (of the season) starts and get back to the big leagues as quick as I can."
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Although Klingenbeck needed only 12 days after his release to sign with the Pirates, he was not called up to the big leagues in Pittsburgh. In his final professional season, 1999, Klingenbeck went 4-4 with a 4.82 ERA at Indianapolis.
Klingenbeck was active in local charities in Cincinnati following his retirement, including the David Iery Foundation, and coached youth baseball.
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Klingenbeck is survived by his mother, three siblings, six nieces and nephews and four great-nieces and nephews. His nephews Kory and Kyle both play baseball collegiately.
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