Bedford has lost one of its own former Major League Baseball players. James Michael “Jim” Rittwage, a Bedford High School graduate who went on to pitch for the Cleveland Indians, died Aug. 28 at the age of 81. According to his significant other, Annette Nichols, Rittwage died at Cleveland Clinic in Twinsburg.

Born in Cleveland in 1944, Rittwage grew up in the Bedford area and attended Bedford High School, where his pitching ability helped put him on the path toward professional baseball. His talent also caught the attention of another important figure in Bedford baseball history: Hall of Famer Elmer Flick. Flick, a longtime Bedford resident who worked as a scout for the Indians later in his life, helped scout Rittwage for Cleveland. Rittwage ultimately signed with his hometown organization and began his professional career in 1964.

After several seasons in the minor leagues, Rittwage made his Major League debut for Cleveland on Sept. 7, 1970. He appeared in eight games for the Indians that season, including three starts, finishing with a 1-1 record, a 4.15 earned run average and 16 strikeouts over 26 innings. Known for a fastball that reached 98 mph, Rittwage spent much of his professional career in the Cleveland organization.

His lone Major League victory became a memorable one.

On Sept. 19, 1970, Rittwage started against the Baltimore Orioles, a powerhouse team that would go on to win the World Series that year. Facing Baltimore at Memorial Stadium, Rittwage pitched all nine innings as Cleveland defeated the Orioles 4-2. He allowed six hits and two runs in the complete-game victory.

Rittwage contributed at the plate as well, collecting two hits and scoring during Cleveland’s three-run fifth inning.

His Major League career was brief, but his professional baseball career continued after his time in Cleveland. Rittwage pitched at the Triple-A level and eventually finished his playing career in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.

After baseball, Rittwage went into business and became the owner of Paul James Clothier in Solon. He was also an avid golfer and was known to friends by the fitting nickname “Jimmy Baseball.”

Rittwage’s connection to his hometown remained part of his story. Nichols said he is honored at the Bedford Historical Society museum in downtown Bedford, recognizing a local athlete who made the journey from Bedford High School to Major League Baseball.

His story also creates a rare link between two generations of Bedford baseball history: Elmer Flick, the Hall of Famer who made Bedford his home and helped scout Rittwage, and Rittwage, the Bedford High School pitcher who eventually took the mound for Cleveland.

Rittwage is remembered by his daughter, Jamie Marie Rittwage; granddaughters Ayva and Dream; Nichols, his significant other; his extended family; friends; and those who remember “Jimmy Baseball” and his years on the mound.

He was 81.