Pat Osburn

In 1971, Osburn began his professional career in the Cincinnati Reds organization. He attended spring training with the Reds, officially making it his professional debut.[11] Reds' manager Sparky Anderson hinted during spring that it could be a possibility that Osburn could make the final 25-man roster.,[12] however, on April 2, Osburn was sent to the minor leagues.[13] He was assigned to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. In July, Osburn had the lowest earned run average (ERA) in the American Association.[14] On the season, he went 8–8 with a 2.51 ERA, five complete games, two shutouts, and 125 strikeouts in 27 games, all starts. Osburn was fifth in the league in strikeouts, and ninth in ERA.[15] Osburn joined the Reds as a non-roster invitee for spring training in 1972.[12] He started the season with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. On the season, Osburn went 8–8 with a 5.28 ERA, one complete game, and 71 strikeouts in 26 games, 24 starts. In 1973, Osburn again started the season with the Indians of the American Association. During the season, Osburn had a five-game winning streak until August 18.[16] He finished the season with a record of 11–7 with a 3.69 ERA in 28 games, 27 starts.

Out of spring training in 1974, Osburn made the Reds' 25-man roster.[17] He made his major league debut on April 13, against the Atlanta Braves, where in two innings pitched Osburn gave-up three earned runs.[18] After sustaining an injury in June, Osburn was sent down the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians by the Reds.[19] Pitcher Dick Baney was called up in place of Osburn.[20] In the majors that season, Osburn was involved in no decisions with an 8.00 ERA, and four strikeouts in six games. During his time in the minors, Osburn went 2–3 with a 2.54 ERA, one complete game, and 28 strikeouts in 11 games, seven starts. The Associated Press reported that Osburn "quit" after being sent to the minors.[21]

On October 22, 1974, the Cincinnati Reds traded Osburn to the Milwaukee Brewers for John Vukovich.[21] Osburn was the last player to be cut from the spring training roster in 1975.[22] He was then assigned to the Triple-A Sacramento Solons of the Pacific Coast League. Early in the season, Osburn was placed on the disabled list with a sore arm.[23] It was noted by The Evening Independent that Osburn was got better as the year went on.[24] On August 28, the Brewers noted that they would only call-up one player when the roster expanded to 40 players on September 1, and that it would be Osburn.[25] In the minors that season, Osburn went 7–7 with a 4.62 ERA, three complete games, one shutout, one save, and 85 strikeouts in 28 games, 15 starts. In the majors, Osburn went 0–1 with a 5.40 ERA, and one strikeout in six games, with one start. On December 22, 1975, Osburn was traded by the Brewers to the Kansas City Royals for outfielder Kenzie Davis.[26] Osburn spent the entire 1976 season with the Double-A Jacksonville Suns of the Southern League. On the season, he went 7–4 with a 2.32 ERA, seven complete games, two shutouts, and 52 strikeouts in 14 games, all starts. That season would prove to be his last in professional baseball.