Rasmussen, a native of Racine, Wis., was a first-team Division II All-American in 1973 after compiling an 11-2 record and an earned-run average of 0.90. The win total led Division II that season, as he led UNO to a 26-13 record and an appearance in the NCAA Division II South Regional in Anniston, Alabama.

That was his only season at UNO, as he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals after they drafted him 23rd in June 1973.

He pitched a shutout in his first professional game, and he compiled a 50-77 record and an ERA of 3.85 in eight seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres and Kansas City Royals.

Following his player career, he accepted a pitching coach position in the Cleveland Indians' minor league system in 1988. In 1991, he joined the Minnesota Twins' organization where he has been ever since. In 2008, Rasmussen was promoted to the position of Twins' Minor League Pitching Coordinator. Johan Santana, LaTroy Hawkins and Mark Redman are among the names who have been coached by Rasmussen in the organization.