#431-432 Clarence Gaston

Like Tony LaRussa more known as a manager....a bit more accomplished as a player than Tony.... better known as Cito Gaston....Started in the Braves organization, taken by the Padres in expansion draft with 27 MLB at bats under his belt....Rookie season could best be called unimpressive....Next year kicked it into high gear 29 home runs, 93 RBIs and .318 BA....made All Star Team....the sophomore sensation of 1970 was brought to earth in 1971...drop of nearly 90 BA points...some power still remained...1972 and 73 represented a moderate comeback of sorts....the former year having a better BA, later improved power numbers...bottom dropped out in 1974 with .213 BA....traded back to the Braves, his franchise of origin...served a sub for a couple of years...once retired coaxed into coaching by Hank Aaron...somewhere down this journey Clarence became Cito...became part of Bobby Cox entourage in Toronto...won WS 1992 and 1993....managed four more years in his first go round with Toronto....stepped down from top job after relationship and play of Blue Jays soured....Resurfaced with Blue Jays 11 years later....In Canadian Baseball  Hall of Fame.