Part timer role player for the 1971 World Champion Pirates…worked the left side of
the field…starting as a shortstop then third baseman…but could play
anywhere…Start was in NY Giants organization…known for fielding and speed became
the SF Giants regular SS in 1961…hit .253 and .259 in ‘61 and ‘62 respectively…. 1962 World Series hit .368 in the Giants losing effort…Encountered sub-par
production in following years resulting in a subsequent mid season trade in
1965 to Pittsburgh…Became the top reserve infielder for the Pirates…NL best pinch hitter in
1969…on the downswing of career in 1971…but did deliver the game winning hit in
game 7 of the World Series…Part of San Francisco's strong nucleus of Latino
players including the Alou brothers, Juan Marichal, and Orlando Cepeda....Finished MLB career with Phillies in 1973.
Photo: Non-descript…walking up to plate in a day game with the Giants
The Phillies acquired him for 1973 as a mentor/insurance policy for Mike Schmidt during his rookie season.
ReplyDeleteI had the 1973 Pagan card. An upward profile shot with airbrushed red collar. I don't know how good of a mentor he was for Mike because batted .199 that year. But then Mike got much better.
ReplyDelete'71 first World Series I watched and I was for the O's. Why, Jose? Why?
ReplyDeleteOpposite for me, I was for anyone but the O's, going back to 1969. I thought they were going to be on top forever.
ReplyDeleteThat trivia question/cartoon is surprising to me. They are talking about just one game, not the whole year - correct?
ReplyDelete