#654 Horacio Pina

Reliever of Latino heritage whose career was interspersed between the Mexican League and the big leagues…appeared in only 9 games total in major league farm system…when in the MLB journeyman fireman whose bulk of career was with cellar dwelling teams…Started in Cleveland as a late season call up in 1968…Became a regular the following season, just in time for the tribe's 62-99 record…Horacio was less than impressive with 5.59 ERA…traded to Washington/Texas franchise just in time for 187 wins and 288 losses over 3 seasons…Pina’s on the field performance improved as registered 3.11 ERA over those 3 years ….Garnered 23 saves, 15 of which came in the Ranger’s first year in Texas…Horatio’s respite from basement dwelling was 1973 when he was traded to the eventual WS champs, Oakland A’s…As part of a four man bullpen committee went 6-3 with a 2.76 ERA…Two post season appearances, pitched 5 innings gave up 9 hits but no earned runs…By virtue of his Oakland time, became first Mexican player to be on World Series winning team…1974 traded to Cubs in off season then Angels during the mid-season when both teams were on the down swing…Returns to Mexican leagues for 1975 and rest of his career outside of two game stint in 1978...in Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame.