1st year Expo
backstop....Of Italian heritage from the San Francisco bay area.... defensive
specialist, whose value was more
invested by intangibles such his handling of pitcher, clubhouse leadership, and
strong team ethic rather batting box herorics....came up in Cubs
organization...could put up strong minor league power numbers and show promise
with some late season call ups but by in large could not gain significant
playing time in Chicagoland....did get
brief shot to replace Ernie Banks at 1st base but languished
at .228 BA in 1966....left in minor league limbo until taken very late in the expansion
draft by Expos....played sparingly in Montreal but stayed with the big club 1969....hit
.105 (combined with his previous year with the Cubs went 10 for 100 at
bats)....was able to raise BA to .269 in 1970 a personal best....next three
Expo accumulates more playing time but BA lands in a lackluster .230
range....still was Expos #1 catcher in 1973 a year they flirted with NL East
crown reaching personal heights in home runs (7) and RBIs (46) ....with the
promising Barry Foote and Gary Carter in the wings Boccabella is traded to
hometown San Francisco for 1974....ware and tear of catching seems to have
caught with him and hit a meager .135....release after the season.....was known
more unique last name and Expo PA Announcer’s extended pronunciation than
baseball talents.... clean living chap.
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