#26 Andy Etchebarren

Best unibrow since Wally Moon...a platooning member of the Birds backstop corps first with Larry Haney then Elrod Hendricks for several years.....starting out at one time was the Oriole’s #1 backstop.....pressed into service as a rookie in with the medical retirement of incumbent Dick Brown.....brought many positives to the Birds WS winning 1966 campaign;  exceptional defense,  superior play calling, strong arm....named to the all star team, setting what were to be personal highs in RBI and homers..... alas all this was undercut by his pale .221 BA.....subsequent season set a tone of being an asset on the field over hitting.....was part of some of best fielding teams in history (1969,1973)....following four seasons were intermittent work and a struggle to accomplish a .250 BA (ranging from .213 to .249)......was able to attain a career best .270 in 1971 while still sharing his position....Entered 1972 poised with his strong effort with the opportunity reestablish everyday status with Hendricks out on the DL.....Unfortunately flopped with .202 BA yielding the title of regular to Rookie Johnny Oates.....While he would never have the same chance again Etchebarren was a valued reserve.....got a starting nod over power hitter Earl Williams in both 1973 and 1974 ALCS....Andy responding by going 7 for 20 with a home run.....1975 was a dynamic year with early season stint on the DL then followed Oriole GM Harry Dalton to California Angles in a cash deal...allowing Andy to be closer to his family and give the young team veteran presence....was considered the Halo’s most active backstop for 1976....finishing year in Anaheim of 1977 hit .254....Gathered a few scattered at bats for the Brewers in1978, but seemingly was groomed for eventual various organizational jobs which he held for several years in the 80's.... Post playing career was in and out of baseball....Managed at the MiBL level for the Orioles in 90's.....Passed away in 2019....finished his career with a .235 average, 49 home runs, and 309 RBIs....exclusively a Catcher never played another position.