"When Graig Nettles came down with hepatitis last year and the Yankees felt the need for another third baseman, the call went out to San Diego where Aurelio Rodriguez was on a half-year exile to the National League.
For nine seasons, the veteran right-handed hitting third baseman covered anything and everything that came his way while wearing a Tiger uniform. Twice he led the league's third basemen in fielding and once he won a Gold Glove. His rifle-like throws to first base became his trademark and he became one of the most respected of all third basemen.
Affectionately known as 'Chi-Chi,' Aurelio broke into the majors at the tender age of 19 back in 1967 with the Angels. In 1970, he was traded to the Washington Senators and then the next year to Detroit. Except for 89 games last year, he has spent his whole career in the American League.
The likable Mexican had his second opportunity at postseason play last year and all that's missing from his illustrious career is a shot at the big one- the World Series. Could 1981 be the year?"
-The New York Yankees Official 1981 Yearbook
"Rodriguez began the 1980 season in San Diego, his only experience in the National League, and was purchased by the Yankees when Graig Nettles was sidelined with hepatitis. He became the Yankees' regular third baseman when Eric Soderholm when into a slump. Rodriguez is still spectacular in the field and has one of the best throwing arms in baseball. Despite joining the club in August, he still led the team in sacrifice bunts (11). His homers on August 11 against Chicago and September 14 in Boston were game-winners.
Aurelio was traded after nine seasons with the Detroit Tigers to the Padres in December 1979 for a player to be named later. He joined the Tigers back in October 1970 in a major trade in which Detroit sent Denny McLain, Don Wert, Norm McRae and Elliott Maddox for Rodriguez, Ed Brinkman, Joe Coleman and Jim Hannan.
In 1971 Aurelio led the Tigers in hits (153), doubles (30) and triples (7), led American League third basemen with 150 putouts in 1972, and his 58 RBIs in 1973 led Detroit. He won the AL Gold Glove at third base in 1976 while leading the league with his .978 fielding average.
He tore ligaments in his right ankle in '76 and was disabled from August 30 through the remainder of the season. He missed a month in May 1977 with a sprain in the same ankle, yet in 1978 he again led AL third basemen in fielding (.987), setting a Tiger club record with just four errors.
Aurelio signed his first pro contract on January 25, 1965 with Fresnillo, and in 1966 at Jalisco was the Mexican League Rookie of the Year. He made his major league debut with the California Angels in 1967 and two years later led AL third basemen with 42 double plays. On April 26, 1970 he was traded with Rick Reichardt to the Washington Senators for Ken McMullen. Aurelio set the AL record for most games played with two clubs in a season (159, 17 with California and 142 with Washington) while leading AL third basemen in assists (398) and double plays (41).
Rodriguez played both baseball and basketball at Leona Vicario High in his hometown of Canenea, Sonora in Mexico, and at Martires de 1906 College. His brother, Francisco Rodriguez, is a former shortstop in the St. Louis Cardinals organization."
-1981 New York Yankees Media Guide
No comments:
Post a Comment