Dave LaPoint
Encyclopedia
David Jeffrey LaPoint was a Major League Baseball
pitcher. He is currently the manager of the Rockland Boulders
, an American
professional baseball team based in Pomona, New York
and member of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball known as the Can-Am League.
where he was a star baseball
player alongside future fellow Major League Baseball
player David Palmer
. He graduated in 1977.
in the 10th round (237th overall) of the 1977 MLB amateur entry draft, LaPoint would make his Major League Baseball debut with the Milwaukee Brewers on September 10, 1980.
with Lary Sorensen
, David Green, and Sixto Lezcano
for Ted Simmons
, Rollie Fingers
, and Pete Vukovich. He pitched in St. Louis until 1984, beginning as a long relief pitcher
but eventually developing into a starting pitcher
. LaPoint was a member of the St. Louis Cardinals
team that defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1982 World Series
. He also finished eighth in the voting for the 1982 National League
Rookie of the Year award.
with José Uribe
, Gary Rajsich
, and David Green for Jack Clark
. He pitched in San Francisco for one season, making 31 starts.
with Matt Nokes
and Eric King
for Scott Medvin
, Bob Melvin
, and Juan Berenguer
. After beginning as a starting pitcher
, he was demoted to the bullpen
where he pitched as a long relief pitcher
. On July 9, 1986, he was traded to the San Diego Padres
for Mark Thurmond
. In San Diego, he pitched primarily as a long relief pitcher. He was released by the Padres on December 18, 1986.
. After beginning the season in the minor leagues, LaPoint was recalled near the trade deadline and pitched as a long relief pitcher
, where he pitched poorly. On July 30, 1987, LaPoint was traded to the Chicago White Sox
for Bryce Hulstrom. In Chicago, LaPoint became a starting pitcher
again and posted a 2.94 earned run average. On November 9, 1987, he was granted free agency.
shortly before pitchers and catchers
were to report to Spring Training
. LaPoint pitched well in Chicago again, and began to draw interest from contending teams. On August 13, 1988, LaPoint was traded through waivers to the Pittsburgh Pirates
for Barry Jones
. He pitched well down the stretch for the Pirates, posting a 2.77 earned run average. On November 4, 1988, he was granted free agency.
. LaPoint pitched poorly for the Yankees in 1989, winning only six games and posting an earned run average over 5.00. In 1990, LaPoint's fortunes improved as did his earned run average, moving to 4.11. He was released on February 17, 1991.
. LaPoint made 2 starts for Philadelphia and pitched greatly, being released on April 23, 1991. On May 9, 1991, LaPoint was re-acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers
as a free agent to a minor league contract, reuniting him with the team that drafted him. He did not pitch well at Triple-A and was released on June 23, 1991. On June 28, 1991, he was signed as a free agent by the Chicago Cubs
to a minor league contract. He pitched poorly and was not recalled when rosters expanded in September. He was granted free agency on October 15, 1991.
in 1993. After pitching poorly in Triple-A after making 13 starts, he was not recalled in September when rosters expanded.
of the independent Northeast League in 1995. After retiring as a player, LaPoint was appointed as the team's pitching coach and eventually became manager. LaPoint parted ways with the team when they joined the independent Northern League in 1999.
of the independent Atlantic League
. He is the fourth manager in team history, and succeeded José Lind
. After the 2006 season, LaPoint was named the Atlantic League Manager of the Year.
of the independent Atlantic League
.
, an American
professional baseball team based in Pomona, New York
and member of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball known as the Can-Am League.
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
pitcher. He is currently the manager of the Rockland Boulders
Rockland Boulders
The Rockland Boulders is an American professional baseball team based in Pomona, New York in the County of Rockland. It is a member of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball, also known as the Can-Am League...
, an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional baseball team based in Pomona, New York
Pomona, New York
Pomona is a village partly in the Town of Ramapo and partly in the Town of Haverstraw in Rockland County, New York, United States, located north of New Hempstead, east of Harriman State Park, north of Monsey and west of Mount Ivy. According to the 2010 Census, the population was 3,103, a 13 percent...
and member of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball known as the Can-Am League.
Early life and career
LaPoint attended Glens Falls High School in Glens Falls, New YorkGlens Falls, New York
Glens Falls is a city in Warren County, New York, United States. Glens Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 14,700 at the 2010 census...
where he was a star baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
player alongside future fellow Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
player David Palmer
David Palmer (baseball)
David William Palmer, Jr. , is a former professional baseball player who played pitcher in the Major Leagues from 1978-1989. Palmer would play for the Montreal Expos, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Detroit Tigers.-Early life:Palmer was a star pitcher for the Glens Falls High School...
. He graduated in 1977.
Milwaukee Brewers
Drafted by the Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
in the 10th round (237th overall) of the 1977 MLB amateur entry draft, LaPoint would make his Major League Baseball debut with the Milwaukee Brewers on September 10, 1980.
St. Louis Cardinals
On December 12, 1980, LaPoint was traded to the St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
with Lary Sorensen
Lary Sorensen
Lary Alan Sorensen is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Milwaukee Brewers , St...
, David Green, and Sixto Lezcano
Sixto Lezcano
Sixto Joaquin Lezcano Curras is a retired baseball player who played for 12 seasons as an outfielder in the Major Leagues between 1974 and 1985. He played for 5 different teams in the Majors and won a Gold Glove during his career.Lezcano was originally signed as an amateur in 1970 by the...
for Ted Simmons
Ted Simmons
Ted Lyle Simmons is an American former professional baseball player and coach. A switch-hitter, Simmons was a catcher for most of his Major League Baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals , the Milwaukee Brewers and the Atlanta Braves...
, Rollie Fingers
Rollie Fingers
Roland Glen Fingers is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. During his 18-year baseball career, he pitched for the Oakland Athletics , San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers . He became only the second reliever to be elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992...
, and Pete Vukovich. He pitched in St. Louis until 1984, beginning as a long relief pitcher
Relief pitcher
A relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
but eventually developing into a starting pitcher
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
. LaPoint was a member of the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
team that defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1982 World Series
1982 World Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 12, 1982 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MissouriThe Brewers' left-hander Mike Caldwell pitched a complete game shutout, allowing only three hits. The Brewers' offense was led by Paul Molitor, who had a World Series-record five hits and two RBIs...
. He also finished eighth in the voting for the 1982 National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
Rookie of the Year award.
San Francisco Giants
On February 1, 1985, LaPoint was traded to the San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
with José Uribe
Jose Uribe
José Altagracia González Uribe was a Dominican Major League Baseball shortstop from until . Most of his ten-year career was spent with the San Francisco Giants...
, Gary Rajsich
Gary Rajsich
Gary Louis Rajsich is an American Major League Baseball scout and a former professional baseball outfielder. He played all or part of four seasons in the Majors from until , then played three additional seasons for the Chunichi Dragons from until...
, and David Green for Jack Clark
Jack Clark (baseball)
Jack Anthony Clark , also known as "Jack the Ripper," is a former Major League Baseball player. From 1975 through 1992, Clark played for the San Francisco Giants , St. Louis Cardinals , New York Yankees , San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox...
. He pitched in San Francisco for one season, making 31 starts.
Detroit Tigers and San Diego Padres
On October 7, 1985, LaPoint was traded to the Detroit TigersDetroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
with Matt Nokes
Matt Nokes
Matthew Dodge Nokes is a retired American professional baseball catcher and designated hitter. He played eleven seasons in Major League Baseball for the San Francisco Giants , the Detroit Tigers , New York Yankees , the Baltimore Orioles, and the Colorado Rockies...
and Eric King
Eric King (baseball)
Eric Steven King was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He may be best known for giving up Ken Griffey, Jr's first career Major League home run....
for Scott Medvin
Scott Medvin
Scott Howard Medvin is a former professional baseball pitcher. He played parts of three seasons in Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners .-External links:...
, Bob Melvin
Bob Melvin
Robert Paul Melvin is the manager of the Oakland Athletics, and a former Major League Baseball catcher.During a 10-year playing career, he played from 1985–94 for seven different teams...
, and Juan Berenguer
Juan Berenguer
Juan Bautista Berenguer was a Major League Baseball pitcher for the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins and other teams. He had a career record of 67 wins and 62 losses. A mean-looking, husky Panamanian with long hair and a mustache, he was called "Pancho Villa" by his...
. After beginning as a starting pitcher
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
, he was demoted to the bullpen
Bullpen
In baseball, the bullpen is the area where relief pitchers warm-up before entering a game. Depending on the ballpark, it may be situated in foul territory along the baselines or just beyond the outfield fence. Also, a team's roster of relief pitchers is metonymically referred to as "the bullpen"...
where he pitched as a long relief pitcher
Relief pitcher
A relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
. On July 9, 1986, he was traded to the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
for Mark Thurmond
Mark Thurmond
Mark Anthony Thurmond , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1983-1990...
. In San Diego, he pitched primarily as a long relief pitcher. He was released by the Padres on December 18, 1986.
Second stint with Cardinals and the Chicago White Sox
On January 19, 1987, LaPoint was re-acquired as a free agent by the St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
. After beginning the season in the minor leagues, LaPoint was recalled near the trade deadline and pitched as a long relief pitcher
Relief pitcher
A relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
, where he pitched poorly. On July 30, 1987, LaPoint was traded to the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
for Bryce Hulstrom. In Chicago, LaPoint became a starting pitcher
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
again and posted a 2.94 earned run average. On November 9, 1987, he was granted free agency.
Pittsburgh Pirates
On February 9, 1988 he was re-signed by the Chicago White SoxChicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
shortly before pitchers and catchers
Catchers
Catchers was an Irish indie pop band formed in 1993 and led by singer-songwriter Dale Grundle. The band consisted of Dale Grundle , Alice Lemon , Peter Kelly , Ger FitzGerald , Craig Carpenter and Jonathan Lord...
were to report to Spring Training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
. LaPoint pitched well in Chicago again, and began to draw interest from contending teams. On August 13, 1988, LaPoint was traded through waivers to the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
for Barry Jones
Barry Jones
Barry Jones may refer to:*Barry Jones, Baron Jones , British politician*Barry Jones , member of the ALP*Barry Jones , British-born actor...
. He pitched well down the stretch for the Pirates, posting a 2.77 earned run average. On November 4, 1988, he was granted free agency.
New York Yankees
On December 3, 1988, LaPoint was signed as a free agent by the New York YankeesNew York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
. LaPoint pitched poorly for the Yankees in 1989, winning only six games and posting an earned run average over 5.00. In 1990, LaPoint's fortunes improved as did his earned run average, moving to 4.11. He was released on February 17, 1991.
Philadelphia Phillies,Chicago Cubs,second stint with Brewers
On April 7, 1991, LaPoint was signed as a free agent by the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. LaPoint made 2 starts for Philadelphia and pitched greatly, being released on April 23, 1991. On May 9, 1991, LaPoint was re-acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
as a free agent to a minor league contract, reuniting him with the team that drafted him. He did not pitch well at Triple-A and was released on June 23, 1991. On June 28, 1991, he was signed as a free agent by the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
to a minor league contract. He pitched poorly and was not recalled when rosters expanded in September. He was granted free agency on October 15, 1991.
Minnesota Twins
After not pitching at all in 1992, LaPoint was signed to a minor league contract by the Minnesota TwinsMinnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
in 1993. After pitching poorly in Triple-A after making 13 starts, he was not recalled in September when rosters expanded.
Adirondack Lumberjacks
After sitting out the 1994 season, LaPoint pitched for the Adirondack LumberjacksAdirondack Lumberjacks
The Adirondack Lumberjacks were an independent professional baseball team based in Glens Falls, New York. The team moved to Bangor, Maine and became the Bangor Lumberjacks following the 2002 season...
of the independent Northeast League in 1995. After retiring as a player, LaPoint was appointed as the team's pitching coach and eventually became manager. LaPoint parted ways with the team when they joined the independent Northern League in 1999.
Bridgeport Bluefish
In 2006, LaPoint was hired as the manager of the Bridgeport BluefishBridgeport Bluefish
The Bridgeport Bluefish is an American professional baseball team based in Bridgeport, Connecticut. They are a member of the Liberty Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball...
of the independent Atlantic League
Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball is a professional, independent baseball organization located primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, especially the greater metropolitan areas of the Northeast megalopolis. It operates in cities not served by Major or Minor League...
. He is the fourth manager in team history, and succeeded José Lind
José Lind
José Lind Salgado, nicknamed "Chico", is a former Major League Baseball player, and former manager of the Atlantic League's Bridgeport Bluefish. He is the cousin of Onix Concepcion, another MLB player. Primarily a second baseman, Lind was highly regarded for his defensive skills, winning a Gold...
. After the 2006 season, LaPoint was named the Atlantic League Manager of the Year.
Long Island Ducks
LaPoint was the manager of the Long Island DucksLong Island Ducks
The Long Island Ducks is an American professional baseball team based in Central Islip, New York. They are a member of the Liberty Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball...
of the independent Atlantic League
Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball is a professional, independent baseball organization located primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, especially the greater metropolitan areas of the Northeast megalopolis. It operates in cities not served by Major or Minor League...
.
Rockland Boulders
Starting in 2011, LaPoint manages the Rockland BouldersRockland Boulders
The Rockland Boulders is an American professional baseball team based in Pomona, New York in the County of Rockland. It is a member of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball, also known as the Can-Am League...
, an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional baseball team based in Pomona, New York
Pomona, New York
Pomona is a village partly in the Town of Ramapo and partly in the Town of Haverstraw in Rockland County, New York, United States, located north of New Hempstead, east of Harriman State Park, north of Monsey and west of Mount Ivy. According to the 2010 Census, the population was 3,103, a 13 percent...
and member of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball known as the Can-Am League.