Rogelio Álvarez
Encyclopedia
Rogelio Álvarez Hernández (born April 18, 1938 in Pinar del Río, Cuba) is a retired professional baseball
player whose career spanned 18 seasons, including parts of two in Major League Baseball
with the Cincinnati Reds
(1960, 1962). Over his career in the majors, Álvarez batted
.211 with two runs
, seven hits
and two runs batted in (RBIs). Álvarez also played in the minor leagues
with the Class-C Yuma Sun Sox (1956), the Class-B Port Arthur Sea Hawks
(1956), the Class-B Wenatchee Chiefs
(1957), the Class-B Clovis Redlegs (1957), the Triple-A Havana Sugar Kings
/Jersey City Jerseys
(1958–1961), the Triple-A San Diego Padres
(1962–1963, 1965), the Double-A Macon Peaches (1964), the Double-A Knoxville Smokies (1965–1967), the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons
(1966), the Double-A Evansville White Sox
, the Triple-A Veracruz Aguila (1968–1971), the Triple-A Poza Rica Petroleros (1972) and the Triple-A Yucatan Leones (1973). During his minor league career, he played 1,706 games. He primarily played first base over his career, but also played outfield
and pitcher
on occasion.
Álvarez was a member of the Washington Senators
during spring training
in 1963 and was expected to be the team's starting first baseman going into the regular season. However, Álvarez, who is from Cuba, was forced to stay in his native country by the Cuban government. This made Álvarez incapable of reporting to the Senators who were in the United States. He later left the country during unknown circumstances and joined the Pacific Coast League
after being sold by the Senators.
. In his first professional season, he played the Class-C Yuma Sun Sox of the Arizona-Mexico League
and the Class-B Port Arthur Sea Hawks
of the Big State League
. That season, he batted
a combined .305 with 10 doubles
, 5 triples
, and 5 home runs. During the next season, Álvarez split his playing time between the Class-B Wenatchee Chiefs
of the Northwest League
and the Class-B Clovis Redlegs of the Southwestern League
. He batted a combined .325 with 24 doubles, 7 triples, and 39 home runs. Despite only appearing in 48 games in the Southwestern League, Álvarez finished the season third in the league in home runs with 24.
In 1958, Álvarez played for the Triple-A Havana Sugar Kings
of the International League
. In 146 games, Álvarez batted .268 with 67 runs
, 130 hits, 23 doubles, five triples, 25 home runs and 88 runs batted in (RBIs). Along with Bob Lennon
, Álvarez was fourth in the International League in home runs that year. He was also fifth in RBIs. Álvarez continued playing with the Triple-A Havana Sugar Kings in 1959. That season, he batted .196 with 51 runs, 99 hits, 19 doubles, one triple, 22 home runs and 65 RBIs. Álvarez was second to last in batting average in the International League, however, he was tied for eight with Luke Easter in home runs. In 1960, Álvarez continued playing with the Havana until their move to Jersey City under the name the "Jerseys
" after Fidel Castro
rose to power in Cuba
. With the team, he batted .254 with 134 hits, 20 doubles, one triple, 17 home runs and 72 RBIs in 151 games.
On September 18, 1960, Álvarez made his debut in Major League Baseball
after being called-up by the Reds. In his first game, Álvarez struck out
in one at-bat against the Pittsburgh Pirates
. His first and only major league hit of the season came in his third game. In his three games in the majors that season, Álvarez batted .111 with one run and one hit in three games. During the 1961 season, Álvarez played with the Triple-A Jersey City Jerseys. In 140 games that season, he batted .228 with 56 runs, 101 hits, 13 doubles, six triples, 12 home runs and 58 RBIs. In 1962, Álvarez started at the Triple-A level with the San Diego Padres
of the Pacific Coast League
(PCL). With the Padres, he batted .318 with 88 runs, 153 hits, 27 doubles, five triples, 18 home runs and 73 RBIs in 132 games. In September 1962, it was announced that Álvarez made the PCL all-star team
. He was seventh in the PCL in batting average that season.
Álvarez was purchased by the Reds in September of the 1962 season after playing with the San Diego Padres in their minor league organization. His call-up to the majors was due to an injury to the Reds' first baseman
Gordy Coleman
. His first major league hit of the season came on September 9, against the St. Louis Cardinals
. His first major leagu RBI came on September 14, against the New York Mets
. Álvarez made his final major league appearance on September 28, against the Philadelphia Phillies
, striking out in one at-bat. On the season with the Reds, Álvarez batted .241 with one run, six hits and two RBIs in 14 games.
in exchange for first baseman Harry Bright
. Going into the season, Micky Vernon, manager
of the Senators at the time, said that Álvarez was poised to play first base in the majors that season with Washington. During spring training
in 1963, Álvarez was barred from his native Cuba, making it impossible for him to report to the Senators. The Mexican
government was involved in helping Álvarez leave Cuba to return to the United States
. Tom Brown replaced Álvarez on the Senators roster while he was in Cuba. On May 10, 1963, it was reported that Álvarez left Cuba and returned to his baseball career. Álvarez, who did not comment on how he returned from Cuba, was sold by the Senators to the Triple-A San Diego Padres after his return. That season with the Padres, Álvarez batted .259 with 51 runs, 95 hits, 19 doubles, two triples, 15 home runs and 63 RBIs in 103 games.
Álvarez joined the Double-A Macon Peaches of the Southern League
in 1964. With the Peaches, he batted .271 with 16 runs, 39 hits, seven doubles, 10 home runs and 42 RBIs in 56 games. Álvarez split the 1965 season between the Triple-A San Diego Padres and the Double-A Knoxville Smokies. He batted a combined .233 with 27 runs, 70 hits, 10 doubles, 16 home runs and 50 RBIs in 111 games. In 1967, Álvarez started the season with the Double-A Smokies batting .312 with 56 runs, 115 hits, 20 doubles, one triple, 27 home runs and 78 RBIs in 114 games. He was second amongst Southern League batters in home runs, fifth in batting average and sixth in RBIs. Álvarez split the 1967 season between the Double-A Knoxville Smokies and the Double-A Evansville White Sox
. Between the two Southern League teams, he batted .240 with 46 runs, 110 hits, 21 doubles, one triple, 19 home runs and 84 RBIs in 133 games. In 1968, Álvarez joined the Triple-A Veracruz Aguila of the Mexican League. He played with Veracruz for the next four season before joining the Poza Rica Petroleros, also of the Mexican League, in 1972. Álvarez spent his final season in professional baseball in 1973 with the Mexican League Yucatan Leones.
Professional baseball
Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. In these leagues, and associated farm teams, players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system....
player whose career spanned 18 seasons, including parts of two in 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...
with the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
(1960, 1962). Over his career in the majors, Álvarez batted
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
.211 with two runs
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
, seven hits
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
and two runs batted in (RBIs). Álvarez also played in the minor leagues
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
with the Class-C Yuma Sun Sox (1956), the Class-B Port Arthur Sea Hawks
Port Arthur Sea Hawks
The Port Arthur Sea Hawks were a Gulf Coast League , Evangeline League and Big State League baseball team based in Port Arthur, Texas, USA...
(1956), the Class-B Wenatchee Chiefs
Wenatchee Chiefs
The Wenatchee Chiefs were a minor league baseball team based in Wenatchee, Washington. The team was founded in 1937, and was a part of the Western International League from its founding until 1954, although the team did not operate in 1941 and the entire league was suspended during World War II,...
(1957), the Class-B Clovis Redlegs (1957), the Triple-A Havana Sugar Kings
Havana Sugar Kings
The Havana Sugar Kings were a Cuban-based minor league baseball team that played in the Class AAA International League from 1954 to 1960 . They were affiliated with Major League Baseball's Cincinnati Reds, and their home stadium was El Gran Estadio del Cerro in Havana, Cuba.-History:The Sugar...
/Jersey City Jerseys
Jersey City Jerseys
The Jersey City Jerseys was a minor league baseball team based in Jersey City, New Jersey that played in the International League for two seasons, 1960 and 1961. It was the AAA affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The team's home stadium was Roosevelt Stadium. The team began life in Havana, Cuba and...
(1958–1961), the Triple-A San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres (PCL)
The San Diego Padres were a minor league baseball team which played in the Pacific Coast League from 1936 through 1968. The team that would eventually become the Padres was well traveled prior to moving to San Diego. It began its existence in 1903 as the Sacramento Solons, a charter member of the PCL...
(1962–1963, 1965), the Double-A Macon Peaches (1964), the Double-A Knoxville Smokies (1965–1967), the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons
Buffalo Bisons
The Buffalo Bisons are a minor league baseball team based in Buffalo, New York. They currently play in the International League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets...
(1966), the Double-A Evansville White Sox
Evansville White Sox
The Evansville White Sox were a minor league baseball team based in Evansville, Indiana that played in the Southern League from 1966 to 1968. They were affiliated with the Chicago White Sox and played their home games at Bosse Field.-Year-by-year record:...
, the Triple-A Veracruz Aguila (1968–1971), the Triple-A Poza Rica Petroleros (1972) and the Triple-A Yucatan Leones (1973). During his minor league career, he played 1,706 games. He primarily played first base over his career, but also played outfield
Outfield
The outfield is a sporting term used in cricket and baseball to refer to the area of the field of play further from the batsman or batter than the infield...
and pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
on occasion.
Álvarez was a member of the Washington Senators
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
during 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...
in 1963 and was expected to be the team's starting first baseman going into the regular season. However, Álvarez, who is from Cuba, was forced to stay in his native country by the Cuban government. This made Álvarez incapable of reporting to the Senators who were in the United States. He later left the country during unknown circumstances and joined the Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
after being sold by the Senators.
Cincinnati Reds
In 1956, Álvarez signed with he Cincinnati Redlegs (now known as the "Reds") as an amateur free agentFree agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
. In his first professional season, he played the Class-C Yuma Sun Sox of the Arizona-Mexico League
Arizona-Texas League
The Arizona-Texas League was a low-level circuit in American minor league baseball that existed from 1928-32, 1937-41, 1947-50 and 1952-54. The Arizona-Texas loop merged with the Sunset League to form the Southwest International League in 1951...
and the Class-B Port Arthur Sea Hawks
Port Arthur Sea Hawks
The Port Arthur Sea Hawks were a Gulf Coast League , Evangeline League and Big State League baseball team based in Port Arthur, Texas, USA...
of the Big State League
Big State League
The Big State League was a mid-level, Class B circuit in American minor league baseball that played for 11 seasons, from 1947 through 1957. Its member clubs were exclusively based in Texas. It saw a lot of transition in its 11-year lifetime, with no team serving as a member in every single season....
. That season, he batted
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
a combined .305 with 10 doubles
Double (baseball)
In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
, 5 triples
Triple (baseball)
In baseball, a triple is the act of a batter safely reaching third base after hitting the ball, with neither the benefit of a fielder's misplay nor another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
, and 5 home runs. During the next season, Álvarez split his playing time between the Class-B Wenatchee Chiefs
Wenatchee Chiefs
The Wenatchee Chiefs were a minor league baseball team based in Wenatchee, Washington. The team was founded in 1937, and was a part of the Western International League from its founding until 1954, although the team did not operate in 1941 and the entire league was suspended during World War II,...
of the Northwest League
Northwest League
The Northwest League of Professional Baseball is a Class A-Short Season minor baseball league. The league is the descendant of the Western International League which ran as a class B league from 1937-1951 and class A from 1952-1954...
and the Class-B Clovis Redlegs of the Southwestern League
Southwestern League
The Southwestern League was the name of three former minor league baseball leagues that operated in the Southwestern United States. The first league, also known as the Oklahoma State League, was in operation for the 1904 season. The second league operated from 1921 to 1926...
. He batted a combined .325 with 24 doubles, 7 triples, and 39 home runs. Despite only appearing in 48 games in the Southwestern League, Álvarez finished the season third in the league in home runs with 24.
In 1958, Álvarez played for the Triple-A Havana Sugar Kings
Havana Sugar Kings
The Havana Sugar Kings were a Cuban-based minor league baseball team that played in the Class AAA International League from 1954 to 1960 . They were affiliated with Major League Baseball's Cincinnati Reds, and their home stadium was El Gran Estadio del Cerro in Havana, Cuba.-History:The Sugar...
of the International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
. In 146 games, Álvarez batted .268 with 67 runs
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
, 130 hits, 23 doubles, five triples, 25 home runs and 88 runs batted in (RBIs). Along with Bob Lennon
Bob Lennon
Robert Albert Lennon , nicknamed "Archie," was an American professional baseball player. Although Lennon struggled at the Major League level in three different trials during the mid-1950s, he was a prolific home run hitter in minor league baseball, hitting 278 homers in a 16-year career and setting...
, Álvarez was fourth in the International League in home runs that year. He was also fifth in RBIs. Álvarez continued playing with the Triple-A Havana Sugar Kings in 1959. That season, he batted .196 with 51 runs, 99 hits, 19 doubles, one triple, 22 home runs and 65 RBIs. Álvarez was second to last in batting average in the International League, however, he was tied for eight with Luke Easter in home runs. In 1960, Álvarez continued playing with the Havana until their move to Jersey City under the name the "Jerseys
Jersey City Jerseys
The Jersey City Jerseys was a minor league baseball team based in Jersey City, New Jersey that played in the International League for two seasons, 1960 and 1961. It was the AAA affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The team's home stadium was Roosevelt Stadium. The team began life in Havana, Cuba and...
" after Fidel Castro
Fidel Castro
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz is a Cuban revolutionary and politician, having held the position of Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976, and then President from 1976 to 2008. He also served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from the party's foundation in 1961 until 2011...
rose to power in Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
. With the team, he batted .254 with 134 hits, 20 doubles, one triple, 17 home runs and 72 RBIs in 151 games.
On September 18, 1960, Álvarez made his debut in 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...
after being called-up by the Reds. In his first game, Álvarez struck out
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
in one at-bat against 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...
. His first and only major league hit of the season came in his third game. In his three games in the majors that season, Álvarez batted .111 with one run and one hit in three games. During the 1961 season, Álvarez played with the Triple-A Jersey City Jerseys. In 140 games that season, he batted .228 with 56 runs, 101 hits, 13 doubles, six triples, 12 home runs and 58 RBIs. In 1962, Álvarez started at the Triple-A level with the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres (PCL)
The San Diego Padres were a minor league baseball team which played in the Pacific Coast League from 1936 through 1968. The team that would eventually become the Padres was well traveled prior to moving to San Diego. It began its existence in 1903 as the Sacramento Solons, a charter member of the PCL...
of the Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
(PCL). With the Padres, he batted .318 with 88 runs, 153 hits, 27 doubles, five triples, 18 home runs and 73 RBIs in 132 games. In September 1962, it was announced that Álvarez made the PCL all-star team
Triple-A All-Star Game
The Triple-A All-Star Game is a single baseball game held between the two Triple-A leagues in minor league baseball—the International League and the Pacific Coast League...
. He was seventh in the PCL in batting average that season.
Álvarez was purchased by the Reds in September of the 1962 season after playing with the San Diego Padres in their minor league organization. His call-up to the majors was due to an injury to the Reds' first baseman
First baseman
First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
Gordy Coleman
Gordy Coleman
Gordon Calvin Coleman was a Major League first baseman with the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds ....
. His first major league hit of the season came on September 9, against 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...
. His first major leagu RBI came on September 14, against the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
. Álvarez made his final major league appearance on September 28, against the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia 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...
, striking out in one at-bat. On the season with the Reds, Álvarez batted .241 with one run, six hits and two RBIs in 14 games.
Later career
In November 1962, the Cincinnati Reds traded Álvarez to the Washington SenatorsTexas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
in exchange for first baseman Harry Bright
Harry Bright
Harry James Bright was an American first baseman, third baseman, utilityman and scout in Major League Baseball, and a longtime player and manager in minor league baseball...
. Going into the season, Micky Vernon, manager
Manager (baseball)
In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
of the Senators at the time, said that Álvarez was poised to play first base in the majors that season with Washington. During 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...
in 1963, Álvarez was barred from his native Cuba, making it impossible for him to report to the Senators. The Mexican
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
government was involved in helping Álvarez leave Cuba to return to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Tom Brown replaced Álvarez on the Senators roster while he was in Cuba. On May 10, 1963, it was reported that Álvarez left Cuba and returned to his baseball career. Álvarez, who did not comment on how he returned from Cuba, was sold by the Senators to the Triple-A San Diego Padres after his return. That season with the Padres, Álvarez batted .259 with 51 runs, 95 hits, 19 doubles, two triples, 15 home runs and 63 RBIs in 103 games.
Álvarez joined the Double-A Macon Peaches of the Southern League
Southern League (baseball)
The Southern League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the Southern United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The original league was formed in , and shut down in . A new league, the Southern Association, was formed in , consisting of twelve teams...
in 1964. With the Peaches, he batted .271 with 16 runs, 39 hits, seven doubles, 10 home runs and 42 RBIs in 56 games. Álvarez split the 1965 season between the Triple-A San Diego Padres and the Double-A Knoxville Smokies. He batted a combined .233 with 27 runs, 70 hits, 10 doubles, 16 home runs and 50 RBIs in 111 games. In 1967, Álvarez started the season with the Double-A Smokies batting .312 with 56 runs, 115 hits, 20 doubles, one triple, 27 home runs and 78 RBIs in 114 games. He was second amongst Southern League batters in home runs, fifth in batting average and sixth in RBIs. Álvarez split the 1967 season between the Double-A Knoxville Smokies and the Double-A Evansville White Sox
Evansville White Sox
The Evansville White Sox were a minor league baseball team based in Evansville, Indiana that played in the Southern League from 1966 to 1968. They were affiliated with the Chicago White Sox and played their home games at Bosse Field.-Year-by-year record:...
. Between the two Southern League teams, he batted .240 with 46 runs, 110 hits, 21 doubles, one triple, 19 home runs and 84 RBIs in 133 games. In 1968, Álvarez joined the Triple-A Veracruz Aguila of the Mexican League. He played with Veracruz for the next four season before joining the Poza Rica Petroleros, also of the Mexican League, in 1972. Álvarez spent his final season in professional baseball in 1973 with the Mexican League Yucatan Leones.