Willy Aybar
Encyclopedia
Willy Del Jesus Aybar is an infielder
who currently plays for the Yuma Scorpions
in the North American League
. Aybar has previously played in Major League Baseball
(MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers
, Atlanta Braves
, and Tampa Bay Rays
. He is the older brother of Erick Aybar
, shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
.
debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers
. In his short time on the big league roster, Aybar made strides in impressing then-manager Jim Tracy. In 86 at-bats, Aybar compiled a .326 batting average
with 10 runs batted in and 3 stolen bases.
as their starting third baseman. After they also signed Ramon Martinez
to join Oscar Robles
in being the primary backups, Aybar found himself out of a job. His .216 batting average
during Spring Training did not help his cause either.
On May 12, 2006, Aybar received another opportunity to be the starting third baseman when Mueller was placed on the 15-day disabled list for arthroscopic knee surgery, Aybar was recalled from the Dodgers Triple-A affiliate, the Las Vegas 51s
. On July 28, he was traded to the Braves along with relief pitcher Danys Baez
for infielder Wilson Betemit
.
to remark "I didn't even know he was still on the team." It was revealed on April 19 that Aybar, according to his agent, had been struggling with "drinking and drugs." He had not been heard from for some time and failed to report to New York
for a meeting with major league officials Friday, April 20, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It was later revealed that Aybar was seeking help at a drug treatment facility. Aybar was removed from the suspended list on August 4 and was sent to the minor leagues to get in shape for being called up. However, on August 14, Aybar underwent season-ending surgery for a stress fracture in his right hand.
for Jeff Ridgway
. On March 24, 2008, it was announced that Aybar would be the starting third baseman for the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays. He held this position until Evan Longoria
was called up early in the season. Aybar then took the role of utility player.
He hit a home run in the seventh and deciding game of the ALCS
, a 3-1 Rays victory that sent the franchise to the World Series
for the first time.
), the Dominican Republic team faced the Netherlands in the first round. After the game went into extra innings, the Dutch team scored on an error made by Aybar, eliminating the heavily favored Dominican team.
in the North American League
. He was released by the Capitals, due to the Canadian government not granting Aybar a visa. He joined the Yuma Scorpions in the same Independent league, which is managed by Jose Canseco.
In June 2011, Aybar was arrested again for allegedly assaulting his wife. According to the police report, Aybar, who has battled alcohol problems, was found "extremely intoxicated" at the front entrance of the hotel.
Infielder
An infielder is a baseball player stationed at one of four defensive "infield" positions on the baseball field.-Standard arrangement of positions:In a game of baseball, two teams of nine players take turns playing offensive and defensive roles...
who currently plays for the Yuma Scorpions
Yuma Scorpions
The Yuma Scorpions are a professional baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, in the United States. The Scorpions are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League. From the 2005 season to the present, the Scorpions have played their home games at Desert Sun Stadium at the...
in the North American League
North American League
The North American League is an independent baseball league that began play in the 2011 season...
. Aybar has previously played 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...
(MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
, Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
, and Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
. He is the older brother of Erick Aybar
Erick Aybar
Erick Johan Aybar is a Major League Baseball shortstop with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Dominican Republic:Aybar has also previously played in the Dominican Republic...
, shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
.
2005 Season
On August 31, 2005, Aybar made his Major League BaseballMajor 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...
debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
. In his short time on the big league roster, Aybar made strides in impressing then-manager Jim Tracy. In 86 at-bats, Aybar compiled a .326 batting average
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 :...
with 10 runs batted in and 3 stolen bases.
2006 season
After the 2005 season, Aybar was a candidate to start at third base for the Dodgers in 2006. However, in the offseason, the Dodgers signed free agent and former batting champion Bill MuellerBill Mueller
William Richard Mueller is a former Major League Baseball third baseman. Mueller's playing career was spent with the San Francisco Giants , Chicago Cubs , Boston Red Sox , and Los Angeles Dodgers . He won the American League batting title in 2003, and helped the Red Sox win the 2004 World Series...
as their starting third baseman. After they also signed Ramon Martinez
Ramón Martínez (baseball infielder)
Ramón E. Martínez is a Major League Baseball utility infielder. He is the cousin of Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto.-Early career:...
to join Oscar Robles
Oscar Robles
Oscar Manuel Robles Arenas is a Major League Baseball infielder. He currently plays for the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League....
in being the primary backups, Aybar found himself out of a job. His .216 batting average
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 :...
during Spring Training did not help his cause either.
On May 12, 2006, Aybar received another opportunity to be the starting third baseman when Mueller was placed on the 15-day disabled list for arthroscopic knee surgery, Aybar was recalled from the Dodgers Triple-A affiliate, the Las Vegas 51s
Las Vegas 51s
The Las Vegas 51s, formerly known as the Las Vegas Stars, are a minor league baseball team. They are the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. They play at Cashman Field in Las Vegas, Nevada. The team competes in the Pacific Coast League...
. On July 28, he was traded to the Braves along with relief pitcher Danys Baez
Danys Báez
Danys Báez González is a Cuban professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Báez has previously played for the Cleveland Indians , Tampa Bay Devil Rays , Los Angeles Dodgers , Atlanta Braves , Baltimore Orioles , and Philadelphia Phillies .-Cleveland Indians:Báez was signed by the Cleveland...
for infielder Wilson Betemit
Wilson Betemit
Wilson Betemit is a Dominican professional baseball infielder. He is 6'2" and weighs 220 pounds...
.
2007 season
On April 18, Aybar was suspended indefinitely for unknown reasons. He was first suspended on April 15 for three games for failing to show up for treatments for an injured hand. This was a rare move by the Braves organization, and Aybar's lack of participation caused third baseman Chipper JonesChipper Jones
Larry Wayne "Chipper" Jones, Jr. is a Major League baseball player for the National League's Atlanta Braves. Although initially a shortstop, he has spent most of his career as the starting third baseman for the Braves...
to remark "I didn't even know he was still on the team." It was revealed on April 19 that Aybar, according to his agent, had been struggling with "drinking and drugs." He had not been heard from for some time and failed to report to New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
for a meeting with major league officials Friday, April 20, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It was later revealed that Aybar was seeking help at a drug treatment facility. Aybar was removed from the suspended list on August 4 and was sent to the minor leagues to get in shape for being called up. However, on August 14, Aybar underwent season-ending surgery for a stress fracture in his right hand.
2008 season
On January 17, 2008, Aybar was traded along with Chase Fontaine to the Tampa Bay RaysTampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
for Jeff Ridgway
Jeff Ridgway
Jeffrey Allen Ridgway is a Major League Baseball player who is currently in the Washington Nationals organization. A pitcher, Ridgway made his Major League Baseball debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on September 17, .In 2007, Ridgway had an ERA of 189.00...
. On March 24, 2008, it was announced that Aybar would be the starting third baseman for the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays. He held this position until Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...
was called up early in the season. Aybar then took the role of utility player.
He hit a home run in the seventh and deciding game of the ALCS
2008 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Friday, October 10, 2008 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FloridaBoston won a pitcher's duel on a sac fly by Jed Lowrie in the fifth and an RBI double by Kevin Youkilis in the eighth. Starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was nearly unhittable in Game 1 of the 2008 ALCS. He held the Rays hitless...
, a 3-1 Rays victory that sent the franchise to the World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
for the first time.
2009 World Baseball Classic
In the 2009 WBC (World Baseball ClassicWorld Baseball Classic
The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation and created by Major League Baseball , the Major League Baseball Players Association , and other professional baseball leagues and their players associations around the world...
), the Dominican Republic team faced the Netherlands in the first round. After the game went into extra innings, the Dutch team scored on an error made by Aybar, eliminating the heavily favored Dominican team.
2011 Season
Aybar was selected to play for the Edmonton CapitalsEdmonton Capitals
The Edmonton Capitals are a professional baseball team based in Edmonton, Alberta. Known originally as the Edmonton Cracker-Cats, they began play in the Northern League in 2005 before switching to the Golden Baseball League in 2008. The team was sold to Daryl Katz in 2009, after which the team was...
in the North American League
North American League
The North American League is an independent baseball league that began play in the 2011 season...
. He was released by the Capitals, due to the Canadian government not granting Aybar a visa. He joined the Yuma Scorpions in the same Independent league, which is managed by Jose Canseco.
Legal trouble
In 2008, Aybar was arrested on domestic violence charges for assaulting his wife. In 2010, Aybar was convicted and sentenced to three months in prison for assaulting his wife and violating a restraining order. Mrs. Aybar had suffered serious injuries, and spent some time in ICU while in critical condition.In June 2011, Aybar was arrested again for allegedly assaulting his wife. According to the police report, Aybar, who has battled alcohol problems, was found "extremely intoxicated" at the front entrance of the hotel.