Chico Carrasquel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chico Carrasquel |
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| Shortstop | |||
| Born: January 23, 1926 Caracas, Venezuela |
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| Died: May 26, 2005 (aged 79) Caracas, Venezuela |
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| debut | |||
| April 18, 1950, for the Chicago White Sox | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 23, 1959, for the Baltimore Orioles | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .258 | ||
| Home runs | 55 | ||
| Runs batted in | 474 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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 Baseball Hall of Fame |
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| Induction | 2003 | ||
Alfonso Carrasquel Colón, known to many as Chico Carrasquel, was a famous baseball player from Venezuela. He was born on January 23, 1926, and passed away on May 26, 2005. Chico played as a shortstop in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1950 to 1959.
He is best known for his time with the Chicago White Sox. In 1951, he made history as the first Latin American player to start in an All-Star Game. Chico was chosen for the All-Star team four times because of his amazing defensive skills. He was also the first of many great shortstops from Venezuela to play in the Major Leagues. Other famous Venezuelan shortstops include Luis Aparicio and Omar Vizquel. After his playing days, Chico worked as a coach, scout, and manager. He was also a TV commentator for White Sox games. In 2003, he was honored by being chosen for the first group of players in the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
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Chico Carrasquel's Baseball Journey
Chico Carrasquel started his professional baseball career in 1946 when he was just 17 years old. He played for the Cervecería Caracas team in Venezuela. He even hit the first home run in the history of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. In 1949, the Brooklyn Dodgers signed him. He quickly moved up to a higher league, playing for the Fort Worth Cats. Chico was a great fielder and hit very well, helping his team win the 1949 Texas League championship.
The Dodgers later traded him to the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox helped Chico feel at home by having his uncle, Alex Carrasquel, act as an interpreter. This helped Chico talk with his new manager and teammates.
Becoming a White Sox Star
Chico joined the White Sox in 1950. He was only the third Venezuelan player to play in Major League Baseball. He took over as the team's starting shortstop, replacing a player who had been there for a long time. Chico quickly became known for his excellent defense. He and second baseman Nellie Fox formed one of the best double play teams in the league. Fans in Chicago loved him because he was always cheerful and seemed to truly enjoy playing baseball.
As a new player, Chico hit for a good average of .282 in 141 games. He also had a 24-game hitting streak, where he got at least one hit in 24 games in a row. He finished third in the voting for the American League Rookie of the Year Award.
All-Star Moments and Records
In 1951, Chico Carrasquel was voted to start at shortstop for the American League in the All-Star Game. This was a huge moment because he was the first Latin American player ever to start in an All-Star Game. On July 19, 1951, Chico set a new Major League record. He played 53 games without making any errors, handling 297 plays perfectly. This record stood for 18 years! He also led all shortstops in the league in assists and fielding percentage that year.
Chico was chosen for the All-Star team again in 1953, 1954, and 1955. In 1954, he had his best season offensively. He hit 12 home runs and had 62 RBI. He also led the league in games played. He continued to be a top defensive player, leading shortstops in double plays and fielding percentage.
Passing the Torch to Aparicio
Chico Carrasquel played a big part in helping the White Sox sign another young Venezuelan shortstop, Luis Aparicio. Aparicio went on to become a Hall of Fame player himself. By 1955, Aparicio was ready for the Major Leagues. The White Sox decided to trade Chico to the Cleveland Indians in October 1955.
After playing for the Indians for a couple of seasons, Chico was traded to the Kansas City Athletics in 1958. Later that year, he moved to the Baltimore Orioles. In 1959, he had an injury to his eye that affected his vision. He played his last Major League game that year.
Chico's Career Numbers
Over his ten years in Major League Baseball, Chico Carrasquel played in 1,325 games. He had 1,199 hits and a career batting average of .258. He hit 55 home runs and brought in 474 runs for his teams. Chico was also good at not striking out, showing he was a smart hitter. He was a four-time All-Star and led the American League in fielding percentage three times. He ended his career with an excellent .969 fielding percentage.
Chico had some amazing games during his career. On April 23, 1955, he got 5 hits and scored 5 runs in one game. He also had two other games where he got 5 hits. On April 26, 1956, he had a career-high 7 RBI in a single game.
Life After Playing Baseball
After his Major League career, Chico Carrasquel returned to Venezuela. He continued to play in the Venezuelan Winter League until 1967, retiring as a player at age 41. He later became the manager for the Leones del Caracas team. He led them to win the 1982 Caribbean Series championship.
Chico also worked as a scout for MLB teams like the Kansas City Royals and the New York Mets. From 1990 to 1996, he was a color commentator for the White Sox' Spanish language broadcasts. He also worked as a Community Relations Representative for the team until 2002.
In 2004, Chico helped start a special foundation. The Chico Carrasquel Foundation helps children who are less fortunate in Venezuela and the United States. It takes young people from poor neighborhoods to places like YMCA centers, museums, baseball games, and historical sites.
Honors and Legacy
Chico Carrasquel received many honors for his contributions to baseball. In 1991, the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League renamed the baseball stadium in Puerto la Cruz after him. It is now called the Estadio Alfonso Chico Carrasquel. The league also gives out the Chico Carrasquel Award each year to the best manager.
In 2003, Chico was part of the very first group of players chosen for the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. This was a huge honor for him.
In 2004, Chico was invited to throw out the first pitch at a White Sox home game. He was joined by other famous Venezuelan players like Luis Aparicio and Dave Concepción. Chico said this was one of his proudest moments.
As the first Venezuelan player to become a star in Major League Baseball, Chico Carrasquel became a national hero in his home country. His success inspired many future Latin American players, including Luis Aparicio, to pursue their dreams in baseball. He helped open doors for them. Chico's uncle, Alex Carrasquel, and his nephew, Cris Colón, also played in Major League Baseball. Chico Carrasquel passed away in Caracas, Venezuela, on May 26, 2005, at the age of 77.
See also
In Spanish: Alfonso Carrasquel para niños
- List of Venezuelan players in MLB
