At that time, some MLB scouts thought that the 17-year-old power-hitting prodigy was too overweight to play professionally. At the recommendation of team manager Felipe Alou, he was signed by the Expos in 1979. Galarraga originally started as a utility player, but three seasons later he became the regular first baseman of the team. Some of the players he had as teammates included big-leaguers Tony Armas, Bo Diaz, Manny Trillo, Gonzalo Márquez and Leo Hernández. He made his debut in the 1978– 1979 season. Galarraga was signed by the Leones del Caracas club as a catcher and third baseman. Galarraga was a five time All-Star, won two National League Gold Glove Awards and two NL Silver Slugger awards, and won the MLB Comeback Player of the Year Award after his successful return to baseball following cancer treatment. He was nicknamed The Big Cat ( El Gran Gato) for his extraordinary quickness at first base in spite of his big frame. Despite several injuries that plagued Galarraga throughout his career, he was a very popular player both for his achievements on the field, and for his big and bright smile. He batted and threw right-handed.Īt six-foot-three and 235 pounds (1.91 m, 117 kg), Galarraga began his professional career in Venezuela at the age of 16. Louis Cardinals ( 1992), Colorado Rockies ( 1993– 1997), Atlanta Braves ( 1998– 2000), Texas Rangers ( 2001), San Francisco Giants (20) and Anaheim Angels ( 2004). ![]() ![]() A photo of Andrés Galarraga on the Atlanta Braves.Īndrés José Padovani Galarraga (born Jin Caracas, Venezuela) is a former Major League Baseball first baseman who played for the Montreal Expos ( 1985– 19), St.
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