Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Player Profile: Craig Billeci

I have one card of Craig Billeci, from 1991 Classic Best.

Playing career: First baseman Craig Billeci played in the Phillies organization in 1991 and 1992. In 111 games he hit .255 with 12 HR and 56 RBI.

My memories: Only know him from his card.

Where he is now: Anyone know where Craig Billeci is now?

Google Autocomplete results: He is first when you type Craig Bille, ahead of Craig Billett, owner of GCD Exhibitions in Australia. The first entry when you google Craig Billeci is not the ballplayer but a lawyer in Huntington Station, NY.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Jack Billingham.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Player Profile: Dann Bilardello

I have sixteen cards of Dann Bilardello. This one is from 1984 Fleer.

Playing career: Backup catcher Dann Bilardello played in parts of eight seasons for the Reds, Expos, Pirates and Padres. In 382 games he hit .204 with 18 HR and 91 RBI. A full account of his career can be found in a profile and an interview at The Greatest 21 Days.

Where his now: Manages the Class-A Palm Beach Cardinals.

Interesting facts: His son Davis Bilardello pitched in the Cardinals organization in 2007 and 2008.

My memories: Only remember him from his card. I think his 1987 Topps card was one of my first baseball cards, and I remember the reference to his son named Davis on the back.

Google Autocomplete results: He is second when you type Dann Bi, between Dann Birkholz and Dann Birkholz Massage, both of which refer to a sensual masseuse in Dallas. There do not appear to be any other prominent Dann Bilardellos.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Craig Billeci.

Monday, April 28, 2014

Player Profile: Larry Biittner

I have seventeen cards of Larry Biittner. This one is from 1984 Fleer.

Playing career: Larry Biittner spent fourteen years in the major leagues as an outfielder-first baseman-pinch hitter for the Rangers, Expos, Cubs and Reds. In 1217 major league games, he hit .273 with 29 HR and 354 RBI. He is best known as a Cub, for hitting a walk-off home run on Opening Day 1978 and then the next year losing a ball in his hat in the outfield for a triple. A fuller account of his career can be found at the 1972 Topps blog.

Where he is now: He is retired but helps his brother-in-law plant and harvest corn and soybeans on his Iowa farm.

My memories: He is from before my time, but I used to think that name was a misprint the first few times I saw it. Apparently the family name was originally Büttner but immigration agents who didn’t understand the umlaut over the u changed it to Biittner.

Google Autocomplete results: He is first when you type Larry Bii, ahead of Larry Bird, the basketball player. There do not appear to be any other prominent Larry Biittners.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Dann Bilardello.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Player Profile: Evan Bigley

I have one card of Evan Bigley, from 2009 Bowman Prospects Gold.

Playing career: Outfielder Evan Bigley played in the Twins’ system from 2008 to 2013. In 637 games, he hit .267 with 54 HR and 333 RBI.

Where he is now: Will play for the independent St. Paul Saints in 2014.

My memories: Only know him from his card.

Google Autocomplete results: He is first when you type Evan Big, ahead of Evan Big Cat Williams, a golfer. There do not appear to be any other prominent Evan Bigleys.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Larry Biittner.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Player Profile: Scott Bigham

I have one card of Scott Bigham, from 1989 Best.

Playing career: Second baseman Scott Bigham played three seasons in the Padres organization. In 327 games, he hit .270 with 0 HR, 108 RBI and 42 SB.

Where he is now: A Senior Portfolio Manager at Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors in Salem, OR.

My memories: Only know him from his card.

Google Autocomplete results: He is tenth when you type Scott Big, behind Scott Big Love, referring to a TV character. The first entry when you google Scott Bigham is not the ballplayer but the Director, Private Markets at UTIMCO.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Evan Bigley.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Player Profile: Craig Biggio

I have 130 cards of Craig Biggio. This one is from 2003 Topps.

Playing career: Craig Biggio had a unique major league career. He spent the first four years of his career as a catcher before moving to second base, where he became a big star with the Astros. Toward the end of his career he spent significant time in center field.  A seven-time All-Star, he had 3,060 career hits in his 20-year career, spent entirely with the Houston Astros.  His 285 hit-by-pitch total is a major league record, and his 668 doubles rank fifth all-time. He missed the Hall of Fame by two votes this year, but is a likely candidate for enshrinement in the years to come.

My memories: I remember him as a highly touted catcher when he first came up. Though as an Astro he was never someone I kept close tabs on, it was always interesting to see his various position changes and hitting accomplishments.

Where he is now: He has been very active with the Sunshine Kids, a charity for children with cancer, dating back to his playing days.

Google Autocomplete results: He is first when you type Craig B, ahead of Craig Bierko, an actor. There do not appear to be any other prominent Craig Biggios.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Scott Bigham.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Player Profile: Larry Bigbie

I have ten cards of Larry Bigbie. This one is from 2002 Topps.

Playing career: Outfielder Larry Bigbie played six seasons in the major leagues for the Orioles, Rockies and Cardinals. In 392 games he hit .267 with 31 HR and 137 RBI.

Interesting facts: After he was set up in a federal sting, Bigbie agreed to cooperated with the investigators of the Mitchell Report, confirming the steroid use of former Orioles teammates. The Orioles and Yankees were the two teams with the most players mentioned in the report commissioned by the part-owner of the Boston Red Sox.

Where he is now: Owns Bigbie’s Shore Performance baseball instruction facility in Centreville, MD.

My memories: I remember him vaguely as part of the mediocre Orioles teams of the early 00’s but nothing specific.

Google Autocomplete results: He is first when you type Larry Big, ahead of Larry Biggers, VP at MV Transportation. There do not appear to be any other prominent Larry Bigbies.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Craig Biggio.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Player Profile: Brad Bierley

I have two cards of Brad Bierley. This one is from 1990 ProCards.

Playing career: Outfielder Brad Bierley was a star for the Twins AA team in Orlando in 1986 and 1987, hitting 22 home runs both years. He was promoted to AAA and struggled to put up the same numbers in two seasons for the Twins’ AAA team in Portland and the Cubs AAA team in Iowa. A fuller account of his career can be found at The Greatest 21 Days.

Where he is now: Owns Double B Construction & Remodel in Sparks, NV. 

My memories: Only know him from his card.

Google Autocomplete results: He is seventh when you type Brad Bie, between Brad Biehl, Senior Developer at TMW Systems, and Brad Bieberich, Market Developer at Ameristar Fence. There do not appear to be any other prominent Brad Bierleys.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Larry Bigbie.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Player Profile: Randor Bierd

I have two cards of Randor Bierd. This one is from 2008 Upper Deck.

Playing career: Randor Bierd pitched seven seasons of professional baseball. He made the major leagues in 2008 with Baltimore, going 0-2 with a 4.91 ERA in 29 games.

My memories: Only know him from his card.

Where he is now: Anyone know where Randor Bierd is now?

Google Autocomplete results: He is fifth when you type Randor , between Randor Guy, an Indian writer, and Randor Bicycle, a former bike manufacturer. There do not appear to be any other prominent Randor Bierds.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Brad Bierley.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Player Profile: Greg Biercevicz

I have two cards of Greg Biercevicz. This one is from 1980 Topps.

Playing career: Greg Biercevicz was drafted by the Mariners in 1977 and immediately made a big splash at Class-A Bellingham, going 11-1 with a 0.90 ERA. The next season he was promoted to AAA, a level he would pitch at for eight years without ever making the major leagues. Overall, in 200 minor league games (173 at AAA), he went 69-58 with a 3.93 ERA.

My memories: Only know him from his card.

Where he is now: Anyone know where Greg Biercevicz is now?

Google Autocomplete results: He is second when you type Greg Bierc, between Greg Bieck, a musician, and Greg Bierck, a salesman at Interstate Casings. There do not appear to be any other prominent Greg Bierceviczes.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Randor Bierd.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Player Profile: Nick Bierbrodt

I have four cards of Nick Bierbrodt. This one is from 2002 Topps.

Playing career: Nick Bierbrodt pitched for the Diamondbacks, Devil Rays and Indians from 2001 to 2004. In 38 games he went 6-9 with a 6.66 ERA.

Interesting facts: In spring training of 2002 Bierbrodt was making a late-night Hardee’s run when he got into a verbal exchange with a youth on a bicycle, complaining that his rap music was too loud. The youth shot Bierbrodt three times in the arm and abdomen. Bierbrodt missed the entire 2002 season but made a full recovery.

In 2011 Bierbrodt married the widow of his former Rays teammate Joe Kennedy.

Where he is now: He is a firefighter (Evans Fire District) and youth baseball coach (Boulder Bisons) in Colorado.

My memories: Only know him from his card.

Google Autocomplete results: He is seventh when you type Nick Bier, between Nick Biershenk Ole Miss, referring to the school’s Assistant Golf Coach, and Nick Biere, a Field Engineer at MA Mortenson. Another prominent Nick Bierbrodt is a Technology Consulting Associate at McGladrey.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Greg Biercevicz.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Player Profile: Mike Bielecki

I have 38 cards of Mike Bielecki. This one is from 1987 Fleer.

Playing career: Mike Bielecki pitched 14 seasons in the major leagues, winning 70 games. His best season was 1989, when he went 18-7 with a 3.14 ERA for the Cubs.

Where he is now: A stay-at-home dad and youth baseball coach.

My memories: He shared his favorite card with this blog in 2012.

Interesting facts: He was invited to go on the ill-fated fishing trip that claimed the lives of Tim Crews and Steve Olin, but his wife refused because she did not feel comfortable on a previous trip. Smart move by Mrs. Bielecki.

Google Autocomplete results: He is first when you type Mike Bie, ahead of Mike Bierek, an artist. Another prominent Mike Bielecki is a Government Relations Principal at the law firm Lewis Roca in Phoenix.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Nick Bierbrodt.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Player Profile: Rocky Biddle

I have four cards of Rocky Biddle. This one is from 2005 Topps.

Playing career: Rocky Biddle pitched for the White Sox and Expos from 2000 to 2004. In 198 games, he went 20-30 with a 5.47 ERA. His best year was 2003, when as the Expos closer he saved 34 games, albeit with a 5-8 record and a 4.65 ERA.

My memories: Only know him from his card.

Where he is now: Anyone know where Rocky Biddle is now?

Google Autocomplete results: He is second when you type Rocky Bi, between Rocky Biography, referring to the fictional boxer, and Rocky Bill Conti, referring to the composer for that movie. There do not appear to be any other prominent Rocky Biddles.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Mike Bielecki.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Player Profile: Eric Bickhardt

I have one card of Eric Bickhardt, from 1990 ProCards.

Playing career: Eric Bickhardt pitched four seasons in the Rangers organization, going 16-12 with a 3.31 ERA.

Where he is now: Compliance Specialist at FINRA.

My memories: Last year he shared some baseball card stories with this blog.

Google Autocomplete results: He is tenth when you type Eric Bick, after Eric Bickerstaff, a former NFL running back. Another prominent Eric Bickhardt plays high school football in Florida.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Rocky Biddle.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Player Profile: Dante Bichette Jr.

I have one card of Dante Bichette Jr., from 2012 Bowman Chrome Prospects.

Playing career: Dante Bichette Jr. was the Yankees’ first round draft pick in 2011, and has gotten off to a rough start to his minor league career. In 290 games from 2011 to 2013, he has hit .251 with 18 HR and 155 RBI, striking out 261 times.

Where he is now:So far this season he has cut down on strikeouts, but at the expense of power. In twelve games at Class-A Tampa, he is hitting .333 (12-36) with 0 HR and 3 RBI. He has walked thirteen times and only struck out eight times. Last night he was 2-4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI in an 8-7 loss to Clearwater.

My memories: I remember him as a very highly touted high school prospect. I was pleasantly surprised when the Yankees drafted him. Hopefully his struggles at ages 19 and 20 don’t mean that he peaked in high school.

Interesting facts: Son of former Rockies star Dante Bichette.

Google Autocomplete results: He is second when you type Dante B, between Dante Basco, an actor, and Dante Bichette, the former Rockies star. There do not appear to be any other prominent Dante Bichette Jrs.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Eric Bickhardt.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Player Profile: Dante Bichette

I have 93 cards of Dante Bichette. This one is from 1995 Pacific Prisms.

Playing career: Outfielder Dante Bichette was a mediocre ballplayer for the first five seasons of his career in California and Milwaukee, and the last two years in Cincinnati and Boston. However, in between he spent seven years as a hitting beast in the thin air of Colorado, where he was a four-time All-Star and twice led the NL in hits. In 1995 he just missed the Triple Crown, hitting .340 while leading the league with 40 HR and 128 RBI.  In that year’s NLDS loss to the Braves, his only playoff appearance, he hit .588 (10-17) with 1 HR and 3 RBI.

Where he is now: Owns Baseball at the Warehouse, an instructional facility in Orlando.

My memories: I remember thinking that his high offensive numbers in Colorado were due to the altitude. That’s probably mostly true, but doesn’t fully explain why his batting averages, not just power, were so much better there. He was probably better than many critics gave him credit for being.

Interesting facts: He is the father of Yankees prospect Dante Bichette Jr. Dante Sr. and current Yankees manager Joe Girardi were such good friends as Rockies teammates that Girardi named his son Dante.

Google Autocomplete results: He is third when you type Dante B, between Dante Bichette Jr, the Yankees prospect, and Dante Bayern, referring to a single-named soccer player on the Bayern Munich team. There do not appear to be any other prominent Dante Bichettes.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Dante Bichette Jr.

Monday, April 14, 2014

Player Profile: Cam Biberdorf

I have one card of Cam Biberdorf, from 1991 Line Drive.

Playing career: Cam Biberdorf pitched in the Dodgers organization from 1988 to 1991. In 173 games he went 20-17 with 47 saves and a 3.11 ERA, striking out over a batter an inning. Although he struggled in a mid-season call-up to AA San Antonio in 1991, it is unclear why his career ended when he had such promising numbers. Presumably there was an injury.

Where he is now: Vice President & Senior External Wholesale at Securian Financial in Minnesota.

My memories: Only know him from his card.

Google Autocomplete results: He is fifth when you type Cam Bib, between Cam Biblia, referring to the Spanish spelling of the biblical character Ham, and cam biberon fiyatları, referring to Turkish baby bottles. There do not appear to be any other prominent Cam Biberdorfs.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Dante Bichette.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Player Profile; Jim Bibby

I have twelve cards of Jim Bibby. This one is from 1982 Fleer.

Playing career: Jim Bibby was one of the best unheralded pitchers of the 1970s. He put up excellent numbers for lousy teams in Texas and Cleveland, highlighted by a no-hitter of the Oakland A’s at the peak of their dynasty in 1973. He signed with the Pirates in 1978 and was a key member of their World Championship team in 1979, leading the NL in winning percentage, a feat he would repeat the following year. Overall in twelve seasons he went 111-101 with a 3.76 ERA.

Post-playing career: After his playing career he was a minor league pitching coach for several teams. He died from bone cancer in 2010.

Interesting facts: Bibby served in Vietnam as a truck driver before his major league career began. His brother Henry Bibby and nephew Mike Bibby played in the NBA.

My memories: Before my time. Only know him from his card.

Google Autocomplete results: He is seventh when you type Jim Bi, between Jim Biber, an architect in New York, and Jim Bissett, a former aquarium owner in Riverhead, NY. Another prominent Jim Bibby is a code enforcement officer in Seattle.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Cam Biberdorf.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Player Profile: Buddy Biancalana

I have nine cards of Buddy Biancalana. This one is from 1986 Fleer.

Playing career: Shortstop Buddy Biancalana played six seasons in the major leagues, mostly for the Royals. In 311 games, he hit .205 with 6 HR and 30 RBI. In 1985, the year Pete Rose broke Ty Cobb’s hit record, he hit just .188 with 1 HR and 6 RBI in 81 games. David Letterman made fun of Biancalana by setting up a “hit counter” to track Biancalana’s progress in breaking Rose’s hit record. Biancalana responsed good-naturedly that “I'm closer to Pete Rose than he is to Johnny Carson." The joke was on Letterman in the World Series, however, when Biancalana got five hits, including the game-winner in Game 5, and five walks. He was a guest on Letterman’s show after the season, and was profiled in both Sports Illustrated and People.

Where he is now: With Steven Yellin he is the Co-Founder of PMPM Zone Sports Training, where he helps baseball players and golfers with the mental aspects of their swings. Among other testimonials, George Brett credits Biancalana with improving his golf game. Biancalana and Yellin co-authored the book The 7 Secrets of World Class Athletes.

My memories: I started following baseball in 1986 and he was still kind of a big name at that point, though he disappeared from the big leagues pretty quickly after his World Series heroics.

Google Autocomplete results: He is sixth when you type Buddy Bi, between Buddy Billz Instagram, referring to a Haitian comedian, and Buddy Bits, a dog treat. There do not appear to be any other prominent Buddy Biancalanas.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Jim Bibby.

Friday, April 11, 2014

Player Profile: Arnie Beyeler

I have one card of Arnie Beyeler, from 1991 Line Drive.

Playing career: Second baseman Arnie Beyeler spent six seasons in the Tigers organization. In 584 games he hit .254 with 7 HR, 171 RBI and 69 SB. A fuller account of his career can be found at The Greatest 21 Days.

Where he is now: He is the first base coach for the Boston Red Sox.

My memories: Only know him from his card.

Google Autocomplete results: He is ninth when you type Arnie B, between Arnie Berman, who played basketball at Brown, and Arnie Bautista CTM, a sales manager. There do not appear to be any other prominent Arnie Beyelers.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Buddy Biancalana.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Player Profile: PJ Bevis

I have one card of PJ Bevis, from 2003 Donruss. 

Playing career: PJ Bevis pitched eight seasons in the Diamondbacks, Mets and Rockies organizations. In 275 games he went 27-34 with 66 saves and a 4.11 ERA.

Where he is now: A pitching instructor in Las Vegas.

My memories: Only know him from his card.

Google Autocomplete results: He is first when you type PJ Bev, ahead of PJ Beverage, a liquor store in Port Jefferson, NY. There do not appear to be any other prominent PJ Bevises.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Arnie Beyeler.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Player Profile: Brian Bevil

I have two cards of Brian Bevil. This one is from 1993 Fleer Excel.

Playing career: Brian Bevil pitched in 60 games for the Royals from 1996 to 1998, going 5-3 with a 6.28 ERA.

Where he is now: A Deputy for the Harris County Sherriff’s Department in Texas, he was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. As of April 2013 the tumor had been contained to a very few cells and he was only undergoing preventive chemotherapy.

My memories: Only know him from his card.

Google Autocomplete results: He is tenth when you type Brian Bev, behind Brian Bevis, an automation engineer. Another Brian Bevil played center on the Arkansas football team and later played semi-pro ball.

Coming up next: The next profile will be PJ Bevis.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Player Profile: Jason Beverlin

I have two cards of Jason Beverlin. This one is from 1999 QCards. 

Playing career: Jason Beverlin pitched ten seasons of professional baseball in the US and Japan. Originally drafted by the A’s, he was a throw-in in the trade that sent Ruben Sierra to the Yankees. He spent six seasons in the Yankees organization and also spent time in the Angels orgnization before making his big league debut in 2002. He pitched for both Cleveland and Detroit that year, going 0-3 with a 9.00 ERA in seven games.

Where he is now: Head baseball coach at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, FL.

Interesting facts: He almost died last year due to an allergic reaction to a medicine that caused toxic epidermal necrolysis, which affects only one in 1.4 million people each year and has a 35% mortality rate. You can read about his harrowing ordeal in this article from the Orlando Sentinel.

My memories: Only know him from his card.

Google Autocomplete results: He is second when you type Jason Bev, between Jason Beverage, Chief Investment Officer at Two Sigma Investments, and Jason Bevans, General Manager at Accuprint Services. Another prominent Jason Beverlin is Illinois River Program Director at The Nature Conservancy.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Brian Bevil.

Monday, April 7, 2014

Player Profile: Kurt Bevacqua

I have eighteen cards of Kurt Bevacqua. This one is from 1985 Fleer.

Playing career: Kurt Bevacqua spent fifteen years as a backup infielder and pinch hitter for six different clubs. A .236 hitter with 20 lifetime home runs; he hit .412 with 2 home runs in his only World Series, with the 1984 Padres. His Game 2 home run won what is still the only World Series game victory in Padres history. A fuller account of his career can be found at the 1974 Topps blog.

nteresting facts: Bevacqua was one of baseball’s most unusual personalities in the 1970s and 1980s. Baseball card fans remember his bubble-gum-blowing contest win, but he did a lot of unusual stunts and pranks during his career. You can read about them in this Sports Illustrated profile from 1985, where the writer details many of Bevacqua’s antics as well as clearly harbors a secret crush on Bevacqua’s then-wife, a former Playboy bunny.

here he is now: He owns a company in the San Diego area called Major League Systems that does car audio/video and security installations. He holds four patents in the area of security and monitoring services.

My memories: He is from before my time. Only know him from his card and his reputation as one of baseball’s biggest flakes. When I was a kid in the 1980’s you would always hear about wacky baseball personalities and they were called flakes. You don’t really hear that term anymore, and there seem to be less really flaky players out there these days.

Google Autocomplete results: He is third when you type Kurt Be, between Kurt Benz, a marketing host in Las Vegas, and Kurt Beers, a painter in London. There do not appear to be any other prominent Kurt Bevacquas.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Jason Beverlin.

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Player Profile: Steve Bethea

I have two cards of Steve Bethea. This one is from 1991 Classic Best.

Playing career: Infielder Steve Bethea played in the Padres organization from 1989 to 1994. In 422 games he hit .219 with 3 HR, 118 RBI and 39 SB.

My memories: Only know him from his card.

Where he is now: Anyone know where Steve Bethea is now?

Google Autocomplete results: He is sixth when you type Steve Beth, between Steve Bethel Joyce Maynard, referring to the divorce of a famous writer, and Steve Bethke, an Audi Retail Digital Strategist. Another prominent Steve Bethea is a pharmacist in Illinois.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Kurt Bevacqua.

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Player Profile: Wilson Betemit

I have thirteen cards of Wilson Betemit. This one is from 2007 Topps Update.

Playing career: Infielder Wilson Betemit has played in 805 major league games since 2001. He is a mediocre fielder but a decent bat, having reached double figures in home runs four times. In his eleven seasons with the Braves, Dodgers, Yankees, White Sox, Royals, Tigers and Orioles he has hit .267 with 75 HR and 283 RBI.

Where he is now: He signed with the Rays for 2014 and will start the season at AAA Durham.

My memories: I remember him as a mediocre infielder on the Yankees in 2008. When they traded him straight up for Nick Swisher I wasn’t expecting much from Swisher. That turned out to be a really nice trade for the Yankees.

Google Autocomplete results: He is fifth when you type Wilson B, between Wilson Bentley, who perfected the first method of photographing snowflakes before they melt, and Wilson Basketball, referring to the sporting goods manufacturer.  There do not appear to be any other prominent Wilson Betemits.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Steve Bethea.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Player Profile: Yuniesky Betancourt

I have eight cards of Yuniesky Betancourt. This one is from 2008 Topps.

Plyaing career: Shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt played for the Mariners, Royals and Brewers from 2005 to 2013. He had a little bit of pop and made some flashy plays, but was overall mediocre with both bat and glove. In 1,156 major league games, he hit .261 with 80 HR and 457 RBI.

Where he is now: He signed with the Orix Buffaloes in Japan for 2014.

My memories: I remember him vaguely as a mediocre infielder on some mediocre teams, but nothing specific.

Google Autocomplete results: He is first when you type Yuni, ahead of Yunio, a cloud storage company. There do not appear to be any other prominent Yuniesky Betancourts.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Wilson Betemit.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Player Profile: Rafael Betancourt

I have four cards of Rafael Betancourt. This one is from 2006 Topps.

Playing career: Rafael Betancourt has been a very steady middle reliever for eleven years. He came up with the Indians in 2003 and was traded to Colorado during the 2009 season. Only twice in his career has he had an ERA over 4.00. In 2012 he was named the Rockies’ closer, and he saved 47 games the last two seasons.

Where he is now: He tore a ligament in his elbow in 2013, necessitating Tommy John surgery. He is currently a free agent but is expected to re-sign with the Rockies in the middle of the season when he may be able to pitch again.

My memories: I thought I remembered him from the “midge game” against the Yankees in the 2007 ALDS, but apparently I was confusing him with Rafael Perez.

Google Autocomplete results: He is fifth when you type Rafael B, between Rafael Bush, a safety for the New Orleans Saints, and Rafael Bejarano, a thoroughbred jockey. Another prominent Rafael Betancourt is an attorney in New Jersey.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Yuniesky Betancourt.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Player Profile: Dellin Betances

I have three cards of Dellin Betances. This one is from 2012 Topps Chrome.

Playing career: Brooklyn native Dellin Betances grew up a Yankee fan and was the team’s eighth-round draft pick in 2006. Originally a starting pitcher, he struggled with his command at times. In 2013 he converted to the bullpen at AAA Scranton and had a strong season, going 6-4 with a 2.68 ERA, striking out 108 batters in 84 innings. In eight major league games for the Yankees in 2011 and 2013, he pitched 7.2 innings, striking out 12 but walking 8 and allowing 8 earned runs.

My memories: I remember the Yankees bringing up Betances and another highly-hyped prospect, Andrew Backman, at the end of the 2011 season and both pitched poorly. He’s still only 26 so it’s nice to see he might yet be a productive major league pitcher.

Where he is now: He made the Yankees' bullpen out of spring training and pitched a scoreless seventh inning last night in Houston, striking out two.

Google Autocomplete results: He is first when you type Delli, ahead of Delli Aldo, a shoe brand. There do not appear to be any other prominent Dellin Betanceses.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Rafael Betancourt.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Player Profile: Jim Beswick

I have one card of Jim Beswick, from 1979 Topps.

Playing career: Outfielder Jim Beswick played in 17 games for the Padres in 1978. He got one hit in 20 at-bats but did score two runs.

Where he is now: He was most recently working in the beverage industry in Georgia.

My memories: Only know him from his card.

Google Autocomplete results: He is the only entry when you type Jim Besw. Another prominent Jim Beswick is a consultant in Canada.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Dellin Betances.