Monday, April 1, 2019

#55 Chico Carrasquel




Alfonso 'Chico' Carrasquel, a native of Venezuela, was a standout defensive player at short for the WhieSox, Indians, A's and Orioles through the fifties. He started as a pro in his native country at 17 and was signed originally by the Dodgers in 1949. He was traded to the White Sox (possibly because of his difficulty with the English language) and became a fixture on the South Side for six seasons. 

While always known for his glove, Carrasquel was a pretty decent hitter. He had a few seasons with double-digit homers and had a career .258 average which is far above the Mendoza Line. He was dealt to the Indians after the '55 season to make way for another Venezuelan shortstop, Luis Aparicio.  

After two and a half years in Cleveland, he moved on to play w half year in Kanas City and then one final year at short for the Orioles. He attempted to rejoin the White Sox in 1960 but didn't make the team out of Spring Training. After a season in the minors, he retired. 

He returned home to play in the Winter Leagues and work with underprivileged kids in and around Caracas. There was a foundation started in his name to that end as well.

I like how it appears that he is wearing a much too large uni in this photo. The jersey is puckered, the pants cinched and the uni lettering just above his waist.


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