Oscar Gregorio Azócar was a Major League Baseball outfielder and left-handed batter who played for the New York Yankees (1990) and San Diego Padres (1991–1992) has died he was 45. (February 21, 1965 in Soro, Venezuela – June 14, 2010 in Valencia, Venezuela)
Until 1987 Azócar was a left-handed pitcher (lifetime 14–5, 2.30 ERA as a pro), but then switched to the outfielder position. Azócar was a classic example of the impatient hitter who will swing at almost anything and usually put it in play. It took him 100 Major League at-bats to draw his first walk. He normally obliged the pitchers by hitting whatever they threw, and his batting average dropped accordingly.
In his 202-game career Azócar hit for .226, with 5 home runs, 36 runs batted in, 38 runs scored, 99 hits, 16 doubles, 10 stolen bases and 12 base on balls. Despite his free-swinging style, he had only 36 strikeouts in 439 at-bats (one every 12 at-bats). Azócar also used his speed selectively and never was caught stealing.
He signed with Navegantes del Magallanes after leaving the Padres and finished his baseball career in Mexico in 2001.[1]
Azócar died in Valencia, Venezuela on June 14th, 2010. [2]
Azócar spent most of his career in the minors and later in the Venezuelan and Mexican leagues:
- 1987 Fort Lauderdale Yankees (Florida State League)
- 1989 Albany/Colonie Yankees (Eastern League)
- 1989–1990 Columbus Clippers (International League)
- 1991 Las Vegas Stars (Pacific Coast League)
- 2000 Oaxaca Warriors (Mexican League (baseball))
- 2001 Yucatan Lions (Mexican League (baseball))
To see more of who died in 2010 click here
No comments:
Post a Comment