Benny Valenzuela
From BR Bullpen
Benjamín Valenzuela Beltrán
(Papelero)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 10", Weight 175 lb.
- Debut April 27, 1958
- Final Game September 24, 1958
- Born June 2, 1933 in Los Mochis, Sinaloa Mexico
- Died October 24, 2018 in Los Mochis, Sinaloa Mexico
Biographical Information[edit]
Benny Valenzuela (known in Mexico as Benjamin "Papelero" Valenzuela) was one of the earliest players born in Mexico to break into the major leagues. He and Ruben Amaro Sr., also born in Mexico, both broke in during the 1958 season. Valenzuela played as a third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, whose regular third baseman was Ken Boyer.
Valenzuela was a batboy when offered the chance to fill in at third base in 1949 in a professional game in Mexico, and thereafter was a professional. In the 1960s, forced to retire as a player due to an injury, he became a manager.
He was elected to the Salon de la Fama in 1986.
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