Alan Bannister
From BR Bullpen
Alan Bannister
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 11", Weight 175 lb.
- School Arizona State University
- Debut July 13, 1974
- Final Game October 6, 1985
- Born September 3, 1951 in Montebello, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
During a twelve year major league career, Alan Bannister played every position but pitcher and catcher.
Originally a shortstop, Bannister was selected by the California Angels in the first round of the 1969 amateur draft but opted to attend Arizona State University instead. While there, he was a two time All-American for coach Bobby Winkles, he was also named MVP of the 1971 Pan American Games even though the USA won Silver to Cuba's Gold.
Following his college career, Bannister was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies and reached the big leagues in 1974, but stuck behind shortstop Larry Bowa, he found limited playing time. He was sent to the Chicago White Sox after the 1975 season in a trade for Jim Kaat and filled a utility role in his first season in Chicago, playing six different positions.
When the White Sox traded Bucky Dent prior to the 1977 season, Bannister became the team's regular shortstop. He hit .311 in the season's first half and ended the year with a .275 average but made 40 errors. Slowed by a shoulder injury, he only played in 49 games the next summer. He began 1979 as the team's Opening Day second baseman but was moved to the outfield midway through the year. Despite his troubles in the field, he put up his best year at the plate that season, hitting .285 and stealing 22 bases.
Bannister was moved to yet another position in 1980, beginning the year as the team's third baseman. However, after hitting just .238, he was traded to the Cleveland Indians for Ron Pruitt in June. He spent three and a half seasons as a utility man for the Tribe before ending his career with stints with the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers.
Following his playing days, Bannister played for the St. Petersburg Pelicans of the Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1989 and hit .307 in 52 games with the club. He also spent five seasons as a minor league manager and was a coach for the Phoenix Giants in 1991.
[edit] Year-By-Year Minor League Managerial Record
| Year | Team | League | Record | Finish | Organization | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Rockford Expos | Midwest League | 84-56 | 2nd | Montreal Expos | Lost in 1st round |
| 1989 | Jacksonville Expos | Southern League | 68-76 | 7th | Montreal Expos | |
| 1992 | AZL Giants | Arizona League | 32-24 | 2nd (t) | San Francisco Giants | |
| 1993 | AZL Giants | Arizona League | 31-24 | 3rd | San Francisco Giants | |
| 1994 | AZL Giants | Arizona League | 29-26 | 4th | San Francisco Giants |
