Bo Díaz

From BR Bullpen

Baudilio Jose Díaz Seijas

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 5' 11", Weight 190 lb.

Debut September 6, 1977
Final Game July 9, 1989
Born March 23, 1953 in Cua, Venezuela
Died November 23, 1990 in Caracas, Venezuela

[edit] Biographical Information

BO IS DI-AZZLING --headline in the Philadelphia Daily News

Bo Díaz, signed as a free agent out of Venezuela, languished behind Carlton Fisk in the Boston Red Sox' organization in the mid-1970s. After spending most of eight years in the minors, he became the Cleveland Indians' starting catcher in the early 1980s, and even an All-Star in the strike-distorted 1981 season, largely on the basis of a .313 batting average (in fewer than 200 at bats). The rebuilding Philadelphia Phillies gave up Lonnie Smith in a three-cornered trade to acquire Diaz, who replaced Bob Boone in their lineup.

Díaz was a solid catcher for the next two seasons with Philadelphia, though always an erratic hitter. He also started for Cincinnati later in the decade, making another All-Star team in 1987. He made his only post-season appearance with the 1983 Phillies, going 5 for 15 in a losing cause in the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles.

Díaz is best remembered for cult accomplishments, including throwing out Robby Thompson on four stolen base attempts (June 27, 1986) and hitting a 2-out walkoff grand slam to turn a 9-6 deficit into a 10-9 Phillies win over the Mets (April 13, 1983).

Díaz died in 1990 when a satellite dish that he was installing at his Caracas home fell and crushed him.