Diomedes Olivo

From BR Bullpen

Diomedes Antonio Olivo Maldonado

Bats Left, Throws Left
Height 6' 1", Weight 195 lb.

Debut September 5, 1960
Final Game June 12, 1963
Born January 22, 1919 in Guayubin, D.R.
Died February 15, 1977 in Santo Domingo, D.R.

[edit] Biographical Information

Remembered in the USA only as a curiosity, a 41-year-old rookie, Diomedes Olivo was a legend in the Dominican Republic, where he played from 1951-61, winning the most valuable pitcher award six times in that period. One website chooses him as a pitcher on the all-time-best foreigner team (of players who played virtually their entire career outside of the major leagues).

Olivo made his major league debut at age 41, the second oldest rookie, behind Satchel Paige, of all time. When he broke in, he was the second oldest player in the league, behind Mickey Vernon.

He wasn't just a curiosity for major league batters. In 1960, he appeared in 4 games with an ERA of 2.79. In 1962, he appeared in 62 games (only Roy Face had more appearances on the team with 63). Olivo had an ERA in 1962 of 2.77, a record of 5-1, and 7 saves. He threw 66 strike-outs in 84 1/3 innings. He was by far the oldest player on the 1962 Pirates - the second oldest was Harvey Haddix, who was 36.

In 1963, he lost his effectiveness. He was 44, and his teammate Stan Musial on the St. Louis Cardinals was 42. Red Schoendienst, 40, appeared in 6 games. It was the last season for all three of them.

He was undersecretary in charge of sports for the Dominican Republic when he suffered a fatal heart attack in 1977. He died only two weeks after his brother Chi-Chi.