Julián Javier

From BR Bullpen

Manuel Julian Javier Liranzo

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 1", Weight 175 lb.

Debut May 28, 1960
Final Game September 30, 1972
Born August 9, 1936 in San Francisco de Macoris, D.R.

[edit] Biographical Information

Julián Javier played 13 years in the major leagues, almost entirely with the St. Louis Cardinals except for his last season with the Cincinnati Reds. He was the Cardinals second baseman from 1960 to 1971, with excellent range in the first part of his career.

A two-time All-Star, he appeared in 3 World Series with the Cardinals, and finished out his major league career playing in the 1972 World Series with the Reds.

As a hitter, his .257 batting average was modest, but achieved largely during the second dead-ball era when averages tended to be low. He had somewhat more home run power than might have been expected, hitting in double figures three times in this career. In 1964 and 1967, his home run total was tied for 3rd best on the team, while in 1969 his 12 home runs were tied for second best.

In the early years, Javier had a different double-play partner each year, but from 1963 to 1965, he was partnered with veteran Dick Groat and after that with Dal Maxvill.

He was one of the earliest prominent players to come from the Dominican Republic, along with Felipe Alou and Juan Marichal. His son Stan Javier, although an outfielder, had similar averages. Julián hit .257 lifetime, while Stan (in a higher-hitting era) hit .269. Julián had a .355 lifetime slugging percentage, while Stan's was .363.