Julio Navarro
From BR Bullpen
Julio Navarro Ventura (Whiplash)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 11", Weight 190 lb.
- Debut September 3, 1962
- Final Game September 9, 1970
- Born January 9, 1936 in Vieques, P.R.
[edit] Biographical Information
Pitcher Julio Navarro is the father of pitcher Jaime Navarro. He is the only man from the island of Vieques (east of Puerto Rico) to play in the majors. But what makes Navarro's case more unusual is that he learned to play ball on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where some of his relations still live. Julio grew up with two V.I. major-leaguers, Joe Christopher and Elmo Plaskett. He is about nine years older than another, José Morales, but they are good friends. Morales is Jaime Navarro's godfather.
Navarro pitched for parts of six seasons in the majors. His career spanned 20 summers from 1955 to 1974, the last three in Mexico. He also played during 22 winters in Puerto Rico, ending in the 1976-77 season. He is tied for second in league history for longest career with Juan Beniquez, Juan Pizarro, and Hector Valle. Only Ruben Gomez (29) played more. Navarro was a scout for the Chicago Cubs from 1980 to 1985 and a coach in the Atlanta Braves system in 1988.
