Mike LaValliere

From BR Bullpen

Michael Eugene LaValliere (Spanky)

Bats Left, Throws Right
Height 5' 9", Weight 190 lb.
School University of Massachusetts Lowell
Debut September 9, 1984
Final Game September 22, 1995
Born August 18, 1960 in Charlotte, NC USA

[edit] Biographical Information

Mike LaValliere was a solid but not spectacular catcher in the major leagues for 12 seasons and is most remembered as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was the primary catcher on the Pirates' 3 Eastern Division champions between 1990 and 1992. He was mostly a singles hitter, and his career high for homers in a season was just 3. He was never an all-star, probably because he was used in platoon situations a lot during his career. The two catchers he shared time with during his time with the Pirates were Junior Ortiz and Don Slaught.

LaValliere's father, Guy LaValliere, was a minor league catcher in 1952 and 1955-1961.