Rafael Belliard

From BR Bullpen

Rafael Leonidas Belliard Matias (Pac-Man)

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 5' 6", Weight 150 lb.

Debut September 6, 1982
Final Game April 9, 1998
Born October 24, 1961 in Pueblo Nuevo, Valverde, D.R.

[edit] Biographical Information

In 1988, Rafael Belliard set the record for most at-bats without a double, 286, though he managed 4 triples that year. The previous record-holder was Choo Choo Coleman with 247. Just prior to a Pirate spring training game in 1990, the diminutive Belliard, wearing a baggy uniform was mistaken by an autograph-seeking fan for a bat-boy, was asked when the players would be back out on the field.

According to Bill James's Win Shares, Belliard is the worst player to play in at least 1000 games. He only had 36 win shares, and all the other 1300+ position players who played that many games all had at least 44.

Despite playing in 21 world series games throughout his career, Belliard never crossed home plate with a World Series run.

After his playing career ended, he was a minor league infield coach with the Atlanta Braves (2000-2005). He was named a coach for the Detroit Tigers for the 2006 season.