Batista's mixed success as a right-handed swingman translated into an itinerant major-league career. In his first decade as a pro ballplayer, Batista left the Expos organization three times -- first as a Rule V selection by the Pirates in 1991, again when he was released by the club in 1994, and finally when a trade sent him to Kansas City for Brad Rigby in 2000. "Whoever has been surprised [by a trade] has not played for the Expos," Batista told the Montreal Gazette that April. "Either you're a superstar or a prospect and I'm not any of those."
Royals skipper Tony Muser was so encouraged by Batista’s K.C. debut -– he gave up only one hit in four innings -– that he awarded him a spot in the starting rotation. This proved to be overly optimistic, as Batista managed just one win and a 6.56 ERA in his next nine games. He returned to the bullpen, made only four inconsequential appearances, and was designated for assignment in late June before finishing the season at Triple-A Omaha. Pitching for Arizona the following season, Batista was suprisingly effective, keeping his ERA around 3.50 in over a hundred innings of work.
(JGR)
Contribute your recollections of Miguel Batista by clicking here.
»April 8, 1999: The Expos defeat the Mets, 5–1, behind the pitching of Miguel Batista. Batista also dribbles a ball in front of the plate for his 1st major league hit after beginning his career 0–for–41 to tie Randy Tate's big league record.
»April 25, 2000:
The Expos obtain P Brad Rigby from the Royals in exchange for P Miguel Batista.
»October 12, 2001:
Arizona takes a 2-games-to-1 lead in its Divisional Series with St. Louis with a 5-3 victory. Craig Counsell's 3-run homer in the 7th inning is the deciding blow. Starter Miguel Batista gets the win for the Diamondbacks.
»May 28, 2002: Arizona's Miguel Batista hurls nine innings of 1–hit ball against the Giants, but the Giants win in 10 innings, 1–0. Barry Bonds walks off Myers, and Jeff Kent's 2nd hit of the game, off Bret Prinz, moves him to 3rd. Benito Santiago's single wins it. Robb Nen, in relief of Jason Schmidt, picks up the win.
BALLPLAYERS | TEAMS | CHRONOLOGY | TODAY | BOOKS | NEWSLETTER | ERRATA | FAQ
