Books and articles about Juan Berenguer

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A perennial prospect with the Mets, Berenguer had winning seasons as a part-time starter for Detroit in 1983-84 but found a true home in Minnesota in 1987. As set-up man for closer Jeff Reardon, he went 8-1 (3.94) for the '87 World Champions and 8-4 (3.96) in 1988. Extremely wild as a youngster, he learned to harness his 90-plus-mph fastball, which he liked to throw inside, and added a forkball. His effectiveness was aided by his intimidating appearance and disposition. A mean-looking, husky Panamanian with long hair and a mustache, he was called "Pancho Villa" by his teammates. "If I pulled up in front of a restaurant," said Giants catcher Bob Brenly, "and he came out to park my car, I'd eat somewhere else." (JCA)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » April 22, 1984: The Tigers roll over the White Sox, 9–1, with Kirk Gibson hitting his 4th homer of the year in the first inning. Juan Berenguer goes seven innings for the win, with Aurelio Lopez and Willie Hernandez finishing up for Detroit. Chicago finishes up with 1B Mike Squires on the mound for the last batter. » May 12, 1984: The visiting Angels and Tommy John stop the Tigers (26–5), 4–2. John goes nine innings scattering eight hits to beat Juan Berenguer. Rob Wilfong and Reggie Jackson belt homers with Reggie's going over the RF roof. » August 18, 1984: Detroit's Juan Berenguer goes eight 1/3 innings and strikes out 12 to give the Tigers a 4–3 victory over the Mariners. Kirk Gibson drives in three runs with his 20th homer of the year, and becomes the first Tiger ever to reach 20-20 in homers and steals. Gibson's homer is his 15th game-winning RBI this year. » September 5, 1984: Cal Ripken's first-inning error lets in a score, and that's it as the Tigers beat Baltimore, 1–0. Juan Berenguer (8–9) is the winner with Willie Hernandez picking up his 28th save. Mike Flanagan goes all the way in the loss. Detroit's magic number is now 15. » October 7, 1985: The Giants trade pitcher Dave LaPoint, catcher Matt Nokes, and minor league pitcher Eric King to the Tigers for pitcher Juan Berenguer, catcher Bob Melvin, and a player to be named later. » October 20, 1987: The Cards get all their runs in the 7th off reliever Juan Berenguer to win 3–1 in game 3. » July 5, 1992: Umpire Bill Hohn ejects an Atlanta Braves fan from the Braves-Cubs game for making obscene gestures. The gestures might have been meant for the Braves, who are shut out 8–0. Greg Maddux goes seven innings for the win over John Smoltz, giving up three runs. The other five come off Juan Berenguer, who lasts 1/3 of an inning. Chicago gets homers from Kal Daniels, Andre Dawson, Ryne Sandberg, and Mark Grace. » July 21, 1992: Former National League Cy Young Award winner Mark Davis is traded by the Royals to the Braves in exchange for P Juan Berenguer.