A symbol of Mexican pride, the slugging Espino declined offers from the Cardinals,
Mets, and Padres while playing 25 seasons with San Luis de Potosi, Monterrey, and
Tampico. He did play 32 games for Jacksonville (International League) in 1964, batting
.300, but was offended by racial discrimination and swore he would never again play
in the United States. He led the Mexican League in batting in 1964 and in 1966-68;
in home runs in 1964 and 1972; and in RBI in 1962 and 1973. His Mexican League record
of 46 HR, set in 1964, stood until 1986. He retired at age 45 with the career record
for minor league home runs, 484.
(MC)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»August 17, 1977: Records fall as the Mexican League concludes its season. Ironman hurler Aurelio Lopez of the Mexico City Reds racks up his 30th save to go with a record 19 victories in relief. Veteran Tampico 1B Hector Espino hits only 14 home runs, but raises his career total to 435, a new minor league record. Thirty-eight-year-old Vic Davalillo, the league's top hitter at .384, is purchased by the Dodgers.
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