The brother of Braves pitcher Chi Chi Olivo, Diomedes was a forty-three-year-old
major league rookie with Pittsburgh in 1962 - possibly the oldest rookie ever, depending
on when Satchel Paige was really born. The Dominican reliever baffled hitters that
year, going 5-1 (2.77) with seven saves in 62 games, but was ineffective with St.
Louis the following season.
(ME)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»September 5, 1960: The first-place Pirates split with the Braves, winning 9–7 before losing, 7–1. The Bucs rout Spahn in the opener scoring seven runs in the 4th after the Braves had knocked out starter Bob Friend. Bob Buhl is the winner in the nitecap, scattering seven hits. Chuck Cottier has three doubles and three RBIs to back Buhl. Haddix is the loser and gives way to Diomedes Olivo, who makes his ML debut in relief. At age 41, or thereabouts, Olivo is the oldest rookie in ML history except for Satchel Paige. The IL MVP pitches two runless innings.
»November 19, 1962: The Cards send newly acquired Don Cardwell, along with SS Julio Gotay, to the Pirates for Dick Groat and P Diomedes Olivo. Groat, the MVP in 1960, will be the All-Star SS for the next two years, and anchor the Cards' infield.
»July 22, 1963: Diomedes Olivo, who will split his time between the Cards (5–6 in 1963) and Atlanta (International League) pitches a 1–0 no-hitter for Atlanta over Toronto. At "45 something" Olivo is likely the oldest pitcher in OB to toss a no-hitter.
»September 18, 1999:
The Rangers defeat the Devil Rays, 6-1. Tampa Bay P Jim Morris makes his ML debut by fanning Royce Clayton in the 8th inning. At 36, he becomes the oldest rookie pitcher since Diomedes Olivo (age 40) with Pittsburgh in 1960. Morris was a high school baseball coach and science teacher just four months ago when he tried out at the urging of his team.
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