In an era of big-hitting shortstops, classic middle infielders like Sanchez often got lost in the media shuffle. Beginning his career with the Chicago Cubs in 1991, the 5'9", 170-pound Sanchez always relied on his mitt to provide sparkle while competently batting at least .270 in all but one (1993) of his major-league seasons. His short stroke lent itself to the precise hitting required to move a runner over or punch a single through the infield, but totally robbed him of power. When he hit a home run off of New York Mets pitcher Bill Pulsipher on July 3, 1995 it was his first since August 29, 1992.
After seven years with the Cubs, Sanchez spent time with the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants before becoming the on-field leader of the youthful Kansas City Royals. In KC he enjoyed a hitting surge, batting .294 in 1999 and then batting .300 in 2000 before getting sent to the Atlanta Braves, who were in desperate need of a solid shortstop to replace the injured Rafael Furcal.
(EPW)
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FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»June 5, 1996: At Wrigley Field, the Cubs spot the Phillies a 4–0 lead, then Sammy Sosa drives home five runs on three homers to give Chicago a 9–6 win. Cubs' SS Rey Sanchez will be out 6-8 weeks following an operation today to repair a fractured bone in his left hand. Sanchez injured the wrist in 1995 and has been bothered by it ever since.
»August 26, 1997: The Yankees pound out 22 hits in an 18-2 win over Oakland. Joe Girardi and Rey Sanchez lead the way with four hits apiece.
»December 10, 1998:
The Royals sign free agent IF Rey Sanchez, and acquire IF Joe Randa from the Mets in exchange for OF Juan LeBron.
»May 5, 2001:
Dee Brown follows a Dave McCarty walk in the 12th with a homer off Travis Miller as the Royals beat the visiting Twins, 12–10. After Rey Sanchez scored, McCarty tied the score in the bottom of the 9th with a 2-out single off LaTroy Hawkins, his first blown save after a major-league record 23 straight to start a career. Sanchez scored from 3B after 1B Doug Mientkiewicz tumbled into the stands after making a diving catch.
»July 8, 2001:
Lance Berkman has three hits to extend his streak to 21 games. It'll end here, but Moises Alou reaches 16 straight game today on his way to a 23-game streak. Jeff Bagwell and Mendy Lopez collect three RBIs for Houston as they outslug the Royals, 10–8. Scott Elarton is tossed in the first after plunking leadoff hitter Rey Sanchez in retaliation for Craig Biggio being hit.
»July 31, 2001:
The Royals send SS Rey Sanchez to the Braves for P Brad Voyles and 2B Alejandro Machado.
»December 27, 2002: The Mets sign free agent SS Rey Sanchez to a contract.
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