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Willie Smith
Nickname(s): Wonderful Willie
Born: 1939
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OF-1B-LHP 1963-71 Tigers, Angels , Indians, Cubs, Reds
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| Games | Average | HR | RBI |
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| Career |
691 | .248 | 46 | 0 |
An amateur boxer, Wonderful Willie earned his nickname while with Syracuse (International
League) in 1963 when he batted .380 and was 14-2 on the mound. He debuted as a pitcher
with Detroit that season. After going 9-for-15 as an Angels pinch hitter in 1964,
he won a job in their outfield. That June 4 in Cleveland, he pinch hit, played the
OF, and relieved in the eighth inning. He is the only black player in ML history
to appear in at least 20 games as a pitcher and 20 as a fielder.
(RTM)
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