1977 Topps Baseball #131 - Orlando Ramirez
- Orlando Ramirez made most of his 25 appearances as a pinch runner.
- This was the only season of his career (1972-1979) in which he didn't spend some time in the minor leagues.
- Orlando Ramirez, a native of Colombia, signed with the California Angels in 1972. He played in the minors from 1972-1974. He spent the month of July with the Angels and then got a September call-up. Ramirez batted .163 in 31 games.
- Ramirez was given the starting shortstop job in 1975. Manager Dick Williams was high on Orlando, although his reputation as a fielder was better than his statistics (.905 fielding percentage in 41 games). Ramirez batted .240 in 44 games, but his season was interrupted by a series of unfortunate events (a hamstring injury, the death of his brother in a plane crash, and visa problems when he tried to return to the U.S.).
- Orlando was given the starting shortstop job again in 1976, but he was sent down in May after batting .200 in 30 games.
- In 1978 Ramirez spent the entire year in the minors. He played for both AA El Paso and AAA Salt Lake City and batted .279.
- The Angels signed Bert Campaneris in 1979 and Ramirez didn't have much of a shot at playing time. Orlando made the Angels ballclub to start the season, but he was sent down in May after going 0 for 12. Ramirez batted .212 for Salt Lake City, .083 for AAA Charleston, and .220 for Class A Bakersfield.
- Ramirez was cut at the end of spring training in 1980. He spent a few seasons playing in Mexico and also played some winter ball in his native Colombia.
- Ramirez was the first Colombian player in modern times to make it to the majors, and he is still revered in his home country.
- Here is a link to Orlando's SABR biography.
- 1977 Stats: .077 (1 for 13) in 25 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: none
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