ABOUT CHICO

Chico Carrasquel was a living legend in his native Venezuela. He was the most important and influential figure for many countrymen that have played Major League Baseball, including shortstops Luis Aparicio, , Omar Vizquel; outfielders Vic Davalillo, Tony Armas, Magglio Ordanez and Bobby Abreu; the versatile utility player Cesar Tovar; second baseman Manny Trillo; catcher Bo Diaz; first baseman Andres Galarraga, and many more.

The Venezuelan Baseball League belatedly honored its native son in 1991, when the Puerto La Cruz baseball park was renamed Chico Carrasquel Stadium.

Career Highlights

Carrasquel hit the first home run batted in the Venezuelan Winter Baseball League's history
He was signed in 1949 by the Brooklyn Dodgers
1950 Sold to the Chicago White Sox
Excellent double play combination with second baseman Nellie Fox
As a rookie, Carrasquel hit for a .282 batting average in 141 games
Carrasquel also amassed a 24-game hitting streak as a rookie
1951 All Star, 1953 All Star, 1954 All Star, 1955 All Star
1955 traded to the Cleveland Indians for Larry Doby. (The trade was made to make room for future Hall of Famer, and fellow Venezuelan, Luis Aparicio, Jr.)

Chico Carrasquel

Alfonso Carrasquel born January 23, 1928 in Caracas, Venezuela, best known as Chico Carrasquel, was a Major League Baseball player. Chico played for 10 seasons on 4 different teams and ended his big league playing career in 1959. "El Chico" was the third Venezuelan to play in the majors after right-handed pitcher Alex Carrasquel (Washington Senators, in 1939) and first baseman/outfielder Chucho Ramos (Cincinnati Reds, in 1944). His major league career began with the White Sox, where he played shortstop from 1950 to 1955.

In 1951 Carrasquel became the first Latin American player to be selected to participate in an All-Star game, beating out reigning MVP Phil Rizzuto as the American League's starting shortstop. Carrasquel would go on to be selected to the All-Star team a total of four times.