OZZIE, FERNANDO, ROSE
BY ISMAEL NUNEZ
This past week Osvaldo Virgil, also known as Ozzie Virgil (May 17, 1932 – c. September 29, 2024) was a Dominican former professional baseball player and coach. As the website The Baseball Aficionado is content/a podcast centered around Latino Baseball stated/wrote proudly “The man who opened the door to MLB for all Latin players, playing for the New York Giants and Philadelphia Phillies has passed away at the age of 92.
He was an absolute trailblazer. His debut led to impact of Dominicans in Baseball today. Currently there are Five Dominicans in the Baseball Hall of Fame Juan Marichal, Pedro Martínez, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., David Ortiz, and Adrian Beltre And many more to come Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, Juan Soto. As a result of his debut back on September 23, 1956 for the New York Giants. Virgil would serve as a coach/scout for several teams some felt he could’ve been a manager. A true fine human being and trailblazer God Bless him may he rest in peace.
Ozzie Virgil
It was reported the Fernando Valenzuela former Los Angeles Dodger Pitcher was not feeling well. My prayers are with him. Here’s a ballplayer who made such a big impact on his rookie season in 1981 remember FERNANDOMANIA! Wasn’t just excitement for Mexicans yet all Latin Americans. Just like HALL OF FAMER Sandy Koufax Valenzuela’s career ended early due to injuries, yet he continued to remain with the Dodgers covering games in Spanish Language. All of Latin America is with you: You are a true gentleman with class! Our prayers are with you! Dios Bendiga! In English God Bless you!
Rod Carew’s birthday was this past October 1, we all wish this other gentleman Baseball Hall of Famer indeed! Look at his accomplishments Lifetime Batting average .328, 3,053, to add he would seven batting titles and be selected to 18 All-Star Game selections. Carew ranks in the top of great Left Handed hitters in the game: Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Ted Williams, Tony Gwynn, Tony Oliva.
Pete Rose (April 14, 1941 – September 30, 2024) one of the all time greatest switch hitters in the game. Just look at his accomplishments!
.303 batting average, 4,256 career hits, Most career at-bats – 14,053, Most career plate appearances – 15,890, most times getting on base (5,929), and most games played (3,852).
Now if Rose can slide in into Ray Fosse as he did in the 1970 All Star Game, slide in hard to Bud Harrelson in Game 3 1973 National League Playoffs, participate in 5 positions in the All Star Game in addition to have played over 500 games in 5 postions(Second Base, Right Field, Left Field, Third Base, First Base). 1975 World Series MVP and Baseball Player of the decade! Why couldn’t he just say “I have and I did have a gambling problem” With his competiveness he would’ve been great talking to college and professional athletes about the serious problem with gambling yet didn’t. If so he might’ve been elected to Baseball Hall of Fame. Yet due to gambling he was banned from the sport.
To remember Rose: we should look his accomplishments yet also realize he had to pay a price. I’ve noticed no ceremonies to honor Pete have you seen them? GOD BLESS YOU REST IN PEACE PETE ROSE
