Remember That Guy? White Sox edition

Share

Remember this guy?

You may not know you do, but you do.

He pinch ran for a Hall of Famer in his MLB debut.

There are nine positions on the field; he’s 10th all-time on the career home run list at one of those positions.

He’s the only player in the history of a franchise to hit 30 home runs at that position; one of five players in that franchise’s history with at least five seasons of 25 or more home runs.

Only eleven position players born in the place he was have more career Wins Above Replacement.

The Hall of Famer? Paul Molitor of the Brewers, September 17, 1992.

The position? Shortstop.

The franchise? White Sox.

The place? Puerto Rico (31.6 WAR).

The man? José Valentín.

Originally signed by the Padres in 1986, Valentín came to Milwaukee in the deal that sent Gary Sheffield to San Diego. He was dealt to the White Sox along with Cal Eldred in a 2000 trade which sent Jaime Navarro & John Snyder to Milwaukee. Valentín played mostly shortstop, but also played several games at third base and centerfield for the Sox. On April 27, 2000, Valentín hit for the cycle; it’s one of only six cycles in White Sox history. He played five seasons with the White Sox (2000-04) and hit at least 25 home runs every year; one of only 18 Major Leaguers with 25 or more in each of those seasons.

Following the 2004 season, Valentín moved on to the Dodgers for a season then concluded his MLB career in 2006-07 with the Mets.

He finished his MLB career with 249 career home runs; 192 as a shortstop. And yes, those 192 HR as a shortstop are indeed TENTH all-time among shortstops.

After his playing career, he managed the Fort Wayne TinCaps in 2012-13 and served as first base coach for the Padres in 2014-15. José coached team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. His brother Javier played ten MLB seasons; his son Jesmuel made his MLB debut in 2018 for the Phillies.

He once did the Sammy Sosa salute in a crosstown game (kissed his fingers and tapped his chest). He had a perfect mustache. What more could you want? José Valentín was awesome. An underrated player; Valentín was excellent defensively, had power, could take a walk and was a brilliant baserunner.

And we definitely remember that guy.

Contact Us