We remember Ossie Alvarez who was born in Matanzas, Cuba on this day in 1932. Ossie was a promising middle infielder, primarily known for his speed and defensive skills. He was in the Washington Senators’ farm system and led the minors twice in stolen bases.
In 1958, Ossie played the whole season in the majors, hitting .269 in 88 games. He was traded a couple of times in the off season and played only 8 games for Detroit in 1959. He was traded for Billy Martin, another infielder and future manager.
Alvarez spent the rest of his career in the minors and later the Mexican League. Of course, we are talking about the pre-expansion era or only 16 teams in the majors. It was a lot more difficult to advance to the majors back then. I have no doubt that Ossie would have enjoyed a much longer career in today’s game because of his speed and defense. Ossie would have been a valuable defensive replacement or pinch runner in today’s game.
Alvarez died in Mexico in 2008. He worked as a Pirates’ scout after leaving baseball.